Utah announces 5 national parks to remain open during government shutdown

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Office of Tourism announced Wednesday that Utah’s ‘Mighty 5’ national parks will remain open during the latest government shutdown.

On Sept. 30, the government shutdown began after President Donald Trump failed to strike an agreement with Congress to “keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline,” the Associated Press reported.

Related: Government shutdown takes hold with mass layoffs looming and no end in sight

The shutdown will reportedly impact an estimated 750,000 federal workers and close some offices.

While the shutdown will impact things like federal student loans and the Department of Education, it will not affect the ability to visit Utah’s most-visited national parks.

Utah national parks remain open

According to a release from the Utah Office of Tourism, ‘Utah’s Mighty 5’ national parks will remain open and accessible to the public.

Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and Zion National Park will be open, but reduced services and staffing are imminent. Reservations will still be required at some national parks.

“Our priority has been and continues to be preserving our parks, maintaining the visitor experience, and ensuring Utah communities and businesses that rely on national parks visitation are supported,” Natalie Randall, the managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism and Film, said in a release.

The release stated that national parks contributed $3.1 billion to the Utah economy in 2024.

“We are engaged in proactive conversations with public and private partners at all levels, offering strategic support to ensure the parks remain open with necessary resources,” Randall said.

To stay updated on Utah’s national park operations during the shutdown, check the National Parks Service webpage.