EXPLORING THE MOTIVATIONS AND DRIVERS OF "DESTINATION SOCIAL TRAIL" USAGE WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE DIGITAL AGE AT DELTA LAKE IN GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

Author

• Emma Katherine Keinath-LopezFollow
• Emma Keinath-Lopez

Year of Award

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Science (MS)

Other Degree Name/Area of Focus

Resource Conservation

Department or School/College

W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation

Committee Chair

Dr. Elena Bigart

Commitee Members

Dr. Will Rice Dr. James Caringi

Keywords

outdoor recreation, social trails, digital media, destination social trails, sustainable recreation, recreation motivations

Subject Categories

Leisure Studies | Natural Resources and Conservation | Place and Environment | Tourism

Abstract

Off-trail travel on social trails can have a variety of impacts on the ecology of a landscape, as well as pose concerns for land managers. “Destination social trails,” a new term coined here, names a phenomenon that has emerged from the use of digital platforms to popularize specific destination-based unofficial trails on public lands. This research aims to critically understand the social aspect of social trails and uncover the motivations and drivers behind their usage. This study takes place within Grand Teton National Park on the Delta Lake social trail/route. This research utilizes qualitative methods of interviews with trail users, discourse analysis of digital media, and informal observation of the destination/site. The findings reveal the key motivators of destination aesthetics, achievement and challenge, and adventure, discovery, and novelty–– to be strong drivers of destination social trail usage. The findings also highlight the key role that digital media, specifically social media, plays in both the discovery of destination social trails, but also its role in fostering desire and inspiration as a powerful extrinsic driving force that mutually constitutes intrinsic motivations. This research contributes to the growing body of literature that examines sustainable recreation in the context of the digital age, as well as provides land managers insights into the behaviors and mindsets of their visitors so that they can make informed decisions and increase their effectiveness in their future management and messaging strategies.

Recommended Citation

Keinath-Lopez, Emma Katherine and Keinath-Lopez, Emma, "EXPLORING THE MOTIVATIONS AND DRIVERS OF "DESTINATION SOCIAL TRAIL" USAGE WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE DIGITAL AGE AT DELTA LAKE IN GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK" (2026). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12633.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12633