Ski Runs to OHV Trails: Utah's $8.1 Billion Recreation Boom
The Growing Recreation Industry In Utah
Written By Lynn R. Blamires for My Local Utah
Commercial Photography by 360 ELEVATED™ Marketing. Advertising and Public Relations.
From Ski Runs to OHV Trails: Utah’s $8.1 Billion Outdoor Recreation Boom
The Growing Recreation Industry In Utah
A federal report highlights the significant contribution of outdoor recreation to Utah’s economy in 2022. New economic data from The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) provides a clearer understanding of this impact. Between 2021 and 2022, outdoor recreation in Utah surged from $6.1 billion to $8.1 billion in value-added dollars. Nationally, this figure reached $1.1 trillion. Utah’s recreation industry experienced a $2 million growth within a year, underscoring its substantial economic importance.
The Top Five Categories Tell A Story Of Big Money
These five categories represent the most significant economic impact. Each of the cities in Utah focuses on what they have to offer tourists. The most significant piece of that pie was snow resort interests and snowmobiling.
- Snow Activities – $602 million.
- RVing – $538 million
- Boating and Fishing – $438 million
- Hunting, Shooting, and Trapping – $245 million
- OHV (motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs) – $136 million
The Top Four Categories In The Nation With The Leading States
Coming second in Utah, RVing took the top spot for the nation. This category was led by Indiana, followed by Texas and California. Nationally, the number two category was Boating and Fishing, with Florida topping this class. California was second, and then Texas. Motorcycling and ATVing ranked number three in conventional activity. The leading state was Wisconsin, and California was second, with Texas being third. Across the country, the fourth category was Snow Activities, representing the largest of Utah’s recreational numbers. Colorado was on top of this group, with California second and Utah third. While Utah didn’t rank in the Motorcycling and ATVing group, it would if there was a category for riding opportunities. I found it interesting to note that California ranked in all four categories.
The Jeep Community Is Missing From This Picture
One massive outdoor activity blatantly missing from these figures is the activities of the Jeep community. The word “Jeep” has become a generic name referencing all the brands of 4×4 off-highway vehicles that are not side-by-side ATVs. There are 21 clubs and associations listed on the Internet for Utah, and these are not small clubs. Phil Rawlins, who puts on the annual Salt Lake Off-Road and Outdoor Expo, told me that the Jeep community makes up half of the vendors participating in this event. This leads me to believe that the $8.1 billion number is understated by more than the amount credited to the OHV category.
The 2002 Winter Olympics Had A Big Impact On Utah
That being said, the picture of outdoor recreation has been changing rapidly since the eyes of the world were focused on Utah in 2002 during the Winter Olympics. Before the Olympics, Utah was a state about which little was known. Jason Curry, deputy director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, said that the 2002 event with all eyes glued on Utah opened up the possibilities for people who may have stereotyped the state. “Quickly, people realize there’s a lot to Utah in terms of outdoor recreation opportunity that way,” he said.
The Pandemic Helped Open Backcountry Opportunities
I began to see the results of that focus in 2020 on a five-day OHV ride from Kanab to Kamas. That was in the middle of the pandemic when it dawned on people that the safest place was outdoors in the backcountry. I think it marked an explosion of backcountry activity.
As we traversed the Skyline trail above the 10,000-foot level, I saw numerous fifth wheels and camp trailers occupying prime recreation spots. Not only did people find that the backcountry was safe, they also discovered its beauty and solitude.
Utah’s Rural Communities Can Benefit
The small rural communities have access to excellent OHV trail systems. Utah has over 80,000 miles of trail to offer OHV tourists whether they reside in or out of the state. $136 million is a vast and growing number, and the Jeep community would make this type of recreation even larger. These communities have an excellent opportunity to capture a piece of those tourist dollars with the jamborees they put on each year. OHV drivers come from all over the country to enjoy our trail systems and these towns’ amenities. Jamboree events showcase our outstanding backcountry; no Union state holds more jamborees than Utah.
Continued Stewardship: Communal Pride and Responsibility
Curry elaborated on the impact by saying, “Communities across the state are experiencing the numerous benefits of our readily accessible landscapes, and we will remain committed to fostering a high-quality outdoor lifestyle that drives the outdoor economy and enriches the lives of all Utah’s residents and visitors.” Curry’s remarks captured the essence of Utah’s outdoor ethos, resonating with a sense of communal pride and responsibility. With a visionary outlook, Curry emphasized the ripple effects extending far beyond mere financial gain, highlighting how the preservation of Utah’s natural splendor contributes to the well-being of its inhabitants and the cultivation of cherished memories for visitors. His words served to rally for continued stewardship, urging all stakeholders to uphold the legacy of environmental sustainability and cultural enrichment for generations to come.
Utah: Premier Outdoor Destination
In conclusion, Utah’s outdoor recreation industry has emerged as a powerhouse, with a staggering $8.1 billion contribution to the state’s economy in 2022. The diverse array of activities, from snow sports to OHV adventures, paints a vibrant picture of the state’s recreational landscape. As Utah continues to evolve as a premier outdoor destination, fueled by events like the 2002 Winter Olympics and recent trends catalyzed by the pandemic, rural communities stand poised to reap the rewards. With abundant trail systems and a commitment to fostering an outdoor lifestyle, Utah remains at the forefront of shaping a robust and enriching recreational experience for residents and visitors alike.