Zion sets record for number of visits

ZION NATIONAL PARK (AP) — A record number of visits were made to Zion National Park last year.

The park's 2.7 million visits were 1.7 percent more than 2008.

Park officials say some of the uptick could be attributed to Zion's centennial celebration last summer.

Zion's backcountry is also seeing more visitors. Last year, those harder-to-reach areas saw a 17 percent increase in visitation over 2008.

The park has set four visitation records since 2002.

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