Reservation system proposed at Arches National Park

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Reservation system proposed at Arches National Park
| June 6, 2015 | Updated: June 6, 2015 1:03pm

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, Utah (AP) — More people are visiting Arches National Park every year, and the park superintendent is proposing a reservation system during the busy season to ensure they don't have to turn people away.

But the idea is fiercely opposed by the business community in nearby Moab, Utah, who rely on tourists and fear the system would be confusing and lead to fewer impromptu visits.

The issue flared up again Memorial Day weekend when the state highway patrol closed the park entrance because of overcrowding and dangerous traffic conditions, the Deseret News reports (http://bit.ly/1SYWe5r ).

Visits to Arches and Canyonlands national parks rose 20 percent last year and will likely surpass 1.5 million this year, said Kate Cannon, the parks' superintendent. That's up from 1 million five years ago.


Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Reservation-system-proposed-at-Arches-National-6310945.php

[handmade34]

1. good idea

I wish it didn't have to be so but during peak tourist times reservations would be good… I have tried to visit as many National Parks, National Forests and National Monuments as I am able… and I prefer to go at off-peak times… the crowds are overwhelming otherwise…


on my way to SLC I didn't have time to go to Moab so I hiked Rattlesnake Arches in Fruita, CO instead… had the place almost all to ourselves (+ daughter)… my daughter went to Moab a few weeks later- said the crowds made it less than pleasant

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[johnsolaris]

2. fantastic place !

Hi,

I have been to Arches many times, both at peak & off peak times. It is truly a beautiful park & the hiking is great.
Arches is a favorite during spring break, thus the overcrowding. Many families & college students head there during spring break. My first time was during peak & I was not prepared for all the people. A nice park ranger told me the best times to visit, off peak, & I returned & had many of the best trails all to myself. I spent 3 hours at the Delicate Arch summit all by myself, without the sound of another person; just me & a few passing birds.

Many National Parks have the problem of over crowding during peak times. Check out off peak times & experience nature as it was meant to be.

[RobinA]

3. Was There

In mid-May two years ago and the crowd level was reasonable. Beautiful park.

[Beartracks]

4. Interesting solution.

It will be interesting to see if they do it, and if it works. If they sort of "pace" the people entering the park to spread them out, I wonder if visitors will also have a time limit by which they must leave??? That would suck. When I go to a National Park, I don't want to feel rushed... OR crowded.

I visited many Parks with my family when I was growing up, and we always vacationed between end of school and Memorial Day so we could get good weather and off-peak crowds. And that was BEFORE the crowds were anywhere near as big as now.

Last time I went to the Grand Canyon was in July, and we had to do the bus thing SO MANY PEOPLE were there. They have quite a system in place to manage crowds, and I think all that hubbub and infrastructure distracted from the grandeur because it made the whole experience seem "packaged" somehow. So very different when I was first there as a 5-year-old, and we could stay at the (one?) motel just feet away from the rim.

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[prairierose]

5. The state of SD has had a reservation system for state parks ....

for more than 10 years. We have very big crowds at times in the parks and so if you really want a place to camp in the summer, it is a very good idea to make a reservation ahead of time or you may not find a place any where near where you are going.

I find it odd that this is a new thing for a popular park.