The One About Yosemite's Attendance Report

According to this Mercury News article, annual attendance at Yosemite National Park is at a sixteen-year low. Last year, only 3.4 million people visited the park (roughly 9,300 people per day).

Personally (and environmentally), that's great news. Fewer visitors mean less traffic getting there, shorter lines getting in, less traffic in the valley, less people in the village, and less hikers on the trails. All of that translates into a more peaceful, relaxing, and enjoyable experience. Knowing Yosemite has fewer visitors makes me want to visit it more often.

For the park and the National Park Service, fewer visitors mean fewer dollars. That could mean every visit I make in the future could cost more. To cover operating expenses, the park's concessionaire could raise lodging rates, camping fees, and prices for food and souvenirs. To cover budget shortfalls for infrastructure and facility improvements, the park could raise entrance fees.

The higher entrance fees wouldn't affect me this year, since I have a National Parks Pass (NPP) valid through the end of December, but I'll be paying more when I renew next year because the $50 NPP has been discontinued and replaced by the $80 America the Beautiful Pass beginning this month.

Despite potentially higher prices, I can't wait to return to Yosemite, hopefully in the next month or two, while there's snow and Badger Pass is open. I haven't used my pass once this year and it's burning a hole in my pocket. I'm also hoping to make another visit to Yosemite's high country later this year.

If you have a free weekend, I would encourage all of you to visit the park, too, and take advantage of the smaller crowds. And if you aren't within driving distance of Yosemite, then visit park nearest you because the decline in attendance isn't unique to Yosemite; it's a trend affecting the entire national park system.