Outdoors
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US Army's 250th birthday: Utahns celebrate state's rich ties to 'America's First National Institution'
Jason Swensen, Deseret News | Posted June 14 - 10:32 p.m. | Save Story
While much of the attention Saturday was focused on the massive military parade in Washington, many Utahns opted to enjoy a sunny morning celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th birthday.
Utah County firefighters sink car in Jordan River to practice water rescue
Sarah Martin, KSL-TV | Posted June 14 - 8:09 a.m. | Save Story
Firefighters in Utah County took a plunge into the Jordan River Friday to train for water rescues involving submerged vehicles and hazardous materials.
Utah's quest to solve Great Salt Lake mystery could lead to a new warning system
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 13 - 3:03 p.m. | Save Story
Utah hopes to have a network of air quality monitors set up soon that could help researchers better understand one of Great Salt Lake's biggest mysteries.
$17K St. George trail project aims to aid hikers, protect ancient sites
Alysha Lundgren, St. George News | Posted June 13 - 12:35 p.m. | Save Story
The city of St. George is home to numerous archeological sites. With the help of a grant from the state, staff are working to protect cultural resources in one such area, so they "last for thousands of years to come."
Zion National Park warns visitors against swimming in Virgin River due to possible toxins
Mori Kessler, St. George News | Posted June 12 - 7:21 a.m. | Save Story
Officials at Zion National Park recently issued an advisory to visitors to not swim or submerge their heads in the water due to possible bacteria spread by algal blooms.
Man dies in river accident near Utah-Arizona border
Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com | Posted June 11 - 4:34 p.m. | Save Story
A man died after he was overtaken by river currents while recreating near the Utah-Arizona border.
How popular were Utah's ski resorts this winter? Here's what the data says
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 11 - 2:49 p.m. | Save Story
Visitation at Utah's 15 ski and snowboard resorts dipped a bit this past winter with less snow in the mountains, but the state's slopes remain as popular as ever.
Deputies warn high temperatures, lack of preparedness can spike search and rescue calls
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted June 10 - 10:15 p.m. | Save Story
As the Wasatch Front reaches in to the 90s, search and rescue volunteers and deputies warn that a little preparedness can help avoid an emergency.
New Jersey man gored by bison in Yellowstone National Park
Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com | Posted June 10 - 8:10 p.m. | Save Story
A man sustained minor injuries after being gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park Tuesday morning.
Section of 'iconic' Zion National Park trail reopens after 2 years of construction
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 10 - 7:39 p.m. | Save Story
A new bridge linking Zion Lodge to one of Zion National Park's more popular trail systems is now open, ending two years of detours in the area.
Most of Utah is in drought. How will that impact fishing this summer?
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 10 - 5:04 p.m. | Save Story
Utah wildlife officials say drought and lower water levels are possible in some fishing areas this summer, but there are ways to plan ahead.
Why Great Salt Lake faces a 'good news, bad news situation' this year
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 10 - 3:02 p.m. | Save Story
Leaders of the state agency that oversees the health of the Great Salt Lake say they're concerned after the lake's levels peaked about 1½ feet below its highest point last year.
Black bear euthanized after multiple sightings in Ogden Valley
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted June 10 - 2:34 p.m. | Save Story
A female black bear was euthanized after the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources received reports of several sightings in the Ogden Valley area over the past week.
Wasatch Front water managers concerned by new usage trends
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 9 - 7:12 p.m. | Save Story
Utah water managers say they're concerned about new water trends that have emerged as the region's irrigation season has gotten off to a warmer and drier start.
From research to restrooms: Summer staffing crunch hits national parks after cuts
Steve Gorman and Tim Reid, Reuters | Updated June 9 - 11:26 a.m. | Save Story
A severe worker shortage in national parks across the country, which have been under budget and understaffed for years, has been made worse by cuts to the federal workforce.
Nurses take action when bear breaks into Pennsylvania retirement home
Madeline Bartos and Christopher DeRose, CNN | Posted June 9 - 6:48 a.m. | Save Story
A juvenile male black bear that broke through a nursing home window in western Pennsylvania earlier this week got more than it bargained for from a few nurses determined to protect their patients.
Which Utah ski resort had the most snow this winter?
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted June 9 - 6:20 a.m. | Save Story
While it wasn't a banner year for snow in Utah this past winter, some ski areas put up solid, even impressive totals for the season.
What do you do if you encounter a moose in the forest?
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted June 8 - 7:33 a.m. | Save Story
Seeing a moose in the wild while hiking or mountain biking is thrilling. But it's also potentially hazardous to your health. You might want to resist the urge to get closer with your cell phone camera.
Salt Lake City Downtown Farmers Market kicks off summer season
Alex Cabrero, KSL-TV | Posted June 7 - 10:33 p.m. | Save Story
When the music starts, stands go up and crowds gather, people know the Salt Lake City Downtown Farmers Market is back, but one sweet treat is standing out this year.
Lifetime achievement: This man swam 10,000 miles and counting
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted June 7 - 5:38 p.m. | Save Story
At nearly age 71, Joe Horton has swum past the 10,000-mile mark, a significant physical and mental accomplishment.
'Every turn reveals something new': Hiking Southern Utah's stunning slot canyons
Erika Oreskovich, CNN | Posted June 7 - 4:17 p.m. | Save Story
At first glance, the desert landscape of Southern Utah seems like a sweeping, sun-baked canvas. But tucked deep within its sandstone folds are narrow slivers of magic.
National Trails Day is this weekend: Here's how you can help support Utah's trails
Caitlin Keith, Deseret News | Posted June 7 - 2:47 p.m. | Save Story
Saturday is National Trails Day, a day for people to give back to and support their local trails. And there is plenty to do for the trails in Utah.
What dog owners need to know about foxtail this summer
Caitlin Keith, Deseret News | Posted June 7 - 9:28 a.m. | Save Story
Bringing pets along for the walk just adds energy to any outdoor adventure. Foxtail may seem like a harmless grass most of the time, but its seedhead can be devastating for dogs and other pets.
New Utah exhibit offers unique perspective on mammoth, other aspects of the ice age
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 6 - 3:03 p.m. | Save Story
Natural History Museum of Utah's newest temporary exhibit serendipitously offers a new lens on the state's newest mascot, and how ice changed Utah.
Vandalism forces temporary closure of field at popular Davis County sports complex
Debbie Worthen, KSL-TV | Posted June 6 - 10:05 a.m. | Save Story
One of the fields at Barnes Park, a well-used sports complex in Kaysville, will be temporarily closed after vandals tore up the grass with what officials believe was an ATV or similar vehicle.
Uinta Triangle: Rescue in the Uinta Triangle
Dave Cawley, KSL Podcasts | Posted June 5 - 5:44 p.m. | Save Story
When a person goes missing in the mountains, minutes matter. This was clear when 3-year-old Benjamin Myrup disappeared from the area of Haystack Lake, just west of the Mirror Lake Highway.
UDOT seeking feedback on trail, road improvements along US 40 in Wasatch, Summit counties
Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com | Posted June 5 - 5:01 p.m. | Save Story
The Utah Department of Transportation is seeking public feedback on trail and road improvements along U.S. 40 in Wasatch and Summit counties.
Why this weekend's Sailfest could be a last hurrah for Great Salt Lake boaters — for now
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 5 - 6:14 a.m. | Save Story
Sailfest is a Great Salt Lake tradition, returning to the lake this weekend. But event organizers fear that this year's event could be the last for the foreseeable future.
Utah's wildfire risks require 'continuous readiness,' new state report finds
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 4 - 3:02 p.m. | Save Story
A new state report, ordered by Gov. Spencer Cox, outlines Utah's wildfire risks and recommendations to prevent future "catastrophic fires."
$3M awarded for Forest Legacy project north of Zion National Park
Bryan Barba, Deseret News | Posted June 3 - 10:05 a.m. | Save Story
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $3 million for a Forest Legacy project in Washington County during its latest round of funding.
First responders share safety warning after 'cold plunge' turns into water rescue
Shelby Lofton, KSL-TV | Posted June 3 - 8:24 a.m. | Save Story
Utah first responders have an urgent warning for everyone: stay out of the water. This comes after firefighters had to pull a man out of a swift-moving creek last weekend.
Photo gallery: Provo River Race
Scott G Winterton, Deseret News | Posted June 2 - 8:31 a.m. | Save Story
A group of whitewater kayakers gathered near Bridal Veil Valls in Provo Canyon Saturday morning to do battle with a section of the Class III–IV waters of the Provo River, and race each other.
What is a quagga mussel and why is it bad?
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted May 31 - 2:43 p.m. | Save Story
The summer boating season brings wakeboarding, fishing and good times on the water. It also brings the dreaded quagga mussel.
Zion officials urge preparedness after several heat-related illness rescues
Emma Benson, KSL-TV | Posted May 31 - 11:23 a.m. | Save Story
With temperatures expected to soar this weekend, Zion National Park officials are urging hikers to be prepared. The warning comes after 13 people had to be rescued in southern Utah for heat-related illnesses.
13 hikers suffering heat illness symptoms rescued in Zion National Park
Nick Fiala, St. George News | Posted May 30 - 9:06 a.m. | Save Story
The Washington County Sheriff's Office sent personnel out on two search and rescue operations in Zion National Park Thursday. Both cases involved people being overwhelmed by the day's intense heat.
Why water conservation remains a 'top priority' in Utah after Cox's drought order expires
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted May 29 - 5:03 p.m. | Save Story
Gov. Spencer Cox's emergency drought declaration has now expired, but state water managers say conservation should "remain a top priority" as summer approaches.
Daily fishing limit increased at Utah reservoir over low water levels
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted May 29 - 2:24 p.m. | Save Story
Utah wildlife managers have issued an emergency change to the state's fishing guidebook, doubling the daily number of trout an angler can take from a reservoir in northeast Utah.
Vail Resorts CEO steps down after Park City Mountain troubles
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted May 29 - 8:27 a.m. | Save Story
The CEO who led Vail Resorts through the pandemic, expansion of the Epic Pass and a turbulent ski patrol strike at Park City Mountain Resort this past winter has stepped down.
Salt Lake City to open 4 new foothills trailheads 4 years after plan hit a snag
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted May 28 - 2:01 p.m. | Save Story
Salt Lake City has opened the first of four new trailheads offering better access to its foothills trail systems, as it picks back up on a foothills plan that hit a snag in 2021.
The unsung heroes cleaning up Utah's parks after a busy holiday weekend
Alex Cabrero, KSL-TV | Posted May 28 - 1:04 p.m. | Save Story
After Utahns flocked to the outdoors over Memorial Day Weekend, custodial crews worked hard to return parks like Jordanelle and Deer Creek to as pristine of a state as possible.
See the 'outrageous' designs coming to Red Bull Soapbox Derby's first Utah race
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted May 27 - 5:06 p.m. | Save Story
Red Bull's Soapbox Derby first Utah event will bring in racers from across U.S., along with some interesting designs and local themes.
Major changes coming at this small Utah ski resort with a big name
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted May 26 - 9:02 p.m. | Save Story
As the Sundance Film Festival bolts Utah, Sundance Mountain Resort — both named after Robert Redford's character in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" — unveiled its most ambitious expansion plans in decades.
'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson dies at 79
Kelly McCleary, CNN | Posted May 26 - 7:53 a.m. | Save Story
Phil Robertson, outdoorsman, businessman and patriarch of the family featured on the A&E reality show "Duck Dynasty," has died, his family said in a statement. He was 79.
World Cup climbing competition brings loud crowds to Salt Lake City, highlights growing sport
Alex Cabrero, KSL-TV | Posted May 25 - 8:38 p.m. | Save Story
The World Cup climbing competition drew a sold-out and loud crowd in Salt Lake City this weekend.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail: From an ancient lake to a modern-day connection between cities
Caitlin Keith, Deseret News | Posted May 25 - 7:01 p.m. | Save Story
If you venture past the developed areas and into the foothills, you will find a patchwork of trails winding up and across what used to be the shoreline of an ancient lake — the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
An Oregon man who quit his job to set sail with his cat arrives to cheering fans in Hawaii
The Associated Press | Updated May 25 - 2:06 p.m. | Save Story
An Oregon man who quit his job at a tire company and liquidated his retirement savings to set sail for Hawaii with his cat, Phoenix, reached his destination Saturday.
Trouble sending waves over water in Tropic Reservoir
Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News | Posted May 25 - 12:21 p.m. | Save Story
The Utah state engineer over water rights is in the middle of peace talks with two different water entities over storage and releases from a reservoir in Garfield County.
Utah County first responders prepare for busy season
Dan Rascon, KSL-TV | Posted May 24 - 1:31 p.m. | Save Story
Utah County search and rescue teams and first responders are undergoing some critical training as they prepare to kick off the busy season in mountain rescues.
Most of Utah's snowpack has melted. What do Utah's reservoirs look like now?
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted May 24 - 12:47 p.m. | Save Story
Utah's reservoirs are looking healthy at the unofficial start of summer, but state water managers say they're tracking trends that could impact future levels.
Salt Lake City named one of the best travel destinations for this summer. Here's why
Caitlin Keith, Deseret News | Posted May 24 - 7:13 a.m. | Save Story
WalletHub has released its report of 2025's Best Summer Travel Destinations to "help travelers plan the perfect summer getaway" — and Utah's own Salt Lake City ranked seventh on the list.
Illegal parking fines tripled at Pineview, Causey Reservoirs ahead of Memorial Day weekend
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted May 23 - 10:33 p.m. | Save Story
Drivers who park in forbidden areas around Pineview and Causey Reservoirs could be ticketed for up to $600, thanks to a recent change in a Weber County ordinance.
Intermountain Health trauma experts promote summer safety
Brynn Carnesecca, KSL.com | Posted May 23 - 9:02 p.m. | Save Story
Intermountain Healthcare officials on Friday encouraged families to stay safe and use precaution during summer activities and adventures.
Utah's national parks bracing for Memorial Day visits
Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News | Posted May 23 - 5:12 p.m. | Save Story
National park rangers in Utah are readying for Memorial Day weekend visits by people who want to get out and enjoy what nature has to offer.
Trailer carrying high-end sports cars catches fire on I-80 in Tooele County
Andrew Adams, KSL-TV | Posted May 23 - 2:01 p.m. | Save Story
Fire crews said Thursday they were able to quickly stop a fire on I-80 that threatened multiple high-end sports cars inside a trailer, as they cautioned Memorial Day travelers to ensure their vehicles were properly maintained before heading out on the roads.
Ogden leaders unveil new Marshall White Center in the city's older, more diverse core
Tim Vandenack, KSL.com | Posted May 22 - 10:32 p.m. | Save Story
Ogden leaders unveiled the new Marshall White Center, a community center and recreational facility serving one of the city's most diverse neighborhoods.
UDOT warns of traffic delays of up to 30-55 minutes this Memorial Day weekend
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted May 22 - 5:02 p.m. | Save Story
Memorial Day weekend could be especially busy across the country, including in Utah, according to transportation experts.
Salt Lake's popular farmers market could soon go year-round. Can it turn Pioneer Park around?
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated May 22 - 2:08 p.m. | Save Story
The Salt Lake City Downtown Farmers Market could soon become a year-round event at Pioneer Park, as the city looks to improve the park's reputation.
How social media reacted to 'Outdoor Boys' pulling the plug on YouTube
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted May 21 - 6:37 p.m. | Save Story
Fans of the "Outdoor Boys" expressed disappointment about creator Luke Nichols pulling the plug on his wildly popular YouTube channel but respected his decision to remove his family from the spotlight.
