Footsteps Through the Wild: Unraveling the Factors Behind Human Recreational Activities along the Arizona Trail, U.S.A.

According to the National Park Service, the U.S. saw 325.5 million recreational visits in 2023, a 4% increase from 2022. This large number emphasizes the need for accurate tracking of visitor numbers and patterns to help parks and trail organizations plan effectively. However, visitation rates vary regionally and locally by accessibility and access conditions. While intrinsic motivations like relaxation are important, extrinsic factors such as elevation, topographical ruggedness, and highway distance may also influence the choice of the destination. This research note focuses on the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZNST) to examine visitor patterns and trail preferences. The results show that camera traps effectively capture visitor numbers, patterns, and types, helping trail managers improve experiences while protecting the environment. Enhancing the visitor experience can increase visitation, supporting continued protection and reducing the risk of conversion to commercial or extractive uses.