It is important to travel responsibly anytime you're in the outdoors, but especially so during a government shutdown. Know the status and conditions before you go, and please help keep our public lands pristine.
YOSEMITE:
Yosemite National Park is OPEN during the government shutdown! However, park staff will be limited. The Yosemite Valley Welcome Center and visitor centers are open. Restrooms are open! Essential staff, including law enforcement and first responders are still working in the park.
Within Yosemite National Park, the park’s concessionaire, Yosemite Hospitality, continues to operate in-park lodging, shuttles, dining, shops, and booked activities.
STANISLAUS NATIONAL FOREST:
Most sites, trails, and roads on the Stanislaus National Forest are OPEN. Restrooms may be locked and ranger stations/information front desks are not available. (Note that some facilities have already closed for the season.)
Wood-cutting permits are still required and can be purchased online.
WE KINDLY ASK YOU TO PLEASE ADVENTURE RESPONSIBLY:
1. First and foremost, be on your best behavior and set an example. All rules and regulation still apply on public lands during a government shutdown, and violators will be cited.
2. Tuolumne County is Too Cool to Trash, so bring your own trash bags to collect your trash, recycling, other items you may have brought with you and bring it back home to dispose of properly. Trash may not be collected during the government shutdown, leaving garbage and recycling receptacles to overflow, which is dangerous for wildlife and is also just not appropriate in our beautiful landscapes. Please help and not dispose of trash in overflowing trash bins.
3. Have a bathroom plan. Most restrooms will most likely be locked, so go before you get to the federal public space that you're traveling to. If you must go while you're in the outdoors use "catholes" and bury your human waste. Pack out your TP in a trash bag.
4. Respect wildlife. With less people around, wildlife feel more comfortable to roam. Please observe wildlife you may encounter from a distance and never feed them.
5. Be safe! Although first responders are still working, there may not be as many available to assist and it may take longer to reach you if needed.
6. Take some time to explore the gateway communities. The small business owners and their employees depend on public lands being open, so supporting these businesses will help them through this difficult time. Plus, as they are state parks, Railtown 1897 and Columbia State Historic Parks are open as usual!
Take a few minutes to learn more about the seven Leave No Trace Principles.
