As gas prices rise above $5 a gallon in Las Vegas and inflation remain elevated, economists have attributed this drop in tourism to national parks in and around Nevada. National Park Service data shows that national parks generated over $430 million in economic benefit but visitation has declined at several major sites over the past two years. The Grand Canyon, a popular stop for tourists making brief and extended visits tied to Las Vegas, saw visitation drop by nearly half a million people from 2024 to 2025. Death Valley National Park saw a decrease of more than 100,000 visitors over the last year. Gokce Soydemir, an economist at Stanislaus State University, said higher oil prices can quickly show up in broader costs. The slowdown can affect park entrances, hotels, tour operators, and businesses that rely on travelers.