Beneficial outcomes of recreation at the Eastern Huachuca Mountains, Coronado National Forest

Abstract

Leisure opportunities seem necessary for individual well-being, as they provide satisfaction to many levels and types of needs and wants. This research deals with identifying and assessing the beneficial outcomes of those leisure opportunities acquired from various recreational experiences. The study used Brown, Miller, and Carr Canyon in Eastern Huachuca Mountains of the Coronado National Forest in Southern Arizona as study sites for assessing the relationship between experiences and benefits. The findings suggest that there was a 100% congruence between the recreational experiences sought and the ability of these sites to provide them. The correlation between perceived beneficial outcomes of recreational experiences and the visitors' abilities to acquire such outcomes in these settings were significantly positive. The most significant benefit documented in this study was to improve one's physical fitness. It seemed to be positively correlated with each of the four experiences stated in this study, i.e., to learn more about nature, to get away from the usual demands of life, of being in the wilderness area and experiencing a sense of adventure, and spend time with family and/or friends.