Top 10 National Parks Open Amid Government Shutdown: Your Visit Guide

Despite a federal shutdown, many of America’s beloved national parks continue to welcome visitors. However, the term 'open' carries a range of meanings across these parks, reflecting varying levels of operational capacity.

Access is generally allowed, but visitors will encounter differences in available amenities. While some parks still have open visitor centers, others do not, and entry fees are often waived. The reduced workforce may disrupt basic services, including cleanliness of facilities.

Funding styles also vary: some parks are financially sustained through entrance fees, while others receive additional backing from state bodies and nonprofit groups. Although typical services like restaurants and hotels remain largely accessible, the situation has caused visitor confusion and potential park vulnerabilities.

10. Glacier National Park

Travelers can still visit Montana’s Glacier National Park, even amidst the shutdown. However, the park operates without open visitor centers, and campsites function with minimal staffing, according to the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau.

9. Grand Teton National Park

Open to adventurers in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park maintains accessible roads and trails. Yet, crucial amenities such as visitor centers and permits remain unavailable, and no staff man the entrance gates, as noted by the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.

8. Olympic National Park

Located in Washington, Olympic National Park stays operational, though the visitor centers do not welcome guests, and entrance charges are suspended. Private businesses, like accommodations and restaurants, continue their operations. Still, the public is advised to temporarily avoid parks due to limited services and stressed resources, highlighting the delicate nature of protected ecosystems.

7. Acadia National Park

Within Maine, Acadia National Park stays open, letting visitors explore its roads and paths. Campgrounds and restrooms are operational, but certain visitor centers and nature exhibits remain closed. Significantly, the shutdown disrupts economic activity linked to Acadia's peak foliage season.

6. Yosemite National Park

California’s Yosemite, along with other state parks, continues to function during the shutdown. Roads, trails, and campsites are available. Though admission fees are lifted, crucial services including security and maintenance remain, supported by the Yosemite Conservancy.

5. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado remains accessible, despite closed visitor centers. Financial reserves from collected fees aim to prolong operations during the shutdown, although structural closures, like visitor centers, persist. Governor Polis mentions that fee revenue will sustain parks temporarily, but donations may be considered in the future.

4. Yellowstone National Park

Across Wyoming, parts of Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone stays open, with select visitor centers active due to support from nonprofit Yellowstone Forever. Visitors will find commercial areas like lodgings, dining, and retail open, independent of the shutdown effects on NPS.

3. Grand Canyon National Park

Arizona's Grand Canyon is open, although services are limited. Access is granted to roads and trails, but operational buildings are closed. Concessionaire-managed services, such as hotels and shops, remain accessible to visitors.

2. Zion National Park

In the heart of Utah, Zion National Park continues to invite visitors with its main visitor center open. However, the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center remains shut. Essential services like shuttle transport, trash collection, and emergency assistance are maintained, enabled by state funding.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, this park stays fully operational, courtesy of local government and nonprofit funding that ensures employees are paid and visitor amenities run smoothly.

Complete Closures

White Sands National Park in New Mexico remains entirely closed during the shutdown, with reopening plans pending.

Additional Sites

The U.S. hosts 63 national parks, and several other NPS-managed sites like monuments and historic preserves. Some of these remain either fully or partially closed.

Visitors should verify the status of their intended destinations through official updates or regional news sources for the latest information.