(CNN) — One of America’s most popular national park hikes will require a permit as of 2022.
“Angels Landing is one of the most iconic destinations in Zion National Park and issuing permits will make going there fair for everyone,” National Park Service (NPS) superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh said in a statement.
He added: “The system we’ve put in place will reduce crowding on the trail, address safety concerns and make it easy for visitors to plan ahead.”
The lucky visitors who get permits will then need to pay $3 per person. The fees go toward supporting the park rangers who will handle crowd flow and permit checks.
Bradybaugh confirms that the new permit system is a work in progress and encourages feedback from visitors once it begins.
Angels Landing was previously called the Temple of Aeolus.
Jud Burkett/The Spectrum/AP
Overcrowding has been a significant issue.
Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles, chief spokesperson for the NPS, told CNN that 2021 “will be one of our busiest summers and busiest years ever.”
In addition to the erosion that can be caused by too many pairs of boots walking the same trails, overcrowding can also cause problems in the short term.
Many inexperienced campers and hikers visited NPS sites this year, some of whom left behind trash, posted graffiti or disobeyed other park rules. Unprepared visitors can also run out of water, injure themselves or require emergency services.
Zion National Park had about 4.5 million visitors in 2019, according to NPS data.