I’m planning to visit the Maze district of Canyonlands National Park later this month and, yes, it’s a pain to apply for, pay for and receive a permit for a vehicle camping permit there. But the complicated permit process is well worth it, because it guarantees a unique and rewarding backcountry experience for those who plan ahead.
The Maze Area (as well as the Needles area to the east) boast some of the most intriguing scenery of all of Utah’s red-rock type national parks. But what makes it even more special is its remoteness, tranquility and lack of crowds due to the current restrictions of which types of vehicles can enter the area.
Recently the Park Service has received a directive from the Trump administration to allow all kinds of motorized vehicles, including ATV’s and the like, on all park roads. This directive is a huge mistake because these smaller vehicles are so much noisier and often can travel faster than a regular four-wheel drive SUV.
The resulting higher number of vehicles would not only decrease the current peacefulness of the area, but the number of visitors to the area would also drastically increase, thus diminishing the visitor backcountry experience.
James W. Thompson, Salt Lake City