The National Parks Service saw a record high of 331.9 million visits in 2024, but government layoffs at U.S. national parks, particularly nearby Arches and Canyonlands, could affect travelers. Canadian tourists are canceling trips due to President Trump’s tariff plans and potential American visitors are concerned about federal job cuts impacting the parks. While some support the job cuts in hopes of reducing federal oversight in public lands, others, including businesses in the area, are worried about the impact on tourism and park maintenance.
Residents of Moab, Utah, an outdoorsy community heavily reliant on federal lands, have expressed concerns about the cuts affecting the services and upkeep of the popular parks. With about 40,000 federal workers in Utah, the cuts have led to uncertainty for businesses and residents, who depend on seasonal tourism. While Trump has promised to hire more seasonal workers, the uncertainty still remains, leading to fears of a lack of services, park maintenance, and enforcement.
Despite the cuts, some visitors to Arches National Park have not noticed any significant impact. While the park is planning to implement a timed entry system, visitors are still able to explore the park, although some facilities may be closed or have limited services. Visitors, like a couple from Phoenix, support the idea of reducing government size but are concerned about the potential impact on park safety and maintenance. Overall, many visitors feel that their tax dollars are well spent on the maintenance and operation of the National Park system.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
