Skip to main content
Other
Outdoor recreation use of the Central Wasatch: Results from the 2021-2022 visitor use survey
(2023)
  • Jordan W. Smith, Utah State University
  • Chase C. Lamborn
Abstract
The outdoor recreation opportunities offered in the canyons of the Central Wasatch are some of the most iconic in Utah. This short report details the findings of a year-long survey effort designed to better understand the visitors and visitor experiences offered within Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and Millcreek Canyon. The analysis shows the national forest lands within the canyons of the Central Wasatch receive roughly 3.2 million visits a year. In comparison, Arches National Park, which is nearly equal in size, receives roughly 1.8 million visitors per year. Despite the high level of use, Central Wasatch visitors are quite satisfied with their experience and the conditions in the canyons. Results also show visitors frequently recreate in the canyons, on average, once per week. Additionally, perceived crowding across all site types is generally low, likely reflecting people’s expectations for the kinds of sites they visit, the types of activities they participate in, and the capacity of the area to accommodate more visitation. These data and findings serve as a base of information that can be used to inform the decisions of both the USDA Forest Service, the many entities represented on the Central Wasatch Commission, and other stakeholders interested in the future of outdoor recreation in the Salt Lake Valley.
Keywords
  • Outdoor recreation,
  • Visitor use monitoring,
  • Central Wasatch
Publication Date
December 18, 2023
Citation Information
Jordan W. Smith and Chase C. Lamborn. "Outdoor recreation use of the Central Wasatch: Results from the 2021-2022 visitor use survey" (2023)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jordanwsmith/31/
Creative Commons license
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC_BY-NC-ND International License.