What's Happening To Grand Canyon National Park Amid The Government Shutdown?

If you're planning on visiting Grand Canyon National Park, prepare for the government shutdown to impact your visit. On October 1, 2025 the United States government shut down due to a disagreement over passing a bill to fund government services like the Affordable Care Act which provides health insurance for millions of Americans. Until Republicans and Democrats can come to an agreement, many government services are unavailable and over a million federal employees are on unpaid leave. Since the National Park Service is part of the federal government, this includes many park employees at Grand Canyon National Park. At the time of writing, the shutdown has already been in effect for 15 days, and the local Grand Canyon food pantry is preparing to assist park employees who aren't receiving their paychecks. 

Grand Canyon National Park remains open, but there aren't enough park employees to collect entrance fees. According to the park's website, entrance fees will not be collected for the duration of the government shutdown. Entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park usually costs $35 per private vehicle, or $20 per person. The park attracts around 5 million tourists each year. It is one of the best national parks for backpacking adventures, and the second-most visited national park in the United States. 

A small crew of essential rangers, law enforcement officers, and search and rescue personnel are attempting to keep things under control at the park and are working without pay. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is currently closed. During a government shutdown, there often aren't enough staff members to perform essential services to keep the park clean. While visiting the park is still permitted, it might not be the experience tourists hope for.

"Please come visit the canyon, but be very mindful that this is, you know, a national park. It also has cultural sites within it, and to show it the respect that it deserves," Mindy Riesenberg, the Chief Communications Officer at Grand Canyon Conservancy, told Arizona's Family (3TV / CBS 5) in an interview. Although the Grand Canyon Conservancy has ensured that visitors are still able to get information about the park when they visit the gift shops, the organization does not service the trash cans around the park or clean the public bathrooms. 

So if you still plan to visit during the government shut down, be respectful and help keep the park clean. One of the best things you can do is pack out your garbage and dispose of trash properly outside of the park, according to Riesenberg. The last government shutdown occurred during Trump's first term and lasted 35 days. During that period, the trash cans were overflowing at Grand Canyon National Park and the bathrooms closed down, per Arizona's Family.

The Grand Canyon National Park posted an update on its Facebook page last week confirming that the park will remain open with "reduced visitor services" and some commenters responded with outrage. "The park should be closed. Would they leave the White House open to the public without the staff needed to protect it? The park is more precious than any building in this country. This is shameful," Jane Lyder wrote beneath the post.

Cindy Nixon Perrott commented, "I hope everyone is aware of how severely short [staffed] the parks are right now! In many parks seasonal staff is exiting, permanent staffing is down, and now most rangers are furloughed. Please treat the parks with care, especially the natural features."

Others commented that their visit to the park went as planned despite the government shutdown. Some reported that shuttle buses were still running, bathrooms were open, and many businesses remained in operation last week. If you do decide to visit Grand Canyon National Park during the government shutdown, make sure to abide by Leave No Trace principles and leave the park better than you found it. The Grand Canyon is considered one of the most dangerous parks around the world, and with limited staff, it's important to use increased caution as you explore.