Rural Utah Businesses Lose 80% of Revenue as Wildfires and Floods Trigger Cancellations
Updated
Updated · FOX 13 News Utah · Aug 20
Rural Utah Businesses Lose 80% of Revenue as Wildfires and Floods Trigger Cancellations
1 articles · Updated · FOX 13 News Utah · Aug 20
Summary
Piute County businesses say repeated wildfires and flooding have slashed tourism income by about 80% this summer, even as cabins, RV sites and other attractions remain open.
The Cottonwood Fire and flooding that followed drove cancellations at places like Hoovers River Resort, where owner Dan Groves said bookings through October are sparse and he is now the only staff member.
Utah tourism officials are urging visitors to keep traveling to rural counties including Piute, Beaver, San Juan and Kane, stressing that disaster-hit communities still offer activities such as glamping, ATV riding and horseback trips.
A new Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute report said visitors generated $1.6 billion in direct state and local tax revenue in 2025, underscoring how heavily rural Utah economies depend on tourism.
Local operators have also launched a GoFundMe for affected businesses as communities try to salvage the rest of the summer season.