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Too Many Tourists!

Big crowds are putting a strain on America’s national parks. 

As You Read, Think About: What can visitors do to help protect national parks?

America’s national parks are known for their stunning nature and wildlife. But these days, visitors might also find long lines of cars. They’re likely to see litter on packed hiking trails. And they might come across other people getting too close to animals to take selfies.   

In 2023, parks in the National Park System had more than 325 million visitors. That was about 13 million more visitors than the parks saw the year before. More people can often mean more problems. 

“If all those people left trash behind or fed wildlife or were not considerate of the other visitors, that would be a really messy park,” says JD Tanner. He’s the director of education and training at Leave No Trace. The organization encourages people to protect the outdoors.

As crowds get bigger, the National Park Service (NPS) has a challenge. It must balance people’s enjoyment of its parks with its mission of protecting these special places. But the NPS can’t do it alone. Visitors play an important role too.

Crowd Control

The NPS is taking steps to alleviate some of the problems that come with overcrowding. This summer, several parks will use a timed-entry system. That will limit the number of visitors. Tourists must book a certain time slot to enter the parks. 

The NPS advises people to visit parks during less-busy times. It also encourages the public to avoid big crowds by exploring lesser-known parks.

“You probably have a lot of amazing state parks or city parks in your backyard,” Tanner says.

Parks are also cracking down on bad behavior. For example, visitors are no longer allowed to hike to Hyperion. That’s the world’s tallest living tree. People in Redwood National Park in California had trampled the forest around the tree. They left behind trash and human waste. Now anyone who gets too close to the tree could be fined $5,000 and face six months in jail. 

Shutterstock.com

Back Away from the Bison! The National Park Service requires people to stay at least 75 feet away from wildlife.

Keep Your Distance

The NPS is also educating people about dealing with the parks’ wildlife. Last June, officials at Yellowstone National Park issued a statement urging visitors to keep a safe distance from the animals. It came about a week after tourists in the park put a baby elk in their car. (The calf escaped.) Later that summer, a bison attacked a woman in the park. Tanner says many tourists don’t realize that the animals aren’t there for entertainment.

“They see other people have posted cute pictures on social media,” Tanner explains. “They’re not thinking that at any minute, the animal could decide to defend itself or its babies that might be nearby.”

Know Before You Go

Leave No Trace has tips for safely enjoying the outdoors (see “Protect Our Parks”). Above all, Tanner says, it’s about respecting others and nature. 

“Let’s be stewards of those spaces and really think about the folks that are coming after us,” Tanner says.

Protect Our Parks

Enjoying nature shouldn’t mean disturbing it. Here are some tips for visiting a national park—or any natural area.

Choose the Right Path 
Use existing campsites and trails. Don’t make your own! Steer clear of flowers and small trees. Once damaged, they may not grow back.

Trash Your Trash
Put litter and leftover food in trash cans or carry it home with you.

Leave What You Find

Don’t touch plants, rocks, or historical items. Leave them as you find them for the next person to enjoy. 

Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a safe distance and never approach, follow, or feed them. Human food is unhealthy for animals. Feeding them can alter their natural behavior and put people at risk.


Source: Adapted from Leave No Trace’s Seven Principles and its PEAK (Promoting Environmental Awareness for Kids) Online program

  1. How does a timed-entry system work? What is the main purpose of the new timed-entry system at some national parks?
  2. What are some examples of bad behavior that visitors at national parks have engaged in, according to the article?
  3. Based on the article and its sidebar, “Protect Our Parks,” what do you think is the meaning behind the name of the group Leave No Trace?
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