FEBRUARY 2026

 

FEB 7 SAT ~ Meet 10:15am, Depart 10:30am

CITY CREEK CANYON LOOP

Enjoy a sneak preview of Spring hiking, 

from the Utah State Capitol down to Memory Grove, then up City Creek Canyon to the red bridge.  We will return on the North Bonneville Road.

MEET: by the Wood Kiosk at 

300 North, E. Capitol Street, SLC.  

Southeast of the Utah State Capitol, 

near White Chapel, overlooking the gully.  

Please arrive at meet time.

GPS: 40°46'33.8"N 111°53'11.1"W  

PARKING:  Available along East Capitol Street, 

and Utah State Capitol public parking.  

Do not park in the White Chapel parking lot.

RESTROOMS in Upper City Creek Canyon.

RATINGS: Moderate 

HIKE TIME: 2 HOURS 

GEAR: Hat, sunglasses, water, snacks, gloves, hat, 

wear layers, jacket, sunscreen,and energy snacks.

SNACK BREAK at the red bridge.

DOGS on leash

NO RSVP: Just show up at meet time, 

or catch us on the trail.

INFO: daveoutdoors@yahoo.com

HIKE BOSS: Dave Tucker  801-467-3585

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

FEB 13 FRI ~ 6pm to 8:30pm

Singles Connection 💗

VALENTINE DAY POTLUCK

Life in Christ Church, 

801 E. 900 South, SLC, UT.

Singles from all over the valley will enjoy

good food, fellowship and music.

Enter in the basement door on 800 East.

Bring something yummy to share

for the February potluck. 

Drinks & desserts will be provided. 

Please text DeEtta at 801-839-6532 

FEB 15 SUN

FEB 16 MON

FEB 17 TUES

THE APOCALYPSE OF ST JOHN

The Apocalypse of St. John invites viewers on an epic journey through the visions revealed to the Apostle John on Patmos.

website:

FEB 16 MON
PRESIDENT'S DAY

Free entrance day at National Parks today.

Free day at Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests.

FEB 19 THURS 
I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2

Bart Miller's story continues with MERCY ME.
movie website:

MAR 3 TUE

BLOOD MOON

Total Lunar eclipse in SLC, Utah

Begins 1:45am, total eclipse 4:04am.

MAR 8 SUN

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

One more hour to enjoy the outdoors!

MAR 17 TUES

MAR 18 WED

HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER

He Calls Me Daughter tells the stories of women shaped by absent, distant, or broken fathers and how those wounds followed them into adulthood—influencing identity, self-worth, and their relationship with God.

Movie website:

MAR 26 THURS ~ 7pm

SEPH SCHLUETER

COUNTING MY BLESSING TOUR

Ellen Eccles Theater

43 Main Street, Logan, Utah

website:

APR 3 FRI
Sight and Sound Films
A GREAT AWAKENING
True story of an unlikely friendship of George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin that resulted in one of the most defining moments in American history. 

movie website:

APR 5 SUN
RESURRECTION SUNDAY

APR 18 SAT ~ APR 26 SUN

National Park Week

APR 22 WED

Earth Day

Free day at Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests.

APR 24 FRI

ARBOR DAY

Enjoy a free entrance day at 

Red Butte Gardens.

300 Wakara Way, SLC, UT

APR 25 SAT

National Volunteer Day

Free day at Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests.

MAY 7 THURS
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Gathering at the Utah State Capitol and

around the USA.  website:

MAY 10 SUN
MOTHERS DAY

MAY 25 MON
MEMORIAL DAY
Free entrance day at National Parks.

JUNE 6 SAT

American Hiking Society
NATIONAL TRAIL DAY

Volunteer trail service.  website:

Free day at Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests.  

JUNE 6 SAT

UTAH & WYOMING FREE FISHING DAY 

No license required, but you need to obey all fishing regulations.

JUNE 13 SAT

GET OUTDOORS DAY

Free entrance day at Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests.  

Free Fishing Day in IDAHO.

JUNE 14 SUN

FLAG DAY

Free entrance day at National Parks

JUNE 19TH ~ FRI
Free day at Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests.

JUNE 20 SAT

OWJ 40th ANNIVERSARY

JUNE (TBA) THURS ~ SAT

BRYCE CANYON ASTROMONY FESTIVAL

JULY 3 FRI ~ 250th Year Celebration!
Angel Studios
YOUNG WASHINGTON

The story of America's first leader, George Washington.  
movie website:

JULY 3 FRI ~ JULY 5 SUN

INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND

250th Celebration!
Free entrance at National Parks this weekend.

JULY TBA WED ~ 6pm

CHURCH in the PARK

Free event.  Music, Bible study,

food and fun!

JULY TBA SAT ~ Brighton 

JULY TBA SUN ~ Solitude

JULY TBA SAT ~ Snowbird

JULY TBA SUN ~ Alta

WASATCH WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL

9am to 2pm ~ Attendance is free, 

but registration is required.

JULY 24 FRI

PIONEER DAY

Enjoy a free entrance day at 

Red Butte Gardens.

300 Wakara Way, SLC, UT

AUG 1 SAT
NATIONAL SUMMIT DAY

AUG 4 TUES

GREAT AMERICAN OUTDOOR DAY

Free day at Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests.

AUG TBA WED ~ 6pm

CHURCH in the PARK

Free event.  Music, Bible study,

food and fun!

AUG TBA FRI ~ 6:30pm to dusk

WORSHIP 2026

Free event on the Utah State Capitol lawn.

Bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on.

AUG TBA SAT

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY

Free entrance day at Utah State Parks 

for active military, veterans and their families 

in the same vehicle.

AUG 25 TUES

NATIONAL PARKS 110th BIRTHDAY

Free entrance day at National Parks.

SEPT 7 MON
LABOR DAY

Enjoy a free entrance day at 

Red Butte Gardens.

300 Wakara Way, SLC, UT

SEPT 11 FRI

NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE

Free day at Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests.

SEPT 17 THURS

CONSTITUTION DAY

Free entrance day at National Parks.

SEPT 26 SAT

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY

Free day at Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests.

OCT 6 MON

ZEKE DUMKE JR. DAY

Enjoy a free entrance day at 

Red Butte Gardens.

300 Wakara Way, SLC, UT

OCT TBA FRI 

BANQUET FOR LIFE

Charis Pregnancy Clinic of SLC

OCT TBA SAT 

FUNDRAISING VISION DINNER

Pregnancy Medical Clinic of Roy

OCT TBA SAT ~ 10am to 2pm

OCT TBA SUN ~ 8am to 2:30pm

Operation Christmas Child

ARTS/CRAFTS & BAKE SALE

Calvary Salt Lake, 

460 W. Century Dr. SLC, UT

Pack a shoebox with Christmas gifts and bless a child.  For more information about how to pack and where to turn in your shoebox.  

Samaritan Purse

OCT 27 TUES
TEDDY ROOSEVELT BIRTHDAY

Free day at the National Parks.

He helped create national parks & monuments.

OCT TBA SAT

Antelope Island State Park
BISON ROUNDUP
Watch the roundup of over 700 Bison 
being rounded up to the Island's corral.

NOV 6 FRI ~ opens in theaters

JIMMY

Untold true story of America’s most-beloved actor and the iconic role that saved him, focuses on the most transformative season in Jimmy Stewart’s life—from winning the Academy Award® for Best Actor in The Philadelphia Story to enlisting and becoming a combat pilot in the

U.S. Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II.

NOV 11 WED
VETERAN'S DAY

Celebrations & freebees for Vets!

Free entrance day at National Parks and

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests.

NOV 17 TUES
NATIONAL HIKE DAY

NOV 26 THURS
THANKSGIVING DAY

DEC TBA SAT ~ 7:30pm

KUTV HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT

Benefitting the Salvation Army.

Cottonwood High, 

5715 S. 1300 East, Murray, Utah

DEC 5 SAT ~ 9am to 5pm 
DEC 6 SUN ~ 9am to 5pm

Red Butte Gardens

Holiday Open House & Art Fair

Free Garden Admission days!

300 Wakara Way, SLC, UT

   Calvary Salt Lake, 

460 West Century Drive, SLC, UT

   Sorry no walkups; drive thru only.

website:

website:

OUTDOORS WITH JESUS  
Began in the first day of Summer in 1986 as an informal Hiking group. We're not a outfitter, not a guide service, not a singles ministry and not a political group; but a non profit, non-commercial outdoor hiking group in Utah.
  
OWJ FOCUS: It's all about Jesus!   
In humility consider others as more important than yourselves; with Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness and Self Control.  

OUTDOORS WITH JESUS ORG
Enjoy our adventures on our blog.

Visit our blog.

OWJ FOCUS

EVER DREAM OF HIKING

OUTDOORS WITH JESUS?

OWJ FOCUS: It's all about Jesus!   

In humility consider others as more important than yourselves; with Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness and Self Control. 

"Where two or three are gathered in His name, I am there in there midst."  Matthew 18:20 NASB

OWJ HIKING RATINGS

Each hiker needs to know their physical limitation before adventuring out on the trail.  You need to count the cost, knowing the hike Rating, Mileage, Elevation Gain, Hike time, Weather and Gear you will need to bring.  

Easiest hiking, great for beginners and KIDS.

More challenging, at your own pace hiking.

Longer, steeper hikes.  No kids please.

Die Hard hikers.  No beginners hikers.

At you own pace hiking allows everyone to hike at their own speed.  It's too hard for slow hikers to hike fast, and fast hikers to hike slow.

Newbies hikers may require more breaks to rest, while Intermediate hikers will hike faster with less breaks.

If you find yourself alone and can't keep up with the group, it might be wise to invite a friend to drive together and hike at your own pace.

OWJ HIKING is open to single and married adults.  Teens and children are welcome to attend on our easier hikes if you agree to supervise them.

NO SMOKING on our hikes.

DOGS are not allowed in Watershed Areas and some trails in National Parks.  Odd days in Millcreek Canyon are off leash on the trails.  Always bring food, water and cleanup bags for your dogs.

KIDS three years old are able to do a Newbies hike, while older kids and teens enjoy a Moderate hike.

RATINGS are based on hiking maps, mileage, elevation gain, hike time, rugged trails, and hikers you might find hiking on that trail.

OWJ HIKING GEAR

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Every dayhiker needs to know what to pack and how much weight they are able to carry.  From high mountains, deserts and river walks your needs will vary.  All four seasons require different gear too.  You need to make your own list of things to bring and not rely on someone's 10 essential list.

List of common items to bring:

Hiking poles

Water, electrolyte drinks and gummies

Water bottles, Camelback, or water filter?

Energy snacks or salty foods?

Sack Lunch and thermos 

Sunscreen ~ SPF 30 to 100 & chapstick

Sunglasses

Hat for shade in the sun, knit hat for night

Gloves if your hands get cold

Bug Spray

Camera and Cell phone

Ziplock bag with toilet paper & trowel

Waterproof bandaids, wraps & medicine

Jacket 

Wear layers and wick dry clothing

In deserts, wear long sleeves and long pants

Hiking socks

Hiking shoes with good traction

Water shoes for walking in rivers

Pocket knife & matches

Online or paper map

Blow up cushion for sitting on the ground

Cooling towel for desert hikes

Trash sack ~ pack out all your garbage

America The Beautiful Pass & credit card

Remember this is not a perfect list of things to bring.  

Also, it is good to leave extra water & snacks in your vehicle when you return from your hike.  Some hikers even have a small cooler to keep your soft drinks cold.  Some hikers bring an extra pair of shoes to wear in their vehicles.

OWJ HIKING MEMBERSHIP

Open to all SINGLE and MARRIED ADULTS 

who enjoy hiking together with a group.

Your KIDS and TEENS may attend easier activities if you watch, supervise and are responsible for their safety, search and rescue, and medical emergencies.

Outdoors With Jesus is an informal, non-commercial, non-profit group, networking hikers in Northern Utah.  We're not a political group, not a singles group and not an outfitter.  Everyone is allowed to hike at their own pace. 

  

Yearly MEMBERS are adults who sign our annual release/waiver, participating on a hike or activity.  Non members are welcome to receive our FREE email,

OWJ HIKING NEWS, with upcoming activities and Community Happenings.

 

RELEASE/WAIVER must be signed once a year.  

You are responsible for your own insurance coverage and medical emergencies. To keep this a free club, we do not provide insurance coverage.  It is up to you to know your own physical limitations.  You need to learn, obey park and forest rules and watershed regulations.

FRIENDLY DOGS are welcome on our Dog hikes, 

but not allowed in protected Watershed areas in our canyons.  Please bring clean up bags, 6' leash, food, treats and water.

NO SMOKING on our hikes.

PLEASE STAY HOME if you are feeling sick or physically exhausted.  It's important to know your own limitations.

OWJ CARPOOLING

CARPOOLING reduces overcrowding at trailheads, saves gas, and reduces pollution.

• Please arrive at MEET TIME, so you can use restrooms, stretch, arrange carpooling, put sunscreen on, and spray bug spray.  
• Drivers, including the Hike Boss have the right to choose passengers.
• Hike Boss is not your Uber driver and may choose his own friends to ride with him.
• Drivers shouldn't always ask for rides, but offer to drive others.
• Drivers need to be alert and not drowsy from lack of sleep, medications or alcohol.
• Drivers need to inform passengers if they intend to leave early or stay later, such as eating out or go fishing after the hike.
• Riders should help out with gas, and recreation fees or should take turns driving.
• Riders need to return at the same time the driver heads down the trail to their car.  If you want to stay longer in the mountains, please drive your own car.
• If you wish to return in another car, make sure you first have a conversation with the driver you came with.
• Riders please do not spray sunscreen, perfume or bug spray inside the vehicle. 
• Passengers may bring a clean pair of shoes, instead of wearing their muddy or wet shoes in another person's car.  If you get wet on a hike, bring a towel to sit on. 
• LATE COMERS may catch us on the trail.  
• SLOW HIKERS, unable to hike with the group, we recommend that you invite a friend to carpool, hike, rest, and return together when you reached your limit. 
• DOG OWNERS may want to drive there own vehicles.  Please bring water, food and clean up bags for your pets.  Dogs are not allowed in protected Watershed Areas.
• If you live outside Salt Lake Valley, please let us know you are coming so we can inform you of changes and cancellations.  
• Adults must sign our yearly release/waiver.
• We're not an outfitter and can't promise you carpooling; but a network of hikers in Northern Utah. 
• CARPOOLING at public Park-n-Ride lots.  RSVP required for our meeting place at private locations.

OWJ WINTER GEAR & PARKING

For our winter snow hikes and snowshoeing in Utah, you'll need insulated SNOW BOOTS; your feet will get very cold in regular hiking shoes and boots.  Ladies, avoid snow boots with heels.

SNOW HIKING, we recommend that you bring slip on SPIKES, to attach to your snow boots and bring adjustable snowshoe poles.  

SNOWSHOEING, make sure you bring poles with baskets when snowshoeing.

WINTER ACTIVITIES DRESS IN LAYERS, the colder the temperature the more layers you'll need.  Avoid cotton.

WATER PROOF PANTS, 

WEAR LAYERS,

GATORS,

INSULATED SNOW BOOTS 

THICK WOOL SOCKS,

WOOL KNIT HAT,

WOOL BEANIE.

SCARF to cover your face,

INSULATED GLOVES 

SUNGLASSES,

SUNSCREEN,

WATER, 

HANDWARMERS or BATTERY WARMERS,

ENERGY AND SALTY SNACKS,

THERMOS WITH HOT DRINK or SOUP,

CELL PHONE OR CAMERA

SACK LUNCH, (Pack out your trash).

NATIONAL FOREST PARKING 

You will need to purchase online, by cell phone or find a vending machine at a trailhead.  Or you can use your AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL passes on your dashboard or on your rearview mirror hanger.  You can use your National Senior pass, 4th Grader pass or Military pass.

$10 for 3 day pass, $20 for 7 day pass, or $60 for annual U-W-C Forest pass.

MILLCREEK CANYON 

Sorry you can't use America the Beautiful pass in this canyon.  Fee $5 vehicle/ $3 seniors. Or you can buy an annual pass $50/ $30 seniors.  Pay at booth when leaving the canyon.  Parking is limited during peak hours.

WILLOW HEIGHTS - Upper SR 190 Roadside Parking

For roadside parking in Big Cottonwood during the Winter on weekends (Friday ~ Sunday, and holidays) from 7am to 1pm, need a parking reservation.  

Do not park on the white line or in the road.

Park BCC COM

TRACTION LAW in UTAH

Traveling in winter weather is challenging, especially in the canyons. UDOT wants to keep you safe. During severe winter weather, Utah drivers must use traction devices on their vehicles in certain locations throughout the state.  This includes Big & Little Cottonwood when yellow lights are flashing at the mouth or upper canyon.  UDOT