America’s 63 national parks became Instagram obsession in the 2010s. #FindYourPark campaign (2015) drove record visitation—and overcrowding concerns.

Visitation Boom

• 2010: 281 million visits
• 2016 (Centennial): 331 million (record)
• 2019: 327 million
• 2020: 237 million (COVID drop)
• 2021: 297 million (revenge travel)

Instagram’s “Mighty Five” (Utah)

1. Zion: Angels Landing (permit required 2022)
2. Bryce Canyon: Hoodoos photography
3. Arches: Delicate Arch sunset
4. Canyonlands: Mesa Arch sunrise
5. Capitol Reef: Least crowded

Most Instagrammed Parks

1. Yosemite (Half Dome, El Capitan)
2. Grand Canyon (South Rim views)
3. Yellowstone (Old Faithful, bison)
4. Rocky Mountain (alpine lakes)
5. Glacier (Going-to-the-Sun Road)

Overcrowding Solutions

• Timed entry: Yosemite, Glacier, Arches (2020+)
• Lottery permits: Angels Landing, Half Dome
• Shuttle requirements: Zion Canyon
• Reservation systems: Camping 6 months advance

COVID Impact

Park visitation exploded 2020-2021 as Americans sought outdoor escapes. RV rentals sold out. Camping sites booked instantly.

Related Hashtags

#FindYourPark #NPS #OptOutside #PublicLands #GetOutside

Sources:

• https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/annual-visitation-highlights.htm
• https://www.npr.org/