Updated: September 30, 2025 • Potential lapse at 12:01 a.m. Oct 1 (FY2026)
You can still have a fantastic trip. If a federal shutdown begins, the National Park Service (NPS) expects most parks to close or limit access/services. Some states—most notably Utah—have said they’ll step in so visitors can still enter marquee parks. Where national parks remain operating, entrance fees will likely be collected; bring your America the Beautiful Pass for smoother entry. State parks, tribal parks, and city-managed sites remain great alternatives.
Quick Look: State & Park Access Signals
Signals below are based on official statements and recent reporting (we’ll update as states add clarity). Always double-check your specific park the day of travel.
Utah (Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef)
- Committed to keep national parks accessible if a shutdown occurs; Utah State Parks remain open and staffed.
- What to expect: Fewer federal services (restrooms, staffed programs); normal entrance fee collection likely at NPS sites that are operating—have your America the Beautiful pass ready.
- Nearby state/tribal alternatives: Snow Canyon SP, Dead Horse Point SP, Kodachrome Basin SP, Goblin Valley SP, Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP.
Sources: Utah Office of Tourism/State Parks statements (Sept 29, 2025).
Arizona (Grand Canyon & more)
- As of Sept 30, no state commitment to fund NPS operations; plan for closures or limited access/services at Grand Canyon if a lapse begins.
- Open (non-federal) highlights: Antelope Canyon (Navajo Nation) – guided tours only; Monument Valley (Navajo Nation) – tribal fees apply; Horseshoe Bend – City of Page parking fee (ATB not valid).
- Arizona State Parks near Sedona/Flagstaff (e.g., Red Rock SP, Slide Rock SP, Dead Horse Ranch SP) remain open.
Source: 2025 state reporting; tribal/city site policies linked below.
California (Yosemite, Joshua Tree, etc.)
- Expect park closures or severely reduced services under NPS’s current plan unless federal guidance changes.
- California State Parks remain open (e.g., Anza-Borrego Desert SP, Mount Tamalpais SP, Point Lobos SNR).
Source: NPS contingency guidance; state has not announced park-funding plans for a lapse.
Colorado (Rocky Mountain NP)
- State leaders support keeping access where safely possible, but no formal state-funding commitment announced as of today.
- Colorado State Parks alternatives near Denver: Roxborough SP, Golden Gate Canyon SP, Staunton SP, Eldorado Canyon SP.
Montana / Wyoming (Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton)
- Assume NPS closures or limited access/services unless federal guidance changes.
- State parks alternatives: MT—Lone Pine SP, Whitefish Lake SP; WY—Sinks Canyon SP, Hot Springs SP, Curt Gowdy SP (nearby in WY).
Note: USFS/BLM sites are federal and can be affected by a shutdown.
First, a Calm Game Plan
Visitor centers, restrooms, campgrounds, permit desks may be closed; roads/trails may be gated or unsigned.
When states fund operations and NPS entrance stations are staffed, fees are typically collected. Bring your ATB pass.
These are not subject to a federal lapse and offer excellent hikes, views, and services.
Know What’s Not Federal: Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley & Horseshoe Bend
Antelope Canyon (Navajo Nation)
- Guided tours required; separate tribal entry + tour fees.
- ATB pass is not valid at Navajo Tribal Parks.
Check official Navajo Parks & Recreation and authorized tour operators for availability.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
- Operated by the Navajo Nation; tribal entry fees apply; some areas require guides.
- Not impacted by a federal shutdown in the same way as NPS units.
Confirm season hours and scenic drive status with Navajo Parks.
Horseshoe Bend (Page, AZ) – Parking
- Trailhead/parking are City of Page managed (local parking fee); ATB not valid for parking.
- The overlook itself lies within Glen Canyon NRA (NPS) and could be subject to federal access restrictions if a lapse occurs.
Always check both City of Page and NPS Glen Canyon advisories day-of.
Passes & Fees: What to Bring
- America the Beautiful (ATB) Pass: Honored at federal entrance fee sites that remain operating. If a state funds a park’s operations during a lapse and entrances are staffed, expect normal fee/pass checks. Bring the pass (and photo ID) for smoother entry.
- State Park Passes: Each state has its own pass/fees; these are separate from ATB.
- Tribal & City Fees: Navajo Nation parks (e.g., Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley) and city facilities (e.g., Horseshoe Bend parking) have separate fees; ATB is not valid at these sites.
Bottom line: If your NPS site is open and staffed, bring your ATB pass. If you pivot to state/tribal/city sites, budget for their local fees.
What We Know from Prior Shutdowns
- 2013 (16 days): NPS units broadly closed to public access, resulting in an estimated 7.88 million fewer visits and $414 million in lost visitor spending in gateway communities.
- 2018–2019 (35 days): Some areas remained physically accessible with little staffing—leading to restroom/trash issues and resource damage in a few parks. Subsequent legal reviews said using entrance-fee revenue to fund core operations was not allowed.
- Current guidance (2024 plan): The majority of parks would be closed, with reduced services at any areas that are physically impossible to restrict; about two-thirds of staff furloughed. Parks may accept state/third-party support to operate.
Confident Plan-B Day Plans from Major Hubs
From Las Vegas (Zion/Grand Canyon trips)
- Valley of Fire State Park (NV): Iconic red rock hikes & drives; visitor center and facilities are state-run.
- Cathedral Gorge State Park (NV): Otherworldly slot-like formations without the crowds.
- Food & culture day: Downtown Boulder City, Springs Preserve, Neon Museum (all non-federal).
From Phoenix/Flagstaff (Grand Canyon trips)
- Red Rock State Park & Slide Rock State Park (Sedona area).
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park (Cottonwood) for mellow trails and river time.
- Antelope Canyon (Navajo Nation) – guided tours; Horseshoe Bend city-managed parking.
From Salt Lake City / Moab (Utah’s Mighty 5)
- Snow Canyon SP (near St. George) or Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP (near Zion).
- Dead Horse Point SP (near Canyonlands) & Goblin Valley SP (between Capitol Reef & Moab).
- Kodachrome Basin SP (near Bryce Canyon) for quiet trails and panoramas.
From San Francisco/Los Angeles (Yosemite/Joshua Tree trips)
- Mount Tamalpais SP & Samuel P. Taylor SP (Marin).
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (Monterey) or Henry Cowell Redwoods SP (Santa Cruz).
- Anza-Borrego Desert SP (if Palm Springs was your base for Joshua Tree).
From Denver (Rocky Mountain NP trips)
- Roxborough SP, Golden Gate Canyon SP, Staunton SP.
- Gateway towns (Estes Park, Lyons) for dining, galleries, and alpine scenic byways outside federal land.
“Before You Go” Checklist
- Facilities: Assume closed toilets/trash inside NPS during a lapse; plan stops in gateway towns.
- Fuel & water: Top off early; bring extra water and snacks.
- Timing: Start early; daylight is your safety net if wayfinding signs or updates are unavailable.
- Reservations: Confirm lodging/tours outside park gates; bring printed confirmations in case of patchy service.
- Fees & passes: Carry ATB pass and a credit card; expect separate fees at state/tribal/city sites.
Official Status Links
- NPS shutdown contingency (March 2024): PDF
- Utah: State Parks update • news coverage
- Arizona: state of play for Grand Canyon
- Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation (Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley): official site • ATB not accepted: fee policy
- Horseshoe Bend parking (City of Page, ATB not valid):
