Hotel and campground reservations will be honored
Yosemite Hospitality’s website confirms: “If you have a reservation for lodging at The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village or Housekeeping Camp, your reservation will remain unchanged.”
The bathrooms are open and maintenance services are continuing
During the last government shutdown in December 2018 and January 2019, visitors reported overflowing bathrooms and unsanitary conditions in Yosemite due to lack of staff. This time around, the National Park Service said that “sanitation facilities” will remain open and that staff will still be performing maintenance.
But remember: Just because these services are technically continuing doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily be running at normal levels or on their regular service. You may consider packing extra hand sanitizer, soap and water just in case you encounter an unmaintained bathroom. If you bring wet wipes, remember to securely dispose of them or pack them out.
Emergency services will continue in Yosemite
While emergency services — like medical attention — aren’t being stopped in Yosemite during the shutdown, the Department of the Interior’s contingency plan for parks makes clear these services could be limited during this period.
This is especially important to bear in mind if you’re attempting anything athletic within Yosemite or planning to be in the backcountry. Make sure you’re even more prepared than usual to take care of yourself in all circumstances: Check the weather, make sure you’re adequately dressed for the elements, bring a first-aid kit and figure out your communications plan between group members.
Wilderness permits are still available but only on a self-serve basis
While Yosemite rangers were still personally handing out backcountry permits on Wednesday, no new permits will be issued at this time, Lawson said — and a self-check-in system is now in place for existing permits.
Like many visitor centers within Yosemite, the park’s wilderness centers are closed. This means that anyone with an existing permit should pick it up at a self-registration station, which are located at:
- Big Oak Flat Information Station
- Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center
- Hill’s Studio in Wawona
- Outside the Welcome Center in Yosemite Valley.
You should pick up your permit at the station closest to your trailhead, Lawson said.
Another thing to remember: There are no bear canister rentals available in Yosemite during the shutdown, meaning that anyone planning to enter the backcountry must come prepared with their own approved bear canister. You may also find bear canisters for sale outside the park.
If you’re going to visit right now, protect the landscape as much as you can
Previous government shutdowns have been grueling on national parks, even when some staffing remains in place.
During the 2018–19 government shutdown, unsupervised visitors caused serious damage to Joshua Tree National Park, where pounds of trash accumulated, vehicles went off-road and iconic Joshua trees were cut down.
At Yosemite this time around, “the staff is very, very limited,” stressed Lawson. “So it’s really helpful if guests come in aware and knowing, ‘Hey, I have an impact and how can I be a part of protecting this amazing, extraordinary place?’”
This means: Leave no trace, pack out your trash and stay patient with the park rangers that are still working unpaid through the shutdown. “That’s for all of us,” Lawson said.
