For journalist & storyteller Stephanie DeGraw, childhood summers at the Grand Canyon's North Rimwere filled with the scent of juniper, ponderosa pine, and summer rain. Those days shaped her love for public lands and inspired the work she does today.

Hear Stephanie's story on the Color Country Podcast, wherepersonal memories meet timeless landscapes.

'The stakes have never been higher': What is America's Red Rock Wilderness Act?

Advocates say the passage of America's Red Rock Wilderness Act is crucial for protecting Southern Utah's economies dependent on tourism, wildlife and cultural resources. The region is the ancestral home of many Native American tribes.

Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance Director Travis Hammill speaks with host Stephanie DeGraw about how these lands are vulnerable to destruction due to plans to potentially drill for oil in Southern Utah.

As the call of the wild beckons, the number of visitors to Utah's state parks continues to climb. As a result, officials are asking visitors to do more preplanning and responsible recreating this season.

Devan Chavez, Utah Division of State Parks associate director, tells Host Stephanie DeGraw that Utah's state parks experience a significant increase in tourism yearly. He said that with a 33% rise during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, visitor numbers jumped from 7.9 million in 2019 to 12.9 million in 2024.

"The word is out on Utah, especially Southern Utah. Year over year, especially at state parks, we're seeing increases," Chavez said. "So, know before you go. Check before you outdoor recreate. Look at park conditions before getting on the road. I do not want people to arrive at a park and be surprised that there might be a line or a wait to get in."