Local trails. Local livelihoods.
A day on the trail also means fuel stops, meals, shopping and overnight stays. ORBA’s first regional economic impact study measures those connections in Moab, where off-roading supports an ecosystem of guides, outfitters, automotive shops and community businesses.
Released October 22, 2026, the study examines activity in 2025. Its economic model covers Grand County, Utah, the local economy surrounding Moab. These are regional findings; they are not statewide or national estimates.
How spending moves through the economy
Direct effects begin with $130.0 million in off-roading visitor spending and $10.9 million in supplier operations. Together, they amount to $140.9 million in direct spending (p. 5).
Indirect effects occur when those businesses buy goods and services from other businesses. The study estimates $21.2 million in indirect business sales (p. 10).
Induced effects occur as employees spend their earnings in the wider economy. The study estimates $16.6 million in induced business sales. Together with direct and indirect effects, the reported total is $178.7 million. Figures may not sum exactly because of rounding (p. 10).
The research behind the numbers
Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, prepared the study for ORBA using multiple primary and secondary data sources and a customized IMPLAN input-output model for the Grand County economy. The model traces visitor spending and supplier operations through business sales, employment, household income and taxes (pp. 3, 8, 15).
The model reports business sales (gross output), household income, employment and taxes. Employment includes full- and part-time jobs supported. These model definitions help readers interpret the contribution estimates (pp. 8–11).
A stronger foundation for access decisions
ORBA’s regional research gives policymakers, land managers and community leaders local evidence to consider alongside responsible recreation and land stewardship. Moab is the first study in that effort, connecting motorized access with the businesses and people who depend on it.