Meet Our Team

Girls Gone Hiking is built by women who show up — on the trail and behind the scenes.

Meet the people making it happen.

Meet the Founder

Melanie Jeske

Hi, I’m Mel! I’m a wife, a dog mom to two Bernedoodles, a traveler, and a Midwest girly at heart (yes, thick ‘Sconnie accent and all). I moved to Utah in 2023 for the love of the outdoors. The mountains quickly became my playground, a way to explore new places & connect with like minded people.

I started this group because I wanted a space where women could feel supported, welcomed, and excited to get outside. Hiking has always been a way for me to connect with nature and boost my mental health, and I wanted to share that with others.

What began as casual meet-ups has grown into a community that I am so incredibly proud of. I love being able to create moments where women can explore together safely, meet new friends and enjoy experiences that feel grounding and empowering.

I oversee all GGH operations, leads hikes, manages events, builds partnerships, and am personally involved in every chapter launch.

Whether you have weathered pairs of hiking boots or lacing up for the first time, I am so glad that you are here! You are part of something special.

Meet Our Trail Leaders

Lex Bengston l UTAH CHAPTER

Community Facilitator & Hike Lead

Lex joined the GGH team as our Community Facilitator — the warm, welcoming presence you’ll often see keeping energy high and making sure no one feels left behind on trail.
She helps lead hikes, supports event day logistics, and plays a key role in the community culture that makes GGH feel like more than just a hiking group. She’s the kind of person who makes everyone feel like they belong from the first five minutes.
Our Trail Leader team is forming now. 🏔️

We’re looking for women in Utah who love GGH and want to help lead. If that’s you — we’d love to hear from you.
JOIN OUR TEAM

As Girls Gone Hiking expands nationally, our State Ambassadors are the women leading the charge in their communities — organizing local hikes, building chapters, and bringing the GGH experience to trails across the country.

State Ambassadors (Coming Soon)

Melanie Jeske — Utah Chapter
mjeske@girlsgonehiking-usa.com

BECOME AN AMBASSADOR

Want to Join the Team?

GGH is built by women who show up. Whether you want to lead hikes in Utah, contribute your skills behind the scenes, or launch a chapter in your own state — there’s a place for you on this team.