Trekking for kids

Join us on our first ever Alumni and Friends Trek to the red rock canyons of Southern Utah. This trip is open to all alumni Trekkers and their friends.

Alumni & Friends Trek

For 5 days we will explore some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world. We will begin by hiking a section of one of the world’s longest slot canyons, Buckskin Gulch in Paria Canyon, with walls reaching 500 ft high above and only a few feet wide in places. We will then head to Zion National Park for two nights to explore its many famous hiking trails, among them, Angel’s Landing, which will take us 1500 ft above Zion Canyon and the Virgin River, to one of the highest points in the Park, with 360 degree breathtaking views. In Zion’s we will also hike the Narrows, a spectacular river wading hike through a beautiful gorge, with sandstone walls up to 2000 ft high. This hike has been rated by National Geographic as on of the top 100 hikes in the world. In addition, you can participate in an optional canyoneering trip into one of the many slot canyons around Zion. With local guides, we will learn the basics of canyoneering and then rappel several times up to 180 ft into the canyon as we explore more remote areas of Zion. Last, we will spend a day hiking amongst the famous hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park, including, a full moon hike and night photography workshop in the canyon.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to hike in some truly unique and beautiful landscapes with like-minded friends. In addition to offering TFK alumni and friends the chance to explore a magnificent part of the world, this trip is also a fundraising trek for TFK. While we will not be working on behalf of an orphanage, we will be supporting the institutional growth of TFK in its mission of bringing hope to orphans around the world. We are offering this trip at cost to you, as a way to say “Thank you” for your support. The fundraising commitment is only $300, of which, 100% will go towards TFK programs.

All transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off in either Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, meals, camping equipment, except sleeping bag and pads, will be provided by TFK and friends of TFK. Since we will be day-hiking you will only need to carry a daypack. We will hike an average of 4-6 hours a day and sleep at local campgrounds.

Please contact Tricia Donaldson, Director of Operations for more information.

Cost

Trek Cost: $350
Fundraising: min. $300
Optional Canyoneering Day Trip: $90 (less than 20 people) or $80 (more than 20)
Optional Zion Narrows Footwear Package: $16 (5.10 Canyoneers & Neoprene Socks and walking staff)
Optional Sleeping Bag Rental: $40
Optional Sleeping Pad Rental: $20

Included

• Day hikes, TFK led (you only carry a daypack)
• 5 nights tent accommodation (2-5 person tents)
• All meals except for lunch on arrival and departure days
• All ground transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off in either SLC or Las Vegas
• Trekking permits and National Park entrance fees
• Camping equipment except sleeping bags and pads

Not Included

• Airfare to SLC or Las Vegas
• Lunch on arrival and departure days
• Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, or bottled water
• Sleeping bags and pads (rentals available)
• Optional – professionally guided canyoneering day trip
• Optional – footwear package for hiking the Zion Narrows

Expedition Requirements

• 18 years or older
• Good health
• Physically fit
• Willing to raise funds for TFK programs

3 Step Process

1. Apply • Fill out the online application
• Pay $50 deposit (non-refundable)

2. Prepare • Read Information and Fundraising Packet from TFK
• Start a training regimen if not already exercising regularly
• Fundraise
• Gather all necessary gear for the Trek
• Pay remaining Expedition fees
• Arrange flights

3. Experience • Arrive in Las Vegas or SLC and meet your TFK group leaders and fellow Trekkers.
• Enjoy a trip of a lifetime!

We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, both before and during your Trek.

Download Schedule here.

Details coming soon. Please check back.

Utah comes from the “Ute” tribe, which means people of mountain.

The state has 5 National Parks, 6 forests, and 42 State Parks.

Numerous movies have been filmed in the southern Utah, with the striking beauty of red rock region used as backdrops in films like "Rio Grande" (1950) and the well-known "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1988), "Thelma and Louise" (1990), "City Slickers II" (1994), and " Mission Impossible II" (2000).

Kanab is considered Utah's "Little Hollywood." Over 70 movies and TV series have been filmed in the town, including “The Lone Ranger” (1956), “Maverick” (1994), and both the 1968 and 2001 versions of “Planet of the Apes.”

The narrows in Buckskin Gulch continue uninterrupted for 15 miles.

Zion, a Hebrew word meaning "a place of peace and relaxation", was given to the canyon by Mormon Pioneers in the 1860s.

In 1920, Zion averaged 3,692 visitors a year; in 1996: 2.5 million.

Zion has over 900 species of plant groupings, one of the most diverse in Utah.

At Weeping Rock in Zion, the water that emerges took 1,000 years to travel through the rock from a spring.

Endangered California condors and peregrine falcons are among the 288 bird species seen in Zion.

At its dedication July 4,1930, the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel was the world's longest at 1.1 mile.

Water, ice, and gravity are the natural forces that formed the geological "hoodoos" that make Bryce Canyon unique.

Bryce Canyon's rocks are among the youngest of those on the Colorado Plateau, dating back a mere 65 million years ago to the Cretaceous period.

Most rural parts of the U.S. have 2500 stars visible on any given clear night. At Bryce Canyon, that number jumps to a whopping 7500.

Bryce Canyon isn't actually a canyon. It's a natural amphitheater.

Fundraising Resources

After signing up for the Trek, Trekkers receive access to the Trekker Resource Center, with online tips and tools to help you succeed.

TFK Promo DVD (by request) • past trek project highlights
• how your donations are used

TFK Brochures (by request) • brief version of the website in printed form
• great introduction to TFK for your donors

Personal Fundraising Page
• solicit donations on your page
• set fundraising goals
• track progress in real time
• upload photos
• post messages to donors

Other Resources • Ideas for raising your $300 minimum
• form letters to help you get started
• fundraising logs
• donation receipts

Contact our Director of Operations, Tricia Donaldson, for more information.