What You Need to Know: NPS Shutdown & What It Means for Yellowstone Tours

Effective October 1, 2025 — The U.S. federal government is officially in shutdown mode. This has ripple effects across many federal agencies, including the National Park Service (NPS). As a company operating shuttles and tours that depend on Yellowstone’s infrastructure and policies, we want to share what we know, what’s uncertain, and how things may (or may not) change for guests.

Why a Shut­down Happens & What It Means for National Parks

• When Congress fails to pass appropriation bills or continuing resolutions to fund agencies, programs dependent on those budgets lack legal authority to operate normally.

• Under such lapses, the NPS activates a contingency plan. Only essential operations (e.g. law enforcement, emergency response, protection of life and property) are guaranteed to continue.

• Many visitor services are suspended: visitor centers, staffed facilities, interpretive programs, sanitation, and maintenance are scaled back or shut.

• However, in many parks, roads, trails, and open-air spaces remain (at least temporarily) accessible.

In short: just because the park is “open” doesn’t mean services are fully operational.

What This Shutdown Means for Yellowstone & Our Operations

Yellowstone has released some preliminary statements and local reports help fill in the picture:

What appears to remain open or usable:

• The entrances, roads, and basic access to Yellowstone are being kept open according to recent statements.

• Lodge, restaurant, gift shop operations (many run through concessionaires like Xanterra) are expected to remain open where possible.

• Public restrooms may still be available (though maintenance and staffing likely constrained)

• Emergency services (ranger response, protection, and safety) will still operate in essential capacity.

What’s likely to be impacted or reduced:

• Visitor centers, information desks, and interpretive programs are expected to close or be suspended.

• Regular maintenance (trash pickup, restroom cleaning, path upkeep) may be sporadic or delayed.

• Some facilities (campgrounds, rest areas, picnic shelters) may close, or access may be restricted.

• Staffing is deeply impacted: over 60% of NPS employees are projected to be furloughed as part of the shutdown.

• Because of staffing shortfalls, visitor safety, infrastructure upkeep, and resource protection are under strain.

What this means for our shuttle & tour services:

• Our shuttles and tours rely on certain park permissions, road maintenance, and safety oversight. Any reductions or delays in those could affect route availability or timing.

• We might have to adjust or suspend some tour segments if a road or section becomes inaccessible or unsafe.

• We expect that guest experience could be more “rugged” — fewer facilities, longer waits, or unexpected closures.

• Our cancellation, refund, or rescheduling policies (per our existing terms) may come into play more frequently given these uncertainties. Old Faithful and Friends

Advice for Visitors & Guests

To help you make informed choices, here’s some guidance:

1. Check frequently for updates. Park and concession sites may update conditions or closures on short notice.

2. Expect limited services. Don’t plan to rely on visitor centers, interpretive programs, or guaranteed restroom maintenance.

3. Be self-sufficient. Bring extra supplies (water, snacks, first aid), carry out your trash, and be prepared for minimal support.

4. Be flexible. Your itinerary may need to change on the fly based on closures or restricted access.

5. Respect safety limits. Trail closures or hazard warnings may become stricter. Heed signage and ranger guidance.

6. Support local businesses. Lodges, shops, restaurants that remain open are under strain too — your patronage helps.

7. Thank park and concession staff. Those still working may be doing so under difficult circumstances without full compensation.

What We Are Doing (or Preparing)

• We’re monitoring the NPS notices, local park updates, and conditions on the ground closely day by day.

• We will proactively communicate with our booked guests about possible changes, route modifications, or cancellations.

• We’re reviewing contingency alternate routes or limited tours where feasible, to maximize flexibility.

• We will continue to follow our own cancellation/refund policies fairly and with understanding given the unusual circumstances.

• We will err on the side of safety first: if any segment becomes unsafe or unusable, we will suspend it until further notice.

Final Thoughts & What to Watch

This shutdown creates uncertainty for everyone — visitors, operators, and communities alike. Yellowstone is a resilient place, but it also relies heavily on consistent staffing and maintenance. Without them, even iconic features can be at risk of damage, erosion, or safety incidents.

That said, we remain committed to delivering the best possible experience under the circumstances. We appreciate your understanding, patience, and trust as we navigate this together. If you have existing bookings or planned trips, expect direct communications from us, and feel free to reach out with any questions or for help adjusting plans.

We’ll keep this blog and our social channels updated as the Yellowstone shutdown situation evolves.

Safe travels — and, as always, stay curious.

— The Old Faithful & Friends Team