The Big 5: Utah's National Parks

Sustainability of Ecotourism in the Utah National Parks

America's great national parks are some of the most magnificent lands that cover our nation. Unfortunately, the beauty that spreads across the Mighty Five Utah national parks, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion, have become so popular and well traveled, that the natural lands are beginning to deteriorate. The lack of accountability held by visitors is becoming apparent in these parks; they are being littered with trash and car pollutants, plants and trails are being tainted with the human footprint, and the wildlife are not being treated as such.

From the smooth orange rocks and towering, narrow canyons of Zion to the secluded orchards in Capitol Reef; from the oblong, unparalleled, bright red sediment towers of Bryce Canyon to the neverending stretches of canyons in Canyonlands, these natural wonderlands must be protected from excess tourism and ecotourism damages.

I have a great passion for the national parks service, and a special place in my heart for the Big Five Utah parks, especially after completing a roadtrip in summer of 2021 where I had the opportunity to visit and camp in each park. I chose to create a remixed video to showcase the extraordinary beauty that encompasses these parks, and to visually be able to see how ecotourism and unsustainable travel is affecting the parks. I also created an infographic to educate on how to leave no trace when visiting these national parks. Included in this infographic are some facts and statistics about three of the Mighty Five Utah national parks regarding tourism and sustainability.