ZION NATIONAL PARK, Utah — We managed to find a quiet spot among the majestic beauty of Zion National Park on Friday, but that doesn't mean it was quiet, even with the government shutdown.

"Actually, it's been pretty nice," said Cedar City resident Mike Mechan, who was visiting. "There's been volunteers out there, too, that's been helping them take care of the park, too."

With the shutdown underway, there’s just one National Park Service ranger manning the entry to ensure operations at Zion, and fees aren’t being collected.

Since the shutdown began Wednesday, the non-profit Zion Forever project has been keeping the visitor centers at Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park open. The organization gets funding to promote the parks through park bookstore sales and donations.

There’s no federa

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