The novel Coronavirus has most Americans staying in their homes, going a little stir crazy, and looking for things to do to pass the time that still adhere to social distancing guidelines. To that end, spending time in the wilderness is a good alternative activity. How are America’s National Parks handling the crisis, and how should we enjoy them responsibly during this historic time?
On Wednesday, the Department of Interior secretary David Bernhardt waived entrance fees for the National Park system, in order to make it easier for Americans to get outside. In most of the vacation towns surrounding some of the remote parks, hotels have been closed, preventing people from traveling from far away. Should you want a National Park adventure near your home, that is an affordable option.
In a press release, the National Park Service said that “The NPS is modifying operations, until further notice, for facilities and programs that cannot adhere to this guidance. Where it is possible to adhere to this guidance, outdoor spaces will remain open to the public.”
Each park is taking different steps to mitigate the risk of the virus, as determined by each park’s superintendent. Parks that are in cities and see heavy crowds, such as the Statue of Liberty or Smithsonian Museums, are closed entirely. Parks that see heavy crowds in more remote locations have opted to encourage social distancing by closing shuttles, visitors centers, and sometimes the park entirely. For example, in Zion National Park, the shuttle system has been closed down, causing long lines for parking. If you do decide to travel to a National Park, please do your best to be mindful of your personal impact. Continue to follow social distancing guidelines, as well as good Leave No Trace guidelines.
We urge you to check the National Park Service website for the National Park of your choice to be sure you are aware of any contingencies that need to be made.