re: #4 Eclectic Cyborg

I know there’s a desire to make money, but we’re at that point where it seems some of these parks needing to be restricting daily visitors to a certain number and sticking to it. I know some places already do that.

It’s not just national parks. Some state parks get insanely crowded too.

I’ve been to over 120 national park units around the lower 48. Been to a few a couple of times. Always try to be respectful of the location and protecting the environment (pack in/pack out). We try to spend in nearby communities and enjoy the ride.

National parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, Arches, Arcadia, and a few others are already limiting access to some or all of the parks. Arcadia limits access to Cadillac Mt. Zion has limited access. Backcountry permits are limited. The parks have seen a massive influx of visitors since covid, and here’s the thing. Most everyone never goes more than 1/4 mile from a paved lot or key attraction. If you take a longer trail, you’re likely to encounter fewer people. So, most people will jam in around Old Faithful, but far fewer go to other areas of the park.

State parks can get crowded too, like Watkins Glen and Letchworth.

Tourism money is a huge lure. Of that money, the workers at most of those hotels, motels, and restaurants are lower wage workers.