Additional Coverage:
- I spent 2 days at Yosemite National Park during the government shutdown. I got in for free, but my trip wasn’t perfect. (businessinsider.com)
Yosemite Remains Open Amidst Government Shutdown, Offering Unexpected Freedoms and Challenges
Yosemite National Park, CA – While the federal government grapples with an ongoing shutdown, Yosemite National Park has remained a surprising haven for visitors, albeit with a few notable changes. A recent visit to the iconic park revealed a unique blend of unexpected freedoms and the subtle impact of reduced services.
Just a week after the October 1st shutdown, a group of friends, including this reporter, ventured to Yosemite with initial trepidation. Concerns about closed trails and limited access loomed, as reports indicated a nationwide impact on national parks. Indeed, while military and federal law enforcement personnel continue to receive pay, many national park employees are either working without compensation or have been furloughed.
Despite varying approaches to the shutdown across national parks, Yosemite stands open, with its campgrounds and hotels welcoming the public. However, the absence of staff at entrance gates and limitations on certain services are evident.
Planning Ahead: A Prudent Approach
Anticipating potential challenges, the group adopted a proactive approach, mirroring the preparations of other visitors to California’s national parks during this period. This included downloading hiking routes and alternative driving paths onto phones, researching nearby activities in case of overcrowding or closures, and packing essential supplies like extra water, toilet paper, and toiletries, fearing potential shortages.
No Entrance Fee, Fewer Crowds
One immediate and welcome surprise was the lack of an entrance fee. With no staff at the gates, vehicles drove directly into the park, bypassing the usual $35 per car charge. While a boon for budget-conscious travelers, it also highlighted a potential loss of revenue that typically supports park maintenance and improvements.
The park itself presented a paradox: more visitors than anticipated, yet fewer than would typically be seen in October, a generally busy month for Yosemite. While popular viewpoints like El Capitan and Half Dome showed signs of life, some of the more frequented trails were surprisingly quiet.
The absence of an entrance fee may have drawn some, but the overall feeling was far from overcrowded, with stretches of road where no other vehicles were in sight. This allowed for unimpeded exploration and access to desired activities.
Navigating Without Rangers: A Reliance on Technology
As expected, several National Park Service (NPS) welcome centers were closed. Fortunately, the nature center, bookstores, gas stations, and gift shops within the park remained operational, ensuring access to food and essentials. While maps were available at a gas station, pre-downloaded routes on phones proved invaluable due to the pervasive lack of cell service throughout much of the park.
The absence of park rangers was noticeable, particularly when seeking guidance on trail access or recommendations. However, the presence of Yosemite Conservancy staff and wildfire workers offered a degree of reassurance in case of emergencies.
Trails and Facilities: Surprisingly Well-Maintained
Despite the reduced staffing, the park’s trails and bathrooms were open and appeared remarkably well-maintained. The Yosemite Conservancy’s commitment to continuing cleaning and trash removal seemed to be holding true, with stocked bathrooms and pristine trails. Visitors largely appeared to be adhering to the “Leave No Trace” principles, though some instances of dogs in restricted areas were observed.
Accommodations Remain Open and Bustling
Concerns about accommodations were quickly allayed, as hotel and campground reservations within the park were being honored. Curry Village, a historic hotel operating since 1899, was bustling with activity, its parking lot full and most tent cabins occupied.
While the unheated tents were chilly, shared bathrooms and showers were adequately clean. Restaurants, gift shops, and other shared facilities on the property were open and operating at normal hours.
However, anecdotal evidence from concession workers both within and outside the park suggested a decrease in foot traffic and business, indicating a broader economic impact beyond the park’s boundaries.
A Mixed Bag: Yosemite’s Appeal vs. Broader Shutdown Impacts
While the Yosemite experience during the shutdown was largely positive, the wider Bay Area trip revealed the shutdown’s reach. Muir Woods National Monument was closed, and parts of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, including Fort Mason’s headquarters, China Beach, and some Presidio parking lots, were inaccessible.
This individual experience in Yosemite, while largely unaffected, is just one snapshot. Reports of squatting, drone usage, and dangerous stunts within the park highlight growing concerns about resource protection and visitor safety in the absence of adequate staffing. Advocacy groups, such as the National Parks Conservation Association, estimate substantial daily losses to local economies due to park closures.
The future of the government shutdown remains uncertain, and with its continuation, the visitor experience at Yosemite and other national parks may evolve, potentially revealing more pronounced impacts on both the natural environment and local communities.