Thursday, October 1, 2026

OWJ HIKING NEWS ~ OCTOBER 2026



OCT 17 SAT ~ Meet at 10am, departs 10:15am
MUELLER PARK AUTUMN HIKE 
Enjoy fall colors hiking to Elephant Rock. 
RATINGS: Moderate 
MILEAGE: 7 miles total
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,080'
HIKE TIME: 3 1/2 hours
DOGS on a leash.
NO RESTROOMS 
MEET: Mueller Park Road & Maple Ridge Drive, Bountiful, UT, (near Mueller Park sign)
GPS: 40.864689, -111.837969
DIRECTIONS from SLC: 
Drive north on I-15 and take exit 315,
Turn right on 2600 South drive up hill, road curves north into Orchard Drive,
Turn right on 1800 South drive up until you reach Mueller Park Road and Maple Ridge Drive.
GEAR: Water, electrolytes, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat,  sack lunch, hiking poles, and camera. 
If you are unfamiliar with this area, please come early.  If you're late, catch us on the trail.
INFO: daveoutdoors@yahoo.com
HIKE BOSS:  Dave Tucker  801-467-3585
(spotty cell phone service at Muellers Park)


COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

OCT 16 FRI ~ OCT 22 THURS
Kendrick Brothers 
FLYWHEEL: Ignition of the Soul
Filmed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Playing at Taylorsville, Jordan Landing, 
Jordan Commons, District, Centerville, Payson & Thanksgiving Point.

OCT 21 WED ~ 6:30pm 
NIGHT OF WORSHIP
Free event at Calvary Salt Lake,
460 W. Century Drive, SLC, UT

OCT 23 FRI ~ 6pm to 9pm
Charis Pregnancy Clinic of SLC
BANQUET FOR LIFE
Guest speaker Sean Corcoran
CEO of Men For Life.
Hyatt Regency
170 S. West Temple, SLC, Utah

OCT 27 TUES
TEDDY ROOSEVELT BIRTHDAY
Free entrance day at National Parks, BLM, and National Forests.

OCT 29 THURS ~ NOV 4 WED
Sight & Sound Presents
JOSHUA LIVE
Journey alongside the people of Israel as they navigate their newfound freedom in an unforgiving wilderness and under a new leader, Joshua. Captured in front of a live audience, JOSHUA LIVE!
Playing at Jordan Landing.

NOV 4 WED ~ opens in theaters
For King & Country - new movie
DRUMMER BOY
In this epic musical, two brothers 
are driven onto opposite sides 
of the American Revolutionary War.

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 8 SUN ~ 8am to 2pm
Operation Christmas Child
ARTS/CRAFTS & BAKE SALE
Calvary Salt Lake, 
460 W. Century Dr. SLC, UT

NOV 11 WED
VETERAN'S DAY
Celebrations & freebees for Vets!
Free entrance day at National Parks, BLM, and National Forests.

NOV 16 MON ~ NOV 23 MON
Collection Week for
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Pack a shoe box with Christmas gifts and bless a child.  Or pack a shoebox online.
For more information about how to pack 
and where to turn in your shoebox.

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

    COMING IN 2027

FEB 26 FRI
LIVE LIKE THAT
Inspired by a true story, about a family whose faith is tested by an unimaginable loss, and what they choose to do next. In the midst of grief, they make a surprising decision: instead of responding with anger, they choose forgiveness and set out to help heal a divided community.

MAR 12 FRI
THE CHOSEN CRUCIFIXION
Final 2 episodes of Season 6 

TBA 2027
A MUSIC CITY STORY
A struggling singer-songwriter discovers that with faith, love, and a second chance, every comeback begins by believing there's another verse to write.  A new movie with Joel & Moriah Smallbone.

-    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -

   Calvary Salt Lake, 
460 West Century Drive, SLC, UT
   Sorry no walkups; drive thru only.



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.

Friday, February 27, 2026

14 REASONS WHY PEOPLE LIKE HIKING

ENJOY EXPLORING 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 a future camping, backpacking or cruise for women only.  Men attending feel left out.

Motivate ladies by taking them on Daycations inviting both 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?

AUDIO REVIEW 

Saturday, March 1, 2025

OWJ HIKING FOCUS

Outdoors With Jesus Focus: IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS

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

Friday, February 28, 2025

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.  

NEWBIES HIKES
Easiest hiking, great for beginners and KIDS.

MODERATE HIKES
More challenging, at your own pace hiking.

INTERMEDIATE HIKES
Longer, steeper, & faster hikes.  
No kids please.

DIFFICULT HIKES
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 for beginners, kids, and those who want a slower pace to enjoy the mountain scenery. 

Moderate hikes are longer with more elevation gain.  Everyone hikes at their own pace.  

Intermediate & Difficult hikers may want to hike fast with less breaks and need to get back home in a timely manner.  

If you find yourself alone and can't keep up with the group, it's 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.  We're an informal, non commercial hiking group, networking hikers in Northern, Utah.  We're not a singles group, not an outfitter, not a guide service, and not a political group.

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 may 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.

Thursday, February 27, 2025

OWJ HIKING GEAR

OWJ HIKING GEAR ~ What to bring hiking in Northern Utah
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 50 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.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

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.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.