So while our elected officials sit back and play games, Las Vegas tours are grinding to a halt.  or they are getting creative in working around the closures…  But many people are wondering what park or recreational areas near Las Vegas are open during the Federal Government shutdown?

JoLynn Worley from the Federal Bureau of Land Management put it best:  “Anything with a gate is closed,”

That would mean

• Red Rock Canyon  Conservation Area is closed
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area is closed (including the marina)
• Great Basin National Park is closed
• Grand Canyon National Park is closed
• Death Valley is closed (see below)

What is Open?

• Spring Mountain Ranch State Park!!!
• Hoover Dam (it makes money)
• Grand Canyon West Rim (Hualapai Indian Tribe)
• Valley of Fire
• Death Valley is open’ish – you can still drive through Death Valley and take photos at scenic points. Facilities are closed.

Please remember, this is a FEDERAL issue, State Parks are not impacted!