Parks opening, but beware of quarantines, other restrictions

They’re opening, but beware of state quarantines, other restrictions

Many national park sites are at least partially open to visitors as the country rebounds from coronavirus closures. But not all facilities and services are available. h “In accordance with this guidance and in coordination with governors across the country, the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service are working to reopen the American people’s national parks as rapidly as possible,” Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said in a statement. h But before you go, check each park’s website for the latest information on what’s open and what’s not. In each case, it depends on where states are in their reopening plans.

Here are some other considerations, from the National Park Service:

Many states still require out-of-state visitors to quarantine for 14 days, which may make visiting parks in some states more challenging. The National Governors Association offers an up-to-date interactive map that shows what states have a quarantine order.

Postpone challenging hikes. Having to rescue and treat stranded hikers could divert first responders and medical professionals from the pandemic response. Trash collection and restroom facilities may not be available. Campgrounds are generally closed.

Stay in groups from your own household and maintain social distance from other groups. Prepare to cover your nose and mouth. Here’s what’s going on at the most-visited national parks:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, North Carolina

The park is the nation’s most visited, with 12.5 million visitors annually. Roads, trails, picnic areas and restrooms are open. Visitors centers, campgrounds and concessions remain closed. Some roads are closed to vehicles but open to hiking and biking.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is America’s second-most visited national park, with 5.97 million annual visitors. The South Rim opened to limited access on May 15 and expanded to 24-hour access on June 5. On June 5, the Mather Campground opened for existing reservations. The North Rim opened for day use on June 5, with the campground closed for construction until July 1. The Colorado River will reopen to recreational use with existing permits beginning June 14. North and South Rim lodging will reopen in phases throughout June.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

On June 4, the park implemented a timed, reserved entry system that will last through the summer. Visitors will reserve and pay the entrance fee in advance at recreation.gov and enter the park within a two-hour window between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. In this phase, 60% of the park’s capacity, or 4,800 vehicles and 13,500 visitors a day. “This system will more safely manage the pace and flow of visitor use, reduce crowding, and provide an improved visitor experience in alignment with the park’s safe operational capacity,” said park superintendent Darla

Sidles.

Zion National Park, Utah

The park has been open during daylight hours since May 13. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is open to private vehicles until parking capacity is reached, and the last entry is at 6 p.m. The 6-mile road has about 400 parking spots. The park’s shuttle operation is suspended.

Trails are open to day hiking but not to overnight backpacking. The Zion Lodge is open with limited rooms and amenities.

Yellowstone National Park in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana

The park’s Montana entrances are open, as the state lifted its 14-day quarantine requirement. The Wyoming and Idaho entrances are also open. The park is day-use only, with campgrounds, visitors centers and other facilities closed. Limited overnight accommodations will start later in June. The Grand Loop Road is open, except for a segment from Canyon to Tower that’s under construction.

Yosemite National Park, California

The park, which gets 4.4 million visitors annually, remains closed to visitors.

Acadia National Park, Maine

The park is partially reopened, though Maine visitors are under a 14-day quarantine order. The Park Loop Road is now open, along with most nearby restrooms. Hiking trails are open, and trash collection has resumed. The Carriage Roads opened June 5 for pedestrians. The Hulls Cove Visitors Center is open with limited outdoor information services from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Campgrounds remain closed and will reopen no earlier than July 1.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

The park reopened May 18 for limited recreational use. Primary roads are open, as are hiking trails for day access. Riverbank and lakeshore fishing is permitted, as are limited biking and wildlife tours. Campgrounds, overnight lodging, visitors centers, marinas and food service remain closed. Boating on lakes and rivers is prohibited.

Olympic National Park, Washington

The park is partially open to day use recreation. All coastal areas, however, remain closed. That includes beaches, parking areas, trails and facilities. No areas of the park are open to camping. Visitors’ centers and ranger stations remain closed. Limited lodging and takeout dining are open.

ISTOCK / SEANPAVONEPHOTO A view of Newfound Gap at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

BRENDA AHEARN, AP A snowy sunrise over Lake Mcdonald in Glacier National Park.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Visitors to Grand Teton National Park hike through Death Canyon, which was carved by glaciers about 15,000 years ago.

KATHARINE LACKEY, USA TODAY A river runs through Yellowstone National Park near Grand Prismatic Hot Spring.