On October 25, 33 Mountain High students boarded a bus to Moab to participate in a weekend hiking trip to Canyonlands National Park. Chaperoned by 8 MHS staff members, the students had the opportunity to earn credit in science, history, PE and health in a breathtaking outdoor classroom. Upon their return, they were able earn additional credit in math and English by completing educational packets related to the trip.
Tomee Call, an MHS psychology teacher who leads Mountain High’s hiking program, pitched the idea for the school’s first hiking trip three years ago. Call, an avid hiker and backpacker, loves to share her passion for the outdoors with her students. “I go to all these places,” she said, “and when I'm there I'm so impressed, excited and blown away. I think to myself, ‘I wish our students could see this and have this experience because of how it could open their minds and change their futures.’”
Jaynie Jensen, an MHS business/accounting teacher who helped coordinate the trip, agrees. “There are so many benefits for students to go on a hiking trip,” she said. “They realize they can do hard things, have an experience away from home, get to see national parks they have never seen and know that it is possible to plan a trip for themselves with family and friends.”
Both teachers noted how rewarding it is to see students push themselves, build confidence, and strengthen relationships. “My favorite part,” said Jensen, “is when I see students who felt out of their comfort zone start to make connections with other students. Also, I love hearing them say they liked being outdoors living real life, away from their screens.”
The Canyonlands trip was the second hiking trip Ryker S., an MHS senior, has taken. Last spring, he participated in a Mountain High excursion to Goblin Valley. “A lot of people wouldn’t have the opportunity to go and do this kind of stuff,” he said, “so it’s nice that we are able to go with the school.”
Ryker’s most memorable part of the Canyonlands trip was the scenery. “When you were on top of the cliffs, you’d look around and see canyons upon canyons upon canyons,” he said. “It was, like, WOW!”
Rachael A., another MHS senior, appreciated the relationships she was able to build. “I think my favorite part of the trip was definitely being around people,” she said. “There were people I’ve seen in the hallways, but I didn’t know them, and I became friends with them.”
Both students also mentioned the importance of pushing through, especially when it’s hard to find motivation.
“Going on the trip shows that if you put your mind to something, you can do it,” said Rachael. “I feel like a lot of kids at our school have self-esteem and motivation issues, but doing something challenging helps you realize you can do hard things.”
“I learned that your feet eventually do stop hurting,” Ryker added.
The Canyonlands trip marks Mountain High’s fifth hiking trip since Call developed the program. MHS students and staff will embark on another adventure – to Bryce Canyon – in March 2025.