CRYPTOBIOTIC SOILS

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK

CRYPTOBIOTIC SOIL

PLEASE STAY ON TRAILS 

AND DO NOT WALK ON THESE LIVING SOIL. 

THEY TAKE 50 YEARS TO GROW 

AND ARE PROTECTED BY LAW.

“Cryptobiotic soil is found throughout the world. In arid regions, these living soil crusts are dominated by cyanobacteria, and also include soil lichens, mosses, green algae, microfungi and bacteria. These crusts play an important role in the ecosystems in which they occur.”

FUN HIKES

OWJ HIKING NEWS

WHAT TO BRING HIKING

FOOD; ENERGY SNACKS:
Salty foods, foods with potassium, oranges, apples, grapes, sack lunches, energy bars, nuts, veggies, dried fruit, & sandwiches.

UV PROTECTION:
Checking UV reports, applying sunscreen, wearing UV protective clothing, sunglasses, and hats can help protect you from the harmful, damaging rays of the sun. Whether it is cloudy, Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter you need UV protection.

NAVIGATION:
Compass, maps, trail books, altimeter and GPS are a few tools that will help you find your way in the mountains and deserts.

HYDRATION:
It is important to hydrate yourself before hiking and to stay away from coffee, alcohol and soda with caffeine, which will accelerate dehydration. Bring extra water & have some water available in your car when you return from the hike. If you are prone to dehydration, drink sports drink or mix powder with your water & eat salty foods.

INSECT and ANIMAL PROTECTION:
Protect yourself from mosquitoes & the West Nile disease by applying repellants, or wearing bug repellent clothing. Avoid wearing perfumes that attract bugs & wildlife. Learn safety in bear country. Protect yourself from biting flies and ticks. Some clothing colors attract bees.

KNOWLEDGE:
Check the weather, check avalanche reports, check fire restrictions, read about the trail, tell others where you’re going & when you’ll return, read online trail reviews, attend outdoor learning classes, and learn & obey laws. Do you know which plants are edible? Read your Bible. Knowledge is your friend.

EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS:
Whistle, first aid kit, phone, mirror, space blanket, matches, stove & fuel, jacket, extra clothing, gloves, knit hat, heart monitor, snake bit kit, allergy medicine, poison ivy soap, flashlight, & toilet kit ~ plastic shovel, TP, and zip bag.

SUPPORT and FOOTWEAR:
Bring proper footwear for the trail. Do you have traction in water, slickrock, or loose rock and dirt? Protection from thorns? Insulated for cold? Toe protection? Have you broken in your hiking boots? Socks can help protect your feet; whether neoprene socks for river hikes, wool socks for winter, and wick-dry socks for summer hikes. Do you have mole-skin for blisters? Hiking poles or sticks are valuable walking in rivers, backpacking, and save knees walking down steep hills.

OWJ HIKE RATINGS

Outdoors with Jesus is an informal club hiking the Wasatch Mountains of Northern Utah, since the Summer of 1986.  After many years of hiking experience, we have come up our trail ratings. 

LAKE MARY HIKE

NEWBIES trails are great for kids, beginner hikers, and those who are out of shape.  These are shorter hikes, with less elevation gain.

DOG LAKE HIKE

MODERATE trails are more difficult and have more miles.  Children may attend.  Hikers are allowed to go at their own pace.  If you are a slower hiker, please bring a companion to stay with you and turn back if you need to.

INTERMEDIATE trails are longer and steeper, and are for seasoned hikers.  No children please.

DIFFICULT trails are steeper, longer and may have more elevation gain.  Hikers on these trails are experienced, and may hike with less breaks. No beginner please.

PLUS trails are between two ratings.  Moderate plus is between a Moderate and Intermediate trail.