Utah § 73-29-203 - Establishment of public recreational access.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 73-29-203 — Establishment of public recreational access., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 73-29-203. Establishment of public recreational access.

73-29-203.  Establishment of public recreational access.
(1) Public recreational access is established if:
(a) the private property has been used by the public for recreational access requiring the use of the public water for a period of at least 10 consecutive years that begins after September 22, 1982; and
(b) the public use has been:
(i) continuous during the season conducive to the recreational access;
(ii) open and notorious;
(iii) adverse; and
(iv) without interruption.
(2) The permissive use of a public water on private property granted by the owner is not an adverse use.
(3)
(a) A property owner's overt act intended to interrupt uninvited recreational access is a sufficient interruption to restart any period of use that may have already begun under Subsection (1) if the evidence, taken as a whole, shows that the act came to the attention of the public or resulted in actual interruption.
(b) If an overt act is established in a final judgment to have interrupted recreational access, no other person may challenge the existence of the overt act in a subsequent action.
(4) The extent and nature of the public recreational access permitted under Subsection (1) is determined by the nature of the historical recreational access during the 10 consecutive years required under Subsection (1).
(5) When a public water is a lake, pond, or reservoir located on a natural stream and on private property, any portion that has been developed or protected for private hunting is not subject to public recreational access even though the remainder of the public water qualifies for public recreational access under this section.
(6) A right of public recreational access on private property, established in accordance with this section, may not be closed without authorization of other law.


Enacted by Chapter 410, 2010 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 73-29-203

What does Utah Code § 73-29-203 cover?

Section 73-29-203 ("Establishment of public recreational access.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 73-29-203?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 73-29-203" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 73-29-203 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.