Wilderness visitor experiences: A selective review of 50 years of research

Abstract

Two of the foremost conclusions from 50 years of research on wilderness visitors are that experiences are highly idiosyncratic and visitors are highly adaptable. The reasons people visit wilderness, their experiential aspirations, and their experiences in wilderness vary greatly among people and within people from visit to visit. Along with people's adaptability to the conditions they find in wilderness, this diversity challenges managers in their efforts to provide high-quality wilderness experiences. Despite the existence of extensive research literature, managers seeking to steward wilderness experiences still must make difficult decisions about who and what they are managing for.

Citation

Cole, David N. 2012. Wilderness visitor experiences: A selective review of 50 years of research. Park Science. 28(3). Online: http://www.nature.nps.gov/ParkScience/index.cfm?ArticleID=545&Page=1.