SALT LAKE CITY — During this hot labor day weekend, many Utahns are ready to get outdoors — whether it's to a beautiful vista or a dip in the lake.
But it is creating some complications — Utah's State and National Parks are seeing a lot of visitors and reaching capacity quickly.
Arches National Park filled up by 9 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday and was only intermittently open to entry throughout the day.
State Parks had a similar issue.
"Many if not most of our state parks are reaching capacity," Utah State Parks spokesman Eugene Swalberg told FOX 13.
Swalberg added that parks are running at a reduced capacity because of COVID-19 concerns already limiting the number of people allowed in.
Officials are asking Utahns to recreate safely with the increased numbers of people in parks — both with virus concerns and general safety. They said it is important to keep an eye out and take precautions like wearing a helmet or life jacket when needed.
Social distancing and wearing masks when possible are also urged.
"If we do all those things together, then we certainly reduce the chances of any kind of spread," Swalberg said.
Officials are asking visitors to check individual parks' websites for Monday’s busy day as well to get the latest information.
