With the U.S. government shutdown in full effect as of October 1, national parks are experiencing a lapse in funding and a reduction in services. Amid the shutdown, the Department of the Interior released a National Park Service Contingency Plan, directing the furlough of over 9,000 park employees and suspension of all but emergency services in parks.

The contingency plan directed national parks to remain open with the limited staff and services. However, visitors are quickly realizing there is a dramatic difference between the plan and the reality of visiting parks during the shutdown. Those with tour reservations are receiving emails that parks are closed, including those in New Mexico and California.

Unfortunately, due to the lapse in funding, National Park Service webpages are not

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