OWJ HIKING NEWS ~ MAY 2026

 

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

 

MAY 7 THURS

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Gatherings in Utah and events around USA.

UTAH STATE CAPITOL GATHERING
6pm to 7:30pm at the South Steps.

website:

MAY 10 SUN

MOTHERS DAY

MAY 10 SUN

GOLDEN SPIKE CELEBRATION

Golden Spike National Historic Park

Marking the 1869 completion of the transcontinental railroad in Utah.

INFO:

APR 30 THURS ~ MAY 13 WED

THE STORY OF EVERYTHING
 Produced by the team behind After Death, the film argues that modern scientific discoveries in cosmology, physics, and DNA suggest the universe and life were designed rather than resulting from random chance.  Theater info:  movie website:

MAY 15 FRI 

SALT LAKE CITY BANQUET

Good News Jail & Prison Ministry

Miller Conference Center,

9750 South 300 West, Sandy, UT 84070

Registration 

MAY 16 SAT 

Pregnancy Medical Clinic of Roy

STEPS FOR LIFE

8:15 Registration, 9am walk begins

George E. Wahlen Park
4200 2175 West Street
Roy, UT 84067

Registration info:

MAY 25 MON

MEMORIAL DAY
Free entrance day at National Parks, BLM, and in National Forests.

JUNE 6 SAT 

American Hiking Society
NATIONAL TRAIL DAY

Free day in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests.  Volunteer trail service and fun activites.  website:

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 in National Forests.  

Free Fishing Day in IDAHO.

JUNE 14 SUN

FLAG DAY

Free entrance day at National Parks and BLM.

JUNE 19th FRI

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

JUNE 20 SAT

OWJ 40th ANNIVERSARY

First hike began Summer 1986

JUNE 11 THURS ~ JUNE 13 SAT

BRYCE CANYON ASTROMONY FESTIVAL

You need to pay to enter the national park.

Enjoy daily activities, evening programs and night star gazing.

JULY 3 FRI ~ opens in theaters
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, and 

BLM all weekend.

JULY 4 SAT

4th of JULY 

Free entrance day in National Forests.

JULY TBA WED ~ 6pm

CHURCH in the PARK

Free event.  Music, Bible study,

food and fun!  Bring a camp chair or blanket.

JULY 11 SAT ~ Brighton 

JULY 12 SUN ~ Solitude

JULY 19 SAT ~ Snowbird

JULY 20 SUN ~ Alta

WASATCH WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL

Attendance is free, but online registration is required.  Walks are designed for all interests and ability levels.  Free parking at resort base areas.  Solitude requires a lift ticket for certain hikes.

JULY 24 FRI

PIONEER DAY 

Enjoy a free entrance day at 

Red Butte Gardens.

300 Wakara Way, SLC, UT

AUG 4 TUES

GREAT AMERICAN OUTDOORS DAY

Free entrance day in National Forests.

AUG TBA WED ~ 6pm

CHURCH in the PARK

Free event.  Music, Bible study,

food and fun!  Bring a camp chair or blanket.

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 8 SAT

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY

Free entrance day at Utah State Parks 

for active military, veterans and their families 

in the same vehicle.

AUG 22 SAT ~ AUG 30 SUN

NATIONAL PARK WEEK

AUG 22 SAT 

JUNIOR RANGER DAY

AUG 25 TUES

NATIONAL PARKS 110th BIRTHDAY

Free entrance day at National Parks.

AUG 28 FRI ~ 10:04pm

PARTIAL LUNAR ECLIPSE

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 entrance day in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests.

SEPT 17 THURS

CONSTITUTION DAY

Free entrance day at National Parks, BLM, and National Forests.

SEPT 26 SAT

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY

Free entrance day in National Forests.

The largest single day volunteer effort for public lands in the US.

OCT TBA FRI 

Charis Pregnancy Clinic of SLC

BANQUET FOR LIFE

OCT 3 SAT 

Pregnancy Medical Clinic of Roy

VISION DINNER

info

OCT 6 MON

ZEKE DUMKE JR. DAY

Enjoy a free entrance day at 

Red Butte Gardens.

300 Wakara Way, SLC, UT

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 16 FRI ~ opens in theaters

New Kendrick Brothers movie

FLYWHEEL: Ignition of the Soul

website:

OCT 24 SAT

ANTELOPE ISLAND BISON ROUNDUP

Annual event involves cowboys on horseback gathering roughly 500-700 free-roaming bison to be vaccinated, checked for health, and managed to prevent overpopulation.

OCT 27 TUES
TEDDY ROOSEVELT BIRTHDAY

Free entrance day at National Parks, BLM, and in National Forests.

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, BLM, and in National Forests.

NOV 17 TUES
American Hiking Society
NATIONAL TAKE A 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.

14 REASONS WHY PEOPLE ENJOY HIKING

HIKING IN UTAH

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

ADVENTURER

This person watches outdoor adventures on Youtube, seeking to find new places to explore.  They enjoy hiking, backpacking, biking, camping, and other outdoor activities.  If it's a sunny day they are outside and hate being indoors.

Motivate the Adventurer by taking them on new trails and to new places.

BUCKET LIST

This person wants to climb all the 14,000 peaks to get a merit badge.  They have a bucket list of places they want to visit.  And they enjoy telling others every where they hiked.

Motivate the Bucket List person by taking them to new adventures, peaks, and parks.

CARDIO

This person sets their fitness watch before every hike.  Instead of going to the Gym, they are doing their daily exercise outdoors.  Their goal is measured in mileage and the number of steps they accomplish.

Motivate the Cardio by taking them on longer trails with steeper elevation gain.  Make them feel they have had a good workout when the get back to their cars.

CONTROL FREAK

This person believes the hike was personally planned, "just for me."  They want to control everybody.

Motivate the Control Freaks by telling them, "Thank you, everything is under control."  

DOG WALKER

This person enjoys walking their dog, and sometimes complains if we hike in a protected Watershed Area or trail where dogs are not allowed.  

Motivate the Dog Walker by encouraging them to walk their dog before or after the hike.

GIRL TRIPS

These women attend a hike to promote their own girls trip camping, backpacking or on a cruise.  

Motivate GIRL TRIPS ladies by taking them on Daycations with all the men and women.

LONER

This person enjoys being alone, whether they want to get away from other people, city noise, or seeking spiritual guidance.  When they come on a hike, they either want everyone to be quiet or talk non-stop.  Loners have a hard time staying with the group.  They will camp with a group, but disappear all day doing their own activities and showing up in the evening.

Motivate the Loner by taking him to a Wilderness Area where group size is limited.

LOVER

This person attends a hike or outdoor activity for the purpose of finding a relationship.  Some men chase after women on the trail, hoping to get phone numbers and set up future dates.  Lovers need to be careful, most hiking groups have married couples and married individuals attending and you need to be respectful.  Not all hiking groups are Singles ministries.

Motivate the Lover by telling them to make new friends with everyone attending and not to focus on just one person.

NATURE LOVER

This person enjoys nature, looking at birds, lizards, wildflowers, rocks and sunsets.  They bring binoculars, listen to bird calls, and use their cell phone to identify wildflowers and locate stars in the night sky.

Motivate the Nature Lover by taking them to see wildflowers, moose, lizards, eagles, and dark skies.

SALESMAN

This person joins activities for the opportunity to promote or sale a product or investment. They may give you a business card and want to get your phone number.

Motivate the Salesman by telling them there are lots of other people hiking on the trail that might be interested.

SERVANT

This person has the gift of serving others.  Whether sharing food, helping someone who is slow, or giving first aid.  They are always looking for someone to help on the trail.

Motivate the Servant by thanking them for helping others.

SPIRITUAL

This person enjoys walking in the Spirit and not the flesh.  It is their time to commune with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  They enjoy prayer and sharing God's word.

Motivate the Spiritual person by giving them freedom to be with God.  

SURVIVALIST

This person knows how to read weather, survive storms, knows first aid, reads maps, and can identify edible plants.  They will act calm during crisis, and enjoy helping others survive.

Motivate the Survivalist by taking them on real adventures.

ZEALOT

This person attends outdoor activities for the purpose of pushing their political views and agendas. 

Motivate the Zealot to seek God and his kingdom first.  Let them know there are other hiking groups who focus on politics.  

Our focus is on Jesus!

CONCLUSION

Many hikers have several of these traits and motivations.  What is your reason for attending a hike or an outdoor activity?

OWJ HIKING 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.