Jackson Hole During the Government Shutdown: What’s Open, What’s Not

A government shutdown doesn’t shut down adventure. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit.

What’s Open and Closed on Public Lands

Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks remain accessible with limited services:

OPEN:

• Park roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials
• Campgrounds at fee-collection sites
• Hotels operated by concessionaires (with park superintendent approval)
• Public restrooms at fee-collection areas
• Emergency services (though limited)
• Entrance gates

CLOSED:

• Visitor centers and facilities that are normally locked after business hours
• Ranger-led programs and talks
• Park Service websites and social media (except for emergencies)
• Most staffed services

Bridger-Teton National Forest remains open with reduced services:

OPEN:

• Most forest lands and trails remain accessible
• Campgrounds (though reservations may not be guaranteed)
• Activities that don’t require consistent employee oversight

CLOSED/LIMITED:

• Many remote recreational sites
• Visitor centers (determined case-by-case)
• Restrooms and water services may not be maintained
• Trash collection may be limited
• No volunteers or volunteer-led activities

Important: Neither the Park Service nor Forest Service will provide road or trail conditions during the shutdown. Download maps before you go, be extra self-sufficient, and plan for limited to no services. With significant staff furloughs across all agencies, you’re more on your own than usual out there.

Jackson Hole Is Open for Business

The Town of Jackson, Wilson, and Teton Village remain fully operational with all services available. Local restaurants, shops, galleries, and attractions are ready to welcome you with the authentic Jackson Hole hospitality you came for. From art galleries on Town Square to hot springs soaks, there’s no shortage of ways to experience this mountain community beyond park boundaries.

Our Stay Wild Guide offers curated itineraries created by locals who know exactly how to make the most of your time here, shutdown or not.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Extends Summer Operations

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has extended its summer operations through Sunday, October 12, with the Bridger Gondola offering sightseeing and hiking access to Rendezvous Lodge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Wednesday, October 8). You’ll find restroom facilities at the top and views that don’t care about politics in Washington. The Via Ferrata and paragliding operations remain open, and the Tram Dock restaurant at the base serves from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nothing puts government gridlock in perspective quite like soaring above the valley floor.

Adventures That Don’t Need a Visitor Center

Local Outfitters and Guides – Book with professionals who know the terrain intimately and can navigate you through the best experiences regardless of limited park services. Scenic floats, wildlife tours, horseback rides, and more continue as usual.

Art and Culture – Jackson’s galleries, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and local shops remain open. Spend an afternoon exploring the creative community that calls this valley home.

Soak and Relax – Most local hot springs are open year-round. Pack a picnic and let naturally heated mineral water work its magic while you stare up at the mountains.

Fall is Magic – This is prime time for golden aspens, bugling elk, and that gorgeous fall light painting the Tetons. With potentially fewer crowds, you might discover the quieter side of Jackson Hole that locals love.

Your Responsibility to Keep Jackson Wild

With limited park services, citizen stewardship is crucial:

• Download maps and information before you go
• Pack out everything you pack in
• Stay on trails and respect all closures
• Keep 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other wildlife
• Be self-sufficient and prepared

For real-time updates, call the Jackson Hole Visitor Center at (307) 733-3316.

The Bottom Line

The wilderness doesn’t need a government to be wild. The mountains don’t stop being majestic because of political gridlock. And the Jackson Hole community? Still here, still welcoming visitors, and still ready to share what makes this place special.