Last updated: October 16, 2025, 9:00 AM
Yosemite during the government shutdown: As of October 1, 2025, the U.S. government is shut down. Yosemite National Park remains open, but National Park Service (NPS) operations are limited.
Here’s the latest information for visitors.
Can I still visit Yosemite during the government shutdown?
Yes, the gates to Yosemite National Park are open but unstaffed. (Consider supporting Yosemite during the shutdown by donating your entry fees to Yosemite Conservancy.)
You can enter the park, but services are very limited, so please recreate responsibly and respectfully. Follow Leave No Trace principles, pack in and pack out your trash, stay on designated trails, recreate responsibly, etc. Since there’s no staffing at the gate, consider downloading the park map and guide ahead of time.
NPS visitor centers, ranger-led programs, and most non-essential maintenance are closed. (Bathrooms are open and being cleaned; trash is being collected; etc.) Only essential staff — to support public safety, emergency services, and essential operations, as well as those managing ongoing construction contracts — are on duty.
How can I plan a visit to Yosemite during a shutdown?
With limited visitor information services available in the park — and high visitation due to no entrance fees — the best way to plan your trip is ahead of time.
Follow these steps to ensure you arrive prepared and ready to recreate responsibly:
- Download important park information from the NPS website. Without staffing at park entrances, visitors will not be offered park maps and brochures upon entering Yosemite National Park. Instead, download these materials to your personal device (or print them!) before you even leave home — this way, you’ll be ready to start adventuring the second you enter the park!
- Plan a basic itinerary. There is a limited number of Yosemite Conservancy staff (and no NPS staff) inside the park available to answer questions about potential activities. To avoid parking hassles and long wait times to speak with staff, plan your itinerary in advance using the detailed information on the NPS Plan Your Visit webpage.
- Have a backup plan (or two!). The park has been extra busy since the shutdown was announced — likely due to no reservations or entrance fees — and as a result, many visitors are struggling to find parking at their desired destination. Instead of waiting hours for parking, make a list of alternate activities that you could do if there’s no parking at your first destination! (Conservancy Tip: Areas outside of Yosemite Valley — Tuolumne, Mariposa Grove, Hetch Hetchy, etc — tend to be less busy).
- Stop by a gateway community visitor center. Still need to talk to someone about your trip? On your way into Yosemite National Park, stop by one of the visitor information centers in Oakhurst (highway 41 entrance), Mariposa (highway 140 entrance), or Sonora (highway 120 entrance) to ask questions of knowledgeable locals and pick up physical maps before entering the park.
What is open in Yosemite right now?
In addition to all portions of the park that are normally open to the public 24/7, these locations and services are available:
- Park entrances (gates are not staffed), roads, trails, Yosemite Valley, backcountry, and wilderness areas
- Campgrounds (subject to normal seasonal closures)
- Yosemite Conservancy bookstores at the Welcome Center and The Depot at Mariposa Grove (open (9 am to 5 pm daily)
- Happy Isles Art & Nature Center
- Yosemite Conservancy programs, including Outdoor Adventures, art classes, and volunteer programs
- Yosemite Hospitality lodging, hotels, retail stores, and restaurants
Lodging and services outside the park are unaffected and remain open.
What is closed or reduced?
- NPS-run visitor centers will be closed and ranger programs paused (Yosemite Conservancy-run art and adventure programs are running as scheduled)
What if I have a reservation?
- NPS-run campgrounds remain open, but there may be limited staff available
- Yosemite Hospitality lodging and hotels remain open
- Private rentals outside the park are not impacted
- Yosemite Conservancy programs will continue as scheduled
How long will Yosemite be impacted by the shutdown?
The shutdown will last until Congress passes a funding bill. There is no set end date. Check doi.gov and nps.gov/yose daily for the latest updates.
Why is Yosemite open if staff are furloughed?
The federal government is working with each national park to determine which will remain open to the public. Yosemite National Park’s website says it will remain “as accessible as possible” during the shutdown. However, NPS will only have fewer staff on duty, who are essential to visitor safety. This means the park relies on visitors to take extra care to protect resources and recreate responsibly.
Are Yosemite Conservancy programs still running?
Yes. We expect to continue operating:
- Bookstores inside the park at the Welcome Center and The Depot at Mariposa Grove (open 9 am to 5 pm daily)
- Outdoor Adventures, art, and volunteer programs
- Our online store (shop.yosemite.org), which is open 24/7
How can I help protect Yosemite during the government shutdown?
- Leave No Trace.
- Pack out trash and be respectful of natural and cultural resources.
- Be patient. Fewer staff means slower or reduced services.
- Plan ahead. Figure out your trip itinerary before you come and consider downloading the Yosemite Guide ahead of time.
- Donations to Yosemite Conservancy keep vital projects moving forward.
Stay Updated
Yosemite Falls photo by Jenn Emerling
We will continue to post updates as conditions change in Yosemite during the government shutdown. For the most current information, visit:
Yosemite has endured many challenges. With your care and support, it will continue to inspire future generations.