Yosemite National Park remains partially open during shutdown, most employees furloughed

"YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (KFSN) -- A trip to Yosemite National Park came down to a gamble that paid off for one tour group from France. "We flipped a coin. I saw on the internet that it may be open or not, so we made a bet and we won. We're right here in Yosemite National Park," French tour guide Xavier Chanut said. Chanut wasn't sure what to expect on the first day of the government shutdown. He had a backup plan but was relieved to see Yosemite still open."

"Park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air memorials remain open. Hotels and other lodging options operated by Yosemite Hospitality are still welcoming guests and the popular YARTS buses are running smoothly. But ranger programs and the visitor center are shut down. "Some of the shops were closed, but we were able to see the nature so it's okay," French tourist Faycal Aoubid said."

"According to the Department of Interior's contingency plan, roughly 64% of the National Park Service workforce is furloughed, except essential emergency crews and limited maintenance staff. Entrance booths sat vacant Wednesday as cars passed through freely. "So far, it's been absolutely amazing, beautiful scenery of course that's not going to change with the government shutting down," Portland resident Kristina Benson said. Jacob Hawley with the Mariposa visitor center and Chamber of Commerce says they've been extra busy answering questions. "We're getting a lot of phone calls, but... not a lot of change," Hawley said."

A French tour group risked entry by flipping a coin and successfully entered Yosemite despite uncertainty during the government shutdown. Park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air memorials remain open while ranger programs and the visitor center are closed. Yosemite Hospitality lodging and YARTS buses are continuing operations, though some shops have closed. The Department of Interior contingency plan furloughed roughly 64% of the National Park Service workforce, leaving essential emergency crews and limited maintenance staff. Entrance booths sat vacant as cars passed freely. Local visitor centers and chambers are fielding many questions, and surrounding communities depend on park tourism.

Read at ABC30 Fresno