Zion National Park Struggles with Overcrowding and Reduced Services Amid US Government Shutdown

Published on October 17, 2025

The ongoing government shutdown is posing serious problems for Zion National Park, one of the most popular natural wonders in the United States. The park has been struggling with a spike in visitors and a dramatic cutback in staffing as the shutdown moves into its third week. High visitor numbers and a shortage of staff are making it challenging to continue providing the park’s regular services, which is making things tense for both visitors and the remaining employees.

Due to the government shutdown, Zion is unable to collect its usual entrance fees, which are used to support essential operations. The usual $35 vehicle fee and the $20 per person fee for those arriving on foot are no longer required of park visitors. Crowds have increased as a result, making the park a busy place. The furloughing of park rangers and other employees has made the situation worse. These rangers usually carry out a range of duties, such as providing informative lectures and keeping an eye on the trails for safety.

Impact on Visitor Experience

Due to the absence of park rangers, services that visitors typically rely on are no longer available. The Zion Forever Project, a nonprofit organisation that has been working to support Zion since 1929, has had to adapt to these changes. The organisation continues to operate, but the absence of regular programmes such as ranger talks, guided hikes, and educational demonstrations has left many visitors feeling as though the park experience has been diminished. Without rangers, wildlife studies and resource protection efforts, which are key parts of Zion’s ongoing conservation efforts, have come to a halt.

While Zion remains a popular destination, the lack of services has made it harder for visitors to engage with the park in the same way they normally would. The usual ranger-led programmes that enhance the educational value of a visit have not been available, and with the park being more crowded than usual, many feel the park’s serene experience has been disrupted.

Staffing Shortages Amid Increased Crowds

During the shutdown, only a minimal number of essential staff, such as law enforcement officers and emergency response teams, remain on-site to ensure safety. These workers, though, are operating with the understanding that they will eventually receive back pay. However, those rangers and other essential maintenance personnel, who are usually responsible for the day-to-day running of the park, have been absent. This has caused an additional strain on the operations and maintenance of the park.

Staff shortages mean that some of Zion’s key facilities, including the museum and the Kolob Canyons visitor center, have been closed. Though the main visitor centre remains open, there are far fewer staff members to provide assistance. There have also been issues with the upkeep of the park’s facilities. The Zion Forever Project has been left to shoulder much of the responsibility in the absence of full park operations, although it too is facing financial limitations due to the lack of entrance fees.

Financial Strain and Visitor Donations

The shutdown has placed a significant financial burden on the park’s ability to operate at full capacity. Zion’s regular operational costs are typically covered by the fees collected from visitors. Without these fees, the park is relying on donations to help maintain essential services. To address this gap, the Zion Forever Project has set up donation points around the park using QR codes to encourage visitors to contribute financially to the park’s upkeep. These donations help cover operational costs, including keeping shuttles running, which are funded by money collected in previous years.

The park’s reliance on visitor donations has been somewhat successful, with the Zion Forever Project receiving approximately $1,800 to $2,000 in daily donations. However, this amount is far from enough to make up for the shortfall caused by the absence of entry fees. The financial strain is particularly concerning for the future of the park, as the lack of revenue could impact operations well into 2026.

Visitor Support Amid Challenges

Despite the difficulties faced by Zion, some visitors have expressed their support for the park and its continued mission. Even though the usual services are unavailable, many visitors are still eager to support Zion financially. Some have mentioned that they would have been happy to pay the entrance fees if the park had been open under normal circumstances. Their contributions, even if voluntary, are helping to mitigate the loss of revenue caused by the shutdown.

A key theme emerging from these donations is the deep appreciation visitors have for the natural beauty and cultural significance of Zion National Park. For many, Zion remains a critical destination that deserves support during these challenging times. Visitors have been urged to show respect for the park by adhering to proper waste management and wildlife protection practices, as these actions can go a long way in preserving the park for future generations.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Recovery

Zion is optimistic about its future despite the difficulties it is facing during the closure. The need to restore full staffing and essential services is becoming more pressing as the government shutdown continues to affect national parks nationwide. To restore the excellent level of service that guests have come to expect from Zion, all park employees must return.

With events like the Red Bull Rampage, the Huntsman World Senior Games, and fall break approaching, Zion National Park is getting ready for a surge of visitors. It is anticipated that these activities will increase the number of people visiting the park, making the already congested conditions even more difficult. It is hoped that Zion will be able to resume full operation as it gets ready for this busy time, resuming the services that make Zion special as well as the safety precautions required to keep it safe.

To help Zion National Park recover and continue to flourish as a significant national treasure, the Zion Forever Project will continue to play a role in guiding the park through these challenging times by attempting to close the funding gap.