Have you read the Governor's Directive to the State of Utah?
Below we have some highlights of the directive that affect outdoor recreation, you can read the full directive by clicking the button that says "Read the full directive here."
For some helpful tips, keep reading! You can find more sources at the bottom of the page, including local health departments and more!
Recreation is an important part of life - studies show it makes us happier and healthier. However, we are experiencing very unique circumstances right now. At Your Leisure and our sponsors encourage everyone to make good decisions, comply with mandates and guidelines from relevant authorities and to stay safe!
Confused on social distancing in the great outdoors? Here are some helpful guidelines from the Department of Health and At Your Leisure!
- Being outside is fine as long as you stay in small groups of 10 or less and keep at least six feet away from others. These activities may include hiking, camping, boating, off road recreation, bird watching, wildlife viewing, fishing, camping, golf, or taking your kids to the park.
- Wash your hands often. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Clean high touch surfaces such as doorknobs, handrails, gas nozzles and areas or objects you touch with disinfectant wipes before and after you use them..
- Safety is even more important than ever if you choose to ride in the near future. Many hospitals are at or near capacity. This may not only make it difficult for you to get the care you need should you get injured, you may also turn the attention of hospital staff away from focusing on addressing the needs of other patients
- Please carefully consider the potential implications should you hit the trails. Make decisions that make sense for you and your family and that abide by recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and other federal, state, and local agencies and governments.
What is social distancing?
Whether you are sick or not, everyone should practice social distancing right now.
Social distancing means to stay away from others as much as possible. Social distancing is important because it slows the spread of COVID-19. Try to stay at least 6 feet from other people. People should not gather in public places where crowds are present or tend to gather. People should self isolate as much as possible, whether staying at home or in the woods. With very few exceptions, cancel all get-togethers. Dating, family visits, and house parties should all be postponed.
If you do go to a place where there are groups of people, try to stay at least 6 feet from others. Wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, immediately after you leave a place where there were groups of people. Don't touch your face until you get a chance to thoroughly wash your hands
What you can’t do:
You should not get together with large groups, even at home.
What you can do: just get outdoors with your family, it is the healthiest place to be.
What you can’t do:
You should not get together with groups at parks or other places where more than a handful if people gather in closer proximity. This does not include state parks, public lands or national parks where people are spread out.
Going out to eat
What you can do:
You can order take-out from your favorite restaurant. You can pick your food up curbside or use the drive through.
What you can’t do:
You cannot eat inside.
If you or anyone in your family are sick or show any symptoms including even the slightest fever, you should not travel. You and your family should quarantine in your home.
What you can do:
Don't make needless trips. If you encounter people, try to keep 6 feet apart. If you are shopping for groceries or supplies send only one designated person to do the shopping. Pay for gas and other items using a card to limit the amount of physical contact you have with others. Wash your hands after coming in contact with high touch surfaces. In self service shopping use disinfectant wipes before you use high touch surfaces and then wipe again after you are done.
What you can’t do:
You should not travel on any kind of public transportation unless you absolutely have to.
A Note From the Department of Natural Resources:
Utah State Parks and federal partners have create a COVID-19 online resource and ask for responsible recreation during pandemic
In the wake of COVID-19, state and federal land managing agencies are coordinating together to help Utahns better navigate outdoor recreational opportunities, restrictions and changing conditions at both state and national parks, as well as other recreation areas statewide.
While venturing outdoors is a great way to escape cabin fever and relieve anxiety and stress, Utahns are encouraged to visit parks and recreation areas that are close to home. As it relates to state parks, Utah residents can visit state parks that are located within the county where they live — per Governor Gary R. Herbert's “Stay Safe, Stay Home” Directive. Recreators should also follow the guidance outlined by their local health officials.
A digital clearinghouse can be found at coronavirus.utah.gov/
Coordinating land managing agencies include the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation, National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
Those recreating on Utah's public lands should follow the social distancing guidelines and healthy hygiene habits outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and the State of Utah. Separate yourself from others and respect their social distancing – this includes not congregating at common areas or trailheads. Visitors should also stay away from parks and recreation areas when they are sick or have symptoms; practice "pack it in and pack it out" etiquette; and respect facility closures.
Visitors should check the status of the recreation area they are looking to visit before heading out. Consult the information provided at coronavirus.utah.gov/
A note from the Grand County Sheriff's Office:
We'd like to remind the public that there are current restrictions on all camping in Grand County, per the Southeast Utah Health Department orders. Non-residents are not allowed to camp, including developed and primitive sites. Although we understand the great outdoors may be a good way to self-quarantine, our visitors can place heavy burdens upon our resources. The rural nature of our healthcare facilities presents us with limited services that are already taxed by a potential COVID-19 incident in our area. Currently, there are no known cases in Grand County. One injured visitor who needs overnight medial care means one less of only 17 hospital beds for all of those who live in the county. Additionally, our Grand County Search and Rescue Division is the busiest SAR in Utah. When visitors are lost or injured, our team is called out for rescue, along with Grand County EMS. Oftentimes, we assist along with our fellow law enforcement agencies. Even if a visitor is not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, they may still be contagious and increase the risk of infection to our essential first responders, who would then need to be quarantined for 14 days.
It should be noted that all non-resident campers are currently being contacted by law enforcement officers and closure signage is being established at popular camping locations. Citations can and will be issued, especially in instances of repeat offenders.
PLEASE, if you are not a Grand County resident, postpone any plans for an overnight stay in Moab, whether that be in a lodging facility or camping, and help us protect our small community. All of us in Grand County thank you for your support
A Message From the BLM:
The BLM closed the Little Sahara Recreation Area (LSRA) on March 26, after working closely with state and local governments to address public health concerns related to COVID-19. This closure is also consistent with the State Public Health Order issued by the Utah Department of Health. The closure is effective immediately and will remain in effect until such time as conditions allow for safe use of the recreation area. The BLM’s number one priority is to protect the health and safety of staff and visitors to our recreation areas and facilities.
The BLM continues to collaborate with state and local governments to plan and implement the closure and to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. On busy weekends in the spring, LSRA may receive up to 30,000 visitors, large camping groups, heavy use of public facilities, and significant employee-public contact. During the weekend of March 20-22, the LSRA received approximately 15,000 visitors.
The temporary safety closure order can be viewed online at: https://www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/little-sahara-recreation-area
A message from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Attention Lake Powell boaters: Many facilities at the lake — including campgrounds, dining facilities, public restrooms and hotels — are now closed based on CDC recommendations to limit the spread of COVID-19. If you still decide to go to Lake Powell, you can expect to meet with DWR conservation officers, NPS staff and DWR technicians requesting that you clean and drain your boat before departure. Wait times may be significant, and decontaminations will not be offered. Please plan accordingly and be sure to seek decontamination services elsewhere before launching your boat again. We encourage social distancing during this pandemic crisis.
For more information:
Local Health Departments:
State park closures across the nation:
We will post more information as it becomes available.