According to a National Parks Service report, tourism from 15.8 million visitors to Utah's national parks had a total benefit of $3.1 billion to the state economy.

One Utah family travelled across the country, only to find out that some beloved tourist attractions have been affected by the government shutdown.

According to the U.S. Travel Association, 60% of Americans said they would cancel or avoid trips by air amid a government shutdown. About 81% of Americans agree a shutdown will hurt the economy and 86% say it will inconvenience air travelers.

Whether you’re heading out for a casual day hike or a Utah road trip, having the right gear can make all the difference. As a seasoned traveler, here are the essentials to bring for a smooth, stress-free experience in the parks.

While much of northern Utah will stay dry Saturday, Southern Utah will once again deal with periods of showers, storms and heavy rain.Central Utah including al