Should the Park Service place visitation limits on some of its more popular destinations, such as the Yosemite Valley or the South Rim of the Grand Canyon?
A majority of those who voted in my latest poll think so. Of the 51 ballots cast on the question, nearly 30, or 58.8 percent, were in favor of limitations, while 21 opposed limits.
Really, though, isn't this really a matter of semantics? I mean, parks already have limits in place in the number of hotel or motel rooms, the number of campground sites, even the number of parking spaces. Once those spots disappear, limits are in place.
Perhaps the powers that be who decide these things should take a closer look at the impacts of all those visitors and agree that, in the best interests of both the parks and the visitors, firm, recognizable limits need to be set.
The sooner we get to that point, the sooner the park-going public will appreciate the need of advance reservations and of more carefully planning their trips to the parks, rather than encountering stress-enhancing traffic jams, endless circling of parking lots waiting for a spot to materialize, and being turned away from the inn with no nearby alternatives.
Limiting Visitation
Add comment
Support Journalism about National Parks!
National Parks Traveler is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The Essential RVing Guide
The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.
This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.
You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.
So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.
Comments