Yellowstone National Park, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the United States, has experienced significant changes in visitation over the past few years. From the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to ongoing construction projects and a historic flood event, the park has seen a rollercoaster of visitor numbers. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore the latest Yellowstone National Park tourism statistics and uncover the factors driving these trends.
Annual Visitation to Yellowstone National Park
The annual visitation to Yellowstone National Park has fluctuated in recent years, with the following key statistics:
- 2021: 4,860,537 recreation visits, up 28% from 2020, making it the busiest year on record.
- 2020: 3,806,306 visits, with the park closed from March 24 to May 18 due to COVID-19.
- 2019: 4,020,288 visits.
- 2018: 4,115,000 visits.
- 2017: 4,116,524 visits.
- 2016: 4,257,177 visits.
Monthly Visitation Trends
The monthly visitation patterns to Yellowstone National Park have also shown some interesting trends:
- June 2023: 847,864 recreation visits, a 61% increase from June 2022 and an 8% increase from June 2019.
- 2023 (through June): 1,493,510 recreation visits, up 19% from 2022 and up 10% from 2019.
Factors Affecting Yellowstone National Park Visitation
Several key factors have influenced the visitation trends at Yellowstone National Park in recent years:
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Yellowstone National Park’s visitation. The park was closed for several weeks in 2020 and 2022 due to the pandemic, leading to a sharp decline in visitor numbers during those years.
Construction Projects
Ongoing construction projects within the park have also affected visitation. In 2021, the availability of campsites and hotel rooms was reduced, leading to more visitors leaving the park to overnight elsewhere and then returning.
Historic Flood Event
In June 2022, a historic flood event caused the park to be closed for about two weeks, directly impacting visitation during that month.
Visitor Use Strategy
Yellowstone National Park is actively addressing the challenges posed by increasing visitation. The park is focusing on the impacts on park resources, staffing, infrastructure, visitor experience, and gateway communities. Some of the key initiatives include:
Resource Management
The park is closely monitoring the impacts of rising visitation and implementing strategies to manage the influx of visitors while preserving the natural resources and visitor experience.
Shuttle System Feasibility Study
A pilot AV shuttle system was tested in 2021, and a major shuttle feasibility study is underway to analyze the viability of a shuttle system in the Midway Geyser Basin corridor, which is one of the park’s most heavily visited areas.
Economic Impact of Yellowstone National Park Visitation
The influx of visitors to Yellowstone National Park has a significant economic impact on the region. According to the data:
- Visitor Spending: National park visitors spent roughly seven billion U.S. dollars on lodging and four billion on restaurants and bars in 2021.
Conclusion
Yellowstone National Park’s visitation statistics have been a rollercoaster ride in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic, construction projects, and a historic flood event all playing a role in shaping the trends. As the park continues to grapple with the challenges of increasing visitation, it is implementing strategies to manage the impacts and preserve the natural wonders that draw millions of visitors each year.
Reference:
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/22003.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/23024.htm
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/visitationstats.htm