YNP Visitation Down Slightly

The National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics Office is reporting a slight decline in visits to Yellowstone National Park last month.  While there is no ready analysis for why that decline took place, the month was marked by numerous wildfires in the area which resulted in considerable smoke throughout the region.  The decline was rooted in the number of recreational visits to the park with 1.6% fewer visitors to the park.  A minimal increase in non-recreational visits failed to make up the difference, and so total visitations were down 1.2%.  Year-to-date, Yellowstone has seen a 2% increase in visitation which still puts the year among the highest in visitations historically.  Later this month, park roads will begin to close for the season as the park prepares for the upcoming winter tourist season.