Outdoor Recreation

The aptly-named "Aspen Alley" near Breckenridge, Colorado, is one of the most popular leaf-peeping destinations in the region. That can lead to trail and parking lot congestion.

In other news, Utah is offering farmers and ranchers "unprecedented" loan relief after a disaster-filled year. And, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is getting lower-elevation boat ramps.

The proposal would flip current motorized use rules on their head, allowing access unless designated otherwise. Recreationists called the change overdue, but conservationists fear a free-for-all.

A dozen press freedom organizations signed onto a letter last week opposing the memo, which the Washington Post reported on in June. The department said its guidance has been mischaracterized.

Significant changes to federal lands are happening this year, but submitting public comment on those changes can be confusing. A new app hopes to simplify the process.

Having more visitors can take a toll on aging infrastructure and individual experiences at the parks. Federal changes have also impacted ecosystems, projects, and staffing.

A poor snow year has led to low water levels for rivers in the West, while hot weather pushes water temperatures up. That's bad news for both fish and river recreators.

The usually-tiny meteors can occasionally get as big as a basketball, which makes them brighter than the full moon. The meteor shower peaks Thursday night and will be active until Aug. 24.

In a new study, animals were less likely to flee near popular trails compared to more remote parts of the forest. Researchers are considering several possible explanations for why.

High temperatures and a poor snowpack led to a lackluster winter for nearby ski resorts. But according to experts and trail users, those conditions could have consequences for summer sports, too.