We would go to places such as Kodachrome Basin, Capitol Reef, Calf Creek or Goblin Valley on the Wednesday before the holiday and have no trouble finding a space for the weekend.
We don't travel as much anymore on Easter week. Perhaps it's because others followed our lead. The advent of reservation systems at state parks made planning ahead essential and then guaranteed big crowds and full campgrounds.
Spring Utah outdoor destinations became more crowded, even if public school and college spring-break schedules throughout the West became more spread out. But events such as the annual Jeep Safari in Moab and art festival in St. George, where thousands of teens still gather right before Easter, make finding a camping spot or hotel room in those areas difficult.
This is not necessarily a bad thing if you are a hotel owner, a state park manager who relies on revenue for improvements or someone who owns a tourist-related business.
There are also times when a big crowd can add to the experience: Jeepers comparing rigs in Moab, thousands of ATV enthusiasts gathering at Little Sahara, groups of folks "Eastering" in the San Rafael Swell or high-school kids following the rules in St. George and enjoying each other's company.
For the average Utah traveler, though, the experience is slightly less enjoyable and certainly more expensive than it once was.
The crowds have forced land-management agencies, particularly the Bureau of Land Management, to require more permits for dispersed camping in undeveloped areas. This is good for the environment but means that spring-break travelers need to do a little research beforehand to make sure where permits are required and where they are not.
Bigger crowds make planning ahead essential.
If you hope to stay in a motel, state park campground or private campground in the St. George, Torrey, Springdale and Moab areas during Easter week, you'd better have a reservation. Otherwise, expect to drive further or be shut out.
There are some ways to beat the crowds as well, though they involve a bit of a risk, largely weather-related.
Places such as Delta, Vernal, Tropic or Cedar City can be good alternatives for accommodations but, if the weather is cold, they can also be miserable for outdoor activities. It's a roll of the dice, especially this year, when Easter falls on March 23.
Overall, the quality of Utah's spring-break outdoor experience has declined slightly over the years, proving the axiom that bigger isn't necessarily better.
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* TOM WHARTON can be contacted at wharton@sltrib.com. His phone number is 801-257-8909. Send comments about this story to livingeditor@sltrib.com.
