Utah’s national parks will remain open during the shutdown of the federal government, state tourist officials report. The state reports that, during the shutdown, the state will provide support to keep frontline visitor services open through the holidays at Arches, Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks.
“We take great pride in our hospitality and want visitors who come to Utah’s Mighty Five national parks during the Christmas holiday to have a safe, clean and enjoyable experience,” said Governor Gary R. Herbert in a written statement. “Many travelers have planned their visit for months in advance and have traveled from all over the world to be here. We want them to return home with memories of magnificent vistas and welcoming people, not locked doors.”
Per updated federal guidelines for government shutdowns, national parks and other public lands remain open to visitors, though the National Park Service cautions visitors that all park activities are suspended “except for those that are essential to respond to emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property.”
The Utah state government, however, reports that it will also work with the national parks to underwrite the costs of staffing visitor centers and maintaining custodial services at Arches, Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks.
Updated park information is available at visitutah.com.
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