4F: The future of outdoor recreation on the Colorado River

Outdoor recreation in Utah accounts for 2.7% of the state’s GDP, supports over 66,000 jobs^[4.E.1] and is a vital part of the state’s economy—but the water resources on which these experiences rely are in flux. Utah’s section of Colorado River is an important recretion resource for Moab and Lake Powell. Drought has reduced the river’s flows, decreasing water-based recreation opportunities for local, national and international visitors. For example, white-water rafting in Cataract Canyon (a popular stretch of river running from Moab to Lake Powell) is possible for 257 days per year in dry years, down from 362 days in wet years. However, the number of days considered ‘optimal’ for whitewater boating drops dramatically from 121 days in wet years to 37 days in dry years^[4.E.2]. This substantial drop has important economic implications.

At Lake Powell, low water levels may mean that boat ramps can’t reach the lake. In 2022, significantly low water levels prompted managers to close one marina for the season, and to build an extension to facilitate lake access at another ramp^[4.E.3]. In May 2023, four of 15 boat launch ramps were closed to non-motorized access, and eight were closed to motorized access due to problematic water levels^[4.E.4]. Although the record-breaking water year of 2023 may temporarily moderate this issue, ongoing aridification will likely continue to create real-world implications for recreationists and the state’s tourism economy.

Models based on long-term data indicate that a 10.3-inch drop in Lake Powell’s water level (equivalent to 100,000 less acre-feet of water) in a year are associated with over 5,000 fewer recreational visits to Lake Powell, and $374,000 less in annual visitor spending^[4.E.5]. As a changing climate continues to push the Colorado River Basin toward aridification, Utah’s recreation industry will need to be aware of thresholds that could change the way people use the land.