Outdoors

Aerial view of the Babylon fire on July 6. Courtesy US Forest Service

Babylon Fire burns over 100,000 acres, largest active fire in the nation

The largest wildfire in the United States continues to burn in San Juan County with zero-percent containment. The Babylon Fire has burned 100,479 acres as of the San Juan Record print deadline. The fire has brought in resources from across the country with 30 crews made up of 1,204 personnel...

Zones Northwest of Monticello moved to SET status, while fire crews top 1,000

The Babylon fire has burned 96,594 acres at remains at zero-percent containment as of the morning of Monday July 6. The acreage burned puts it as the largest active fire in the US. 29 crews made up of 1,142 personnel are fighting the fire with 11 helicopters, 56 engines, four dozers and 15 water...

Helicopter landing with supplies to wrap Kirk's Cabin in the Salt Creek area of Canyonlands National Park.

Babylon Fire at 85,000 acres, additional resources arriving

The Babylon Fire is at 85,370 acres as of the last official report on July 3 at 8:00 am. 11 crews made up of 524 personnel are battling the flames including seven helicopters, 17 engines, two dozers and five water tenders. Over 200 members of the public attended meetings held on Thursday July 2 at...

The Babylon Fire has consumed nearly 50,000 acres of Forest Service ground on Elk Ridge since it ignited on June 26. You can see more photos of the fire at the San Juan Record website at www.sjrnews.com or on Facebook. David Kartchner photo

Fires consumes nearly 80,000 acres, close Abajo portion of National Forest

A combination of a record-dry winter, low humidity, high temperatures and howling winds have combined to create one of the most dangerous fire seasons in recent memory in San Juan County. The Babylon Fire, which started near the Babylon Pasture on Elk Ridge on Friday, June 26, has exploded. As of...

Hone archery skills at new business

by David Boyle News Director As the spring season approaches, bow hunters in San Juan County are gaining a unique opportunity to sharpen their skills. Archery Mountain Training, a new venture founded by local resident Justin Redd, will launch a series of weekly 3D bow hunting courses beginning...

Snow pack gone after bone-dry winter

by Bill Boyle San Juan Record Editor A bone-dry winter leaves San Juan County with low reservoir levels and with little to no snowpack to fill the reservoirs, raising alarms for the summer of 2026. By March 14, the scarce snowpack at the Camp Jackson SNO-tel station in the Abajo Mountains had...

How low snowpack could impact fire season

by Bradley Washa, Utah State University Extension Many people are wondering what impact this winter’s lackluster snowpack will have on the upcoming wildland fire season. As we approach the end of March, snowpack is at record-low levels across the state. Utah has also experienced the warmest winter...

New ramp due to low water at Lake Powell

The Bullfrog Marina ramp area at Lake Powell is going to be adjusted to ensure recreation is possible as officials continue to prepare for lower water levels this summer. Concessions provider Aramark plans to temporarily move the Bullfrog Marina on the western shore of Lake Powell closer to Halls...

BLM announces 2026 raptor avoidance areas for Indian Creek

Each spring the BLM urges climbers and outdoor recreationists to avoid certain areas in Indian Creek from March through late summer to protect nesting raptors. Falcons, eagles and hawks return annually to nest on cliffs and rock walls, and human disturbance can jeopardize their success. This annual...

Tenth year for Visit with Respect program

by David Boyle News Director A campaign to educate visitors about visitation to the region is celebrating 10 years. Semira Crank is the program director for Visit With Respect, a part of the nonprofit Bears Ears Partnership. In a recent conversation with Redrock92 radio, Crank explained the Visit...