National Parks Crowded Despite Cutbacks

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Grand Teton and Yellowstone national park officials say they were crowded over the past year, despite smaller staffs, decreased services and a government shutdown.

Grand Teton, with an estimated 2.7 million recreational visitors, had the sixth-busiest year in its history.

Yellowstone reported about 3.2 million visitors, the fifth-busiest year in its storied history.

According to the Jackson Hole News & Guide, park officials say both tourist destinations could have ended up at the top of their visitation charts if not for the government shutdown.