Thursday Thoughts: National Park Service Openings
Here is some insight on the opening status at the five most visited National Park units.
National Park Re-Opening Status
Reopening after shutdown for COVID-19 is beginning to slowly occur for our national parks. However, the range of reopening plans and protocols is wide across the National Park Service. Plans are being designed and implemented by individual parks rather than standardized across the Service – or even within a particular region or state. Here’s a quick summary of current plans for the top five most visited national parks.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (12.5 Million Recreation Visits)
Phase 1 reopening with certain roads and trails accessible began May 9.
As of May 23, Phase II reopening saw additional trails, picnic areas, public restrooms, the Laconte Lodge, and several horseback riding concessions open for visitors.
Visitor Centers and campgrounds within the Park remain closed until further notice.
Grand Canyon National Park (5.9 Million Recreation Visits)
The South Rim entrance has had phased opening since May 15. Until June 4th, the South Rim entrance is open for limited hours only, from 4:00 in the morning to 2:00 PM in the afternoon, with limited food and retail concession operations.
As of June 5th, the South Rim entrance will be once again open 24/7, some campgrounds will be open for family (not group) camping with existing reservations.
Also beginning June 5, South Rim lodging and some concession campgrounds, as well as additional retail and food options will phase to be available on a rolling reopening schedule.
The North Rim will be open for day use only. Lodging is scheduled to reopen June 15th.
As of June 14, the Park will begin phase reopening of Colorado River rafting trips.
Rocky Mountain National Park (4.6 Million Recreation Visits)
The Park opened on May 27 for day use only, from 6:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon.
Beginning June 4, implementation of a timed entry system for any visitor wishing to access the Park through July 31. Reservations for after July 31 are available on the first of the month prior to the month of a planned visit (e.g., reservations for September visits can be made beginning August 1). Visitation to the Park is limited to 60% of full capacity.
The Trail Ridge store is scheduled to open June 15.
The Alpine Visitor Center will likely open at the end of June.
Zion National Park (4.48 Million Recreation Visits)
The Park opened May 13 for day use only, although some of the most popular hiking and climbing activities remain unavailable to visitors. No campgrounds are open.
Most significantly, the Park’s shuttle operation is currently closed, and the Park closes daily as the limited parking reaches capacity. Zion Canyon Scenic Drive has only 400 parking sites.
Outdoor visitor orientation/information sessions are available near the visitor center (currently closed).
Concessions service availability is varied: lodging opened with limited capacity May 21, but is expected to open additional capacity before the end of June. Food and beverage and retail services are available in a modified format (to-go only, no alcohol).
Yosemite National Park (4.42 Million Recreation Visits)
The Park remains completely closed. While there is some potential for portions of the Park to reopen the week of June 8, no formal plans have been announced.
The first access will be to overnight wilderness permits and climbing Half Dome which will begin June 5.
The Park has confirmed that its shuttle service will not operate for the remainder of 2020.
The Park is working with the local community to develop a plan for opening Yosemite with limited capacity.
Subscribe to our blog below!
