Navigating COVID-19 Induced Uncertainty in Your Area

Across the 13 western US States, the COVID-19 virus is having a recognizable impact on everything from daily life for local residents, health care, travel, tourism, and everything in between. To cope with the impact, each state is reacting according to their specific conditions and need. Some states are more strict than others, and each is approaching the spring & summer tourism seasons in different ways. To negotiate this unprecedented uncertainty, we are collecting the best resources to keep track of each state’s current situation, and how you can keep track with the particular evolving changes that affect you and your plans.

If you’re contemplating the impact of the virus on your spring & summer outdoor season, bookmark this page on Basin & Range Magazine for ongoing reference.

Federally Managed Public Lands: Closures and Updated Guidance

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM):
    • Entrance fees temporarily suspended.
    • Coronavirus Guidance: Visitors should contact or visit the website of their local BLM state or district office for the latest office hours and availability, which are subject to change as this situation evolves.
  • National Park Service (NPS): 
  • US Army Corp of Engineers:
    • All USACE-managed campgrounds are closed.
    • Coronavirus Guidance: Visitor centers, beaches, special events, and USACE-sponsored events such as shore sweeps, interpretive programs, Kids to Parks Day, Earth Day events, public meetings and other public gatherings at all USACE-managed sites and facilities have also been closed and/or put on hold.
  • US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS):
  • US Forest Service (USFS):
    • Certain areas and facilities on National Forests are closed
    • Coronavirus guidance: Be sure to check with each individual National Forest or Grassland to verify availability of services before you depart.
  • US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR): There is no overall, general guidance.
    • Individual tourist attractions like Hoover Dam and similar are close to the public until further notice.
    • USBR refers to the Recreation.Gov website for localized recreational service impacts.
  • Recreation.Gov:
    • Coronavirus Guidance: Each agency that makes reservations available on Recreation.gov will decide when and where closures and event cancellations are implemented.
BigSur, california
Big Sur Coastline, CA. ph: Myles

State by State Guidance and Contact Info

As Spring unfolds to Summer we will see parts of the country begin to roll out plans to open businesses and communities again. This gradual re-opening will be variable depending on which region you plan to visit. Each state and each region will approach this re-emergence according to their needs. Be sure to plan ahead and stay informed on up to date travel advisories before making any plans or booking any vacations ahead of time.

Here’s a list of each of the 13 western state’s most relevant and most important resources for understanding all advisories and travel restrictions.

  • Alaska
    • AK COVID Travel Resource Page
    • Proclaimed a Public Health Disaster Emergency Declaration on March 11, 2020.
    • Travel Restrictions are in place at least until April 21, 2020
  • Arizona
    • AZ COVID Travel Resource Page
    • AZ Governor’s full Executive Order (April 9, 2020).
      Summary statement: As of Thursday, April 9, 2020, all persons who arrive in the State of Arizona from an area with substantial community spread, including but not limited to, the New York Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York) through any airport in the state must immediately self-quarantine for 14 days from the time of entry into the State of Arizona or the duration of the person’s presence in the state, whichever is shorter. 
    • AZ Dept. of Health Services Coronavirus page
    • AZ State Parks Coronavirus page: April 15, 2020: Arizona State Parks and Trails recreation parks, campgrounds and trails are open. Historic parks, visitor centers and gift shops are closed. The Discovery Center at Kartchner Caverns State Park is closed. All events have been cancelled through May 8. Parking may be limited and there may be temporary closures to limit the number of people on the trails. 
  • California
    • CA COVID Travel Resource Page
    • Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered residents to stay home indefinitely to slow the spread of the virus. Exceptions involve only essential trips, such as those for grocery shopping and health care appointments. As a result, virtually all tourist attractions — theme parks, ski resorts, entertainment venues, restaurants, wineries, many state and national parks, including Yosemite National Park — are closed until further notice.
    • CA Regional Tourism Offices & each area’s Coronavirus Advisories. Many tourism offices and chambers of commerce across California have been updating their websites to help travelers stay informed about local policies and advisories. 
  • Colorado
  • Hawaiin Islands