Is Moab Open During Federal Government Shutdown?

Oct 17, 2025 | news

Is Moab open during the Federal Government shutdown? The full truth (and exactly what you can do)

If you’re reading this, you’re probably planning a Moab trip and heard whispers: “What if the feds shut down the parks.  What does that mean, no Arches? No Canyonlands? No fun?” I was on the ground during one such shutdown scare, and I’m here to give you the inside scoop. Issues, options, and everything in between. By the time you read this article, you’ll know exactly what’s open, what’s risky, how to change plans, and how to keep your spirit of adventure alive in the red-rock wilds of southeastern Utah.

Quick Answer

Yes, for the most part, Moab and its surrounding national parks remain open during a federal government shutdown, thanks to state-level commitment and contingency plans. Be warned, “open” doesn’t mean “business as usual.” Expect minimal staffing, closed visitor centers, fewer services, and some safety risks. Smart planning is your best friend in this scenario. Prepare to be self sufficient and bring everything you need including wag bags. 

Why It’s Worth Visiting During a Shutdown

Let’s be frank: Moab is a gem, whether the feds are on the job or not. It has been epically awesome since literally millions of years ago. When you walk down the Delicate Arch trail at golden hour, paddle down the Colorado River, or watch the Milky Way crawl overhead behind the La Sal Mountains. Here, you feel the land speaking, and that experience doesn’t vanish just because Congress can’t pass a budget.

Here’s why Moab is definitely still worth visiting.

  • Spectacular landscapes remain intact. Trails, overlooks, mesas, arches, canyons. They are part of the rock, not a man-made exhibit. Most of those stay accessible.

  • Less crowding (potentially). With fewer services and some risk, fewer people may show up. You might get a more wild, more solitary experience.

  • Gateway town life remains. Moab, restaurants, outfitters, private lands, state parks are still going to be alive and kicking. Read on to learn more about this.

  • You can still be safe and prepared. With a good plan and flexibility, you can navigate the limitations and still have a trip of a lifetime.

Key takeaway: Don’t cancel your trip to Moab just yet just be prepared to go in eyes wide open.

What to Expect: Open, Closed, and “Maybe” During a Shutdown

When you hear “shutdown,” think skeleton crew + limited amenities. Here’s a breakdown of what tends to stay open, and closed, when the feds pull back.

What generally stays open

  • Trails, roads, overlooks, open-air features. The National Park Service’s contingency plans say that roads, viewpoints, trails, and open-air memorials will “generally remain accessible.” CBS News

  • State parks and lands operated under state authority. These are not dependent on federal funding. In Utah, that means state parks like Dead Horse Point, Goblin Valley, or Cave Spring will remain open and staffed. 

  • Moab’s local services. Businesses, guides, outfitters, private campgrounds, restaurants, lodging—these don’t shut down due to a federal budget standoff.

What tends to close, or be severely limited

  • Visitor centers, museums, interpretive exhibits. Buildings needing staff are often locked.

  • Guided ranger services, education programs, permit offices. Don’t count on ranger talks, guided hikes, or new permit issuance.

  • Restrooms, trash service, maintenance. Where possible, limited service may continue, but many restrooms will be closed or downgraded to portable toilets. Expect fewer trash pickups and deferred maintenance. 

  • Safety oversight, emergency response (reduced). Fewer rangers means slower or limited response to accidents, search and rescue, or enforcement. 

  • Gated roads or timed closures. Roads or lots that are typically locked or time-limited might remain closed for safety.

What’s Unique in Moab about the Shutdown

One big difference: Utah has committed to keeping national parks open during a shutdown, by stepping in to fill gaps. 

That means Arches, Canyonlands, and nearby federal recreation areas in the Moab region are far more likely to remain accessible than in states without that commitment. 

In short: Moab is one of the luckier destinations in a shutdown scenario.

When to Go or Should You Change Your Timing

Timing becomes even more critical when services are limited. Here are my tips:

  • Aim for earlier in the trip and  early season. At the start of your trip, you’re fresher, less likely to suffer gear failure, and can adapt if something’s suddenly off.

  • Avoid late-season storms. If snow, ice, or flash floods make roads risky, there may be no crews to clear or repair them. Be smart and be safe.

  • Weekdays might be preferable. With fewer visitors and limited staffing, conditions degrade faster on busy weekends.

  • Monitor evolving status. A shutdown is dynamic. Check for updates on NPS, state of Utah, or local Moab news. Some closures or reopenings can change overnight.

What to Bring: How to Prepare

Because you’ll be leaning more on yourself, your gear, planning, and resilience must be top-tier. Here’s your checklist:

Must-have gear & backups

  • Ample water, food, snacks, extra fuel

  • First-aid kit and wilderness supplies

  • Reliable navigation: physical maps, GPS, compass (no reliance on rangers)

  • Headlamp, extra batteries

  • Weather-appropriate clothing (shade, sun, cold layers)

  • Trash bags (you might haul out your own)

  • Portable toilet kit or trowel (if camp toilets closed)

  • Satellite communication (in case cell service fails or emergencies arise)

Pre-trip planning

  • Download offline maps and trail info

  • Print or save park alerts / closures

  • Identify alternate routes or backup destinations

  • Let someone know your day-by-day plan

  • Schedule in buffer time (for road closures, delays, adjustments)

Between parks and “off-grid” day ideas

  • Use BLM lands, backroads, canyon drives

  • Private or state-run scenic routes or loop drives

  • Aerial tours, 4×4 loops, mountain biking trails associated with Moab

Step-by-Step Route Highlights (Moab + Nearby Parks During Shutdown)

Here’s a sample 4-day route 100% executable during a shutdown, with notes on what might be different.

Day Highlights Notes under shutdown
Day 1: East of Moab Drive Potash Road, Fisher Towers hike Road usually open, but Boulder parking restrooms might be closed
Day 2: Arches NP Delicate Arch, Windows Loop, Landscape Arch Trails open; visitor center closed. Start early to avoid heat.
Day 3: Canyonlands / Island in the Sky Mesa Arch sunrise, Grand Viewpoint, Green River Overlook Roads open; fewer signs/trail maintenance
Day 4: Off-beaten Maze if you have vehicle or 4WD, BLM land exploration Use BLM maps, backup plan if roads muddy or blocked

If the visitor center or park gate is closed, you may just drive through or self-pay if possible. But don’t push into closed roads or gated areas. There are increased safety risks rise when staff can’t respond.

Website Links You’ll Need as You Plan Your Visit to Moab

FAQs Is Moab Open During Government Shutdown

Q:“Open” means visitor centers still might be locked?
Yes. “Open” usually refers to access to outdoor areas—trails, overlooks, roads. Buildings like visitor centers, museums, restrooms, exhibits may be locked or closed.

Q: What about permits (e.g. for backpacking)?
Don’t count on obtaining a permit during shutdown. The permit offices and staff issuing them may be furloughed. If you have a permit already, carry proof on you.

Q: Are ranger-led programs or education talks still happening?
Very unlikely. These require staff. Expect none or minimal programming.

Q: Can I expect maintenance or trash collection?
Limited to none. You’ll likely see overflowing trash bins, less mowing or trail repair, restroom closures, and possibly no assistance in emergencies beyond minimal capacity.

Q: Which parks around Moab are most likely affected?

Q: Is visiting safe during a shutdown?
It can be, with strong caution. Risks increase when staffing is thin like medical emergencies, falling hazards, extreme heat, flash floods. You must be more self-reliant.

Q: What’s the probability that closures kick in mid-trip?
It happens. Conditions are fluid. Always have alternate plans and daily check-ins. Don’t plan on static closures.

Final Thoughts & Call to Adventure

Here’s the bottom line: Yes, Moab is open during the Federal Government shutdown, but with caveats. Because of Utah’s proactive funding and contingency efforts, you’re in one of the best places in the U.S. to still get your red-rock fix. But open doesn’t equal fully staffed. You’re navigating a thin margin of support. Be prepared to rely on yourself.

My advice: go, have fun, love life, but be smart. Pack extra gear, lean on backup plans, move early in the day, stay in touch, treat every adventure like it’s self-supported. The desert doesn’t close just because Congress can’t agree. And when you watch those hoodoos glow at sunset. Trust me, you’ll be glad you didn’t cancel.

Ready to book a tour, scout a specific trail, or build a flexible backup itinerary?