Your Moab mountain bike trip is still on — even during government shutdowns, federal layoffs, or staffing changes. Rim Tours holds long-term permits through the U.S. Forest Service, BLM, and National Park Service, and we have been navigating federal disruptions for nearly 40 years. The desert does not close, and neither do we.
Why Government Shutdowns Don’t Cancel Your Trip
Travelers often worry that a government shutdown or federal staffing reduction will ruin their planned trip to Moab and the surrounding national parks. The concern is understandable — news headlines can make it sound like everything shuts down. But the reality on the ground is very different.
The vast majority of the terrain we ride is on BLM and Forest Service land that remains open and accessible regardless of federal staffing levels. These are public lands with no gates to lock and no entrance fees to collect. Trails like the White Rim, Magnificent 7, and Kokopelli Trail are on roads and trails that stay open year-round.
Even for rides within Canyonlands and other National Parks, our operating permits are multi-year contracts — typically lasting 10 years — that remain valid regardless of short-term government staffing changes. A shutdown might mean fewer rangers at a visitor center, but it does not invalidate our permits to guide on these lands.
Our Permits Are Already Secured
Rim Tours has been a permitted outfitter on federal lands since the late 1980s. Our permit relationships with the BLM, Forest Service, and National Park Service go back decades. Here is what that means for your trip:
- BLM and Forest Service permits are secured well in advance for each operating season and are not affected by staffing changes in Washington
- National Park Service contracts run on multi-year cycles (typically 10 years), so they continue operating through any short-term government disruption
- State-level support — Utah has repeatedly stepped in to fund essential National Park operations during federal shutdowns, keeping parks open for visitors
What Happens in a Worst-Case Scenario
In nearly 40 years of guiding, we have operated through multiple government shutdowns, sequestrations, and staffing disruptions. In every case, we have kept trips running. Here is how:
- Backup itineraries — We always have alternative routes prepared. If a park gate is locked (which is the absolute worst-case scenario), we pivot to equally spectacular BLM or Forest Service routes that are never gated
- Local knowledge — Our guides know this landscape intimately. There are thousands of square miles of rideable terrain in the Moab area, and only a small fraction of it is within National Park boundaries
- Proactive communication — We monitor the situation closely and communicate with guests well in advance if any changes to an itinerary are needed
The Desert Is Always Open
This is the most important thing to remember: the Colorado Plateau is an enormous, wild, and beautiful landscape. National Parks are a wonderful part of it, but they represent just a fraction of the riding opportunities. The Klondike Bluffs, Navajo Rocks, Dead Horse Point, and dozens of other world-class trails are on BLM and state lands that are never affected by federal politics.
We have invested a lot of planning into your trip, and so have you. When we say a trip is running, we stand by that commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Moab mountain bike trip be canceled if there is a government shutdown?
No. Rim Tours continues operating through government shutdowns. Our permits remain valid, and the vast majority of our riding terrain is on BLM and Forest Service land that stays open. In the rare event that a National Park gate is closed, we have backup itineraries ready.
Are the national parks near Moab open during government shutdowns?
Usually, yes. Utah has a track record of stepping in to keep its national parks operational during federal shutdowns. Even if limited services are available, roads and trails typically remain accessible. Arches and Canyonlands have both remained open during past shutdowns.
Should I delay booking my trip because of government uncertainty?
Absolutely not. Federal disruptions are temporary, and they rarely affect the on-the-ground experience in Moab. We have been guiding through these situations for nearly four decades. Book your trip with confidence — the desert is waiting.
Do federal layoffs affect trail maintenance in Moab?
Trail maintenance on most Moab mountain bike trails is handled by local organizations like Grand County Trail Mix, not federal employees. The trails you will ride are well-maintained by the local community regardless of what is happening at the federal level.