How Utah Became A Top State For Outdoor Enthusiasts

A new national study places Utah among the premier destinations in America for outdoor recreation, ranking the Beehive State fourth overall among the best states for outdoor enthusiasts. The ranking comes from a 2026 analysis by SmileHub, which evaluated all 50 states using 18 different metrics related to environmental quality, access to outdoor activities, and the economic impact of outdoor recreation.

According to the report, Utah earned an overall score of 57.44, trailing only Montana, Alaska, Colorado and Washington. Utah's strongest showing came in the category of outdoor activity access, where it ranked second in the nation. The state also placed 10th for the economic impact and job opportunities generated by outdoor recreation.

The study measured a wide range of factors, including hiking trails, camping opportunities, dark-sky locations, ski facilities, geocaching opportunities, hunting and fishing costs, outdoor recreation employment and access to parks and wildlife areas. Researchers also considered environmental factors such as air quality, forest coverage and the presence of national parks.

Utah's Mighty Five A Key Factor

Utah's high ranking is not surprising to anyone familiar with the state's outdoor offerings. Home to the renowned Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Capitol Reef National Park, the state offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes ranging from red-rock deserts and slot canyons to alpine forests and world-class ski resorts.

Outdoor recreation is also a major economic driver for Utah. Recent economic data show the state's outdoor recreation economy generated nearly $10 billion in 2024, accounting for approximately 3.3% of Utah's gross domestic product. Utah ranked third nationally for growth in outdoor recreation GDP over the past decade.

The state's culture also reflects its outdoor focus. Fewer than one in five Utah adults report no leisure-time physical activity, placing Utah among the nation's most active states.

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While Montana claimed the top spot in SmileHub's rankings, Utah's fourth-place finish reinforces its reputation as one of America's premier destinations for hiking, camping, skiing, mountain biking, stargazing and other outdoor pursuits. The study suggests that for residents and visitors alike, Utah remains one of the country's best places to enjoy the great outdoors.