National Parks Contribute Record $3.2 Billion to California Economy Despite Growing Challenges

California national parks in 2023 attracted 36.2 million park visitors who spent an estimated $3.2 billion in areas surrounding the parks, according to a new report from the National Park Service (NPS). The spending supported 39.7 thousand jobs, $2.0 billion in labor income, $3.2 billion in value added, and $5.1 billion in economic output in the California economy.

The study underscored the significant economic benefits these public lands provide, even as parks grapple with budget shortfalls, overcrowding, and the impacts of climate change, raising concerns about their long-term sustainability.

“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams in a press release. “And I’m just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.”

The report, titled 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, found that 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in areas surrounding national parks nationwide last year. The lodging sector saw the highest economic output, with $9.9 billion generated and 89,200 jobs supported. Restaurants followed, benefiting from $5.2 billion in spending and 68,600 jobs. In California, $1.2 billion was spent on lodging and $684 million at restaurants.

The findings highlight national parks’ integral role in supporting local economies, particularly in rural communities where tourism is a crucial industry.

Despite their economic impact, many national parks are struggling to keep up with the demands of increasing visitation. Popular destinations like Yosemite and Joshua Tree are particularly affected, with visitor numbers stretching resources thin and putting pressure on park infrastructure.

For example, in recent years, Yosemite has seen around 4 million visitors, and Joshua Tree has over 7 million visitors annually, leading to traffic congestion, long wait times, and significant wear and tear on trails and facilities.

Joshua Tree Visitation 2013 – 2023:

This surge in visitation comes at a time when the National Park Service is facing nearly $12 billion in deferred maintenance. Federal funding has not kept pace with the growing needs of the park system, leading to staff shortages and delayed repairs on critical infrastructure. A spending bill passed by the House in July proposes to cut $210 million from the NPS budget, exacerbating these challenges.

To address some of these financial pressures, the National Park Foundation (NPF) is raising money, including a $100 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the largest donation in the foundation’s history.

The grant is intended to support initiatives that preserve and enhance national park sites nationwide. While the exact distribution of funds has yet to be announced, the NPF has indicated that priorities will include restoring ecosystems, improving visitor experiences, and supporting park workers. California’s parks, which are among the most visited in the nation, are expected to benefit from this funding.

The rise in park visitation has been fueled in part by social media, which has dramatically increased the visibility of national parks over the past decade. Parks with high social media exposure have seen visitation rates increase by as much as 22%, according to recent studies.

This has contributed to overcrowding in certain areas, leading to environmental degradation and strained resources. Parks like Zion, Joshua Tree, and Yellowstone are particularly vulnerable, as the sheer volume of visitors threatens the fragile ecosystems they aim to protect.

Looking ahead, the challenge for the National Park Service and its partners are looking to balance the economic benefits of high visitation with the need for sustainable management. The NPF’s recent grant may provide some relief, but experts agree that additional public and private support will be necessary to preserve these iconic landscapes for future generations.