Outdoors
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Uphill, in the snow: Why this laborious ski trend is booming at US resorts
Terry Ward, CNN | Posted Feb. 9 - 10:31 p.m. | Save Story
"Earning your turns" usually requires using specialized ski equipment made for traveling uphill. But a less extreme, fitness-oriented version of "uphilling" is on the rise within resort boundaries at U.S. ski resorts.
As many as 25,000 grebes killed by bird flu within Great Salt Lake, Utah officials say
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 9 - 2:31 p.m. | Save Story
Utah wildlife officials estimate 15,000 to 25,000 eared grebes have died in recent months from a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak across the Great Salt Lake.
Missing 14-year-old in 'good spirits' after being rescued near Utah-Idaho border
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated Feb. 9 - 1:03 p.m. | Save Story
A 14-year-old boy was found safe Sunday morning following a frantic search along the Utah-Idaho border that started after he was reported missing on Saturday.
Will Big and Little Cottonwood canyons become state parks?
Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News | Posted Feb. 9 - 9:58 a.m. | Save Story
A state senator wants to work with the federal government on land trades and facility acquisitions to create two new state parks — one for Big Cottonwood Canyon and another for Little Cottonwood Canyon.
2 avalanches, 1 fatal, reported in Big Cottonwood Canyon and Park City
Collin Leonard, KSL.com | Updated Feb. 9 - 9:43 a.m. | Save Story
One person was killed in an avalanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon Saturday. Another was buried in a slide near the Dutch Draw area of Park City, but was dug out by two fellow skiers.
DNR Division of Law Enforcement monitoring people on the ice at Strawberry Reservoir
Andrew Adams, KSL-TV | Posted Feb. 8 - 10:33 p.m. | Save Story
Department of Natural Resources' new Division of Law Enforcement officers are setting out to monitor people on the ice at Strawberry Reservoir.
Coalville mushers' Iditarod dreams in danger after Idaho qualifier canceled mid-race
Collin Leonard, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 8 - 10:02 a.m. | Save Story
Avalanches forced race organizers to cancel the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge's 200-mile event mid-race, after warm weather and rain made conditions dangerous for dog teams and mushers.
American bald eagles are having a moment, ecologically and culturally
Mike Catalini, Associated Press | Posted Feb. 8 - 8:33 a.m. | Save Story
America's national bird, the bald eagle, is having a moment. The eagles find themselves in a sort of environmental updraft since the early 2000s, when the federal government took the thriving birds off its endangered species list with more states following suit. Culturally, too, they're soaring.
Slow winter impacts outdoor recreation businesses
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted Feb. 7 - 4:34 p.m. | Save Story
Club Rec is located in the mountains of the Monte Cristo area of northern Utah, so it gets more snow than some other places. However, the business owners are eager for more snow to arrive.
How to watch skijoring as it returns to downtown Salt Lake City
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 7 - 2:33 p.m. | Save Story
An outdoor sport regaining popularity — as it mixes two of Utah's favorite pastimes — is returning to an unlikely location this weekend.
'Quick-moving' storm could produce much-needed snow across Utah's mountains
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated Feb. 7 - 10:08 a.m. | Save Story
An incoming winter storm has the potential to deliver up to a foot of new snow in parts of Utah's mountains, while lower totals are expected in areas that haven't seen much moisture this winter.
Extreme drought returns to parts of Utah as dry conditions intensify statewide
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 6 - 7:11 p.m. | Save Story
Extreme drought has returned to Utah for the first time in nearly two years, but a weekend storm could help parts of the state that have so far missed out on winter storms.
Utah agency investigates buck killed by illegal hunting weapon
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 5 - 3:02 p.m. | Save Story
Utah Department of Natural Resources investigators said Wednesday that the deer was likely killed by a weapon type that is illegal to use for hunting big game in Utah.
Interior secretary orders review of public lands withdrawals
Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News | Posted Feb. 5 - 9:59 a.m. | Save Story
A comprehensive — and controversial — order by newly confirmed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum directs a review of withdrawals of federal lands.
Officials identify Wyoming snowmobiler killed in avalanche east of Huntsville
Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com | Updated Feb. 4 - 3:27 p.m. | Save Story
Officials identified the Wyoming man who died after getting caught in an avalanche in the Monte Cristo area Monday evening.
'Unique' petroglyphs vandalized at popular central Utah site, feds say
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 4 - 1:00 p.m. | Save Story
Federal land managers say they're seeking the public's help as they investigate prehistoric petroglyphs that were recently defaced in central Utah.
How Utah's outdoors has become the secret to Silicon Slopes' growth
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 3 - 7:05 p.m. | Save Story
Utah and business leaders agree that Utah's outdoors play a critical role in the state's growing tech sector.
Utah's busiest state park topped 3 national parks in visitation, as more records fell in 2024
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 3 - 3:04 p.m. | Save Story
Utah's state parks broke a visitation record for the fourth time in five years in 2024, as people look for alternatives to the still-popular "Mighty 5."
Snowmobiler rescued after crashing into abandoned Wasatch County mine shaft
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 3 - 2:30 p.m. | Save Story
A 53-year-old man was rescued after emergency responders say he accidentally crashed into a vertical mine shaft while snowmobiling in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
Record-breaking warmth, windy conditions forecast this week
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 3 - 9:10 a.m. | Save Story
Punxsutawney Phil forecast six more weeks of winter, but here is why it won't feel like that in Utah this week.
This Utah park reclaimed the top spot as national park visitation, rallied in 2024
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 3 - 8:06 a.m. | Save Story
A Utah park may have surged back to the top of the West in 2024, but work is underway to make sure its visitor growth doesn't lead to overcrowding.
Firefighters urge caution around thinning ice after Stansbury Lake rescue
Andrew Adams, KSL-TV | Posted Feb. 2 - 10:23 p.m. | Save Story
Firefighters were urging caution around lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water with icy surfaces after a man fell through the ice at Stansbury Lake Saturday night.
Utah lawmaker wants state to oversee over $387M in deferred federal land maintenance
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 2 - 5:55 p.m. | Save Story
Utah could overtake major deferred maintenance projects at federal recreation spots across the state under a new resolution set to be introduced in this year's legislative session.
Hiker found dead in Zion National Park
Matt Brooks, KSL.com | Posted Feb. 2 - 2:39 p.m. | Save Story
A hiker was found dead in Zion National Park on Sunday, the Washington County Sheriff's Office said.
Federal hiring freeze halts some wildland firefighter preparations
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted Feb. 1 - 10:49 a.m. | Save Story
As federal firefighting crews with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management try to staff up for the upcoming fire season, they're now having to wait and see if they'll be able to hire seasonal help.
Incoming atmospheric river prompts winter storm warning in parts of Utah this weekend
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated Jan. 31 - 5:12 p.m. | Save Story
Parts of Utah are in line for some heavy moisture after a relatively dry January.
Utah group joins global network to protect Great Salt Lake
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 31 - 12:00 p.m. | Save Story
A Utah conservation group is hoping to change the lake's fate by joining a global network of grassroots organizers who advocate for water quality improvements.
Washington County search and rescue team responded to 117 calls in 2024 as many recreators failed to prepare
Mori Kessler, St. George News | Posted Jan. 31 - 7:22 a.m. | Save Story
The Washington County Sheriff's Office responded to over 100 calls and aided nearly 150 people in 2024, according to a year-end report shared with the Washington County Commission.
Bills would provide more Utah campgrounds options, acquire federal land advance
Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 30 - 5:36 p.m. | Save Story
Two proposed Utah bills would set up a mechanism to create state campgrounds and then to also facilitate up to 30,000 Bureau of Land Management acres for Utah to purchase or lease.
'Super excited': Utah agency eager for Utahraptor State Park grand opening this year
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 30 - 6:51 a.m. | Save Story
A few changes will be available at state parks this year, including the official grand opening of Utahraptor State Park.
Why Peter Sinks gets some of the coldest temperatures in the US
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 29 - 8:22 a.m. | Save Story
Peter Sinks is pulling some of the coldest temperatures in the country, dropping to 56 below zero just over a week ago.
This group opposes the Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 29 - 8:05 a.m. | Save Story
More than 50 business owners, professionals and entrepreneurs have joined the chorus of opposition against the proposed gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Securing water from out of state will be a 'Herculean' effort, Utah's water agent says
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 27 - 2:08 p.m. | Save Story
Utah's water agent told lawmakers that efforts to secure water deals outside of the state are underway, but he warns it will be easier said than done.
Salt Lake City eyes this location for the start of Green Loop project
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 26 - 7:03 p.m. | Save Story
Salt Lake City leaders agreed to release $3.1 million in previously allocated funding to plan out the Green Loop, pointing to a specific area that could be its starting point.
Lawmakers want to keep wildlife refuges open during a shutdown
Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 26 - 1:03 p.m. | Save Story
Utah has already passed a law that says the state will step up to keep national parks open in the event of an emergency government shutdown, much like it did in 2013 to the tune of $1 million.
Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is a chance for anyone to try out a new winter sport
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 25 - 8:24 a.m. | Save Story
Business owners around Bear Lake are trying to expand the tourism season into the winter months through the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest.
Advisories issued as storm forecast to bring valuable snow, snapping long dry stretch
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated Jan. 24 - 2:40 p.m. | Save Story
A storm system headed to Utah is projected to deliver much-needed snow to both northern and southern Utah after a lull in activity.
Law enforcement ticketing vehicles parked illegally, camped overnight in Cottonwood canyons
Shelby Lofton, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 24 - 8:07 a.m. | Save Story
Most overnight parking or camping in the Cottonwood canyons is illegal, but every winter, the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office sees a lot of it.
Photos: Frigid winds create unique ice formations at Bear Lake
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 24 - 6:18 a.m. | Save Story
A combination of strong winds and frigid temperatures created some unique sights at Bear Lake Thursday, and you won't have to battle any crowds to see them.
Feds directed $122.8M in drought spending across Utah. Will it be held up by freeze?
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 23 - 9:02 p.m. | Save Story
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation directed about $122.8 million toward drought mitigation and resiliency projects in and around Utah.
Where is the snow? Why Utah valleys remain on pace for below-average snowfall
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 22 - 3:20 p.m. | Save Story
A rare winter storm has turned the South into an unlikely winter wonderland this week, giving cities like New Orleans more snow in a day than Salt Lake City has received all season.
Salt Lake City's cherished sycamore trees are dying. Here's how the city is responding
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 22 - 12:04 p.m. | Save Story
Scores of Salt Lake City's sycamore trees are struggling to survive because of disease and other issues. The city is considering a project that seeks to save them.
Popular Tooele County reservoir temporarily closed over 'dangerous' ice conditions
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 21 - 11:04 a.m. | Save Story
The owners of a popular reservoir near Tooele say they're temporarily closing the waterbody to recreation due to ice conditions that haven't yet formed this winter.
What's on tap for Great Salt Lake in the 2025 Utah general legislative session
Adam Small, KSL Newsradio | Posted Jan. 20 - 8:28 p.m. | Save Story
The Great Salt Lake is once again expected to be a topic of discussion and action for Utah lawmakers in the 2025 general legislative session, which starts on Tuesday.
What does the future hold for the ski industry in the Cottonwood canyons?
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 20 - 5:02 p.m. | Save Story
Transportation, parking, water resources and snowmaking are among the biggest concerns ski resort managers identified during a time when there have never been more Americans gravitating to outdoor recreation.
How to reset your mental health with nature in 2025
Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 19 - 12:17 p.m. | Save Story
Getting over those post-Christmas blues can be hard, and even some of the resolutions set for 2025 have already gone by the wayside.
Ski lift accident leaves 30 injured at Spanish resort in the Pyrenees
The Associated Press | Updated Jan. 18 - 10:29 p.m. | Save Story
At least 30 people have been injured in a ski lift accident at the Spanish resort of Astún, in the Pyrenees mountain range, emergency services for Spain's northern Aragon region said Saturday.
Urbanization threatens ancient petroglyph in St. George
Garna Mejia, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 18 - 12:29 p.m. | Save Story
The future of a petroglyph in St. George is uncertain as urbanization encroaches on its resting spot.
Southern Utah leaders call on prayers for rain, as state warns of possible water 'challenges'
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 17 - 5:05 p.m. | Save Story
Washington County Commissioners are calling on residents to continue to reduce water consumption and pray for rain, as unfavorable water conditions persist in southwest Utah and some of the state's other basins.
A polar vortex is coming toward the US. Here's how it will impact Utah
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 17 - 12:05 p.m. | Save Story
Parts of Utah are on the "very western fringe" of a cold front that will bring in air from the Arctic, meaning some snow but also much colder temperatures.
Maloy seeks Antiquities Act changes as Utah monuments land in the spotlight again
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 16 - 7:11 p.m. | Save Story
A Utah congresswoman is taking on the century-old law that created national monuments, as a pair of monuments in the state are expected to return to the spotlight.
Credits offered to Park City Mountain skiers, snowboarders who visited during strike
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 16 - 3:03 p.m. | Save Story
The owner of Park City Mountain is now offering credits toward future purchases to people who skied or snowboarded at the resort during the now-settled ski patrol strike.
Utah receives $9.6M grant to help solve a section of US 40's wildlife safety problem
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 15 - 8:36 p.m. | Save Story
Utah is getting a boost in its efforts to reduce the high number of wildlife-related crashes on a large section of U.S. 40.
18-year-old Plain City man canoes 1,300 miles on Columbia River in new documentary
Arianne Brown for KSL.com | Posted Jan. 15 - 3:06 p.m. | Save Story
Braxton Mitchell was offered the opportunity of a lifetime — running the Columbia River from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean.
Wildlife experts urge drivers to be careful as snow pushes elk to Utah valleys
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 15 - 2:16 p.m. | Save Story
Utah wildlife experts are advising drivers to be careful of elk on roadways as wintering herds have started to migrate down into the valleys again
Proposal to rename Burr Trail Scenic Byway after President-elect Donald Trump
Garna Mejia, KSL-TV | Posted Jan. 15 - 7:06 a.m. | Save Story
One of Utah's most scenic roads could soon bear the name of President-elect Donald J. Trump.
2024 was Utah's second-warmest year on record. These counties broke records
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted Jan. 15 - 6:18 a.m. | Save Story
Ten counties, including Salt Lake and Washington, broke average temperature records last year, which was a scorcher across the U.S.
Here's how much water is needed to get the Great Salt Lake back to 'healthy' by 2050s
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated Jan. 14 - 12:40 p.m. | Save Story
A report released on Tuesday finds that the Great Salt Lake needs a big water boost every year because of looming factors in its basin.
