In June 2025, Zion National Park, one of Utah’s most iconic natural wonders, found itself at the center of a heated debate. The U.S. Department of the Interior, following an executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” mandated signs across national parks, including Zion, asking visitors to report “anti-American” content. These signs, equipped with QR codes for anonymous feedback, urged people to flag any displays or information deemed negative about America’s past or present. The initiative sparked widespread reactions, but how park visitors responded when asked to report anti-American signs at Zion National Park revealed a strong defense of historical truth and appreciation for the park’s staff.
A Call to Rewrite History Sparks Outrage
The executive order, issued in March 2025, aimed to remove content that “inappropriately disparages Americans” while emphasizing the “beauty, grandeur, and abundance” of U.S. landscapes. At Zion, signs appeared at key locations like the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and trailheads, prompting visitors to report anything they found unpatriotic. Instead of complying, many visitors expressed dismay. They criticized the initiative as an attempt to sanitize history, particularly at sites like Zion, where Native American heritage and geological history are central to the park’s narrative.
Visitors to Zion, known for its towering sandstone cliffs and vibrant ecosystems, were quick to voice their concerns. Many argued that the park’s role is to educate, not to gloss over complex or painful parts of American history. For instance, the Zion Human History Museum highlights the Paiute Indians and early Mormon pioneers, offering a balanced view of the region’s past. Guests felt that altering this narrative would undermine the park’s educational mission.
Visitors Defend Zion’s Historical Integrity
Feedback from Zion’s visitors, collected via QR codes and other reporting methods, showed a clear trend. Rather than pointing out “anti-American” signs, people praised the National Park Service (NPS) for its commitment to truth. Comments highlighted the importance of learning from history, including its darker chapters. One visitor noted, “Zion’s displays about Native American history are vital. Erasing them would be the real disservice to America.” Others expressed frustration with the signs themselves, calling them an overreach that pressured rangers to censor vetted information.
At Zion, where 4.62 million people visited in 2023, the response was overwhelmingly protective of the park’s storytelling. Guests appreciated the rangers’ efforts to maintain trails like Angels Landing and the Narrows while educating about the Anasazi and Paiute peoples. Many comments also addressed practical concerns, like understaffing due to recent budget cuts, rather than ideological issues. Visitors urged the government to hire more rangers and improve facilities, such as the shuttle system, instead of focusing on historical revisions.
Broader Implications for National Parks
The reaction at Zion mirrors a national trend. Across other parks, like Yellowstone and Manzanar, visitors similarly refused to flag “negative” content. Instead, they criticized the initiative as un-American for stifling honest historical reflection. At Zion, some pointed out that the park’s petroglyphs and cultural exhibits celebrate America’s diverse heritage, not disparage it. The push to report anti-American signs backfired, with feedback emphasizing the need for more inclusive history, such as greater recognition of Indigenous contributions.
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) echoed these sentiments, calling the signs “chilling” and a threat to the NPS’s mission. Zion’s superintendent, Jeff Bradybaugh, has emphasized the park’s role in preserving both natural and cultural heritage. Visitors seem to agree, with many expressing gratitude for the park’s ability to connect them to America’s complex story through its landscapes and history.
What’s Next for Zion National Park?
As of late June 2025, the signs remain in place, but the NPS has not reported any significant changes to Zion’s displays based on visitor feedback. The controversy has sparked broader discussions about the role of national parks in education versus propaganda. Zion, with its 146,597 acres of wilderness and cultural significance, continues to draw millions who value its authenticity. The backlash suggests that visitors want the park to remain a place of learning, not revisionism.
For now, Zion’s rangers are caught in a tough spot, balancing federal directives with their commitment to truth. The park’s management is also grappling with practical challenges, like repairing the Emerald Pools Trail and addressing overcrowding. Yet, the overwhelming visitor support offers hope that Zion’s mission to educate and inspire will endure.
Join the Conversation
Visit Zion National Park and experience its history and beauty firsthand. Share your thoughts on preserving our national parks’ stories—comment below or use the park’s feedback channels to support honest storytelling.