Normal operations are resuming at Bryce Canyon National Park as staff returns to work following the partial government shutdown. Thanks to multiple generous donations and the commitment of partners, volunteers and staff, the Visitor Center and portions of the park remained open through the 35-day lapse in federal funds.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude to the employees, partners and volunteers who kept Bryce Canyon National Park safe and accessible during the partial government shutdown, and for the resilience of those who are now returning to work,” said Superintendent Linda Mazzu, “Our appreciation also extends to the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association, the State of Utah, Alsco, and innumerable individuals who made exceedingly generous donations in support of the park during this time. We could not have done it without you! We’re already looking forward to another spectacular year in the park.”
Fee collection, regular wintertime amenities, and interpretive ranger programs have begun again. Other normal winter closures, such as Wall Street, the Rim Trail between Bryce and Inspiration Points, and the roads to Fairyland Point and Paria Point remain in effect. The transition to opening the road south to Rainbow Point may take some time depending on upcoming winter weather, but the park hopes to make progress soon.
Additional information can be obtained at www.nps.gov/brca or by calling the park’s information line at (435) 834-5322.
-NPS-
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 418 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.