YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif.— The entrances to Yosemite National Park stayed open but visitor centers were closed, National Park Service programs were canceled and campgrounds were not staffed as a partial government shutdown took effect Saturday.
Yosemite, which draws more than 6 million visitors a year, is a popular destination during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Park concessionaires, including hotels, restaurants, stores and gas stations, remained opened and seemed unaffected by the shutdown.
Jade Lezon, a cashier at the El Portal Market near the park entrance, says "It's basically free to get in the park and people are coming and going as they please."
Emergency Services- Yosemite Medical Clinic remains open during normal operating hours and days.
Roads- Roads that are normally open at this time remain open. This includes Wawona Road (continuation of Highway 41), El Portal Road (continuation of Highway 140), Big Oak Flat Road (continuation of Highway 120 from the west), and the Badger Pass Road.
Entrance Stations- Unstaffed but open
Concessions- The following services remain open: lodging, tours, restaurants, stores, Yosemite Valley shuttle system, and gas stations
Restrooms and Trash Removal- Services are limited. The restrooms near the concession facilities are open, but those not near those facilities are closed due to staffing reductions.
Campgrounds- Upper Pines Campground and Camp 4 are open. Wawona and Hogdon Meadow Campgrounds are open, but restrooms are closed. These campgrounds will remain open unless there's a safety risk.
Hiking- Trails that are normally open during this time of year remain open.
Public Transit- Free shuttle service remains available.
In San Francisco, the company that provides ferry services to Alcatraz Island kept its daytime tours but canceled its behind-the-scenes and night tours.