Published on January 15, 2026
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Los Angeles unites with Mono, Washington, Gunnison, San Juan, and other key counties in California, Utah, and Colorado, is facing huge tourism losses as wildfires continue to ravage the U.S. travel sector. The devastating impacts of these fires are forcing these American counties to confront a tourism catastrophe unlike anything seen before. Los Angeles has always been a major tourism hub, but now even this iconic city is struggling, as wildfires relentlessly choke the landscape and reduce visitor numbers.
Mono County, known for its beautiful Sierra Nevada scenery, and Washington County, home to the popular Zion National Park, are both reeling from these losses. The tourism economy in these California, Utah, and Colorado counties is in freefall, with local businesses and tourist spots struggling to stay afloat. The consequences of these fires are widespread, affecting everything from hotels and restaurants to guided tours and retail businesses. Gunnison County, San Juan County, and many more are also witnessing massive declines in visitors, and the economic toll is undeniable.

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This American wildfire crisis has shattered tourism economies, and the travel sector is bracing for even more destruction in the coming years. Stay with us as we explore new reasons behind this devastating economic catastrophe affecting these regions, and why tourism losses could skyrocket even further.

Wildfires Are Destroying U.S. Tourism! The Hidden Economic Catastrophe You Can’t Ignore

Across the United States, wildfires are no longer just devastating landscapes — they’re wrecking local economies, especially in tourist-dependent counties. From the golden shores of California to the majestic national parks of Utah and Colorado, these fires are costing small towns and entire regions hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue, business closures, and job losses. Tourism — the lifeblood of these rural communities — is being obliterated, and there’s no end in sight.

As wildfires rage across the western U.S., the tourism industry is feeling the heat. Parks are closing, smoke is choking the skies, and millions of visitors are canceling their trips. The effects are devastating — and they’re happening right now. These counties, once thriving on the tourism dollars from visitors flocking to iconic national parks, now face an uncertain future. Revenue loss is staggering, with some counties seeing losses in excess of $50 million.

County	Region	Park/Recreation Area	Estimated Loss in Visitor Numbers	Estimated Revenue Loss	Impact Type
Mariposa County, CA	Sierra Nevada	Yosemite National Park	10% decrease in visitation (2025)	$50 million	Reduced visitation due to smoke, park closures
Mono County, CA	Sierra Nevada	Mono Basin, Eastern Sierra	12% decrease in visitation (2025)	$40 million	Seasonal visitation impact, wildfires and smoke
Grand County, UT	Utah	Arches National Park	9% decrease in visitation (2024)	$35 million	Wildfire smoke reducing park visitation
Washington County, UT	Utah	Zion National Park	5% decrease in visitation (2025)	$28 million	Wildfire closure during peak seasons
Gunnison County, CO	Colorado	Black Canyon National Park	10% decrease in visitation (2025)	$15 million	Park closure due to South Rim Fire
Plumas County, CA	Sierra Nevada	Plumas National Forest	6% decrease in visitation (2025)	$12 million	Increased wildfire risk, lower visitation
San Juan County, UT	Utah	Canyonlands National Park	7% decrease in visitation (2025)	$30 million	Reduced visitation due to fire proximity
Los Angeles County, CA	Southern California	Multiple coastal and mountain parks	4% decrease in visitation (2025)	$120 million	Disruptions in hotel bookings, smoke impact
Alpine County, CA	Sierra Nevada	Eldorado National Forest	15% decrease in visitation (2024)	$18 million	Decrease in outdoor recreation due to smoke
Sierra County, CA	Sierra Nevada	Tahoe National Forest	10% decrease in visitation (2025)	$25 million	Economic downturn linked to visitation loss

Is Wildfire the New Pandemic for U.S. Tourism? How Small Counties are Paying the Price

Tourism revenue is one of the biggest casualties of the ongoing wildfire crisis. In areas such as Mariposa County (California), Grand County (Utah), and Gunnison County (Colorado), the economic ripple effects of these fires have been catastrophic. In 2025 alone, some of these areas experienced declines in visitor numbers by up to 12%, sending their economies into freefall. Communities that depend on the millions tourists who visit iconic sites like Yosemite and Arches National Park are now forced to scramble for survival. Smoke from fires has choked the air, leaving visitors with no choice but to cancel their trips, leaving countless businesses and small towns struggling.

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These are not just small losses; these are devastating blows to entire communities that live and breathe tourism. California, Colorado, Utah, and other states are facing a situation that’s nothing short of an economic disaster. The tourism industry in these areas may never fully recover if things don’t change — and soon. Just imagine the thousands of jobs that depend on visitors coming to the parks for hiking, camping, and sightseeing.

Breaking: New Wildfire Reported in Los Angeles County on January 14

A new wildfire has ignited in Los Angeles County on January 14, 2026, sparking immediate concerns as the region grapples with the devastating effects of wildfire season. The fire, which broke out in the Santa Monica Mountains, is rapidly spreading, fueled by dry conditions, strong winds, and the unseasonably high temperatures that have been sweeping through California in recent weeks. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency, and evacuation orders have been issued for nearby communities, including parts of Calabasas and Malibu.
As of the latest reports, the fire has already burned hundreds of acres, with firefighters from multiple agencies, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department, working tirelessly to contain the blaze. The strong winds and drought conditions are making the fire difficult to control, and fire crews are fighting an uphill battle to protect residential areas and critical infrastructure.
The wildfire comes on the heels of an already difficult season, which has seen a dramatic increase in the number and intensity of fires across the state. The Los Angeles tourism sector, already struggling from the economic impact of previous wildfires, now faces an additional blow as the fire threatens to disrupt key tourist destinations and infrastructure. Local businesses, already recovering from past economic challenges, may once again face closures and cancelled bookings, further impacting the region’s tourism economy.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents and visitors to stay updated on evacuation orders and safety protocols as the situation unfolds.

Tourism in Mariposa County Crumbles Amid Wildfire Chaos

Mariposa County, California, home to the breathtaking Yosemite National Park, has been hit the hardest by the wildfire crisis. Mariposa, known for its iconic granite cliffs and sequoia trees, typically thrives on the millions of tourists who visit annually. However, the recent wildfires in 2025 caused an immediate 10% decrease in visitation, leading to $50 million in revenue loss. The fires not only forced Yosemite to close its gates temporarily but also created a choking blanket of smoke that discouraged tourists from coming. For the small town of Mariposa, this is a devastating blow. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour guides, saw their earnings plummet. Thousands of jobs connected to tourism are now at risk.

Mono County Faces $40 Million Loss as Wildfires Devastate Sierra Nevada Tourism

Mono County, another major tourism destination in California, is also feeling the economic sting of wildfires. In 2025, Mono County saw a 12% decrease in visitation, resulting in an alarming $40 million revenue loss. With Mono Basin and the Eastern Sierra as popular travel destinations, tourists flock to Mono County for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. However, due to the Sierra wildfires, tourism plummeted. The smoke covering the entire region forced many travelers to cancel plans, and businesses were left scrambling to recover from the dramatic dip in revenue. For a county that depends heavily on tourism, this wildfire-driven blow is nearly impossible to overcome.

Grand County, Utah: Wildfire Smoke Forces 9% Drop in Tourism

In Grand County, Utah, the iconic Arches National Park — a popular destination for hikers and photographers — is facing an economic crisis due to wildfire-related disruptions. In 2024, the county saw a 9% drop in visitation due to the wildfires that plagued the region. The loss of $35 million in tourism revenue directly impacted local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and tour guides. Wildfire smoke severely reduced the quality of air and safety concerns, causing visitors to abandon their plans. The devastating effects of the fire season aren’t just temporary. It’s becoming a cycle that’s leaving Grand County struggling for economic survival.

Washington County, Utah: Zion National Park Suffers with 5% Visitation Loss

Washington County, home to Zion National Park, has felt the toll of wildfire damage firsthand. In 2025, the county experienced 5% less tourism, resulting in a massive loss of revenue. Zion attracts thousands of visitors annually who come to explore its majestic cliffs and canyons. However, during wildfire seasons, the park has to close its gates to protect visitors and staff. The deteriorating air quality caused by wildfire smoke has also turned many potential tourists away. With hotel bookings down and guided tour cancellations, the $28 million loss in revenue has led to a severe blow for the county’s economy.

Gunnison County, Colorado: Black Canyon National Park Closure Reduces Tourism by 10%

In Gunnison County, Colorado, wildfires have forced closures of Black Canyon National Park, leading to a 10% drop in visitation. The South Rim Fire in 2025 burned thousands of acres, forcing the park to temporarily shut down. As a result, the county saw $15 million in revenue loss. The once-bustling town, which thrives on tourists visiting the park for its dramatic cliffs and hiking trails, has been left empty. The fire season has wreaked havoc, and while the town works hard to recover, it’s clear that the long-term effects of these fires will leave the tourism sector in a fragile state.
Plumas County, California: Sierra Nevada Wildfires Cost Tourism $12 Million
Plumas County, nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, relies on tourists visiting its mountain trails, lakes, and forests. However, wildfires in 2025 decimated the local tourism economy. Plumas National Forest, which attracts a steady stream of outdoor enthusiasts, was hit hard by wildfires, resulting in a 6% decrease in visitation and $12 million in losses. Small businesses, from family-owned inns to local cafes, were forced to close their doors. For Plumas County, these devastating wildfires have meant a long road to recovery.

Alpine County, California: Smoke and Wildfires Cause 15% Decline in Tourism

Alpine County, located near the Tahoe National Forest, has experienced a dramatic 15% decrease in tourism due to the devastating wildfires that ravaged the region in 2025. Visitors who typically come to Alpine County for its scenic beauty, hiking, and skiing have turned away in droves. The thick smoke created an environment that was unappealing and unsafe for many, leading to $18 million in lost revenue. For Alpine County, which survives on tourist dollars, the consequences of this fire season are being felt for years to come.

Sierra County, California: Wildfires Decimate Outdoor Recreation, Leading to $25 Million Loss

Sierra County in California, with its picturesque mountain landscapes, has always been a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. However, recent wildfire seasons have completely derailed tourism in the region. With the Tahoe National Forest severely affected by the fires, Sierra County has seen a 10% decline in visitation, resulting in a staggering $25 million in tourism losses. Hiking trails, campgrounds, and wildlife tours that typically attract thousands of visitors each year have been rendered unsafe or inaccessible. For Sierra County, the long-lasting consequences of wildfire damage are threatening to dismantle the very foundation of their tourism economy.

The Devastating Impact of Wildfires on U.S. Tourism

The wildfires raging across the U.S. have forced counties that depend on tourism to face unimaginable losses. From California to Utah to Colorado, these wildfire disasters have claimed millions of tourism dollars, hundreds of jobs, and thousands of visitors. The short-term effects are devastating, and the long-term consequences may irreparably damage local economies. Small businesses in these counties, including hotels, restaurants, guides, and retail stores, are now facing the harsh reality that the very thing they relied on — tourism — could be gone for good.
Mariposa County, Mono County, Grand County, and other regions across the West have lost millions of dollars in visitor revenue. Their economies, deeply tied to tourism, are being devastated by these fires, with jobs disappearing, businesses shuttering, and whole communities left to pick up the pieces. The U.S. needs to face the reality of how wildfires are changing the landscape of tourism forever.

Why Wildfires Are Slamming Rural U.S. Counties the Hardest: The Shocking Truth

Why are rural counties bearing the brunt of wildfire damage? The answer is simple — these counties rely heavily on tourism. Take Mariposa County in California, for instance. With Yosemite National Park in its backyard, it sees millions of visitors every year. But 2025 wildfires forced closures, and tourism dropped by 10%. That’s $50 million gone in the blink of an eye.
Similarly, Gunnison County, home to Black Canyon National Park, experienced a significant decline in visitation due to the South Rim Fire. A park that usually attracts tourists from across the globe was suddenly a ghost town, leaving local businesses devastated. What about Grand County, Utah? A 9% drop in tourism affected the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, resulting in an estimated loss of $35 million in revenue. That’s tens of millions of dollars flushed down the drain, all because of wildfire smoke and closures.

The Crushing Blow to America’s Iconic Parks: How Wildfires Are Closing the Gates to Paradise

Imagine planning your dream vacation to a place like Zion National Park or Yosemite and arriving only to find that the gates are closed. That’s the harsh reality facing Washington County, Utah, where Zion National Park had to shut down during the peak of fire season in 2025. This loss of access impacted nearly 5% of visitation, which may not sound like much, but when you consider the millions of visitors Zion attracts annually, the impact is enormous.
Moreover, California’s Sierra counties have seen similar impacts. Mono County, for example, suffered a 12% decrease in visitation in 2025, resulting in $40 million in losses. Alpine County saw a 15% decrease in tourism revenue due to the smoke plumes, decimating local businesses that rely on outdoor recreation.
These national treasures — Zion, Yosemite, Arches — and their surrounding areas are no longer just facing floods of tourists but torrential floods of financial losses. And the worst part? The fires continue to rage, and the tourist dollars continue to dwindle.

The Cold Hard Facts: How Wildfires Are Crippling U.S. Tourism Dollars and Jobs

The devastation isn’t just about the immediate loss of visitors. Wildfires cause long-term economic damage. Once the visitors leave, they don’t just take their wallets with them; they take jobs, businesses, and a community’s livelihood. The reduced visitation means less money flowing into local economies. Hotels stay empty, restaurants remain closed, and local guides can’t pay their bills.
Take Mariposa County again, where Yosemite usually generates millions in tourism revenue each year. $50 million in losses doesn’t just affect the tourism businesses; it destroys jobs, forcing layoffs and cutbacks. Tens of thousands of jobs are on the line across California, Utah, Colorado, and other wildfire-prone states. This is no small issue. This is a crisis that threatens the entire tourism industry.

The Devastating Domino Effect: Why Local Businesses Will Never Be the Same Again

The most alarming part of the wildfire crisis is the domino effect that follows. When visitation drops by 10-15%, the impact is felt everywhere. Small businesses that depend on tourist dollars — like mom-and-pop stores, cafes, and bed-and-breakfasts — can’t survive such drops. When tourism suffers, so do local jobs, from the restaurant staff to the guides leading treks and tours. These are not just numbers; these are real people losing their livelihoods.
In Sierra Nevada counties, where wildfire smoke and closures continue to wreak havoc, small towns that rely on visitors to survive have been left in ruins. Local governments struggle to recover the lost revenue, often raising taxes or cutting services to balance their budgets. It’s a nightmare that is now a year-round concern for many communities, not just during the wildfire season.

Wildfires Wreak Havoc on U.S. Tourism: How Devastating Fires Are Destroying Entire Communities and Shutting Down Iconic National Parks

Across the United States, wildfires are no longer a mere summer event — they have become an annual crisis that is shattering tourism economies in some of the most beautiful and beloved destinations in the country. From the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the red-rock canyons of Utah, wildfires are claiming far more than just natural landscapes — they are devastating local economies reliant on tourism, leaving thousands of businesses struggling to stay afloat. The $200 million lost in tourism revenue is just the beginning of a much larger, long-term catastrophe.
In 2025 and 2026, as fires rage across the Western U.S., entire counties that once thrived on visitors to national parks, forests, and recreation areas now face an uncertain future. Cities like Mariposa, Mono, and Grand County, which once flourished from the influx of visitors, now find themselves watching their livelihoods burn away with every wild blaze.
But the real cost isn’t just in economic losses. These fires are also destroying jobs, disrupting lives, and pushing rural communities to the brink. What happens when wildfires not only wipe out entire ecosystems but also decimate the local tourism-dependent economy that thousands rely on? The answer is clear: devastation.

The Climate Change Effect: Why Wildfires Are Becoming Bigger, Hotter, and More Destructive

Wildfires are no longer seasonal events — they are year-round catastrophes that are transforming entire landscapes and economies. The rising global temperatures linked to climate change are driving the unprecedented growth of wildfires, particularly in Western U.S. states like California, Oregon, Washington, and Utah. These states have seen some of the most severe wildfires in recent years, and experts predict this trend will accelerate dramatically in the coming years.
Why? Hotter summers, drier winters, and longer fire seasons create the perfect storm for wildfires. Higher temperatures increase the risk of droughts, which, in turn, dry out vegetation, providing ample fuel for fires. As forests, grasslands, and other natural areas dry out, the fire danger increases exponentially, making it easier for wildfires to spark and spread uncontrollably.

The Ripple Effect on U.S. National Parks and Tourism

One of the hardest-hit sectors by these wildfires is tourism. National parks and recreation areas, often the economic backbone for rural counties, are facing severe closures, smoke contamination, and overall reduced visitation as a result of wildfire activity. Yosemite, Zion, Yellowstone, and Arches National Park — the jewels of the American landscape — are under constant threat. The effects of the wildfire crisis are devastating for local businesses that rely heavily on tourists for survival. From small inns to local restaurants, the impact is staggering.
Mariposa County, home to Yosemite National Park, lost $50 million in revenue in 2025 due to fire-related closures and smoke disruptions. Meanwhile, Mono County, nestled in the Sierra Nevada, saw a 12% decrease in visitation, resulting in a $40 million loss. These losses are more than just numbers; they represent real people losing jobs, small businesses closing their doors, and a long-term economic collapse that will affect these regions for years to come.
Source: calmatters.org
In Grand County, Utah, wildfires led to a 9% drop in visitation at Arches National Park, with an associated $35 million loss. The smoke from these fires kept tourists at bay, and the temporary closures of the park devastated local businesses, which rely on the millions of visitors who travel to Utah’s national parks each year.

The Growing Threat to Tourism Economies in Rural U.S. Counties

In rural U.S. counties, especially those near national parks and recreation areas, the impact of wildfires on tourism is not just a seasonal issue but a long-term economic disaster. Washington County, Utah, home to Zion National Park, saw a 5% decline in tourism due to wildfires in 2025, resulting in $28 million in lost revenue. Similarly, Gunnison County, Colorado, home to Black Canyon National Park, experienced a 10% decrease in visitation due to the South Rim Fire, costing the local economy an estimated $15 million.

These counties are particularly vulnerable because they depend on tourism for their economic survival. When wildfires rage, businesses are forced to close, and hotel bookings plummet. Tourists, concerned about air quality and fire danger, cancel their travel plans, leaving local businesses with empty rooms, closed restaurants, and losses that can’t be easily recovered.

Wildfire Smoke: A Silent Killer of Tourism

Wildfire smoke isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a silent killer of tourism. The presence of smoke can make outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and sightseeing unsafe, leading to cancellations and travel disruptions. Tourists avoid destinations with poor air quality, and this is becoming an ever-larger issue in wildfire-prone regions. In California, Colorado, and Utah, where large wildfires have become the norm, the effect of smoke on tourism is far-reaching. Smoke exposure can make air quality dangerous, forcing cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco to issue health advisories and forcing tourists to cancel their plans.

When smoke blankets the wildlands, national parks and local businesses in surrounding towns suffer. Many tourists will choose to stay away from affected areas to avoid the health risks posed by polluted air. This, in turn, further disrupts the local tourism economy, making it difficult to recover from the fire season.

The Increasing Frequency of Wildfires and Their Economic Consequences

The frequency of wildfires in the U.S. is increasing, and so is their economic impact. In 2025 and 2026, these fires are expected to be larger, hotter, and more destructive than ever before. The consequences for U.S. counties — especially those dependent on tourism — will be catastrophic.
In Sierra County, California, wildfires in 2025 caused a 15% drop in visitation, leading to a $25 million revenue loss. Similarly, Plumas County, which sits in the Sierra Nevada, faced a 6% decrease in tourism, resulting in a $12 million hit to the local economy.

The long-term effects of these fires cannot be underestimated. As the wildfire season grows longer, more areas will experience reduced visitation, park closures, and a decline in tourism-related jobs. Tourism-dependent towns will be left to pick up the pieces as their economies remain stagnant or continue to worsen.

Will Tourism Ever Recover? The Struggle to Revive the U.S. Wildfire-Devastated Economy

Can U.S. tourism bounce back from the wildfire crisis? It’s unlikely to happen anytime soon. The economic loss caused by wildfires is not just about the immediate aftermath — it’s about the long-term shifts in visitor behaviour. With many tourists concerned about health risks from wildfire smoke, and with parks and forests still threatened, it may take decades for some areas to recover fully.
The devastation to tourism economies is something that cannot be ignored any longer. These rural counties, already struggling, are being pushed to the brink. Their once-thriving tourism economies are collapsing, and the recovery process is going to be long and difficult.

A Wake-Up Call for America’s Wildfire-Prone Counties

Wildfires are more than just a seasonal threat; they are economic bombs that destroy local businesses, wipe out jobs, and devastate entire communities dependent on tourism. As smoke fills the skies and parks close their gates, the tourism dollars that once flowed so freely are being drained away, leaving countless people in their wake. The toll on counties like Mariposa, Mono, and Gunnison is immeasurable. These counties need help now — before the tourism economy disappears entirely. Wildfires are threatening to turn America’s favourite vacation spots into ghost towns, and if we don’t act soon, these devastating impacts could become permanent.

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Tags: California wildfires, fire evacuation, los angeles county, Santa Monica Mountains, Tourism Impact

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