I wonder if we can create ways in which this will remain enabled even post the COVID crisis. Limit the amount of visitors, keep the parks open only during certain months of the year, etc.
Lottery systems are already used in some places, but they're very frustrating for those that miss out. Charging makes things less accessible to poorer people. I think tiers of experience are part of the answer - scenic shuttle/route at the easy end up to paid backcountry permits at the challenging end. Parks already do this but I think they could do more.
One thing that can make overrun scenic routes a challenge is parking for photo stops and I suspect a solution to that lies in changing the way people think about photos and documenting their experience.
It's probably changed since, but many years ago I hiked a couple of days in Tiger Leaping Gorge in China. There was a lower route for tourist buses and an upper trail for hikers. Upper route required greater commitment - better fitness, multiple days, guesthouse stop, etc. As both routes were on the same side of a steep gorge, neither was really aware of the other.
I'm excited about the possibility that the covid experience (and data) will strengthen the arguments and motivations for various ecologically sound cultural shifts, but I'm less sure about the specific issue of bears getting comfortable in close proximity to human campgrounds.
One thing that can make overrun scenic routes a challenge is parking for photo stops and I suspect a solution to that lies in changing the way people think about photos and documenting their experience.
It's probably changed since, but many years ago I hiked a couple of days in Tiger Leaping Gorge in China. There was a lower route for tourist buses and an upper trail for hikers. Upper route required greater commitment - better fitness, multiple days, guesthouse stop, etc. As both routes were on the same side of a steep gorge, neither was really aware of the other.