Wilderness Recreation Experiences: The Rawah Case

ABSTRACT: This research focused on defining wilderness recreation experiences in terms o f the psychological outcomes sought by the recreational users o f 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 o f 264 people, there were five types o f wilderness recreation experiences identified. Use o f information on the psychological outcomes sought by recreationists and on the types o f recreationists pursuing specific activity and experience opportunities is discussed. Such information would aid in the devleopment o f 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 o f wilderness recreation activity and ex perience opportunities.