Recreational Tourism in the Mountain West

Red Rock Desert

Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir at Glacier Point, 1903

<h2>Presidential Conservationists </h2>
Several presidents of the United States have worked to preserve the unique geological features of the Mountain West region for the public to experience and enjoy. Yellowstone National Park, for example, was created as the first national park in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant to preserve the geysers and unique geologic features of the area. President Theodore Roosevelt appreciated the grandeur and open spaces he encountered in the West and recognized the need to protect lands for future public use, as well. Roosevelt used his authority to create the US Forest Service to protect and maintain wildlife habitats by establishing bird and game preserves and national parks.
In 1906, Roosevelt enabled the American Antiquities Act (AAA). The AAA stated that “any person who shall appropriate, excavate, injure, or destroy any historic or prehistoric ruin or monument, or any object of antiquity, situated on lands owned or controlled by the Government of the United States” would face fines and possible imprisonment. Roosevelt’s conservation mindedness is reflected in his work to pass the AAA—which enabled the establishment of some of the first national parks—and his general love for nature and the outdoors. Because of his, and other presidents’ foresight, millions of visitors from across the world are able to enjoy nationally protected lands.

Away from the cares of state . Pres. Roosevelt ready to enter Yellowstone National Park. Wyoming.

History of Tourism

Mountain Wilderness

Skiing

Hot Springs and Geysers

Impact of Worldwide Tourism

Provo (UT) City Library

Mountain West Digital Library

The Mountain West region’s tourist tradition blossomed quickly because it offered people escape from their everyday urban surroundings. They left overcrowded urban centers to find cleaner, less-populated areas where they could explore and play. They could swim in the rivers and streams, hike, picnic, and commune with nature. Resorts like those in Hot Springs, Montana, could provide relief from the stress of city living.
Excursions to the mountain wilderness or the red rocks of the desert provided entertainment, thrill, and excitement along with a break from the endless everyday chores at home. Resorts like the historic Boulder Hot Springs Inn in Boulder, Montana, started around popular areas offering novelties for the wanderers to enjoy or boasting healing properties as cures for a variety of illnesses, including tuberculosis. Car and train transportation made it easier for people to enjoy a day trip or a few days in the countryside before returning home with a feeling of health and well being after “escaping it all.”

Recreational Tourism in the Mountain West

Escape from Urbanism

Escape from Urbanism