399: Cycling US National Parks in 2025

It’s planning season for spring and summer tours! But if you’re in the US or planning a bike adventure here, there’s some real question marks about our national park system. From budget cuts to layoffs and reinstatements to ever-increasing demand… is this the right year to consider a trip through Yellowstone or Shenandoah?  Pedalshift 400 Live Hold the date… Pedalshift 400 Live will be Friday April 11th at 8pm ET - 5pm PT. Check out Pedlashift on YouTube or pedalshift.net/live for more. Ask Me Anything for sure, the rest is a surprise maybe to me as well? What’s Happening with US National Parks in 2025? •Brief overview of the budget situation: potential closures, service reductions, delayed seasonal openings February firing of a category of federal employees Buyout offer to some employees Just recently a court order led to reinstatement of them Still a huge gap in the staffing needed for the increasing demand •Types of services at risk: ranger programs, campground availability, road maintenance, shuttle systems, water access •Examples of parks most likely to be affected - Yosemite, Yellowstone and most of the majors that are on bike routes. Impacts on Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking •Common bike routes through or around National Parks (e.g., Skyline Drive, Natchez Trace, Blue Ridge Parkway, Yellowstone Loop, etc.) •How closures or reduced services complicate trip planning •Campgrounds unavailable or unmaintained •Fewer refill spots for water/food •Riskier road conditions due to lack of maintenance or ranger presence •Potential increase in car traffic on fewer open roads •Implications for car-free or low-impact travelers Tips for Bike Travelers Navigating These Changes •Research and plan ahead: how to track park-specific updates •Use apps and websites that reflect real-time closures (NPS.gov, iOverlander, RideWithGPS updates, ACA forums) •Be prepared for self-sufficiency: water filtration, food storage, backup shelters •Consider alternative routes: National Forests, state parks, BLM lands •Join or support advocacy efforts for bike access and funding for parks