national parks

All but one of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks had an increase in visitors from the previous year. At the same time, concerns linger about how federal job cuts might impact park crowds.

An estimated 1,000 National Park Service employees have been fired so far. That includes at least 20 rangers, by one unofficial count, from Utah’s popular and busy national parks.

The February mass firing of National Park Service employees has hit parks in southern Utah, including Zion and Bryce Canyon. That’s spurring worries about long lines and crowds as the parks’ busy season ramps up.

Utah’s national park lands see over 15 million visitors each year, and that number continues to grow. Zion National Park is the country’s third-most visited park.

Officials say No. 399, a grizzly beloved by nature photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and other Grand Teton National Park visitors, was struck Tuesday night south of Jackson.

Bears Ears National Monument in southeast Utah has been at the center of political fights over public land in recent years. The upcoming presidential election threatens to continue escalating that tug-of-war.

After a COVID-19 slump, Utah’s parks have seen record visitors, with spending to match, every year since 2021.

Capitol Reef National Park’s fruit orchards — planted by Mormon pioneers — are a big attraction. But as old trees die and heirloom varieties become harder to find, the park is racing to preserve a juicy piece of Utah history.

In annual reports sent to Dark Sky International, Utah’s national and state parks list light pollution from development and tourism as the main threat to maintaining their certification.

Tourism’s growth has been both a blessing and a curse for surrounding rural communities as southern Utah’s national parks continue to bring people in.

The new shuttles are part of Zion’s long-term plan to manage growing visitor numbers while preserving the park’s natural beauty.

The state has previously stepped in to fund park operations, something Gov. Spencer Cox said is critical for rural communities.