Government Shutdown Impact on Travelers

[Charlie H]

The American Southwest has some information on Parks and Monuments in the Southwestern states.

[heatherb]

Hi All, well my husband and I leave Australia tonight, for our long awaited dream USA Road Trip, with our fingers crossed. Much of our trip (2 years in the planning) is visiting all the wonderful National sites, including Yellowstone, the Badlands, Alcatraz etc. I cannot say I am not a little disappointed, but we have now investigated some State attractions and will work around this hiccup. I can only hope for the sake of all the families affected by this shutdown, that everyone gets their act together quickly. We are still so excited to explore this wonderful country and all it has to offer. Thanks to everyone here for all your advice. USA here we come.

[Charlie H]

Does anyone know if US Highways 14,20,89 and 191 through Yellowstone will remain open?

[Mark Sedenquist]

Wyoming DOT page seems to be current.... looks closed in Yellowstone...

Mark

[Charlie H]

That's too bad. I was hoping maybe heatherb could at least drive through Yellowstone.

[heatherb]

Thanks Charlie H for your thoughts. We are not due to get to Yellowstone til October 14th, so we are desperately hoping issues may be resolved by then? We are crossing fingers, toes, anything and everything!! Yellowstone was one of our dream stops. We will not be deterred and if need be will improvise? From Yellowstone we are going to Mount Rushmore, which I know is closed at this point. Any alternate suggestions for these areas is much appreciated.

[Mark Sedenquist]

While it's true that Mt. Rushmore, Badlands National Monument and Jewel Cave are closed -- Custer State Park, the Crazy Horse Monument and the Iron Mountain Road (part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway) should be open.

(Photo by Peter Thody)

Iron Mountain has some great views of Mt. Rushmore. More about a possible route here...

Plus, if Yellowstone is still closed -- Cody, Wyoming's Buffalo Bill Cody Historical Center and the Draper museum is pretty amazing.

Mark

[CAnative]

Posted today on the Mono Logue.

Highway 120 remains open. No stopping or recreating in the park is allowed. We are hearing reports of stopped vehicles being ticketed. We hear the entry kiosk at Tioga Pass will soon be re-staffed in order to tell visitors that they can only pass through and not stop to recreate.

Yosemite Valley is closed past the El Capitan Crossing. At El Capitan Drive motorists will be turned away. However, this means Highway 120, 140, and 41 are all accessible and connected.

[Lifemagician]

Heather, in particular Mt Rushmore, I have always found this to be the best observed from afar. It really is the best way to see it. On the other hand, you will be missing out on the display which shows how it was all planned and achieved. I found that to be very interesting. But for the portraits itself, you should not be missing out on anything if you drive some of the roads suggested, and view / photograph it from afar.

Lifey

[heatherb]

Thanks everyone. Even to see Mount Rushmore from afar will be great. I'm sure our trip will be all we imagined and more, even throughout the shutdown. Thanks again.