Good things in life may not be sustainable. National parks are one of America’s best ideas. Yet, some parks are being “loved to death” and cannot endure in a system that previously worked. Park staff instituted a pilot timed entry system three years ago to address overcrowding in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). This change has not been without controversies.
Immediate gratification is not always possible as I learned as a child. Patience and planning sometimes are necessary. This timed entry system is in effect for four months of the year and impacts both tourists and residents because it requires preparation. It does not prevent anyone from coming to the park. It regulates the hours and places where people can go.
As much as I dislike the situation, RMNP cannot withstand the volume of summer visitation that has burgeoned. People enjoying this beautiful place is a good thing. On the other hand, this love affair is creating overcrowding, diminished visitor experiences, and headaches for park staff.
The purpose of the park service is to preserve public land unimpaired for the enjoyment of current and future generations. If visitation remains unregulated, the park may become impaired to the extent it will not be available in its present form for present or future callers.
Little change has occurred in RMNP’s available trails, facilities, law enforcement, and staff resources even though visitation has increased over 50% in the past eight years. The number of people has resulted in overuse and despoiled resources. COVID pushed the park administration to assess options to address problems, and RMNP staff are experimenting with procedures evaluated yearly. Such approaches will not go away unless visitation declines dramatically.
This timed entry situation has not pleased people, and especially local people who expect unlimited access. However, RMNP is a national park and locals are paying no more than visitors living in Texas or Iowa.
I do not want my opportunities restricted. Nevertheless, I do not want the park or any public lands to lose qualities that make them special—well maintained trails, available amenities such as restrooms, natural landscapes of peace and respite, abundant wildlife, helpful staff, and law enforcement. Compromises are necessary.
RMNP and the Estes Valley are different than I anticipated when I moved here. I am, however, grateful for this beautiful land and I support the sacrifices that I will need to make to ensure that this park remains a place of beauty and inspiration for myself as well as for current and future visitors.