national parks

The high price of gas is leading some Americans to take vacations closer to home in places like national parks.

“It was just a matter of being there, realizing OK, I can't experience this place unless I'm here,” said Brian Evaul, a maintenance supervisor at Big Bend National Park in Texas.

Advocates for the policy say the additional revenue could help the parks, while other park supporters worry the price increase will have knock-on effects.

Some businesses are rebounding after historic flooding in the region. But others are still struggling.

Visitor numbers have skyrocketed at Big Bend, prompting calls for a wilderness designation to better protect the park’s pristine landscape.

The restrictions help manage the continued influx of visitors at places, like Yellowstone and Acadia.

Locals who live near national parks, like Joshua Tree, are seeing more and more housing stock become lucrative short-term rentals.

Lockdowns, public lands closures, supply chain disruptions and travel restrictions took a toll. But many outdoor retailers still had a great year.

Some parks are restricting access to prevent congestion.

Hundreds of parks have closed to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus. But many remain open, and some are even waiving entrance fees.