A massive line of cars wait in traffic to enter Zion National Park in the southern part of Utah in the United States. Midway in the line of traffic is a sign with the park’s name on it. In the background is a cliff of red rocks that the region is known for. Green trees tower over the cars.

The rise of ‘Zoom Towns’ in the rural west

COVID-19 has accelerated a trend of rapid growth in western gateway communities. This “amenity migration” is causing urgent planning challenges.