Last updated: October 3, 2025, 2:45 PM
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 shutdown?
Yes, the gates to Yosemite National Park are open but unstaffed. You can enter the park, but services are very limited, so be a conscientious visitor and follow Leave No Trace principles: pack in and pack out your trash, stay on designated trails, recreate responsibly, etc.
NPS visitor centers, ranger-led programs, and most maintenance are closed. Only essential staff — to support public safety, emergency services, and essential operations, as well as those managing ongoing construction contracts — are on duty.
What is open in Yosemite right now?
All portions of the park that are normally open to the public 24/7, including:
- Park entrances (gates are not staffed), roads, trails, Yosemite Valley, backcountry, and wilderness areas
- Campgrounds (subject to normal seasonal closures)
- Yosemite Conservancy programs, including Outdoor Adventures, art classes, and volunteer programs
- Yosemite Hospitality lodging, hotels, retail stores, and restaurants
Yosemite Conservancy bookstores at the Welcome Center and The Depot at Mariposa Grove will reopen Monday, Oct. 6, along with Happy Isles Art & Nature Center.
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)
- Picnic areas with gates will remain closed
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
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’s website says it will remain “as accessible as possible” during the shutdown. However, NPS will only have a few essential staff on duty. 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 (reopening Monday, Oct. 6)
- Happy Isles Art & Nature Center (reopening Monday, Oct. 6)
- 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 shutdown?
- Leave No Trace. Pack out trash and be respectful of natural and cultural resources.
- Be patient. Fewer staff means slower or reduced services.
- Support Yosemite. Donations to Yosemite Conservancy keep vital projects moving forward.
Stay Updated
We will continue to post updates as conditions change. For the most current information, visit:
