Outdoors
New report outlines economic benefits from Utah's national parks, but are they too popular?

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Utah's fall colors are starting to show. When will they peak?

Utah's fall colors are starting to show. When will they peak?

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 8 - 5:05 p.m.  |  Save Story

A national website projects Utah may not be the first to state to have trees peak this year, but a colorful show is expected in the coming weeks.
These 5 ski towns offer spectacular fall hiking

These 5 ski towns offer spectacular fall hiking

Dennis Romboy, Deseret News  |  Posted Sept. 7 - 10:39 a.m.  |  Save Story

If you're itching to get to a ski resort as you wait for the snow to fly, there's no better time than autumn before the trees have lost their leaves.
Utah's beloved 'cele-birdy' immortalized with larger-than-life statue

Utah's beloved 'cele-birdy' immortalized with larger-than-life statue

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 6 - 6:14 a.m.  |  Save Story

A new statue honoring Andy N. Condor, a fixture at Tracy Aviary for over 60 years until his death last year, is set to be unveiled this weekend.
'Very quiet': Zion National Park launches first all-electric shuttle fleet in a US national park

'Very quiet': Zion National Park launches first all-electric shuttle fleet in a US national park

Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News  |  Posted Sept. 5 - 8:12 p.m.  |  Save Story

Zion National Park is host to the first electric shuttle bus fleet in a U.S. national park.
Salt Lake City solves a smelly situation, caps it off with more pickleball courts

Salt Lake City solves a smelly situation, caps it off with more pickleball courts

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 5 - 7:11 p.m.  |  Save Story

Salt Lake City has added eight new pickleball courts as a serendipitous end to a vital sewage line project.
2 hunters shot at grizzly in self-defense Sunday in Idaho

2 hunters shot at grizzly in self-defense Sunday in Idaho

EastIdahoNews.com Staff  |  Posted Sept. 3 - 10:11 p.m.  |  Save Story

An archery hunter was attacked by an adult male grizzly bear west of Henrys Lake in Island Park, Idaho, on Sunday. The man was hunting elk with a friend on the Caribou-Targhee National near the Divide Creek Road when the attack occurred.
Utah strikes deal with mineral company in 'major milestone' for Great Salt Lake

Utah strikes deal with mineral company in 'major milestone' for Great Salt Lake

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 3 - 12:01 p.m.  |  Save Story

The Great Salt Lake is slated to receive a major boost from one of the key industries that rely on it for business.
Over $7M raised for Jordan River restoration projects. Here's how it's being used

Over $7M raised for Jordan River restoration projects. Here's how it's being used

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Sept. 3 - 8:10 a.m.  |  Save Story

Work is getting underway again to give the Jordan River ecosystem a boost.
Sharing the road: Why drivers and cyclists must learn to coexist

Sharing the road: Why drivers and cyclists must learn to coexist

Dennis Romboy, Deseret News  |  Posted Sept. 2 - 4:43 p.m.  |  Save Story

As a cyclist who has logged thousands of miles on the road, I'm keenly aware of the hazards of riding alongside two-ton automobiles on a busy urban thoroughfare or in a winding canyon.
Officials urge water safety over Labor Day weekend following recent drownings

Officials urge water safety over Labor Day weekend following recent drownings

Emma Benson, KSL-TV  |  Posted Aug. 31 - 8:42 p.m.  |  Save Story

Officials are urging people to be careful while out on the water heading into the holiday weekend.
Looking for some Labor Day weekend fun? Check out these activities

Looking for some Labor Day weekend fun? Check out these activities

Dennis Romboy, Deseret News  |  Posted Aug. 31 - 7:58 a.m.  |  Save Story

Labor Day spells the end of summer, though technically there are still about three weeks until the season changes to autumn. But it's a three-day weekend for many people, and there's lots going on in Utah to enjoy time with family and friends.
Davis County shooting range closed after contract dispute with longtime volunteers

Davis County shooting range closed after contract dispute with longtime volunteers

Collin Leonard, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 31 - 7:17 a.m.  |  Save Story

A volunteer shooting association is parting ways with Davis County after conflicts with police and a negative audit called the shooting range's management structure into question.
Mountain lion spotted wandering around Lehi located, euthanized

Mountain lion spotted wandering around Lehi located, euthanized

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 30 - 12:00 p.m.  |  Save Story

Utah wildlife officers have euthanized a mountain lion that had prowled around northern Utah County over the past week.
Grand Canyon visitors are moving to hotels outside the national park after water pipeline failures

Grand Canyon visitors are moving to hotels outside the national park after water pipeline failures

Ty O'Neil and Matt York, Associated Press  |  Posted Aug. 30 - 6:21 a.m.  |  Save Story

Tourists staying at Grand Canyon National Park are moving to accommodations outside the park after water pipeline failures forced the sudden shutdown of overnight hotel stays.
Utah's Hogle Zoo welcomes young warthog

Utah's Hogle Zoo welcomes young warthog

Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 29 - 5:47 p.m.  |  Save Story

Utah's Hogle Zoo announced Thursday it is welcoming a new female warthog.
National Park Service reaffirms e-bike rule, giving individual parks freedom to regulate usage

National Park Service reaffirms e-bike rule, giving individual parks freedom to regulate usage

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 28 - 12:58 p.m.  |  Save Story

The National Park Service has decided that it will not make an overarching rule regulating electric bicycles. Utah's parks have different rules on where e-bikes are allowed.
Man dies on river trip at Grand Canyon; 5th fatality in less than a month

Man dies on river trip at Grand Canyon; 5th fatality in less than a month

The Associated Press  |  Posted Aug. 28 - 6:52 a.m.  |  Save Story

Authorities say an 80-year-old man has died after falling from a boat on the Colorado River inside Grand Canyon National Park. It's believed to be the fifth reported fatality at the canyon in less than a month and the 13th this year.
Mystery solved: Rangers recover historic military vehicle illegally taken from Utah national forest

Mystery solved: Rangers recover historic military vehicle illegally taken from Utah national forest

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 27 - 5:32 p.m.  |  Save Story

Forest rangers have solved the puzzling mystery behind a historic military vehicle that was illegally taken from a national forest in south-central Utah in June.
What Salt Lake City's historic 'Hobbitville' may soon look like

What Salt Lake City's historic 'Hobbitville' may soon look like

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Updated Aug. 27 - 11:37 a.m.  |  Save Story

Salt Lake City has released the final version of its plans for Allen Park, outlining the park's future layout and what it would cost to get there.
Search underway at Arches National Park for missing man

Search underway at Arches National Park for missing man

Mark Jones, KSL-TV  |  Posted Aug. 26 - 10:38 p.m.  |  Save Story

Park rangers at Arches National Park are searching for a 76-year-old man, who they say has been missing since Aug. 16.
Utah man dies after falling overboard from Lake Powell houseboat

Utah man dies after falling overboard from Lake Powell houseboat

Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 26 - 4:54 p.m.  |  Save Story

A Utah man died Sunday after falling 20 feet overboard from a houseboat in Lake Powell.
US national parks get record gift of $100M

US national parks get record gift of $100M

Patrick Whittle, Associated Press  |  Updated Aug. 26 - 10:52 a.m.  |  Save Story

The official nonprofit organization of the National Park Service is set to receive the largest grant in its history. It's a $100 million gift the fundraising group described as transformative for the country's national parks.
Officials identify man who died falling off paddle board in southern Utah

Officials identify man who died falling off paddle board in southern Utah

Logan Stefanich, KSL.com  |  Updated Aug. 25 - 12:55 p.m.  |  Save Story

A man in his 40s is dead after falling into Quail Creek Reservoir while paddle boarding, officials said.
Former Utah Wildlife Board member among 7 charged in illegal hunting scheme

Former Utah Wildlife Board member among 7 charged in illegal hunting scheme

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 23 - 7:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

A Kane County commissioner and former member of the Utah Wildlife Board is now facing nearly a dozen charges after prosecutors allege his company illegally baited big game for hunting purposes.
Nutty adventures: This Kolob squirrel may steal your heart — and your snacks

Nutty adventures: This Kolob squirrel may steal your heart — and your snacks

Jessi Bang, St. George News  |  Posted Aug. 23 - 6:10 p.m.  |  Save Story

A squirrel in Kolob has become a welcome guest at a home where the tree-scaling rodent is treated very well, even eating at its own picnic table.
Strong winds create 'critical' fire conditions in Utah before fall-like temperatures arrive

Strong winds create 'critical' fire conditions in Utah before fall-like temperatures arrive

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 23 - 1:24 p.m.  |  Save Story

The first sign of a changing season is on the way, but it may cause "critical" fire weather conditions over the next few days.
'That's a lot of toilet paper': Bureau breaks down Moab restroom data

'That's a lot of toilet paper': Bureau breaks down Moab restroom data

Dennis Romboy, Deseret News  |  Posted Aug. 23 - 12:00 p.m.  |  Save Story

Visits to public lands in Utah have doubled the past two years. And visits to Bureau of Land Management restrooms have gone up too.
Firefighters target juniper trees to better protect Logan Canyon from wildfires

Firefighters target juniper trees to better protect Logan Canyon from wildfires

Mike Anderson, KSL-TV  |  Posted Aug. 23 - 11:38 a.m.  |  Save Story

Firefighters in Cache Valley are already preparing for the next fire season by cutting down trees in Logan Canyon.
Avoiding risk: Keeping kids safe in bear country

Avoiding risk: Keeping kids safe in bear country

Mike Godfrey for KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 23 - 8:44 a.m.  |  Save Story

A look at options to keep kids and others safe following a rash of recent bear attacks, including one in Montana where a black bear injured a 3-year-old girl as she slept in her tent.
Lawsuit could delay Little Cottonwood Canyon plan by 'a couple of years,' UDOT says

Lawsuit could delay Little Cottonwood Canyon plan by 'a couple of years,' UDOT says

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 22 - 8:04 a.m.  |  Save Story

Ski bus service in the Cottonwood canyons will look similar to last winter but long-term plans to address canyon transportation will likely be delayed.
Caught in a wild Utah storm: A cyclist's journey in severe weather and natural beauty

Caught in a wild Utah storm: A cyclist's journey in severe weather and natural beauty

Dennis Romboy, Deseret News  |  Posted Aug. 21 - 6:16 a.m.  |  Save Story

Scanning the weather app on her phone last Tuesday evening, my wife was skeptical about riding our bikes from our home in American Fork to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon, a 36-mile round trip.
'The right time' — Cox, Reyes file Supreme Court lawsuit claiming 18.5M acres of federal land

'The right time' — Cox, Reyes file Supreme Court lawsuit claiming 18.5M acres of federal land

Collin Leonard, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 20 - 3:22 p.m.  |  Save Story

Gov. Spencer Cox and Attorney General Sean Reyes announced Tuesday that a lawsuit had been filed with the Supreme Court to challenge the federal government's claim to 18.5 million acres of land in Utah.
Nearly 1,000 fires have started in Utah this year. Here's how much it has cost to fight them

Nearly 1,000 fires have started in Utah this year. Here's how much it has cost to fight them

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 20 - 3:13 p.m.  |  Save Story

State land managers are still calculating this year's wildfire costs, but they project this year's total cost may double from last year. Utah would be on the hook for some of it.
Arizona, Nevada and Mexico will lose same amount of Colorado River water next year as in 2024

Arizona, Nevada and Mexico will lose same amount of Colorado River water next year as in 2024

Suman Naishadham, Associated Press  |  Posted Aug. 20 - 9:12 a.m.  |  Save Story

Arizona, Nevada and Mexico will continue to live with less water next year from the Colorado River after the U.S. government Thursday announced water cuts preserving the status quo.
Bat-watching event teaches people not to be so scared of bats

Bat-watching event teaches people not to be so scared of bats

Bryanna Willis and Kennedy Camarena, KSL NewsRadio  |  Posted Aug. 19 - 10:30 p.m.  |  Save Story

About 75 people looked to the skies Friday night at Alta Ski Resort, where they participated in an event meant to teach them something new about Utah's bat population.
Utah opens up another $6.5M for projects that benefit Great Salt Lake wetlands

Utah opens up another $6.5M for projects that benefit Great Salt Lake wetlands

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 19 - 8:32 p.m.  |  Save Story

About $6.5 million in new funds are being made available for projects that protect or improve the Great Salt Lake's wetlands.
Why this popular Cache County lake will be closed for a day

Why this popular Cache County lake will be closed for a day

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 19 - 7:35 p.m.  |  Save Story

A popular recreation area will be closed temporarily while biologists tackle a growing invasive aquatic plant species problem.
Officials identify man killed after fishing boat struck by lightning capsizes

Officials identify man killed after fishing boat struck by lightning capsizes

Ashley Fredde, KSL.com  |  Updated Aug. 19 - 7:32 p.m.  |  Save Story

One person is dead after a fishing boat was struck by lightning, capsizing the boat and throwing three people into the Bear River early Sunday.
The largest hydrothermal explosions the world has ever known

The largest hydrothermal explosions the world has ever known

Mike Godfrey for KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 19 - 4:04 p.m.  |  Save Story

The recent explosion at Biscuit Basin grabbed headlines across the globe, but hydrothermal explosions can reach terrifying scale.
After a mostly hot and dry summer, here's what Utah's fall weather may look like

After a mostly hot and dry summer, here's what Utah's fall weather may look like

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 19 - 3:05 p.m.  |  Save Story

A new long-range outlook shows Utah could be in for a warmer and drier meteorological fall, but trends could change.
Utah woman works to revive monarch butterfly populations

Utah woman works to revive monarch butterfly populations

Peter Rosen, KSL-TV  |  Posted Aug. 19 - 8:07 a.m.  |  Save Story

A Utah woman, on a quest to revive declining monarch butterfly populations, has become kind of a "Johnny Appleseed" of the milkweed plant.
Expansive and expensive: A first look at Summit County's largest open-space purchase

Expansive and expensive: A first look at Summit County's largest open-space purchase

Collin Leonard, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 18 - 9:09 p.m.  |  Save Story

The 910 Cattle Ranch presents serious opportunities and challenges as Summit County looks to create land management plans while fighting "a horrible poaching problem."
It's cute and super tiny — and groups claim this little mammal's not being protected

It's cute and super tiny — and groups claim this little mammal's not being protected

Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News  |  Posted Aug. 18 - 12:27 p.m.  |  Save Story

Conservation groups Wednesday sent a formal notice of their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to take steps to protect the pygmy rabbit, the world's smallest rabbit, under the Endangered Species Act.
Researchers using spiders to better understand Great Salt Lake pollution

Researchers using spiders to better understand Great Salt Lake pollution

Mike Anderson, KSL-TV  |  Posted Aug. 18 - 11:46 a.m.  |  Save Story

With a focus on Antelope Island, researchers have collected hundreds of spiders, along with many more brine flies, over the past six years to get a better handle on one bad pollutant.
Concern over West Nile virus spreads as Davis County samples test positive

Concern over West Nile virus spreads as Davis County samples test positive

Mike Anderson, KSL-TV  |  Posted Aug. 17 - 4:11 p.m.  |  Save Story

Concern over the West Nile virus has spread, as more than 40 test pools showed positive results in Davis County.
Utah water officials say the state needs more monsoon showers. Help is on the way

Utah water officials say the state needs more monsoon showers. Help is on the way

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 16 - 3:08 p.m.  |  Save Story

More scattered monsoon storms are in the forecast this weekend, which could continue to help the state's important soil moisture levels but also lead to additional flash flooding.
Collapse of iconic arch has some wondering if other famous arches are also at risk

Collapse of iconic arch has some wondering if other famous arches are also at risk

Hannah Schoenbaum, Associated Press  |  Posted Aug. 16 - 12:33 p.m.  |  Save Story

The recent collapse of a popular rock arch at Lake Powell is a sad reminder the spectacular geological arches dotting southern Utah's landscape aren't guaranteed to be there forever.
Salt Lake wants to build a park surrounding downtown. Here's when it could be completed

Salt Lake wants to build a park surrounding downtown. Here's when it could be completed

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 15 - 3:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

Salt Lake City wants to build a "loop" of park space around its downtown core. It appears the project could potentially be completed through phases over the next decade.
Contamination and concern: The challenge with Utah water

Contamination and concern: The challenge with Utah water

Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News  |  Posted Aug. 15 - 1:39 p.m.  |  Save Story

Tis the season for hot weather, stagnant water and the attendant health risks that come in the form of outbreaks of harmful algal blooms as well the potential danger of E. coli contamination, which stems from human or animal fecal matter in waterways.
Why Utah wants anglers to target specific fish species at these 4 bodies of water

Why Utah wants anglers to target specific fish species at these 4 bodies of water

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 15 - 11:05 a.m.  |  Save Story

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources officials are calling on anglers to target specific fish species in four bodies of water across northeast Utah.
Little Cottonwood Canyon's climbing routes are now a historic treasure, a first in the US

Little Cottonwood Canyon's climbing routes are now a historic treasure, a first in the US

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 15 - 10:05 a.m.  |  Save Story

Historians say Little Cottonwood Canyon's climbing routes help tell a story about how Utah recreation trends have changed over time. They're now on the National Register of Historic Places, too.
Southern Utah group donates bikes to kids at domestic violence prevention nonprofit

Southern Utah group donates bikes to kids at domestic violence prevention nonprofit

Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News  |  Posted Aug. 14 - 9:47 p.m.  |  Save Story

On Friday morning, Kelli Prince, president of the Southern Utah Bicycle Alliance, presented 10 donated Strider bikes to Jillian Penhale, executive director of the Dove Center. The donated bikes are worth $1,500.
Farmers' Almanac offers potentially positive outlook for Utah this winter

Farmers' Almanac offers potentially positive outlook for Utah this winter

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 14 - 7:05 p.m.  |  Save Story

After back-to-back above-normal snowpack collections, can Utah pull it off again? The Farmers' Almanac thinks it's possible.
Researchers study the toxicity and airborne spread of algal blooms

Researchers study the toxicity and airborne spread of algal blooms

Mike Anderson, KSL-TV  |  Posted Aug. 14 - 6:49 a.m.  |  Save Story

University students are investigating whether algal blooms in Utah Lake could be airborne in a study that started Monday. 
Black bear mauls 3-year-old girl in tent at Montana campground

Black bear mauls 3-year-old girl in tent at Montana campground

Associated Press  |  Posted Aug. 13 - 9:26 p.m.  |  Save Story

A black bear mauled and injured a 3-year-old girl in a tent at a private campground just north of Yellowstone National Park.
2 injured by lightning strike at Horseshoe Bend

2 injured by lightning strike at Horseshoe Bend

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 13 - 2:56 p.m.  |  Save Story

Two women were hospitalized in Utah after being struck by lightning while visiting a popular Glen Canyon National Recreation Area site just south of the Utah-Arizona border Monday afternoon.
Parts of Utah doubled their summer precipitation in 1 day. What does it mean for soil moisture?

Parts of Utah doubled their summer precipitation in 1 day. What does it mean for soil moisture?

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Posted Aug. 13 - 12:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

Monday generated a summer's worth of rain in some areas, but experts say more is needed to reverse what has been a hot and dry summer.
The Wasatch canyons get almost double the visitors of Arches

The Wasatch canyons get almost double the visitors of Arches

Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News  |  Posted Aug. 13 - 8:05 a.m.  |  Save Story

Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood and Millcreek canyons get millions of visitations a year, a new survey shows.
Thunderstorms prompt flooding concerns in parts of Wasatch Front

Thunderstorms prompt flooding concerns in parts of Wasatch Front

Carter Williams, KSL.com  |  Updated Aug. 12 - 5:32 p.m.  |  Save Story

Monsoonal storms created a summer's worth of rain in one afternoon along the Wasatch Front.