Zion Forevermore: How the Zion Forever Project Is Keeping the Park Open During the Government Shutdown
Volunteers from the Zion Forever Project help keep trails open during the shutdown
Zion Forevermore: How the Zion Forever Project Is Keeping the Park Open During the Government Shutdown
Click HERE to donate to Zion Forever Poject
Zion Forever Project: A Community Effort to Protect Zion National Park
When a federal shutdown halts government funding, many national parks are forced to close their gates. But in Springdale, Utah, the Zion Forever Project is stepping up to keep Zion National Park open, clean, and cared for.
As the official nonprofit partner of the park, Zion Forever works year-round to fund preservation, education, and visitor programs. During the shutdown, their mission becomes even more vital—ensuring visitors can continue to experience Zion’s breathtaking cliffs and canyons safely.
Why Zion Forever Matters During the Shutdown
Normally, the National Park Service operates Zion National Park. But during a shutdown, most park staff are furloughed and services like trash removal, restrooms, and visitor safety are reduced or stopped entirely.
The Zion Forever Project fills that gap by:
Funding essential park operations and staff
Managing volunteers to assist visitors
Collecting donations in place of entrance fees
Keeping the park visitor center open and staffed
This model helps prevent resource damage, maintains visitor safety, and sustains local tourism businesses that depend on open access—like Springdale hotels, restaurants, and outfitters.
How Zion Forever Keeps Zion Open
During the current shutdown, the Zion Forever Project has been instrumental in keeping Zion’s gates open. Entrance fees are suspended, but visitors are encouraged to donate directly to Zion Forever to help fund services like:
Daily trash collection and restroom cleaning
Staffing at the main visitor center
Trail and shuttle information for guests
Wilderness permit and safety information
This swift action has allowed Zion to remain open even as federal resources are frozen, providing stability for visitors and the local economy.
The Benefits of the Zion Forever Model
1. Keeping Zion Accessible
Visitors continue to enjoy trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows, even during federal budget disruptions.
2. Protecting Natural Resources
Volunteer crews help prevent overcrowding, litter, and erosion, safeguarding Zion’s fragile desert ecosystem.
3. Supporting Local Communities
By keeping the park open, the project protects the livelihoods of local business owners, lodging operators, and guides in Springdale.
4. Inspiring Stewardship
Visitors become part of the solution—donating, volunteering, and advocating for public lands.
Challenges Facing Zion Forever
While the Zion Forever Project offers a lifeline during a shutdown, it also faces challenges:
Funding can be unpredictable during extended closures.
Volunteers and limited staff can become overworked.
Without full NPS authority, the nonprofit can’t handle every task or enforcement need.
Still, their determination highlights the power of local action and partnership.
How You Can Help Support Zion National Park
If you want to make a difference, you can:
Donate to the Zion Forever Project to keep essential services operating. CLICK HERE
Volunteer for trail work, education programs, or visitor outreach.
Stay local – book your visit at Zion Canyon Casitas in Springdale, just minutes from the park entrance.
Spread awareness on social media using hashtags like #ZionForever and #KeepZionOpen.
Every action helps ensure that Zion remains open and protected for future generations.
A Vision for Zion Forevermore
Zion Forever is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement. It symbolizes the unity of visitors, locals, and nature lovers who refuse to let government shutdowns silence the beauty of the canyon.
As you explore the red cliffs, hike through emerald pools, or gaze at starlit skies, know that your visit supports a legacy of preservation. Together, we can ensure Zion remains not just open—but thriving—forevermore.