#15 - Devan Chavez, Utah Division of State Parks associate director, discusses As visitation to Utah's state parks soars, here's how to beat the crowds
As the call of the wild beckons, the number of visitors to Utah's state parks continues to climb. As a result, officials are asking visitors to do more preplanning and responsible recreating this season.
Devan Chavez, Utah Division of State Parks associate director, tells Host Stephanie DeGraw that Utah's state parks experience a significant increase in tourism yearly. He said that with a 33% rise during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, visitor numbers jumped from 7.9 million in 2019 to 12.9 million in 2024.
"The word is out on Utah, especially Southern Utah. Year over year, especially at state parks, we're seeing increases," Chavez said. "So, know before you go. Check before you outdoor recreate. Look at park conditions before getting on the road. I do not want people to arrive at a park and be surprised that there might be a line or a wait to get in."
