News Release

Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Services Reopen Following End of Government Shutdown

Date: January 26, 2019
Contact: Office of Communications, 928-638-7958

Grand Canyon, Ariz. – Following the enactment of the continuing resolution, staff at Grand Canyon National Park will resume regular operations this week, including opening visitor centers, offering ranger programs, opening permit offices, and collecting fees at entrance stations. Please visit http://www.nps.gov/grca for updated information about the park. Visitors should know that not all park functions, such as ranger programs, will be available immediately.

With assistance from the State of Arizona and Grand Canyon Conservancy who made donations, Grand Canyon National Park remained open during the partial government shutdown and the National Park Service was able to continue to provide limited visitor services. Visitor services provided by park concessioners and partners also remained open.

“Grand Canyon National Park appreciates the partnerships we have with Governor Ducey, the State of Arizona, Arizona State Parks and Trails, Grand Canyon Conservancy, and the northern Arizona community. The protection of Grand Canyon’s natural and cultural resources is our shared responsibility and a commitment to every American, every visitor, every day,” said Deputy Superintendent Lisa Carrico.

A significant driver in the national economy, the National Park Service returns more than $10 for every $1 invested and it factors in the local economy as well. In 2017, more than 6,250,000 visitors to Grand Canyon National Park spent $666,912,800 in communities near the park. That spending supported 9,423 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $938,010,800.

“We also need to extend our gratitude to our in-park business partners and neighbors in the town of Tusayan for providing support to our employees and community. We are a compassionate, connected community and together we showed our strength during the shutdown,” said Incident Commander Matt Vandzura.

Grand Canyon National Park’s employees are ready to return to work and look forward to continue to serve the American people and welcome visitors to their national parks.

 

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About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees who care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.