The Petrified Forest National Park has been fully shut down as a result of the ongoing lapse in federal government funding. The National Park Service (NPS) put out a statement saying that there are no visitor services, amenities, or staff available at this time and that all facilities are closed until funding is restored. Both park entrances, visitor centers, restrooms and museum buildings are locked and no public access is permitted.
The park’s gates are now closed to all traffic. The National Park Service said it cannot provide any services, including emergency response, trash collection, or maintenance, during the funding lapse in a September contingency plan published by NPS.
In past shutdowns, some national parks remained partly open for limited day use, but Petrified Forest cannot safely operate without staff because of the need to secure fossil resources and protect fragile geological features. Without rangers or maintenance crews, the park risks vandalism and illegal collection of petrified wood, which are ongoing concerns even under normal operations.
The closure is expected to have an immediate economic impact on nearby Holbrook and communities along Interstate 40 and Route 66 that depend on tourism. Many travelers plan stops at the park as part of cross-country trips or fall road travel, and with no access allowed, local hotels, gas stations and restaurants are likely to see fewer visitors.
The park will reopen once federal appropriations are restored and staff are authorized to return to work. Updates will not be issued regularly while the shutdown continues, and visitors are encouraged to check official sources once the government reopens for further information.
