Arizona's Federal Parks Closed Indefinitely in Government Shutdown
Federal parks across Arizona remain closed due to a government shutdown, leaving visitors, including a couple from Austria and local resident Yasmeen Mustafa, disappointed. The closure, ordered by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior, affects popular sites like Montezuma Castle National Monument.
As of September 24, 2025, there were 34,460 federal employees living in Arizona, many of whom are now furloughed due to the shutdown. The Department of the Interior's website remains without updates, and employees are unable to respond to queries. The closure, which began on the first day of the shutdown, has seen dozens of hikers and tourists turned away from Montezuma Castle National Monument.
Park rangers have been patrolling the area, threatening to ticket those who attempt to enter the closed park. Mustafa, who planned a 10-day 'dream trip' to multiple national parks and monuments in the Southwest, was among those affected. Unlike previous shutdowns in 2018 and 2013, the Arizona government has chosen not to keep national parks open during this closure.
Federal parks in Arizona will remain closed until further notice, with non-essential departments and employees furloughed until a budget agreement is reached. Visitors are advised to check for updates before planning trips to affected parks and monuments.
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