Government shutdown closes many local parks

A number of national parks in the Bay Area are closed beginning today because of the government shutdown, though some may have areas that are accessible to visitors, the National Park Service said today.

There is some good news: Alcatraz is still open, the Park Service said, though no ranger-led tours are taking place, including behind the scenes and nighttime tours.

The Park Service noted that some parks may have areas that remain accessible to visitors, but access may change without notice. There will be no National Park Service-provided visitor services including restrooms, trash collection, facilities or road maintenance.

In San Francisco County, closures include the Fort Point National Historic Site; Battery East parking lot; Navy Memorial parking lot at Land’s End; Merrie Way parking lot at Land’s End; China Beach; Fort Mason Headquarters Information Center; Fort Mason Great Meadow restrooms; Ocean Beach Sloat Boulevard parking lot and restrooms; Rob Hill Campground; Fort Funston parking lot; and Battery Chamberlin.

In Marin County, closures include Muir Woods National Monument, Stinson Beach, Marin Headlands Visitor Center and restrooms, Muir Beach parking lot and restrooms, Rodeo Beach restrooms, Point Bonita Lighthouse, Nike Missile site, Battery Townsley, Upper Conzelman Road, Kirby Cover, Haypress, Hawk Campgrounds and Bicentennial Campground.

In San Mateo County, Mori Point restrooms are closed.