Yosemite reopens after deal to end government shutdown

Officials at Yosemite National Park announced that it reopened Wednesday night after Congress approved a deal to end the federal government shutdown.

Visitors can use public areas and roads immediately while other park facilities and services begin to reopen Thursday, park Supt. Don Neubacher said.

“We are excited to reopen and welcome visitors back to Yosemite,” he said in a statement. “Autumn is a particularly special season to enjoy Yosemite’s colorful grandeur.”

FULL COVERAGE: The U.S. government shutdown

Federal officials said that all 401 national parks and monuments will be reopening after the 17-day shutdown. But they cautioned that a long-term funding solution is needed

At and around Yosemite, major highways such as Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove roads were open Wednesday night to vehicles. Park visitor centers, ranger-led programs and valley campgrounds will be open Thursday.

People with reservations at the campgrounds will be able to check in by noon, officials said. First come, first serve sites at Camp Four, Wawona and Hodgdon will also be opened.

Delaware North Parks & Resorts, the park’s main concessioner, was reopening its facilities Wednesday night. The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village will also reopen, officials said.

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