Too Many People are Going Outside

The increasing number of people going to the same few outdoor recreation sites, especially national parks, is causing problems such as overcrowding, damage to the environment, and strain on local communities.
🚶‍♀️ More Americans than ever are visiting national parks and spending money on outdoor recreation.
🗺️ However, these visitors are increasingly aggregating in a limited number of sites, causing overcrowding and strain on local communities.
🚫 National parks such as Arches have had to close due to overcrowding, and staff are struggling to manage waste and educate visitors.
📷 Tourists are increasingly seeking outdoor experiences not for exploration but for social media validation, leading to a focus on a few specific viral spots.
💼 Despite tourism being a significant source of income for local communities, residents are increasingly frustrated with the negative impacts on their quality of life.