Wilderness Recreation Experiences: The Rawah Case

This research focused on defining wilderness recreation experiences in terms of the psychological outcomes sought by the recreational users of the Rawah Wilderness in Colorado. Information on the outcomes was used to type users so that groups seeking different experiences could be identified. From a sample of 264 people, there were five types of wilderness recreation experiences identified.Use of information on the psychological outcomes sought by recreationists and on the types of recreationists pursuing specific activity and experience opportunities is discussed. Such information would aid in the devleopment of more specific, quantifiable, and evaluative management objectives; could provide a basis for developing recreation inventories, selecting management tools and techniques, and in developing visitor information packages; and might aid in the differential economic valuation of wilderness recreation activity and experience opportunities.