Utah Office of Tourism Encourages Safe and Responsible Travel this Holiday Weekend
SALT LAKE CITY, UT –– The Utah Office of Tourism is calling on residents and visitors to show good stewardship of communities and public lands in anticipation of a busy weekend for travel in Utah. Memorial Day Weekend is traditionally a popular weekend and is expected to attract record numbers to Utah’s state and national parks as well as national forests and other recreation areas.
“Utah’s parks are more popular than ever and we are asking for everyone’s help preserving our unique geological beauty and archeological treasures by traveling responsibly,” said Vicki Varela, managing director of the Office of Tourism.
In collaboration with industry stakeholders from around the state, the Utah Office of Tourism developed Forever Mighty®, an initiative to accomplish the Red Emerald Strategic Plan, which aims to elevate life in Utah through responsible tourism stewardship.
“When we choose to explore Utah thoughtfully, we strengthen communities and ensure continuous access to our cherished parks and outdoor recreation,” said Vicki Varela. “Forever Mighty is an opportunity to establish long-term best practices for creating something better for Utah residents and Utah visitors.”
Those who choose to experience the Mighty 5® national parks during the holiday weekend should anticipate crowds, lines and possible restrictions on access. State leaders encourage residents and visitors to seek out alternative adventures, including Dark Sky experiences — many within a 2-hour drive of Utah’s urban corridor — recreating on lesser-traveled trails and enjoying many of Utah’s cultural museums and attractions.
“Utah is known for our abundance of outdoor assets, many of which lie beyond the parks, outside of those bucket-list places,” said Pitt Grewe, Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Holiday weekends are a great time to explore new places and find those less traveled areas. Just remember that the further you get from the crowds, the greater responsibility you have to leave no trace. Utah is special and it takes all of us to keep it that way.”
Safe, responsible travel tips in Utah:
Know before you go. Plan ahead, research your destination.
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Plan to pack out your trash. Use restrooms or wagbags.
Extinguish your fires or follow posted fire restrictions. Utah is under a current state of emergency due to drought conditions.
Travel on designated trails and motorized routes.
Prepare for your trip with adequate water, sun protection, clothing and gear.
Arrive at popular recreation sites early in the morning and visit hidden gems as part of your trip.
Respect the restrictions in state and national parks intended for public safety and protection of our environment.
Act respectfully at all times, particularly at important historical sites and burial grounds.
Leave pottery or other artifacts you may find untouched. (Removal is a violation of federal law.)
When possible, support small businesses such as restaurants, hotels, guides and local retailers.
Go with a guide. In Utah, if you can dream it, you can probably find a guide for it.
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About the Utah Office of Tourism
The Utah Office of Tourism's (UOT) mission is to elevate life in Utah through responsible tourism stewardship. We do this through marketing, stewardship and development. Marketing: UOT curates messaging that inspires visitation, supports local businesses and builds the Utah economy. Stewardship: UOT manages visitation statewide and supports the responsible discovery of Utah. Development: UOT partners with local communities to enhance and develop their visitor economies to benefit residents and visitors. Learn more at visitutah.com and travel.utah.gov.
