Despite the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, many of America’s most visited national parks remain open to the public but visitors should expect reduced services, closed buildings, and minimal staffing.
According to the National Park Service’s (NPS) contingency plan, over 9,000 of its 14,500 employees are currently furloughed. That means while trails, roads, and scenic overlooks remain accessible, amenities like restrooms, visitor centers, and ranger-led programs may be unavailable or limited.
Non-government partners such as state governments, local tourism boards, and nonprofit organizations are stepping in to fill some of the gaps but coverage is inconsistent and highly location-dependent.
Here’s a breakdown of the current status of the 12 most visited national parks as of October 2025:
12. Glacier National Park (Montana)
Glacier is open to visitors, but visitor centers are closed, and campground staffing is minimal. Trash removal and restroom maintenance may be inconsistent. Plan to be self-sufficient if visiting.
11. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
Grand Teton remains open, with trails and roads accessible. However, entrance gates are unstaffed, and all ranger services, including permitting and programs, are suspended. Visitor centers are closed.
10. Olympic National Park (Washington)
Olympic is technically open, but visitor centers are closed and entrance fees are waived. Privately run lodging and restaurants are operational. The Washington State Parks Fund recommends avoiding visits due to limited services and potential risks to sensitive ecosystems.
9. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Acadia's roads and trails remain open, as do campgrounds and restrooms. However, key facilities like Hulls Cove Visitor Center and the Sieur de Monts Nature Center are closed. The timing is particularly unfortunate, coinciding with peak fall foliage tourism.
8. Yosemite National Park (California)
Yosemite’s roads, campgrounds, and trails are open. Sanitation and emergency services are still functioning. Visitor centers such as Mariposa Grove remain open thanks to support from the Yosemite Conservancy. Entrance fees are not being collected.
7. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
While roads and trails are open, visitor centers and physical structures remain closed. Custodial services will continue for now, funded by existing park fees. Colorado is exploring donations to keep the parks operational.
6. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Yellowstone is open, and several visitor centers including Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful are being staffed by the nonprofit Yellowstone Forever. Commercial services like lodging and food remain available. No entrance fees are currently being collected.
5. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
The Grand Canyon is open, with full access to trails, roads, and viewpoints. All NPS buildings, such as visitor centers, are closed. Concession-operated amenities including hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and guided tours remain available to the public.
4. Zion National Park (Utah)
Zion is operating with significant support from the state of Utah. The main Zion Canyon Visitor Center is open, shuttles are running, and services like trash pickup and restrooms are still available. Kolob Canyons Visitor Center is closed. Utah's state government has committed funds to keep services running at all five of its national parks.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)
This park has the most robust contingency in place. Thanks to a joint agreement between state and local governments and the nonprofit Friends of the Smokies, operations are fully funded through at least October 19. Visitor centers are open, and most staff have returned.
2. White Sands National Park (New Mexico)
White Sands is one of the few major parks fully closed to the public. According to its website, the park is shut down until further notice due to the government closure. Check the NPS website for real-time updates.
1. Other National Park Service Sites
The NPS manages over 400 units, including monuments and preserves, not just the 63 named national parks. Many of these sites are experiencing partial or full closures.
In California, for example, Muir Woods National Monument is closed while Fort Point National Historic Site remains open. Conditions vary widely, so visitors should verify the status of each site individually before planning a visit.
Be Prepared and Check for Updates
While the parks offer a way to connect with nature during uncertain times, visitors should recognize that reduced staffing may result in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. Trash may pile up, restrooms may be unmaintained, and emergency response may be delayed.
Before visiting any national park or NPS-managed site:
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Check the park's official website or local tourism boards for updates.
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Be prepared to pack out your trash.
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Bring extra food, water, and a map cell service is unreliable in many areas.
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Respect closures and warning signs, especially near wildlife or sensitive ecosystems.
Until the federal budget is resolved, America’s national treasures are open but not quite business as usual.
