QR code setups at Zion National Park are causing frustration among guests. The setup aims to flag disparaging history about America. However, many visitors feel as though the U.S. government is giving Zion the cold shoulder in other areas that need more care, like its toilets, which have resulted in “traumatizing” discoveries from visitors.
Along with the toilets, there is the feeling that park rangers could be making better use of their time, instead of reviewing information about disparaging history. So far, hundreds have responded to the QR code setups, but the responses haven’t exactly matched what the government intended with last year’s Executive Order.
National Parks Have Used QR Codes For Complaints Revolved Around Content That Disparages America’s History
On March 27, 2025, the U.S. government released the Executive Order, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. Executive Order 14253 mandated that the National Park Service eliminate disparaging information about America’s history.
The order states that “Americans have witnessed a concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history, replacing objective facts with a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth.” The goal of the new order is to focus on the “greatness” of the American people.
The order states, “The Secretary of the Interior shall: take action, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to ensure that all public monuments, memorials, statues, markers, or similar properties within the Department of the Interior’s jurisdiction do not contain descriptions, depictions, or other content that inappropriately disparage Americans past or living (including persons living in colonial times), and instead focus on the greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people or, with respect to natural features, the beauty, abundance, and grandeur of the American landscape.”
In its crackdown on the order, park rangers set up QR codes for complaints related to the Executive Order. The result at Zion National Park hasn’t been positive. Although visitors are responding, the answers aren’t exactly what the U.S. government intended.
Zion National Park Visitors Have Taken Exception To The Park Rangers’ Priorities And Shortages
Of the 227 entries at Zion National Park, most visitors took exception to other issues. In a News Tribune release, one visitor pointed out that park rangers were wasting time with the “feedback signs” while care was needed elsewhere in the park.
“Feeling frustrated that I am watching rangers out in the park hanging up these ‘feedback signs’ when there’s one entrance gate open that takes 30 minutes to get through at minimum. Really seems like more rangers are needed, the workforce feels slim and stressed,” the visitor wrote.
Another visitor shared the same sentiment. The crackdown on American history should not be the priority. Instead, staffing shortages, improved resources, and the registration system remain the major dilemmas at several parks, not just Zion National Park.
“The truth and sanity of American history is embodied in the mission of the National Park Service, as stated on the visitor center exhibit. This park needs more resources, more staff, and a reservation system to manage visitation.”
As for the other 200-plus comments, many used the QR code signs to post sarcastic remarks, specifically taking aim at the U.S. Department of the Interior and the federal government.
Visitor Feedback Via Zion National Park QR Codes
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-“Rangers: 10/10. Keep up the great work! Sec. Department of Interior/Doug: 0/10” |
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-“So much negativity about mountain lions who just want to cuddle.” |
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-“There is a spot close to landing that has a bunch of fire ants that block a trail so please give them a quick death.” |
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-“Doug Burgum hikes in crocs.” |
The reactions were similar at other national parks nationwide, taking exception to the mandate and current status of park rangers, occupying their time on such an agenda.
How Visitors At Other National Parks Are Reacting To The QR Code Reports
Bryce Canyon National Park received over 170 entries. Visitors got creative with comments, using David Bowie’s Magic Dance lyrics, according to the News Tribune. Others bluntly reminded the government that all people should be included in their assessments.
A visitor wrote at Bryce Canyon National Park, “The NPS should represent all people and all history!”
At Arches National Park, a guest writes a complaint aimed at the treatment of park rangers. Regarding repairs, the guest suggests that repairing the paychecks of park rangers would be a priority.
“Paychecks of park rangers seem to be in need of repair. Maybe add another 0 to the end of each one for putting up with the current government?”
The QR code setups continue to have the opposite impact on guests arriving at national parks across the U.S. At Zion National Park, visitors’ reactions are clear: the U.S. government is placing the emphasis on the wrong issues and taking away from the work of park rangers.
