Grand Canyon National Park is open to visitors during the government shutdown. While some services may not be available, many services are not impacted, such as those operated by the Grand Canyon Conservancy and private concessionaires.

The National Parks Service issued the following statement: “The National Park Service will continue to keep parks as accessible as possible during the lapse in appropriations. For information about what is open, visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.  Critical functions that protect life, property, and public health will remain in place, including visitor access in many locations, law enforcement, and emergency response.”

Tusayan Mayor Clarinda Vail has been in contact with Park Superintendent Ed Keable.

Mayor Vail learned  Grand Canyon National Park will be open and accessible with limited National Park Service staffing (law enforcement, emergency services, custodial, trash, etc.).

Fee booths will be open so staff can provide safety information but the Park we will NOT be collecting fees.

Grand Canyon Conservancy and concession operations will be open. North Rim is open for scenic overlooks and very limited trail access based on safety determinations. 

Unlike past shutdowns, there is no help coming from the State of Arizona.  Governor Hobbs' office sent the Watchdog the following statement:

"The Trump administration has cut health care for hundreds of thousands of Arizonans, forced red tape and bureaucracy on the state that will cost tens of millions of dollars annually, and raised taxes on Arizona families and businesses by historic amounts through a reckless trade war. As a result, the State of Arizona cannot afford to keep the state’s national parks open. Arizona taxpayers cannot and should not continue bearing the cost of dysfunctional politicians in Washington, D.C. who would rather shut down the government than reach across the aisle and work together."

The Federal Government Shutdown website also makes it clear Grand Canyon National Park is open, “Park roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will generally remain accessible to visitors.”

Grand Canyon Conservancy operations are continuing as usual. All Field Institute and Residency Programs will continue as scheduled, with some events being relocated due to the closure of the Visitor Center. 

According to the Conservancy:

• GCC-operated buildings will remain open, including all retail stores, Kolb Studio and Desert View Watchtower.
• All NPS-operated buildings are closed.
• Visitor services provided by park concessionaires and other entities are also open, including lodging, restaurants and food service, grocery stores, retail locations, bicycle rental, concessioner provided tours, and park shuttle bus operations.
• NPS staffed visitor centers and contact stations will not be open and no NPS ranger-led programs or tours will be provided.
• The Backcountry Information Center will remain open.
• Campgrounds will remain open.
• Commercial river trips will still launch.
• Work on the Transcanyon Waterline will continue.