Zion is similar too. One canyon sees most of the traffic. And anywhere with a visitor center, etc should be closed off.

Canyonlands and similar areas are very remote and very large with chances to go days without seeing people. I think they would be better off defining boundaries by closing overly popular trailheads or particular access roads.

I definitely respect the spirit and intent of not burdening these small towns, or any place really. I had a 3 week Maui trip planned starting on Sunday and what made us a choose to opt out (above everything else) was their plea on the island for no new visitors to come.