I am from the town of Murray, Utah, just outside of Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake Valley sits between two mountain ranges, flanked by the Wasatch Mountains and Oquirrh Mountains to the east and west, respectively.
Growing up there, the mountains seemed like old friends. The view of the Wasatch Mountains from the kitchen window was a constant companion. Whomever sat at the head of the kitchen table, facing east, had an unobstructed view of my favorite peak, Mount Olympus.
In my family, weekends were dedicated to chores and trips up the canyon. I have many treasured memories from these trips: fishing with my dad, camping with both family and friends, rock climbing, hiking, biking and enjoying many canyon cookouts.
Exploring this vast wilderness, I found old mines, abandoned granite quarries and shingle mills. I learned about the role these granite behemoths played in the history of my town and my own family. They were a part of childhood my childhood and will always be part of my heritage.
When the time came for me to leave home to attend college, I ventured to Cedar City, Utah, within the heart of the Canyonlands. My undergrad campus was nestled between three national parks, five state parks and countless local trails, many of them “hidden” from the public eye. It was an embarrassment of red rock riches, and I loved it.
My free time outside of class was spent outdoors. Exploring the beauty of the desert helped ease my anxieties about school and exams.
There was a trail about two blocks from my apartment that was a fairly short, mostly uphill hike that, once completed, led to a stunning view of the small town. I found myself at that trail on many occasions, especially after a challenging day. There was something about walking the trail, tackling the steep incline and reaching the view at the top that gave me a sense of accomplishment. It was enough to clear my head and ease my anxieties.
Before making the trek across the United States to the Upper Valley a year ago, I spent one of my last weekends in Utah taking in the quirks of Cedar City. After a tour of restaurants, favorite spots on campus and a trip to the only remaining Hollywood Video in the state (that I know of), I found myself at the trail head.
I reflected on the number of times I had hiked this trail as I approached the steep incline. Why did I feel the need to hike when I was troubled? Did it create a sense of accomplishment when it seemed that was lacking?
I suddenly thought of my weekends in the Wasatch Mountains with my family. I had learned so much about myself, my family and my environment through those trips, and I felt like I was part of something beautiful and important.
Once I reached the top of this hike and approached the lookout over Cedar City, I felt that same way — connected. I had seen this view many times before, but now I realized I had once again made myself part of something beautiful. I knew this town, I knew the people and I knew the parks surrounding it. I had used the trails to familiarize myself with new home and to establish a sense of belonging.
If you ever find yourself feeling out of place, striving to feel a connection, I have one recommendation for you: go outside. Visit a local business, meet your neighbors, take a hike. Explore and make connections.
Kaitie Eddington is the new program manager at Upper Valley Trails Alliance. She can be reached at kaitie.eddington@uvtrails.org or 802-649-9075.