The U.S. government shutdown led to the temporary closure of many national parks across the country, but Bryce Canyon National Park remains open for now. Although federal park services are limited during the shutdown, the State Tourism Office, Garfield County Tourism, and the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association have stepped in with funding and in-kind support to keep the park and its visitor center functioning. Their assistance covers essential services, including maintenance of restrooms and public spaces.
Since the shutdown began on Dec. 22, 2018, several Utah parks, such as Zion, were forced to close after heavy snowfall made it difficult to keep roads and trails clear without regular park staff. Bryce Canyon is one of the region’s most popular destinations and one of the last parks to remain open despite the financial challenges of operating without federal funding.
The Bryce Canyon Natural History Association has pledged to keep the visitor center open for the duration of the shutdown. Given ongoing federal discussions, there is a possibility the shutdown could continue for some time, and should that happen the state and local partners will reassess their options and resources to determine how best to sustain operations.