Outdoors
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Mike Lee defends public lands sale proposal, says 'falsehoods' have driven opposition
Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com | Posted June 20 - 9:02 p.m. | Save Story
Utah Sen. Mike Lee is defending his proposal to sell off up to 3 million acres of public lands, saying pushback is driven by "falsehoods being circulated by the left."
Southern Utah fire destroys 12 homes; hundreds remain evacuated
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated June 20 - 6:28 p.m. | Save Story
A fast-growing wildfire burning near Pine Valley has now destroyed at least a dozen structures, while hundreds more remain threatened.
Families stranded on Snowbird Tram after emergency brake engages mid-descent
Garna Mejia, KSL-TV | Posted June 20 - 2:53 p.m. | Save Story
What started as a scenic ride turned into a tense two-hour ordeal for several passengers after the red aerial tram at Snowbird resort came to a sudden halt mid-descent Wednesday afternoon.
Deep, cold waters the reason behind a different lifejacket law at Causey Reservoir
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted June 20 - 12:15 p.m. | Save Story
As crowds swarm to Causey Reservoir to escape the heat, Weber County deputies warn that lifejacket requirements there are a little different.
Falling rocks hit hikers in Canada's Banff National Park, killing 1 and injuring 3
Associated Press | Updated June 20 - 8:51 a.m. | Save Story
Falling rocks struck people on a hiking trail in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, killing one and injuring three others Thursday.
What are the best national parks for hiking?
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted June 19 - 9:51 p.m. | Save Story
The best way to explore the wonders of a national park is on foot. But among the dozens of national parks across the country, which ones are the best for hiking?
Man survives black bear attack in Utah; bear killed
Pat Reavy, KSL.com | Updated June 19 - 3:53 p.m. | Save Story
A black bear was tracked down and killed in Garfield County after biting a man on the arm as he slept in a cot.
Millions of acres of public lands in Utah eligible for sale under Senate tax bill
Bridger Beal-Cvetko and Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 18 - 9:22 p.m. | Save Story
Millions more acres of public lands across Utah could be eligible to be sold off under a recent change to the Senate's budget bill made in a committee chaired by Utah Sen. Mike Lee.
How Utah is looking to give local businesses a leg up at this year's Outdoor Retailer
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 18 - 9:02 p.m. | Save Story
A new "incubator" at Outdoor Retailer aims to give six Utah outdoor recreation businesses a shot at becoming the state's next big brand.
Parowan crash sends ATV rider to hospital with 'serious head injuries'
Jessi Bang, St. George News | Posted June 18 - 7:13 p.m. | Save Story
An early morning ATV crash in Parowan on Wednesday prompted a Life Flight airlift response, and a reminder from the Iron County Sheriff's Office about off-road safety.
Multiple advisories issued across Utah as 100-degree heat returns to Wasatch Front
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated June 18 - 9:18 a.m. | Save Story
Advisories tied to heat-related illnesses, fire danger and energy demand have all been issued ahead of the state's first big heat wave of the year.
Tariff uncertainty looms large as Outdoor Retailer returns to Utah
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 17 - 9:35 p.m. | Save Story
Outdoor Retailer is back in Utah this week, and it was clear from the first scheduled event that tariffs are an uncertainty looming over the outdoor recreation product trade industry.
Previously unknown 76M-year-old, raccoon-sized monstersaur species discovered in Utah
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 17 - 9:02 p.m. | Save Story
A fossil found in Utah two decades ago now gives researchers a better understanding of what Utah's ecosystem looked like 76 million years ago.
Nearly 5,000-acre fire burning in Dixie National Forest
Ivy Farguheson, KSL.com | Posted June 17 - 7:34 p.m. | Save Story
A fire that began last week in Dixie National Forest has increased to nearly 5,000 acres as of Tuesday.
Zion National Park shuttles have officially taken 100 million people on adventures. Who's next?
Bryan Barba, Deseret News | Posted June 17 - 8:03 a.m. | Save Story
The shuttle service at Zion National Park has reached its 100 millionth boarding since it hit the road in 2000.
A new trail honors the Utah man whose vision protected Farmington Bay
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 17 - 6:14 a.m. | Save Story
Utah wildlife officials celebrated the completion of a 1.6-mile trail loop that honors a state employee who championed the preservation of Farmington Bay.
Can Trump unilaterally abolish 2 controversial monuments in Utah?
Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News | Posted June 15 - 6:22 p.m. | Save Story
An advisory opinion issued Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Justice says protections for land designated as monuments can be abolished by a sitting president because it is not expressly forbidden in law.
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.
