Outdoors
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Snow Canyon State Park unveils upgrades, fee increases to ease crowds and boost safety
Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News | Posted July 8 - 9:32 p.m. | Save Story
A series of long-planned enhancements to Snow Canyon State Park is nearing completion to improve visitor flow and reduce congestion in one of Utah's most popular outdoor destinations.

Slate Canyon is 'not for sale,' Provo mayor says in response to water park's plans
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted July 8 - 3:00 p.m. | Save Story
A key Provo land parcel at the foot of a popular canyon east of the city is "not for sale" amid expansion plans from a nearby water park, Provo's mayor says.

Aiming to boost housing for local workforce, Springdale puts ordinance vote on hold
Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News | Posted July 8 - 1:55 p.m. | Save Story
As housing pressures mount in Springdale due to its proximity to Zion National Park, town leaders are revisiting an accessory dwelling unit ordinance aimed at creating more housing options for local workers.

Willard Bay to be drained halfway to make room for repair
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted July 8 - 1:30 p.m. | Save Story
Levels at the reservoir will be maintained at around 50% while the work moves forward, starting around Aug. 1 and is expected to take about six months to complete.

Why you don't need to worry about timed entry at Arches National Park until late August
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted July 7 - 1:45 p.m. | Save Story
Timed-entry is going on summer vacation at Arches National Park.

Improving national parks, gateway communities' role
Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News | Posted July 6 - 7:00 p.m. | Save Story
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued an order Monday to bolster relationships between gateway communities and national parks, saying it is vital to tap into a mutual benefit.

Historic property with ties to old Hollywood for sale in Logan Canyon
Andrew Adams, KSL-TV | Posted July 6 - 6:30 p.m. | Save Story
St. Ann's Retreat, or "the Nunnery," once had a golden era under a different name. Now the current owner is hoping someone will be able to breathe new life into the historic property.

Company provides community, connection for Utah women through hiking
Brynn Carnesecca, KSL.com | Posted July 6 - 12:03 p.m. | Save Story
Hundreds of Utah women come together to hike in Utah's unique landscape and meet new friends through Girls Only Adventure Trips.

It's the smallest bird native to North America. And it passes through Utah
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted July 6 - 7:15 a.m. | Save Story
The calliope hummingbird, North America's smallest bird, migrates through Utah each summer. A banding event on July 19 at Red Canyon Lodge will study these birds.

60 miles of mountain bike trail to be built on public lands in southern Utah
Arianne Brown for KSL.com | Posted July 5 - 2:40 p.m. | Save Story
Southern Utah now has 40 miles of new single-track trail built on public lands, with another 20 in construction, taking bikers, runners and hikers to places not many have been before.

'One spark away from chaos': Utah firefighters urge fireworks safety amid dry conditions
Alex Cabrero, KSL-TV | Posted July 4 - 8:53 a.m. | Save Story
Utah fire officials are once again urging people to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly, especially this year, as much of the state faces increased wildfire danger.

Athletes, Olympic committee kick off cultural preparations for 2034 Olympics
Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com | Posted July 3 - 7:11 p.m. | Save Story
The Olympics highlight incredible athleticism from all around the globe, but they also give the host country a chance to celebrate its culture and showcase what makes it unique on the world stage.

Advisory issued at Lake Powell over harmful algae blooms
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted July 3 - 2:45 p.m. | Save Story
Lake Powell's lower water levels aren't the only concern this Fourth of July weekend.

Utah now the only US state with unwanted drought situation
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted July 3 - 12:00 p.m. | Save Story
Virtually all of Utah is now in drought for the first time in nearly three years, and it stands out, nationally.

Garden City fireworks only legal at Heritage Park parking lots
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted July 3 - 11:20 a.m. | Save Story
The Garden City fire chief announced purchased fireworks can only be used in areas near the Garden City Heritage Park within specific timeframes and on specific dates.

Utah County leaders offer relief amid canyon bathroom closures mired in federal red tape
Andrew Adams, KSL-TV | Posted July 3 - 9:39 a.m. | Save Story
Utah County leaders are stepping in to help with canyon bathroom closures in Forest Service territory ahead of the July Fourth weekend.

Stadium of Fire makes changes after fireworks injured 26 people last year
Daniel Woodruff, KSL-TV | Posted July 3 - 8:02 a.m. | Save Story
Organizers of this year's Stadium of Fire said they've taken steps to make sure a fireworks fiasco, like last year's that injured 26 people, doesn't happen again.

Where you can and can't discharge fireworks in Utah — and why it matters
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted July 2 - 3:00 p.m. | Save Story
Fireworks can be legal for a few days surrounding the Fourth of July and Pioneer Day, but state officials say it's important to follow the maps showing where they are permitted.

Mixed reactions as USDA calls for rescindment of 2001 'Roadless Rule'
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted July 2 - 1:05 p.m. | Save Story
While there is some hope that the rescinding of a 2001 roadless rule could lead to better wildfire mitigation, others worry it's a gateway to a future land grab.

Doctor offers reminders about children and heat with July weather looming
Andrew Adams, KSL-TV | Posted July 2 - 8:03 a.m. | Save Story
As temperatures approached 100 Tuesday, doctors were urging parents to watch closely for the warning signs of heat-related illnesses and injuries in their children when they play outside.

Utah skies to be filled with F-35A jets for Fourth of July. Here's where to watch
Bryan Barba, Deseret News | Posted July 2 - 6:20 a.m. | Save Story
A float of F-35A Lightning II jets will grace Utah skies in celebration of Independence Day on Friday. Here are the cities where you can watch this special flyover.

Hogle Zoo welcomes birth of baby orangutan; caretakers to raise the infant
Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com | Posted July 1 - 8:04 p.m. | Save Story
Animal caretakers are raising a baby orangutan recently born at Utah's Hogle Zoo.

Utah seeing water trend that typically occurs later in the summer
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted July 1 - 7:11 p.m. | Save Story
Summer might be just getting underway, but Utah water managers say they're already seeing some trends typically seen later in the season.

Have You Seen This? That was so nice of you to put out a bear feeder
Grant Olsen for KSL.com | Posted July 1 - 4:32 p.m. | Save Story
Bears have a way of commandeering all kinds of things. For example, if you have a bird feeder in bear country, you basically have a "bear feeder."

Utah's monsoon season is about to start at a helpful time for the state
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 30 - 9:00 p.m. | Save Story
Utah's drought has intensified in recent weeks, but help could soon be on the way.

Updated Utah Lake harbor reopens in American Fork
Brynn Carnesecca, KSL.com | Posted June 30 - 5:15 p.m. | Save Story
An updated beach area, parking lot, playground and bathrooms encourage citizens to visit and enjoy Utah Lake.

Hiking with pets this summer? Here are some tips to have the best experience possible
Mariah Maynes, KSL-TV | Posted June 29 - 9:40 p.m. | Save Story
Hiking with pets can be a fun way to enjoy the summer weather, but it also involves a little more planning. Here are some tips to have a great adventure.

Utah is on the map as a top national road trip destination
Bryan Barba, Deseret News | Posted June 29 - 9:25 p.m. | Save Story
Despite its mighty national parks and several stunning state parks, Utah's main attraction may be its roads, more specifically, its scenic byways.

Photographer launches ethical photography program to help Utah wildlife thrive
Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com | Posted June 29 - 3:00 p.m. | Save Story
As part of Shauna Hart's mission is to help wildlife thrive in Utah, she started a youth program to address a concerning trend of unethical wildlife photography.

8 budget friendly activities for summertime
Brynn Carnesecca, KSL.com | Posted June 28 - 5:03 p.m. | Save Story
Get in the summertime spirit with these activities that won't break the bank.

'Every Kid Outdoors' program reaches out to refugee teens
Mike Anderson, KSL-TV | Posted June 28 - 11:27 a.m. | Save Story
About 40 refugee teens spent three days at a special camp designed to help them try Utah's great outdoors. Their days included activities that many of them have never done before.

Here's how a BYU graduate's research is helping to optimize wildfire modeling
Logan Stefanich, KSL.com | Posted June 28 - 10:08 a.m. | Save Story
Brigham Young University graduate Jane Housley's research could help make a widely used wildfire modeling tool faster and more accurate when needed most.

Bird-watching: How one of the country's most popular hobbies engages Utahns
Caitlin Keith, Deseret News | Posted June 28 - 8:33 a.m. | Save Story
On a recent Sunday morning, a group of 10 bird-watchers leisurely made their way up Yellow Fork Canyon near Herriman in southwest Salt Lake County.

This Salt Lake City park was once closed over its issues. Now it's getting new life
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 27 - 9:03 p.m. | Save Story
A Salt Lake City park once closed over many issues a few years ago got the first of two major upgrades on Friday.

'They can run 40 miles an hour': Antelope Island urges safety around bison
Alex Cabrero, KSL-TV | Posted June 27 - 3:46 p.m. | Save Story
Antelope Island officials urge safety around bison this summer.

Cox asks Utahns to pray for rain, as fire restrictions expand in Utah amid drought
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated June 27 - 3:30 p.m. | Save Story
Gov. Spencer Cox is again calling on Utahns to pray for rain, as drought conditions worsen across the state and "wildfire risks escalate."

Dramatic video shows rockfall narrowly missing people at iconic Utah waterfall
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 26 - 10:15 a.m. | Save Story
Federal land managers are advising hikers to be careful around a popular hiking and swimming spot in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument after a rockfall Wednesday.

New park and boat harbor connect residents to Provo River and Utah Lake
Cassidy Wixom, KSL.com | Posted June 25 - 9:04 p.m. | Save Story
Two new and improved parks are available for people to enjoy the Provo River and Utah Lake this summer.

How you (or more likely your kids) can try X Games sports this weekend
Dennis Romboy, Deseret News | Posted June 25 - 6:02 p.m. | Save Story
Some of the best action sports athletes in the world will be in Salt Lake City this weekend for the X Games, but the Woodward Park City has a way you can participate, too.

How much water are Utah's agriculture optimization projects saving?
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 25 - 12:00 p.m. | Save Story
Projects that have been completed through a Utah program that seeks to improve agricultural water efficiency have produced encouraging results.

Forsyth Fire started with lightning 10 days before spreading to Pine Valley, destroying homes
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 25 - 9:57 a.m. | Save Story
Firefighters say they have found the origin of the Forsyth Fire, and they believe it started with a lightning strike more than a week before the fire was reported.

West Jordan firefighters giving out buckets for fire prevention from fireworks
Shelby Lofton, KSL-TV | Posted June 25 - 9:37 a.m. | Save Story
The West Jordan Fire Department is giving out buckets as a new fire prevention tool during fireworks season.

2 children taken to hospital following off-road vehicle crash in Iron County
Jeff Richards, St. George News | Posted June 24 - 10:04 p.m. | Save Story
One child was critically injured and another was seriously hurt after both were ejected in an off-road vehicle crash on a dirt road in the mountains east of Paragonah, Iron County, on Monday afternoon.

Trump administration repeals Clinton-era rule in effort to reduce wildfires
Brigham Tomco, Deseret News | Posted June 24 - 9:32 p.m. | Save Story
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced plans on Monday to reverse a Clinton-era policy in an effort to reduce wildfires caused by a lack of forest management.

Mike Lee's proposed public lands sale hits setback with Senate parliamentarian
Bridger Beal-Cvetko and Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 24 - 10:06 a.m. | Save Story
Sen. Mike Lee's proposal to sell up to 3 million acres of public lands in Utah and other states hit a roadblock Monday when the Senate parliamentarian ruled it cannot be included in the GOP tax bill.

Why these 100 elephants 'migrated' through Utah
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 24 - 10:04 a.m. | Save Story
A traveling elephant art exhibit made a quick stop in Utah as it continues to raise money for key conservation issues.

Sen. Mike Lee announces changes to proposed public lands sale
Mariah Maynes, KSL-TV | Posted June 24 - 8:22 a.m. | Save Story
Utah Sen. Mike Lee on Monday announced changes to his controversial proposal that could trigger the sale of millions of acres of public lands.
Some governors oppose planned public land selloff in Trump bill
Andrew Hay, Reuters | Posted June 23 - 5:45 p.m. | Save Story
Democratic and Republican governors of Western U.S. states on Monday opposed what they called the proposed wholesale selloff of millions of acres of public land.

Forsyth Fire 0% contained; France Canyon Fire now Utah's second-largest in 5 years
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 23 - 12:00 p.m. | Save Story
No additional structures have been lost in the Pine Valley area despite strong winds that helped a wildfire spread closer to other nearby communities over the weekend.

The trail of Utah wildlife murals, where art and nature converge into adventure
Bryan Barba, Deseret News | Posted June 23 - 6:55 a.m. | Save Story
A new trail map created by Utah artist Chris Peterson, dubbed Wildlife Walls, links murals throughout the state to local wildlife viewing areas, encouraging people to explore Utah's biodiversity.

What Utah's water situation looks like as drought spreads to start summer
Carter Williams, KSL.com | Posted June 21 - 7:04 a.m. | Save Story
Early monsoonal moisture has helped ease the severity of drought conditions across southern Utah, but a shift in moisture patterns has also left all parts of the state "abnormally dry."

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.
