Utah's crowded Zion National Park may require reservations

I went to a land use meeting where this was the primary discussion several months back. Arches NP was the primary topic there, but it was also discussed that this was becoming necessary in Zion as well. The proposal that gathered the most support was for a reservation in regards to date, and time at which you would be allowed through the gate in order to prevent the long lines that sometimes go for miles down the road at Arches. The flexibility issue was discussed, along with problems the reservation/lottery creates in places like "The Wave", where people have died from heat exhaustion having to hike in heat they might not venture out in if they felt the didn't have to because of the "reservation" for that specific date.

Unfortunately, crowds are getting to big. There are already limits in many parts of the park implemented through the permit system. Simple fact is there are more people than the park can absorb, and the crowds get bigger every year. Not really any good options that will be fair for, and meet everyone's needs. I think Arches will see visitor limitation plans implement prior to Zion. The news article wasn't really very well researched as it has been discussed for a couple years now:Arches Reservation Proposal