“With fall coming in and the cooler weather, it’s finally time to get back outside and enjoy these parks without melting,” says Alex Keeling, head of Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks.
If you’re looking for a reason to hit the trails, their “Trails and Talks” series has two fall hikes lined up. The first hike on October 8 focuses on how social science shapes park decisions. Don’t worry, it’s not as technical as it sounds.
Amy Tendick, a visitor-use planner for the Southeastern Utah Group, will explain how data about visitor behavior helps inform decisions about how the parks are managed, from crowd control to protecting natural resources.
Whether you’re curious about why the parks have a timed entry system or how they plan for large crowds, this hike gives you the chance to ask experts directly.
“This topic is a more technical than some of our hikes, but it’s such a good way to get a behind- the-scenes look at how every- thing works,” she explained.
The hike will take place at Delicate Arch Viewpoint, one of the park’s most visited spots. It’s a prime location for discussing how the parks handle heavy foot traffic, why certain parking lots are built where they are, and other logistical decisions that keep the parks running smoothly.
Keeling explained that this year, the group is experimenting with different times for the hikes. The October 8 hike will take place at midday, while the November 12 hike will happen later in the day.
Since space is limited, registration is a must. The hikes are capped at just 10 people each, making them an intimate experience. “It’s something that we really enjoy putting together,” Keeling said. “If people want to see more opportunities to attend Trails and Tales, we’d love to hear from them!”
While the hikes are free, they are donation-based, with funds supporting the Friends’ efforts to preserve and maintain the parks. To register, find the EventBrite link on the Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks Facebook page or go to bit.ly/OctTrails.
