Sr. Lawson et Re. Manning, Solitude versus access: A study of tradeoffs in outdoor recreation using indifference curve analysis, LEISURE SCI, 23(3), 2001, pp. 179-191
Tradeoffs are an inherent part of many of the decisions faced by outdoor re
creation visitors and managers. For example, decisions concerning the socia
l carrying capacity of popular attraction sites involve potential tradeoffs
between limiting visitor use to ensure a high quality experience and allow
ing high levels of visitor use to ensure that large numbers of visitors ret
ain access to park and outdoor recreation resources. This study uses indiff
erence curve analysis to evaluate the tradeoffs that visitors prefer to mak
e between solitude and access at Delicate Arch, Arches National Park. Study
findings facilitate more informed judgments by Arches National Park manage
rs regarding appropriate recreation opportunities at Delicate Arch. Specifi
cally, this research quantifies the tradeoff preferences of visitors to Del
icate Arch and provides a theoretically and empirically informed basis for
establishing a social carrying capacity for this site.