Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit
Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit
Utah Valley University | October 14-15, 2025
The Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit is back—this time in the heart of Utah County at the beautiful campus of Utah Valley University, which boasts arguably the most dramatic backdrop along the Wasatch Front. Mark your calendars for October 14–15, 2025, as we gather leaders, advocates, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the state and beyond for two days of collaboration, inspiration, and action.
This year’s theme, Building Bridges: Explore. Connect. Sustain., invites participants to forge stronger connections between people, communities, and the landscapes we love. Through hands-on workshops, engaging keynotes, and thoughtful panel discussions, we’ll explore how outdoor recreation can serve as a powerful tool to unify stakeholders, empower local economies, and ensure long-term stewardship of our natural resources.
Whether you’re a land manager, policy maker, business owner, nonprofit leader, or passionate recreator, the Summit offers something for everyone. Join us as we shape the future of outdoor recreation in Utah—together.
Foraging at Aspen Grove Trailhead
10:00am | 20 Spaces — Meet at Rock Canyon Trailhead, then head to Aspen Grove Trailhead
Foraging at Aspen Grove Trailhead will teach identification, harvesting, cooking, and preservation of edible plants. Led by John Williams, an amateur botanist with a blog on over 80 edible species, this fall foray focuses on berries like serviceberries, raspberries, thimbleberries, and elderberries, while also identifying non-edible ones. Participants take personal responsibility for what they choose to eat.
Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and good walking shoes.
Paddle Poker at North Marina of Utah Lake State Park
10:00am | 20 Spaces — Meet at Rock Canyon Trailhead, then head to North Marina at Utah Lake State Park
Try your hand at “Paddle Poker” at the North Marina of Utah Lake State Park with the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation Boating Department. This unique adventure combines paddleboarding or kayaking with a game of poker. Grab a partner, a tandem kayak or paddleboard, build a team of 4, and paddle around the marina. Participants will paddle to different stations to collect playing cards, aiming to build the best poker hand by the end of the event.
Lifejackets are required to be worn. Please bring your own or let us know if you would like to borrow one. Please bring a watercraft or contact us so we can arrange one for you. And wear clothing that can get wet!
Guided Hike with Petroglyphs at the Smith Family Archaeological Preserve
10:00am | 20 Spaces — Meet at Rock Canyon Trailhead and carpool to the Smith Family Archaeological Preserve
Explore the Smith Family Archaeological Preserve (SFAP) on a guided hike, where cultural history and outdoor recreation beautifully intersect. This 2–3 hour hike will delve into the area's rich past, showcasing relevant historical context and artifacts. The SFAP is home to over 200 petroglyph panels and features such as a stone circle, rock cairns, a low-lying rock wall, and intermittent debitage. The rock imagery here spans thousands of years and multiple occupations, dating as far back as 13,000 BCE, with occupational periods including the Paleo-Indian, Archaic, and Fremont periods.
Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and good hiking shoes. Bring a snack and water.
Indoor Rock Climbing at UVU
10:00am | 40 Spaces — Meet at Rock Canyon Trailhead, then head to UVU's Climbing Wall
Challenge yourself with an exhilarating indoor rock climbing experience at Utah Valley University (UVU). This activity offers a dynamic way to build strength, agility, and problem-solving skills in a safe and controlled environment. Whether you're a beginner looking to try something new or an experienced climber aiming to hone your technique, UVU's climbing wall provides a variety of routes and challenges for all skill levels. Learn basic climbing techniques, belaying, and safety protocols from experienced instructors, and enjoy the thrill of reaching new heights. All necessary equipment will be provided. Check in at Rock Canyon Trailhead and then head to the climbing wall! Climbing will be open until 4 PM.
Please bring your Summit badge for check-in and comfortable climbing clothes.
Rehabilitate Utah Lake’s Shoreline
10:00am | 30 Spaces — Meet at Rock Canyon Trailhead, then head to Utah Lake State Park
With much more land and soil to work with after invasive weed removal, the Utah Lake Authority has started to rehabilitate Utah Lake's shoreline by reintroducing native plants. This will help restore natural habitats, improve water quality, and support the local wildlife. By planting native vegetation, we can create a more resilient ecosystem that can better withstand future environmental challenges. Additionally, your community involvement in these restoration efforts will ensure the long-term success of the project. We will provide snacks, sunscreen, & water!
Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and good walking shoes.
OHV Impact & Scenic Ride
10:00am | 20 Spaces — Meet at Rock Canyon Trailhead, then head to the Wasatch Excursions
Come explore some of Utah’s most scenic riding areas with the Division of Outdoor Recreation OHV Program! This guided ride will highlight Wasatch State Park and an OHV experience where riders will take in the beautiful leaves of fall with the aspen, oak, and maple trees. Riders will have spectacular views of Heber Valley and Mount Timpanogos. Participants will have the opportunity to operate an OHV while navigating the trail. During the trail ride at various locations, various OHV topics will be discussed. OHV’s will be provided.
Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty, boots or sturdy shoes, and eye protection (sunglasses are great). DOR will provide helmets and buffs. You can bring gloves if you like.
Bike Ride with ARI Bikes
11:00am | 20 Spaces — Meet at Draper Cycle Park
Join ARI Bikes for an exciting mountain biking experience from 11 AM to 2 PM. This guided ride will showcase Utah's incredible biking opportunities, with options to fit various riding preferences and ability levels. ARI Bikes will provide approximately 22 demo bikes, including multiple styles. The event will take place at the Draper Cycle Park, which offers a small pump track and multiple trails to utilize.
Please wear comfortable clothes, a helmet, and if you have a specific pedal preference, bring those as well.
Winterizing the GRIT Garden
10:00am | 30 Spaces — Meet at Rock Canyon Trailhead, then head to UVU's GRIT Garden
Are you a fan of the outdoors and want to learn more about Utah's native plants? Come volunteer at the UVU Utah native plant teaching and research garden. We will be adding new plants to our collection. The service project will involve digging holes, transplanting, watering, and much more! Come ready to get dirty and have fun!
Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and good walking shoes. Please bring water, but gloves and supplies will be provided.
2025 Summit Speakers
Ticket Information
Regular Ticket Price: July 7 - Oct. 7, at $225
Late Registration Ticket Price: Oct. 8- Oct. 14 at $275
Sponsorship Inquiries
Contact: Sarah Kyle
[email protected] | 626.660.6320
2025 Summit Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Host Venue
Dinner Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Exhibitors
Product & Buisness Support
Hotels & Event Lodging
Welcome to Utah Valley - Year-round Adventure!
Breathtaking mountains, vibrant communities, and endless ways to explore—Utah Valley is where outdoor adventure meets small-town charm and big-city energy. Nestled between the Wasatch Range and Utah Lake, this dynamic region is home to world-class recreation, innovative cuisine, and a growing culture of stewardship and connection.
Get to Know the Area
Whether you’re hiking alpine trails above Provo Canyon, biking along the Murdock Canal Trail, or paddling across Utah Lake at sunset, Utah Valley offers year-round opportunities to get outside and play. With access to the towering peaks of Mount Timpanogos, the red rock beauty of Spanish Fork Canyon, and the hidden gems of American Fork and Pleasant Grove, this region is your perfect basecamp for exploration.
Beyond the trails, discover vibrant downtowns, historic landmarks, and a thriving arts and tech scene. From BYU’s energetic campus to the family-friendly neighborhoods of Orem and Springville, Utah Valley is a place where innovation and tradition blend seamlessly.
Find a Place to Eat
Utah Valley’s culinary scene is buzzing with bold flavors and local flair. Savor smoky barbecue, inventive farm-to-table dishes, and sweet treats from some of the state’s most beloved bakeries. Whether you’re grabbing a bite after a hike or settling in for a sunset dinner with mountain views, you’ll find no shortage of delicious dining options to fuel your adventure.
Join us at the 2025 Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit!
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