A national park in eastern Utah famed for its sandstone arches along the Colorado River
Over the past weeks, Yosemite National Park has faced record crowds after scrapping the seasonal vehicle reservation system. Data show long entrance backups and crowded parking, with officials defending real-time traffic management while critics warn of gridlock and safety risks.
Trump's orders have reduced national monument sizes in Utah, reopening decades-long battles over land protections under the Antiquities Act. Biden previously restored boundaries and expanded protections, while legal questions about unilateral changes persist. The shift has sparked backlash from conservationists and tribes, and from Utah officials seeking more development room.