Zion, Bryce national parks see record number of visitors in 2017
ST. GEORGE, Utah — Both Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks have reported a record number of visitors for 2017.
The Spectrum reported Thursday that Zion National Park saw more than 4.5 million visitors last year, which is up 5 percent from 2016. While Bryce Canyon National Park recorded 2.6 million visitors — a 9-percent increase.
The figures come as park officials weigh a first-of-its kind reservation system and the National Park Service considers hiking fees to $70 per car during the peak summer season at several popular parks, including Zion.
The plan announced in October would more than double the entry fees at 17 national parks that now charge $25 or $30 per vehicle. Prices for national park passes and senior passes would be unchanged.
Officials say the higher fees are needed to address an $11 billion maintenance backlog that’s built up as park funding stayed flat. Zion officials say their shuttle system is overcrowded, the line of cars waiting to enter regularly backs up into neighboring Springdale, and visitors have cut more than 30 miles of their own trails.
Still, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from tourism groups, conservation organizations and elected officials like Republican Congresswoman Mia Love, who worries it would make national parks inaccessible to average Utah families.
