Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit

Cedar City, UT | September 8-9, 2026

Tickets On Sale Now!

Theme | Built Here. For Tomorrow.

The Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit is back—this year in the heart of Iron County at the beautiful campus of Southern Utah University. Mark your calendars for September 8–9, 2026, as we gather leaders, advocates, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the state and beyond for two days of collaboration, inspiration, and action — all set against the stunning landscapes of southern Utah.

This year’s theme, Built Here. For Tomorrow., asks a simple question: What are we leaving behind through what we build today? It’s about thinking beyond the next season or project and focusing on the outdoor experiences we want future generations to inherit. From local trails to statewide initiatives, we’ll explore how thoughtful growth, strong partnerships, and community-minded decisions can serve Utahns today while protecting and sustaining the places we love for generations to come.

Whether you’re a land manager, policy maker, business owner, nonprofit leader, or passionate outdoor lover, the Summit offers something for everyone. Join us as we shape the future of outdoor recreation in Utah—now and into the future.

September 8, 2026 – Start off the Summit with a half-day of activities and Kickoff Dinner at Wood Ranch with stargazing.
September 9, 2026 – A full session day packed with dynamic conversations and hands-on learning with leaders, land managers, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the state - topics announced soon!

Mountain Biking Experience at Brian Head Resort

10 Tickets Available

Challenge yourself or simply enjoy the ride at Utah's largest mountain bike park, which offers lift-served downhill biking for all skill levels. Brian Head Resort features over 100 miles of downhill single-track and access to an additional 100 miles of cross-country trails. The park is a premier destination known for its gravity-fed flow trails, technical singletrack, and a variety of freestyle elements like berms, jumps, rock gardens, and drops.

Scenic Chair Lift Ride at Brian Head Resort

10 Tickets Available

Experience the fresh mountain air and breathtaking views of Southern Utah with a scenic ride on the Giant Steps Express lift. From a bird's-eye view, you can marvel at sweeping panoramic landscapes, including expansive red rock vistas and the striking geological formations of Cedar Breaks National Monument. Along the way, observe local wildlife and vibrant wildflowers. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy an elevated perspective and either ride the lift back down, or disembark to explore hiking trails like the 3-mile Vista Trail.

Three Peaks Recreation Tour

30 Tickets Available

Join the Division of Outdoor Recreation staff for a tour of Cedar City’s largest designated recreation area. Discover the wide range of experiences at Three Peaks Special Recreation Management Area, from mountain biking and OHV riding to RC car racing and paintball. Along the way, participants will gain insight into the area’s unique land-use history, its cooperative management between federal and local partners, opportunities for community involvement and volunteerism, and the ongoing challenges of balancing the needs of diverse recreation users.

Utah DOR Grants Learning Lab

60 Tickets Available

Join the Division of Outdoor Recreation grants team for a hands-on workshop offering guidance on both Division of Outdoor Recreation grants and grant applications in general. Get a deep dive into our current and upcoming opportunities, learn how to make your project stand out, and hear directly from our grant committee and council members about what they look for in funded projects.

Come with a project in mind and get immediate, hands-on support through breakout groups and one-on-one time with staff. You’ll also hear from our statewide outdoor recreation planning coordinator on the role of planning, key steps to take, and available resources—with time for mini-consultations to get your project moving.

Have a past application that didn’t make the cut? Bring it for detailed feedback to strengthen your resubmission. Space is limited—registration required!

Kanarraville Falls Hike

20 Tickets Available

JHike the iconic Kanarra Falls slot canyon with local expert and Falls manager Holly Hadley. Kanarra Falls is a stunning, 4-mile round-trip water hike in Kanarraville, Utah, featuring narrow slot canyons, rushing waterfalls, and a famous step ladder climb. The hike is moderate to challenging, with mandatory stream walking. Kanarra Falls requires a permit as access is limited to less than 200 people per day. This is an exclusive opportunity to experience this amazing slot canyon.

Iron Hills Trail System Hike

20 Tickets Available

Explore the celebrated Iron Hills Trail System, a National Recreation Trail recognized for its quality, accessibility, and regional significance, which offers 30 miles of diverse trails developed across four phases on BLM land. Join our staff for a guided hike where participants will see how trail systems are actually built, focusing on some techniques, things to be aware of when developing trails and how to utilize different types of trails crews.

Disc Golf at Thunderbird Garden

20 Tickets Available

Disc golf, also known as frisbee golf, is a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a target, using rules similar to golf. The sport is usually played on a course with 9 or 18 holes. Thunderbird Garden is a popular Disc Golf destination in Cedar City.

Please fill out the Activity Sign in and Activity Waiver before you begin.

Climbing Tower Rock Climbing at SUU

30 Tickets Available

Rock climb indoors at The Climbing Tower at Southern Utah University! The climbing tower is 35-ft. tall with the following features:

Eight belay bars for top-rope climbing or with quick-draws for lead climbing. You must bring your own rope for lead climbing.
Bouldering up to the yellow line.
Climbing shoes are available for rent in the SUU PE building.

Participants at SUU’s climbing wall must sign this waiver: Climbing Wall Waiver

2026 Summit Speakers

Click on a speaker's name to learn more about their background and expertise.

Carlie Mello

BIO ▾

Carlie Mallo is a park ranger at Sand Hollow State Park, Utah’s most visited state park. She helps engage visitors through educational programs, guided events, and Junior Ranger activities.

Chris Newton

BIO ▾

Chris Newton is VP of Client Success at Earthdiver Partner Services and a certified Forest Bathing guide. He leads immersive nature experiences that help people connect with the outdoors for wellness and stress relief.

Jen Bowman

BIO ▾

Jen Bowman is the Marketing Manager for Wasatch County Parks & Recreation and a Heber Valley resident who is passionate about connecting people through recreation and community events.

Josh Anderson

BIO ▾

Josh is a lifelong Iron County resident and Southern Utah University graduate who connects students with hands-on learning and careers in public land management and conservation through the Outdoor Pathways program.

Julia Geisler

BIO ▾

Julia Geisler leads the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance, advancing sustainable climbing access and stewardship across the Wasatch.

Mia Yue

BIO ▾

From Minnesota, Mia lives in the Heber Valley, where she serves as Executive Director of the Wasatch Trails Foundation and is passionate about mountain biking, snowboarding, and outdoor adventure.

Randy Varner

BIO ▾

Randy is the founder and director of the Duck Creek Village Legacy Project, dedicated to improving and restoring trails in Southern Utah.

Tracy Meier

BIO ▾

Tracy Meier is the Chief Program & Education Officer at the National Ability Center with more than 24 years of experience in adaptive recreation. She is a leader in adaptive sports, inclusion, and recreation programming.

Ty Hunter

BIO ▾

Ty Hunter is the Boating Program Manager for the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, overseeing boating safety, education, and access programs throughout Utah.

Ticket Information

Tickets on sale now.
Lock-in early bird ticket pricing of $155 today!

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Sponsorship Inquiries

Contact: Sarah Kyle
[email protected] | (626) 660-6320

Sponsorship Packet

2026 Summit Sponsors

The Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit is made possible through the generous support of organizations that share our commitment to fostering a lifelong passion for the outdoors.