Canyonlands National Park

All but one of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks had an increase in visitors from the previous year. At the same time, concerns linger about how federal job cuts might impact park crowds.

St. George is on track for its driest winter ever, and southwest Utah’s snowpack stands at record lows.

After a COVID-19 slump, Utah’s parks have seen record visitors, with spending to match, every year since 2021.

The fall of the Toilet Bowl at Lake Powell is a sad reminder that the spectacular geological arches that dot southern Utah’s landscape aren’t guaranteed to be there forever.

St. George and other southern Utah hot spots experienced relentless heat in July. Scientists say it’s another sign of how climate change — fueled by greenhouse gas emissions — is impacting Utah.

Tourists continue to flock to parks in Utah and other southwestern states during the hottest months of the year, even as officials caution that hiking in extreme heat poses serious health risks.

In annual reports sent to Dark Sky International, Utah’s national and state parks list light pollution from development and tourism as the main threat to maintaining their certification.

Tourism’s growth has been both a blessing and a curse for surrounding rural communities as southern Utah’s national parks continue to bring people in.

A lithium exploration proposal near Canyonlands National Park in southeast Utah has prompted concerns about how the project would affect the area’s natural landscape.

Utah is putting together its first-ever statewide strategic plan for funding and sustaining outdoor recreation. But first, it’s launching a series of tour stops to get local feedback from around the state as it pinpoints the challenges and opportunities the plan should address.

This summer compared to last year there’s been about a 25% dip in visitors entering the park, according to park data.

National Park Service officials in Utah don’t expect a catastrophic flood, but they are preparing for other calamities.