What’s Open (and Closed) at Northern California Parks During Government Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown begins, Northern California’s national parks remain open to visitor, but with limited services, staffing, and programs.

Yosemite National Park, which welcomes over 4 million visitors annually, kept its gates open Wednesday. No entrance fees were collected, and hotels and campgrounds inside and around the park stayed open. However, visitor centers and museums were closed, and most rangers were furloughed. Locals reported seeing no rangers at the gates and a phone call to the office brings this message:

“National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However some services may be limited or unavailable. Due to the lapse in appropriations, we are out of office and not authorized to work at this time. We will return your call when we are back in the office.”

At Lassen Volcanic National Park, conditions were similar, with trails and open-air areas accessible but with little to no staff on hand. Pinnacles National Park near Hollister confirmed campgrounds and entrance gates remained open, though no one was collecting fees.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area announced that Alcatraz Island would reopen Thursday, as its boat tours are privately run. The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center and the Presidio remain open. But Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point, and parking lots at federally managed beaches—including Stinson, Baker, China, and Muir Beach—are closed.

With staff cuts, restrooms may be closed and maintenance limited across many sites. Visitors are encouraged to follow leave no trace principles, pack out trash, and expect reduced services.

While open-air spaces like roads, trails, and meadows remain accessible, enclosed facilities such as museums, visitor centers, and historic buildings are closed until the shutdown ends.