American Outdoor Recreation Economy Surges to $1.3 Trillion

The American outdoor recreation economy reached a remarkable **$1.3 trillion** in economic activity in 2024, marking an increase from **$1.2 trillion** in 2023. This sector now employs approximately **5.2 million people**, reflecting an **84% growth** since 2012. According to the **Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)**, this significant economic contribution underscores the importance of outdoor activities not just as leisure pursuits but as vital components of community health and environmental stewardship, as stated by **Christy LaCurelle**, the head of the **Motorcycle Industry Council**.

The BEA has been tracking the outdoor recreation sector since 2017, documenting its evolution as a powerful economic engine, particularly for rural areas. The outdoor recreation economy now represents about **2.4%** of the overall national economy and accounts for **3.2%** of all jobs in the United States.

Colorado’s Strong Contribution to Outdoor Recreation

Within this national context, **Colorado** stands out, contributing **$18.1 billion** to its economy from outdoor recreation, equivalent to **3.3%** of the state’s total economic activity. The sector employs **137,762** individuals, which is **4.5%** of the state’s workforce, an increase from **132,594** jobs in 2023. Workers in this sector earn around **$9.4 billion**, contributing **3.2%** of all wages in Colorado.

**Conor Hall**, the head of the Colorado outdoor recreation office, highlighted a notable **$900 million** uptick in economic activity related to outdoor recreation from 2023 to 2024, alongside the addition of about **5,000 jobs** that generated **$800 million** in earnings. Hall emphasized that these figures demonstrate the growing momentum of outdoor recreation in Colorado, as evidenced by the recently released **2025-2029 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)**. This extensive report revealed **$52.1 billion** in outdoor recreation spending in 2023 and documented **404,000 jobs** in the sector across the state.

Both the BEA and the SCORP employ different methodologies to assess outdoor recreation’s economic impact, making direct comparisons challenging. Nevertheless, Hall asserted that regardless of the metrics used, the overarching message remains clear: investing in outdoor recreation translates into job creation and stronger community health.

Broader Economic Impact and Political Landscape

The **$1.3 trillion** figure represents gross output, reflecting total spending of **$696.7 billion** in 2024. The BEA’s definition of outdoor recreation encompasses core activities like biking, boating, and skiing, as well as ancillary events such as festivals and amusement parks. These core activities contribute to approximately half of the total economic impact, with the remaining half derived from associated travel and tourism expenditures, which reached **$253 billion**.

Despite its impressive economic footprint, outdoor recreation has historically lacked the political influence of more established industries such as mining and agriculture. However, this is gradually changing as the sector seeks to establish itself as a key player in public policy discussions, particularly regarding public lands management.

Driven by organizations like the **Outdoor Recreation Roundtable**, which represents **110,000 businesses**, advocates are increasingly promoting outdoor recreation as essential for rural economic development and public land preservation. The passing of the **EXPLORE Act** in January 2025, following unanimous approval from Congress, exemplifies this shift. The act aims to enhance public land access for recreation and streamline management processes.

Recent studies revealed that nearly **997 million** days of recreation on public lands during the previous year generated **$71.8 billion** in visitor spending, equating to over **$351 million** daily, largely benefiting rural communities. **Jessica Turner**, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, remarked on the importance of maintaining access to public lands as a wise investment for the nation. She called for enhanced funding for recreational programs and a reduction in regulatory barriers to support outdoor businesses.

As the outdoor recreation economy continues to expand, its advocates are likely to maintain pressure on lawmakers to recognize its significance, not only as a source of enjoyment but as a vital contributor to economic vitality and public health across the country.