In this episode of Recreation Elevated, we sit down with Scott Holmes, founder and CEO of Teton, to talk about designing affordable, comfortable outdoor gear, lowering barriers for first-time campers, and why getting outside is essential for mental health. Scott shares the personal experiences that shaped Teton’s mission and how giving back helps build the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

From WWII rubber rafts to modern-day adventure vessels, Western River Expeditions’ Travis Pierce dives into the wild history of river running—and the safety lessons learned along the way. Plus, Deirdre Miller from Utah’s Division of Outdoor Recreation drops must-know tips on life jackets, water levels, and why sober boating saves lives. Hit play and elevate your rec game!

What's this? A new episode of Recreation Elevated just in time for the holidays?? Whoop Whoop! Join Emma and Caroline as they wrap up 2024 chatting with our very own trail crew program superintendent Mike Thomas about the success of Utah's trail maintenance program, which completed over 100 projects in its first full year! Also in this episode, Caroline and Emma chat with former OHV program manager Chase Pili about the growth of Utah's OHV program and the development of a new state-mandated adult education course.

If you've been missing Recreation Elevated, you're in luck! With the help of new cohost and "Jack of all Trades" Emma Peterson, Recreation Elevated is back and ready for more exciting episodes! Join us for this relaunch of the podcast where Caroline and Emma chat about some of the events we've been involved with here at the Division in the last year. Answering questions about whether dinosaurs made good climbers, how early is too early to get excited for ski season and how much cobbler is too much cobbler... this episode has a little bit of everything. 

Big thank you to Patrick Morrison for our rad new banjo introduction jingle! 

After sampling a few of Utah's greatest endurance events, races and routes this summer, Caroline shares stories of her own as well as many others who have learned that Utah is the place to test your limits! With races like LOTOJA, the Wasatch 100 and Crusher in the Tushars, Utah is well equipped to provide unique experiences for those wishing to push past physical and mental pain. Give this episode a listen and maybe become inspired to sign up for that 5k or 50k you've been eyeing in Utah! 

We're back! It's been a busy few months over at the Division of Outdoor Recreation, but I'm so excited to be back releasing podcasts, however infrequently they may be! Join me for a conversation with Anna Sprout, who runs the Moab Trail Ambassador program and learn more about the awesome outreach and education program she's spearheading in Grand County! 

After a busy March, I'm excited to release this episode with Josie Giles, the Program Director for Summit Journeys. Summit Journeys is a non-profit organization aimed at getting youth into the outdoors while also teaching them skills to develop self-efficacy, resilience and determination. Josie and the team at Summit Journeys are working in part with Utah's Every Kid Outdoors Initiative to encourage more of our youth to put down the screens and get outside! 

For more information you can go to https://www.summitjourneys.org/. 

Brett Kobernik is a forecaster for the Utah Avalanche Center centered in the Skyline region of our state. Brett has worked tirelessly for the past 8 years to create protocols, weather forecasting, equipment and relationships that increase the safety and awareness of backcountry users during the winter season. In this episode, Caroline tags along with Brett and Laura on one of their forecasting days up Fairview Canyon and learns what a typical day in the field looks like for these two! 

Carly Lansche, our statewide Recreation Planner, enlightens us on a sport few people dare to embark on: bike packing. But if riding your bike 160 miles through the desert wasn't enough, Carly and her friends manage to make this multi-day trip a multi-sport one as well! With life lessons about gear quality, competition and the unbiased opinion regarding pizza, Carly is sure to inspire you to get after your next outdoor challenge! 

Jason Curry was appointed as the director for the Division of Outdoor Recreation in early December and I was lucky enough to snag a few minutes with him in his first week on the job.

Jason references the Guiding our Growth Survey which you can find at guidingourgrowth.utah.gov/ This is a fantastic opportunity for Utah citizens to give input on how our natural resources should be used going forward. We'd love to hear from you!