Revised Base Article:
Masks now mandatory in U.S. national parks
In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the Department of the Interior announced that all National Park Service employees and visitors must wear masks, following advice from Captain Sarah Newman, Director of the NPS Office of Public Health.
Newman emphasized the importance of enjoying our public lands and improving physical and mental health. However, she stressed that everyone must work together to rebuild responsibly, stating: "It's crucial to go outside and enjoy our national parks, but we need to cooperate to do so safely."
The new policy requires masks to be worn in NPS buildings, facilities, and on parklands when social distancing is not possible, including narrow or heavily trafficked paths, viewpoints, and historical buildings. Park rangers are responsible for enforcing the rule and issuing warnings for non-compliance.
The U.S. National Park System manages over 423 parks spanning more than 85 million acres, including national battlefields, monuments, and historic sites, as well as 63 major national parks, such as the Grand Canyon and Great Smoky Mountains.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many national parks have closed or adjusted their operations. The National Park Service strongly encourages visitors to check the park's website for updates before their visit. For instance, reservations are now required for entry to Yosemite National Park from February 8th for those hoping to witness the famous Horsetail Falls phenomenon.
The National Park Service has also provided tips for responsible recreation online.
This mask mandate comes after President Joe Biden signed an executive order on his first day in office that requires masks on federal property.
Top photo of Joshua Tree National Park, California, by Mario Tama/Getty Images.
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As national parks across the United States adapt to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors are encouraged to remain informed about operational changes before their visit. Check the park's website to learn about any modifications to entry requirements and facilities, such as the new reservation system for Yosemite National Park. Don't forget to pack your mask, along with other essential travel items, for your upcoming adventures in U.S. national parks.
Enrichment Data Integrated:
Introduced above, the mask mandate in U.S. national parks was a temporary measure implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with specific mask requirements varying by park and local regulations. As the situation improved, the vast majority of Americans reported rarely or never wearing masks in stores and businesses by late 2024[3][4]. By March 2021, it's likely that mask requirements in national parks would have become similar to those in other public spaces, though park regulations might have differed. Visitors should always check the park's website for the latest information on operational changes and mask requirements.
- National Park Service. (2022). Blue Ridge Parkway mask requirements. Retrieved from
- Washington State Department of Health. (2024). Mask requirements in Washington state. Retrieved from
- CDC. (2024). Prevalence of mask-wearing among adults in the United States. Retrieved from
- Pew Research Center. (2024). Americans' views on mask usage and vaccination. Retrieved from
