OUTDOORS WITH JESUS

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK 1986

OUTDOORS WITH JESUS  
Began in the Summer of 1986 as an informal Hiking group. We're not a outfitter, we're not a singles ministry; but a non profit, non-commercial hiking group along the Wasatch Front of Northern Utah.

MT RAYMOND  JULY 2004

OWJ CLUB FOCUS: It's all about Jesus!   
In humility consider others as more important than yourselves.  Come will an attitude of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness and Self Control. 

 RED CANYON

OWJ MEMBERSHIP  
MEMBERSHIP is FREE.

OWJ HIKING is open to SINGLE and MARRIED ADULTS. Your kids and teens may attend Newbies/Moderate activities, if you supervise and are responsible for their safety and liability.

DOGS are not allowed in Watershed areas.

Look for our dog friendly hikes and bring a clean up bag.

WILDERNESS areas have group size limits.

Please RSVP on all wilderness hikes.

CARRY OUT YOUR TRASH.  Please do not create compost piles in the mountains.

You must provide your own GEAR, water, food, and dress appropriate for the activities.

Adults must sign a yearly RELEASE/WAIVER.

We do not provide insurance coverage, and it is up to you for paying for your own medical emergencies and insurance. 

OWJ HIKING RATINGS

NEWBIES ~ Easiest, great for beginners and KID friendly.
MODERATE ~ More challenging, at your own pace hiking.
INTERMEDIATE ~ Longer, steeper hikes.  No kids please.
DIFFICULT ~ Die Hard hikers.  No beginners allowed.

MEETING
Please arrive at MEET time.  This is when we sign in and arrange carpooling.  If you are late, please drive to the trailhead and catch us on the trail.

CARPOOLING, please help your driver with gas and recreation fees.  If you are not well enough to hike, please stay home.  

Each driver has the freedom to choose passengers.

SLOW HIKERS, it would be wise to bring a friend to hike at your own pace.  You may even want to drive your own vehicle.

Please service and maintain your own vehicle.  You may need to drive your car to the trailhead.  We can't always promise you a ride.

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.