(CNN) – One of America’s most popular national parks – Arches National Park in Utah – is rolling out a timed admission system to prevent overtourism.
Trap added that the program is still in beta and can be changed or adjusted based on guest feedback.
“We will use the data collected from this pilot to tweak and improve this system throughout the season, as well as to inform our future responses going forward,” she said. speak.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, Arches was already one of the most popular national parks in the United States. However, the outbreak of the pandemic and the rise of domestic tourism have resulted in overcrowding in 2020 and 2021.
Due to high visitor numbers, Arches often closes early to tourists, turning away guests or encouraging people to return after everyone else has left.
Also, more visitors can lead to more trash, more erosion, and more accidents.
By July 2021, some officials at Arches and other popular national parks had begun to consider the idea of timed admission, booked in advance, as a possible solution to overcrowding.
According to a statement from the National Park Service, the initial test of Arches’ timed admission program will cover April 3 to October 3, 2022.
Reservations will open three months in advance, three blocks at a time. For example, visitors hoping to visit the park in April will need to reserve a spot starting January 3. There will also be a small number of last-minute tickets offered daily for the following day, as Not everyone can plan. their visit so far.
The Timed Entry Program will not apply to holders of camping permits, concession agreements or other special arrangements.
Arches is not the only national park to have announced new regulations for 2022.
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