In 2021, Zion National Park recorded 5,039,835 visits, the most in park history, the National Park Service (NPS) reports.
The milestone caps a decade during which the number of Zion visits nearly doubled.
“Clearly our visitors value their parks and public lands,” said Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park superintendent. “At the same time, intense visitation presents challenges to achieve our mission to conserve the park’s resources and provide engaging visitor experiences – experiences that lift and renew our spirits. More visitors are enjoying Zion than ever before. At the same time, we are straining to protect the unique resources that make Zion special and live up to our high standards for visitor service.”
NPS stated increased visitation affects Zion’s:
- Landscapes, plants, animals and history.
- Staff, volunteers and infrastructure.
- Visitors’ experiences.
- Partners and neighbors.
NPS will continue to work collaboratively to protect the unique resources that make Zion an iconic destination, the agency stated. At the same time, NPS stated it must address increasing pressure on park resources, NPS staff and volunteers and a significant infrastructure maintenance backlog.
“The planning effort will leverage the NPS’ park management expertise and strengthen our collaboration with stakeholders,” NPS stated, “to accomplish our shared mission of protecting Zion so that visitors can enjoy it today and forever.”
Zion is among a small group of national park areas to exceed 5 million annual visits.
