Hotel and campground reservations will be honored<\/h2>\nYosemite Hospitality\u2019s website confirms:<\/a> \u201cIf you have a reservation for lodging at The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village or Housekeeping Camp, your reservation will remain unchanged.\u201d<\/p>\nThe bathrooms are open and maintenance services are continuing<\/h2>\n
During the last government shutdown in December 2018 and January 2019, visitors reported overflowing bathrooms and unsanitary conditions <\/a>in Yosemite due to lack of staff. This time around, the National Park Service said that \u201csanitation facilities\u201d will remain open <\/a>and that staff will still be performing maintenance.<\/p>\nBut remember: Just because these services are technically continuing doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n
Emergency services will continue in Yosemite<\/h2>\n
While emergency services \u2014 like medical attention \u2014 aren\u2019t being stopped in Yosemite during the shutdown, the Department of the Interior\u2019s contingency plan for parks <\/a>makes clear these services could be limited during this period.<\/p>\nThis is especially important to bear in mind if you\u2019re attempting anything athletic within Yosemite or planning to be in the backcountry. Make sure you\u2019re even more prepared than usual to take care of yourself in all circumstances: Check the weather, make sure you\u2019re adequately dressed for the elements, bring a first-aid kit and figure out your communications plan between group members.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.kqed.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/GETTYIMAGES-2021284785-KQED.jpg\")
Upper Yosemite Fall is reflected in the Merced River at Swinging Bridge in Yosemite National Park on June 13, 2023. (Tracy Barbutes\/The Washington Post via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWilderness permits are still available but only on a self-serve basis<\/h2>\nWhile Yosemite rangers were still personally handing out backcountry permits on Wednesday<\/a>, no new permits will be issued at this time, Lawson said \u2014 and a self-check-in system is now in place for existing permits.<\/p>\nLike many visitor centers within Yosemite, the park\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n
\n- Big Oak Flat Information Station<\/li>\n
- Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center<\/li>\n
- Hill\u2019s Studio in Wawona<\/li>\n
- Outside the Welcome Center in Yosemite Valley.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You should pick up your permit at the station closest to your trailhead, Lawson said.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>. You may also find bear canisters for sale outside the park.<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re going to visit right now, protect the landscape as much as you can<\/h2>\n
Previous government shutdowns have been grueling on national parks, even when some staffing remains in place.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.kqed.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/04\/RS29765__FB-24-of-69-qut.jpg\")
Joshua Tree National Park. (Ashley Urdang\/KQED)<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDuring the 2018\u201319 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<\/a>.<\/p>\nAt Yosemite this time around, \u201cthe staff is very, very limited,\u201d stressed Lawson. \u201cSo it\u2019s really helpful if guests come in aware and knowing, \u2018Hey, I have an impact and how can I be a part of protecting this amazing, extraordinary place?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
This means: Leave no trace, pack out your trash and stay patient with the park rangers that are still working unpaid through the shutdown. \u201cThat\u2019s for all of us,\u201d Lawson said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The bathrooms are open and maintenance services are continuing<\/h2>\n
During the last government shutdown in December 2018 and January 2019, visitors reported overflowing bathrooms and unsanitary conditions <\/a>in Yosemite due to lack of staff. This time around, the National Park Service said that \u201csanitation facilities\u201d will remain open <\/a>and that staff will still be performing maintenance.<\/p>\n But remember: Just because these services are technically continuing doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n While emergency services \u2014 like medical attention \u2014 aren\u2019t being stopped in Yosemite during the shutdown, the Department of the Interior\u2019s contingency plan for parks <\/a>makes clear these services could be limited during this period.<\/p>\n This is especially important to bear in mind if you\u2019re attempting anything athletic within Yosemite or planning to be in the backcountry. Make sure you\u2019re even more prepared than usual to take care of yourself in all circumstances: Check the weather, make sure you\u2019re adequately dressed for the elements, bring a first-aid kit and figure out your communications plan between group members.<\/p>\n While Yosemite rangers were still personally handing out backcountry permits on Wednesday<\/a>, no new permits will be issued at this time, Lawson said \u2014 and a self-check-in system is now in place for existing permits.<\/p>\n Like many visitor centers within Yosemite, the park\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n You should pick up your permit at the station closest to your trailhead, Lawson said.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. You may also find bear canisters for sale outside the park.<\/p>\n Previous government shutdowns have been grueling on national parks, even when some staffing remains in place.<\/p>\n During the 2018\u201319 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n At Yosemite this time around, \u201cthe staff is very, very limited,\u201d stressed Lawson. \u201cSo it\u2019s really helpful if guests come in aware and knowing, \u2018Hey, I have an impact and how can I be a part of protecting this amazing, extraordinary place?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n This means: Leave no trace, pack out your trash and stay patient with the park rangers that are still working unpaid through the shutdown. \u201cThat\u2019s for all of us,\u201d Lawson said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nEmergency services will continue in Yosemite<\/h2>\n
Wilderness permits are still available but only on a self-serve basis<\/h2>\n
\n
If you\u2019re going to visit right now, protect the landscape as much as you can<\/h2>\n