NPS Photo
Park staff are beginning to close restroom facilities and trash receptacles at many park locations due to human waste issues, wildlife concerns and overall public health.
Due to road conditions from recent snowfall and blowing and drifting snow and ice combined with the inability to snowplow, sand or otherwise maintain the roads, gates remain closed past the Wild Basin Entrance on the Wild Basin Road and at the Grand Lake Entrance on US 34. Sections of roads are above 8,000 feet in elevation and are closed to vehicular traffic. Vehicles may not move barriers or travel off road to pass closed gates. It is uncertain whether these roads will reopen until after the shutdown. Limited road areas in other areas of the park remain open to vehicle travel.
Park visitors are advised to use extreme caution if choosing to enter the park on foot, bicycle or in limited legal areas via vehicles, as park personnel will not be available to provide guidance or assistance. Emergency services will be limited. Any entry to the park during this period of federal government shutdown is at the visitor’s sole risk. All rules and regulations still apply.
No visitor services will be provided. Services that require staffing and maintenance, such as snow plowing, entrance stations, the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Moraine Park Campground, and some restroom facilities will not be operating. Roads that are already open will remain open, weather and road conditions permitting. Park staff will not issue permits, conduct educational programs, collect trash, maintain restrooms, maintain roads or walkways in the event of snow or ice, or provide visitor information.
Additional roads or areas in Rocky Mountain National Park may be closed during the government shutdown if conditions warrant.
