Tourism businesses across Utah are struggling to recover from a series of wildfires and monsoonal storms. According to Utah Wildfire Information, the state had recorded 1,127 fires burning a total of 559,525 acres as of September 8, 2026.
The Widemouth 2 and Cottonwood Fires have caused significant economic impact. In addition to fire damage, monsoonal storms brought three inches of rain to Zion National Park and Springdale, resulting in massive flash floods. These rains have been exacerbated by burn scars from recent and previous years' fires, which lack the vegetation and soil structure to prevent water from washing away bare soil.
In Beaver, the Eagle Point Ski Resort sustained damage to four of its five ski lifts, lost half of its ski terrain, and lost a ski lodge, five snowmobiles, and three vehicles. Highway 153, which provides access to the resort, was washed out and is unlikely to be open this year. Additionally, Phil Bostrom noted that when a flood destroyed the town's water system, OHV riding clubs from Cedar City and Garfield County delivered 50 cases of drinking water. Bostrom credited the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for organizing volunteers to assist with cleanup efforts.
The town of Marysvale, which relies heavily on tourism for its economy, has been impacted by fires and flooding for the last three years. Sam Steed, a member of the Piute County Commission and owner of the Rocky Ridge Resort, stated that business has decreased by 80 percent. Despite these challenges, Steed noted that fishing at Otter Creek Reservoir remains active and some groups are scheduling reunions for the fall season.
While many trails are reopening, local businesses continue to seek economic support following these natural disasters. Residents in the Big Rock Candy Mountain, Marysvale, and Junction areas have produced merchandise to reflect their resilience.
