The 2025 federal government shutdown has caused most national parks to operate with limited or partial access rather than complete closures. Outdoor areas such as trails, roads, and lookouts generally remain open, but facilities requiring staffing—including visitor centers, restrooms, and attractions like the Washington Monument—are closed. Emergency services are limited, and some parks may close if public access creates safety or resource concerns. For example:
- Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks remain partly open but with reduced services.
- The Grand Canyon is closed due to state officials refusing to cover costs during the shutdown.
- Great Smoky Mountains' closure status is unclear and may depend on staffing and state intervention.
- Many parks' campgrounds, ranger tours, and visitor centers are closed or have limited availability.
- Some parks in Washington state (Mount Rainier, Olympic, North Cascades) remain open but with minimal staffing and limited services.
In summary, almost all national parks are partially closed with significant restrictions, especially on staffed facilities and services, but many outdoor areas remain accessible unless specifically blocked for safety or staffing reasons.
