Utah is one big outdoor adventure, with millions of acres of public spaces where you can cast for trout or herd cattle, go rock climbing or four-wheeling, sail or ski. The state boasts five spectacular national parks, seven national monuments, two national recreation areas, one national historic site, seven national forests, some 22 million acres administered by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and 45 state parks. But who's counting? It's enough to say that almost 80% of Utah's 85,000 square miles is yours to enjoy.
Utah offers a surprisingly wide range of outdoor activities, from desert hiking and four-wheeling to fishing and, of course, skiing. Among the many online outdoor recreation information sources are the very informative and user-friendly Public Lands Information Center website, www.publiclands.org, and the GORP (Great Outdoor Recreation Page) website, at www.gorp.com. Another excellent website is www.outdoorutah.com, where you can order a free copy of the annual Outdoor Utah Vacation Guide, and connect to their other websites (www.bicycleutah.com, www.backcountryutah.com, and whitewaterutah.com).
This is truly a do-it-yourself kind of state, and you'll have no trouble finding detailed topographic maps -- essential for wilderness trips -- plus whatever equipment and supplies you need. And despite the well-publicized cuts in budgets and work forces in national parks, recreation areas, and forests, every single ranger encountered in researching this book was happy to take time to help visitors plan their backcountry trips. In addition, many sporting-goods shops are staffed by area residents who know local activities and areas well, and are happy to help the would-be adventurer. In almost all cases, if you ask, there will be someone willing and able to help you make the most of your trip.
