Zion NP considering access by reservation only - proposals open for comment until 8/18

Zion National Park has proposed several new visitor management plan options to address overcrowding, some of which include park and frontcountry access (basically everything along the paved roads) by reservation only.  Obviously this would impact climbing access. The proposals are now open for public comment through 18 Aug.

Edited to reflect extension.

Forgive me for asking, but what exactly is the difference between plans B and C?  They're both reservation systems; I can see that.  I'll go back and read it more carefully.

I think it's a good idea, but there are a few concerns.  My mother-in-law pointed out that a new reservation policy is hard on travelers coming from a far distance that were unaware of it.  It will catch on, but a grace period would be nice for unsuspecting visitors.

Second, I think that priority for reservations should be given to those that have not been to the park ever or for a greater period of time than other visitors.  This provides some rotation and gives everyone a chance to visit the park.

To be sure, there is a major problem at Zions.  I couldn't believe how busy it was when I took my family.  And it was crazy up on Angels Landing!  I think the biggest danger on that hike is getting bumped off by another visitor.

I share your sentiment, Gunkswest. I live 30 min from the park and a blanket reservation system for front-country access is an overkill.  Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace trailheads get far less use than the main canyon.  Also, the upside to all of the out of town visitors is that it generates a huge amount of revenue and jobs for the local economy, $168.7 million and 2379 jobs based on the most recent data I could track down (2014). I fear that draconian restrictions and subsequent revenue loss just add fuel to the anti-federal gov't land ownership sentiment that's pervasive in Utah.

i couldn't imagine how zion is during the busy season with massive crowds, i was only there 1 time last april and it was during a rain system moving through the area. the night we came into town it was raining and foggy very cool i thought to see. next morning no rain but wet and over cast and as the day went on it burned off. very lucky to get to explore alittle with minimal crowds. especially after a heavy rain....the narrows was closed but at 8am it was just me the wife and another couple at the beginning of it.

hopefully if they implement something its well known and not an abused system where people reserve and dont show up.

Spencer Parkin wrote:... Zions.  

"ZionS?"  You certainly ARE from Utah.  :)

Welcome to the new west.  Look at what's happening in Colorado.  And it's not just crowds, it's the super assholes shitting and leaving garbage everywhere. 

I am all for it. 

After living in Springdale for 6 years.... this has to happen soon. 

Pnelson wrote:

"ZionS?"  You certainly ARE from Utah.  :)

Sorry, I meant Mukoontaweep National Park.  :)

No one likes more regulations but Zion is simply overwhelmed beyond capacity on the valley floor.   Plan B seems much easier to implement than Plan C but I can certainly see a need to cap the number of day hikers on Angels Landing and The Narrows.    Concerned the still relatively quiet Kolob Terrace will get hammered by folks trying to avoid the permit process.  

extended to 8/18

arches national park lookin to do same same

  So if you live in Mt. Carmel Junction and work in Springdale will you need a permit for every day to drive through the park?

  Enforcing a permit system in that park has so many logistical holes it's nearly impossible to close them all.

James--I think they will offer special permits for folks that live/work/commute, just my guess