Monday, June 1, 2026

OWJ HIKING NEWS ~ JUNE 2026


JUNE 13 SAT ~ Meet 9:30am, departs 9:45am
ADAMS CANYON ADVENTURE
Enjoy an adventure hiking an obstacle course. The canyon trail, follows a bubbling stream, through a forest of firs, scrub oaks, box elders, and maples.  You'll get a great workout.
On the trail, you will pass by a huge fir tree, cross a wooden bridge, follow hidden trails, climb over rocky areas, walk along narrow ledges, walk under huge logs, step on stones across the stream, and cool off by Adams Canyon Falls.
MEET at the Adams Canyon trailhead parking lot.
RATINGS: MODERATE PLUS 
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,212'
HIKE TIME: 3 1/2 hours
MILEAGE: 3.9 miles round trip
DOG FRIENDLY
RESTROOMS (may be open)
DIRECTIONS: From SLC drive I-15 north, 
then US 89 north by Farmington, 
exit on Oak Hills Drive
and drive to Adams trailhead parking.  
Google Map: "Adams Canyon Trailhead, Layton, Utah"
GPS: 41°04'03.5"N 111°54'36.7"W
If you arrive late, catch us on the trail.
GEAR: Sack lunch, hiking poles, water, hat, 
sunscreen, bug spray, electrolytes, and energy snacks.
INFO: daveoutdoors@yahoo.com
If you are late, catch us on the trail.   
HIKE BOSS: Dave Tucker 801-467-3585

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

JUNE 10 WED ~ 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.  Info:

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 19 FRI ~ 6pm to 8:30pm
Singles Connection
Potluck Fellowship
Life in Christ Church, 
801 E. 900 South, SLC, UT.  
Enter the basement door on 800 East.
Bring a potluck dish or something yummy. 
Water & soft drinks will be provided. 
More info, text DeEtta at 801-839-6532


JUNE 20 SAT
OWJ 40th ANNIVERSARY
First hike began Summer 1986

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 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 15 WED ~ 6pm
CHURCH in the PARK
Free event.  Music, Bible study,
food and fun!   Kidz Zone too!
Bring a camp chair or blanket.
Valley Regional Park,
5100 South 2700 West, 
Taylorsville, UT

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 15 SAT ~ 6:30pm
AUG 16 SUN ~ 6:30pm
NEED TO BREATHE
Sandy Amphitheater
1245 E. 9400 South, Sandy, Utah

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 25 FRI
NO LIMBS NO LIMITS
Nick Vujicic's Story


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

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.  

OCT 16 FRI ~ opens in theaters
New Kendrick Brothers movie
FLYWHEEL: Ignition of the Soul

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.



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. 

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?


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 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 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.

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 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.

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.