Yosemite reopens immediately after shutdown vote

Barbara Davidson/Los Angeles Times / MCT

Tourists snap pictures in California’s Yosemite National Park on August 27, 2013, as the Rim fire continues to rage about 25 miles away. As the devastating fire spreads deeper into Yosemite, would-be park visitors are having to decide whether to cancel plans made months or years in advance or press ahead with a visit that could potentially end in a smoky evacuation. Many are choosing to keep their date with El Capitan and Half Dome.

Associated Press

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013 | 11:14 p.m.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. — Yosemite National Park is reopening to visitors Wednesday night with the end of the 16-day partial government shutdown.

The National Park Service announced that major highways and roads leading into and through the park are immediately open to vehicles. The park's main concessioner is reopening facilities and will welcome visitors right away.

Its visitor centers and campgrounds will open Thursday, when guided tours will also be available.

The park, one of the most popular national attractions, has been closed since Oct. 1. Its closing brought local economies to a near standstill.

Another California attraction that was closed during the shutdown — Alcatraz Island near San Francisco — will reopen Thursday.