Recharging Outdoors: Low-Cost Ways to Spend Your Summer in the Intermountain West
It’s no secret that things are getting more expensive—the price of everyday life seems to rise year after year. And if you’re like me, that reality can be anxiety-inducing. Sometimes just a weekly grocery run can leave a pit in your stomach.
This month marks both the middle of the year and the start of summer. For many of you, that might mean navigating school breaks—whether for your children or yourself if you work in education. Planning how to fill the time can be its own source of stress: summer camps are expensive, travel is costly, and coordinating it all takes time and energy. If you're one of the many Americans living paycheck to paycheck, a traditional summer vacation might feel out of reach.
But that doesn’t mean you have to forgo time in nature, which can feel like a vacation even if it’s just for the day—especially here in the Intermountain West. Living in Utah, we’re surrounded by options for affordable, even free, access to natural spaces. While Utah's five iconic national parks get most of the attention, they also come with entrance fees, competitive campground reservations, and high costs in nearby tourist towns. If you’re still set on visiting a National Park, consider doing so on free admission days like Juneteenth (June 19) or the Great American Outdoors Day (August 4). Just keep in mind those days often attract large crowds.
Zion National Park in Utah
If you're open to something less conventional, the state and neighboring states offer a plethora of lesser-known places that rival the appeal of the "Mighty Five." For example, City of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho, Fremont Indian State Park in Utah, and Strawberry Reservoir—which straddles the Utah-Wyoming border—are all beautiful, quieter alternatives. Don’t overlook state parks or dispersed camping in BLM areas either. These options can make for wonderful day trips or budget-friendly overnight getaways that feel like a vacation.
When heading into public lands, especially if you're dispersed camping, it's critical to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles:
Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of others
As we move deeper into summer, heat becomes a factor. Local destinations like Antelope Island are best visited early in the morning to avoid high temperatures, while heading north to Driggs, Idaho or to higher elevation like Smith and Morehouse (1 hour 15 minute drive from SLC) to higher elevations can offer a cooler alternative without going far from home.
Smith and Morehouse Reservoir in the Uinta Mountains
You might be thinking: “Sure, camping is cheaper than a hotel or plane ticket, but gear is still expensive.” You’re right—outdoor gear can be a barrier. That’s why at NHH-UT, we look for solutions that lower those access hurdles. The Gear Library created by the Central Wasatch Commission and Gear Fund Collective offers free equipment loans to residents of the Wasatch Front. Many universities across Utah also operate gear rental programs with affordable rates, and sometimes, if you’re willing to dig, you can find treasures at local thrift stores.
So yes—money is tight, and that stress is real. But nature can be part of the antidote. Time spent outdoors is proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and support both physical and mental health. Even a few hours in a nearby canyon, under the trees, or near a body of water can offer some peace and quiet. The outdoors doesn’t erase financial stress, but it does help carry it—reminding us that joy, connection, and restoration don’t always come with a price tag.