Utah outdoor recreation economy breaks records, reaches $9.5B

Utah’s outdoor recreation economy grew to a record $9.5 billion in value-added, contributing 3.4 percent of Utah’s GDP and supporting 71,898 jobs, according to the recently released U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) economic data for 2023.

“Outdoor recreation is a key contributor to Utah’s economy, and this year’s economic data reinforces its critical role in our state,” said Jason Curry, director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. “Given Utah’s renowned diverse landscapes and the wide variety of outdoor activities available to residents and visitors, it’s no surprise to see continued growth. It shows that the state’s commitment to preserving and enhancing outdoor experiences enriches lives and drives significant economic benefits for communities.”

Since the BEA began tracking outdoor recreation’s economic contributions in 2012, Utah has experienced an average 8.4 percent yearly growth rate, the highest of any state. In 2013, Utah set a national precedent by becoming the first state to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, which has since expanded into the Division of Outdoor Recreation. Since Utah’s launch of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, 24 other states have established offices or divisions dedicated to outdoor recreation.

Utah ranks third in the nation for winter sports, which continues to be the largest contributor to Utah’s outdoor recreation economy, with $643 million in value-added in 2023. Activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are key economic drivers in communities throughout most of the state, and the winter sports sector supports jobs in industries like lodging, dining, equipment rentals and others.

Meanwhile, bicycling has experienced record growth, with a 43 percent increase in value-added from 2022, reaching $73 million in 2023. This surge reflects Utah’s growing reputation as a cycling destination, fueled by expanding trail systems, improved infrastructure and an increasing number of cycling events that attract bikers from across the country, including the fastest-growing National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) league in the nation.

In addition to winter activities and bycycling, key contributors to the outdoor economy include RVing ($412 million); boating and fishing ($537 million); hunting, shooting and trapping ($331 million); OHVs, motorcycling and ATVing ($166 million); and climbing, hiking and tent camping ($143 million).

Nationally, the 2023 BEA numbers show outdoor recreation contributes $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.5 percent of GDP), supporting 5.2 million jobs.

In 2022, the Utah State Legislature recognized the growing importance of the outdoors to Utah’s economic prosperity and quality of life and created the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR). As part of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, DOR combines the nation’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation with other state recreation management programs, including Utah’s Boating Program, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program and recreation programs for law enforcement officers.