Planning a fall getaway to America’s great outdoors? Think again—or at least double-check before you go. With the federal government in partial shutdown mode, the status of U.S. national parks has become a patchwork of open trails, shuttered visitor centers, and bare-bones staffing that’s leaving travelers frustrated and confused.
Not All Parks Are Created Equal Right Now
While iconic outdoor landmarks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon remain technically “open,” many are operating with minimal or no staff. Restrooms are locked, trash is piling up, and emergency services are stretched dangerously thin.
Worse still, fully enclosed or underground attractions—like Mammoth Cave in Kentucky and Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico—are completely closed. No tours. No access. Just locked gates and disappointed families.
What’s Actually Open?
The National Park Service (NPS) doesn’t have the authority to fully close most outdoor parks during a shutdown—so gates often stay unlocked. But “open” doesn’t mean “operational.” Here’s the real breakdown:
National Park Status During Shutdown (Oct 2025)
| Park | Status | Key Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone | Open (unstaffed) | No visitor services, closed restrooms, limited road maintenance |
| Yosemite | Open (partial) | Some entrances closed; shuttle buses not running |
| Grand Canyon | Open (South Rim only) | North Rim closed for season + shutdown; no ranger programs |
| Mammoth Cave | Closed | All underground tours suspended |
| Statue of Liberty | Closed | Ferry access halted; island inaccessible |
| Great Smoky Mountains | Open (minimal staff) | Trash overflow reported; emergency response delayed |
Why This Shutdown Hits Parks Hard
Unlike past shutdowns, this one coincides with peak fall foliage season—a critical window for tourism revenue in gateway towns. Local businesses that rely on park visitors—hotels, guides, cafes—are already reporting double-digit losses.
“We’re seeing cancellations every hour,” said Maria Lopez, who runs a hiking outfitter near Zion National Park. “People don’t want to drive 10 hours to find the bathrooms chained shut.”
[INTERNAL_LINK:U.S. Government Shutdown Impact] also means no new permits are being issued for backcountry camping or weddings—adding to the chaos for those with long-planned trips.
Tips for Travelers
- Check official NPS alerts before departure—status can change hourly.
- Bring your own supplies: water, toilet paper, trash bags, first-aid kit.
- Assume no cell service or emergency help in remote areas.
- Support local businesses—many are struggling despite parks being “open.”
Bottom Line
While you might still be able to snap that Instagram shot at Old Faithful, the full national park experience—the rangers, the exhibits, the clean facilities—is on pause. And without a budget deal in Washington, there’s no clear end in sight.
Sources
The New York Times: “Not All National Parks Remain Open in the Shutdown. Here’s What to Know.”
