National parks facing chaos and confused visitors as shutdown looms

Conservation group says it will keep the parks 'as accessible as possible' as thousands prepare to go on winter holidays

Chaos may reign for the thousands of visitors planning to take snow hikes, rock climbing trips and sightseeing visits to US national parks over the winter holidays, if the government shutdown goes forward at midnight on Friday.

Park conservation groups say it is likely to mirror past shutdowns - with confusion about which parks are open, closed facilities, a lack of protections for guests and wildlife, and many disappointed visitors.