The view from the Wild Rose Tral.
The views from the Wild Rose Trail can be stunning!

Weekly Friday Night Hike, Hangout, and Happy Hour!

Event Details:

We warmly invite you to join us for an enchanting social gathering, set against the backdrop of Utah's stunning natural landscapes. Our planned excursion offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors, with a hike leading to a picturesque location. Here, you'll be treated to the mesmerizing spectacle of summer sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues, or during winter evenings, the magical sight of city lights twinkling in the distance. This event is more than just a hike; it's an experience designed to foster camaraderie and a deep connection with nature. We aim to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, where hikers of various skill levels, from novices to seasoned trekkers, can comfortably participate and enjoy the adventure together.

This special event is a collaborative effort brought to you by the Utah Outdoors group, in partnership with the Slow Hikers Unite Utah community on Facebook. In addition, we're delighted to open our invitation to members of the Davis County Outdoors group, expanding the circle of outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who can join us. Leading this adventure is Bryant, our experienced and friendly event organizer. We encourage you to visit Bryant's Facebook profile to get acquainted with him before the hike. Getting to know the person guiding the event can enhance your comfort and confidence as you prepare to embark on this exciting journey with us. This gathering is more than a hike; it's a celebration of the outdoors, a chance to make new friends, and an opportunity to create lasting memories in Utah’s breathtaking landscapes.

Click here to find our next event.

The Hike:

Each of our Wild Rose hikes offers an invigorating blend of natural beauty and physical challenge, suitable for a wide range of hiking enthusiasts. Typically, we embark on either a loop or an out-and-back trail, both of which span a total distance of about 2 miles. These routes are designed to provide an enjoyable experience that is accessible yet rewarding, featuring an elevation gain of approximately 344 feet. This moderate ascent allows hikers to experience the scenic vistas and diverse flora and fauna of the area without the strain of a steep climb. As we traverse these trails, hikers can immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of the Wild Rose landscape, characterized by its unique blend of wildflowers, shrubbery, and the occasional wildlife sighting.

For those seeking a more strenuous adventure, we occasionally opt for a more challenging route – a hike to the peak above the Wild Rose Trail. This alternative path extends the journey to a roughly 3.6-mile loop, incorporating a more significant elevation gain that tests endurance and rewards hikers with even more spectacular panoramic views. The ascent to the peak is a journey through varying terrains, offering glimpses of the valley below and the sprawling beauty of the surrounding area. When we plan to undertake this more demanding hike, we ensure to update the event description in advance, providing participants with ample information to prepare for the increased physical demands. This variation in our hiking itinerary not only caters to a broad spectrum of hiking abilities but also keeps our outings diverse and engaging, allowing regular participants to experience new challenges and perspectives with each hike.

The Gathering:

During our Friday hikes, we've cultivated a unique tradition that enhances the experience of our outdoor adventures. At a scenic point midway through our hike, usually at a picturesque overlook with a welcoming bench, we pause for a special communal moment. Here, we set the stage for our gathering by laying out an empty charcuterie board alongside a simple box of crackers. This serves as a blank canvas, inviting each hiker to contribute and fill it with an assortment of their chosen delicacies.

Our fellow hikers bring a variety of items to add to the board, transforming it from a bare wooden platter into a vibrant mosaic of tastes and textures. Contributions vary widely, reflecting the diverse preferences of our group. Some may bring slices of gourmet cheese or cured meats, others might add small containers of olives, nuts, or even homemade spreads and dips. Fresh fruits, artisanal bread, or specialty snacks also make their way onto the board, each addition enriching the communal feast.

In this beautiful natural setting, our mid-hike gathering becomes more than just a meal; it's a celebration of fellowship and the shared joy of hiking. As the charcuterie board comes to life with the contributions of each member, it symbolizes the collective spirit of our group, each person adding their unique touch to the experience. The simplicity of our setup – just a board and a box of crackers – underscores the ethos of our hikes: that the beauty of the experience lies not in extravagance, but in the shared moments and the natural splendor of Utah’s landscapes. This tradition of coming together, sharing food, and enjoying each other’s company amidst the tranquility of the mountains is a highlight of our hikes, fostering camaraderie and creating lasting memories.

* We may skip this in cold or bad weather.

Safety Essentials:

To ensure everyone's safety, please bring headlamps as we might return in the dark, especially during winter hikes. We recommend rechargeable Black Diamond headlamps such as the Astro 300-R (recommended), or the Storm 500-R which is the brighter choice. Trekking poles can help you maintain you balance, many of us use them regularly.

Winter Hiking:

During the winter season, we strongly recommend carrying and using micro spikes to enhance your traction on potentially icy terrain. Our top pick for reliability is the Kahtoola MICROspikes.

Dogs:

Well-behaved dogs are more than welcome to accompany us on this adventure.

Inclement Weather:

At the heart of our planning for each hiking event is a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of all participants. We understand that weather in the great outdoors can be unpredictable and, at times, turn adverse. To ensure the safety of our group, we closely monitor weather forecasts and conditions leading up to the event. In the event of inclement weather, such as heavy rain, snowstorms, or dangerous wind conditions, we may need to make critical decisions regarding the hike.

Depending on the severity and type of weather anticipated, our response may vary from a complete cancellation of the hike to modifying its route or duration. If cancellation is necessary, we will inform all participants as promptly as possible, using our communication channels, including email and the event page. In cases where the weather poses a lesser risk, we may opt to shorten the hike or choose an alternative, safer route to avoid any potentially hazardous sections. These decisions are made with the utmost consideration for the safety and comfort of everyone involved.

We also encourage our hikers to be prepared for sudden weather changes by bringing appropriate gear, such as rain jackets, extra layers, or sun protection, depending on the season. By staying adaptable and prioritizing safety, we aim to ensure that our hiking experiences are enjoyable, memorable, and above all, safe for everyone. Your understanding and cooperation in these situations are greatly appreciated, as they help us maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for our outdoor adventures.

Directions from S Hwy 89 in North Salt Lake, Utah:
  • Head east on Eagle Ridge Dr for 344 feet.
  • At the traffic circle, continue straight.
  • Continue onto Eagle Ridge Dr and go 1.6 miles.
  • Turn right onto Eaglepointe Dr and go 0.3 miles.
  • Turn left onto Sky Crest Ln and go 0.1 miles.
Wild Rose Trailhead Park
609 Sky Crest Ln
North Salt Lake, UT 84054
Supporting Our Group:

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