Visiting national parks can be beneficial. It allows one to enjoy nature’s beauty and provides a source of physical activity. Being close to nature helps you escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, helping you clear your mind to relax and meditate. 

Just as we depend on national parks to preserve nature, the parks also rely on us, needing visitors to survive. Like any public institution, parks depend on public interest, support, and funding.

The Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, which offers scenic views and fun activities, is worth visiting. However, paying a visit has recently become more difficult because the number of people allowed in the park per day has been reduced. With its timed permit system, only around 60% of the maximum park capacity may enter during certain times.

Some national park limits their guests to help stop decay and pollution. However, this may not be the best solution and has the potential to cause more harm than good in the long run. 

Wildlife viewing and outdoor activities are popular income-generating sectors that will see a reduction. In addition, park-goers promote their amazing photos and experiences on social media, encouraging more visitors to attend as well as political and financial support.

While the national parks limiting guests for preservation is understandable, there are more viable conservation efforts that could be explored. The park could emphasize environmentally friendly activities such as flora and fauna viewing, canoeing and swimming, hiking, and camping rather than destructive ones like hunting. 

They should implement stricter enforcement against littering and campaigns on “leaving no trail” to minimize waste. The deterioration and pollution of national parks can also be attributed to natural calamities and activities outside park premises. Reducing capacity will not necessarily be the solution. 

Allowing fewer people inside the Rocky Mountain National Park is ineffective in mitigating decay and pollution. We should welcome more attendees and educate them, especially in times like these. Encouraging new visitors to donate, volunteer, and work with the park so that it can be around for future generations is the better option!