The effect of use limits on backcountry visitation trends in Yosemite National Park

Backcountry use in Yosemite National Park increased drastically during the decade starting in the mid 1960s. In 1975, use reached a maximum of nearly 79,000 visitors and 219,000 visitor nights. Since then use has leveled off to about 89 percent of the peak figures for visitors and 84 percent for visitor nights. This leveling off is attributed primarily to a general trend of decreased popularity of backpacking in California and not to the imposition of use limits. These limits have been effective in shifting use from peak summer months as well as from heavily used trail heads and travel zones.