Arches and Canyonlands National Parks have resumed operations this week following the end of the partial federal government shutdown.
Both park facilities are back to normal winter operations with the exception of Devils Garden Campground of Arches, which is closed because of a water leak. The campgrounds at Canyonlands National Park are open and operating under regular winter conditions.
The visitor center at Arches National Park is open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky Visitor Center is open Friday through Tuesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The visitor center is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Staff at both parks are on duty to answer questions and issue permits.
“Park staff and volunteers are happy to be back at work and want to thank the Utah Office of Tourism, Canyonlands Natural History Association and Alsco Inc., which provided generous donations to support visitor center operations during the partial government shutdown,” a press release said.
On Jan. 24, Alsco, a Utah-based linen and uniform rental company, donated $100,000 toward visitor and custodial services at Zion, Bryce and Arches National Parks.
The donation is intended to support the parks’ limited resources during the recent government shutdown and to support the continuation of visitor services if another government shutdown occurs.
“Alsco is a Utah-based company whose employees are inspired by local patriotism and pride in Utah’s natural treasures,” Alsco co-CEO Bob Steiner said in a press release. “Our contribution is intended to help out visitors who have planned their vacations to these beautiful parks and to ensure the businesses and residents that rely on tourism in these areas are supported.”
Mesa Verde National Park is expected to reopen on Feb. 4 at 8:30 a.m., according to public information officer Cristy Brown. The Visitor and Research Center at the park entrance will also reopen.
President Donald Trump signed a short-term bill on Jan. 25 to end the government shutdown through Feb. 15. Mesa Verde delayed its reopening to clear large rockfalls that occurred during the shutdown on the main park road.
“Repairing the road damage and replacing the guardrail, along with substantial snow removal, are necessary to ensure visitor and staff safety prior to the park reopening,” Brown said.
On Jan. 28, the Dolores Public Lands Office and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Visitor Center and Museum reopened.
Since Dec. 22, when the partial federal shutdown began, about 50 staff from the Tres Rios District of the Bureau of Land Management, COA National Monument and San Juan National Forest stationed at the two facilities outside Dolores have been on furlough.