UTAH CHAPTER
SLC & Beyond • Est 2025 • The Founding Chapter
Year-round hikes, Summit Series, group trips, and real community built on trail.
All paces. All levels. All women. Come as you are.
The Utah chapter is where Girls Gone Hiking was born.
It started in 2025 with a small group of women, a trail in Millcreek Canyon, and a simple idea: get outside together. That first hike up Rattlesnake Gulch changed everything. Women who showed up not knowing anyone left with friendships. Women who thought hiking “wasn’t for them” found out it absolutely was.
One year later, we’ve logged 26+ hikes and events across the Wasatch Front and beyond. We’ve started Summit Series together. We’ve chased golden hour in our Sunset Social Hikes. We’ve shown up for each other on hard trails and harder days.
This community — right here in Utah — is the proof of concept for everything GGH is becoming nationally. And it’s still just getting started.
All paces. All levels. All women. Come as you are.
Where It All StartedWhat the Utah Chapter Offers
Group Events
Year-round events from beginner walks to serious summits across the Wasatch Front
Summit Series
Progressive peak challenges built to grow your strength and confidence together
Growth
Co-lead hikes, contribute your skills, or help build GGH Utah
Meet Our Team
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Melanie Jeske
Founder
I started Girls Gone Hiking because I believed the trail is better when you share it with people who actually get you.
I built GGH here in Utah, one hike at a time, and what grew out of it still surprises me… a community where women of all paces, all backgrounds, and all experience levels feel genuinely welcome. No pressure. No race to the top. Just good trails, real conversation, and women who show up for each other.
These days I'm focused on growing GGH into a national network of women's outdoor chapters, because every state deserves a community like this one.
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![A young woman smiling, wearing a life jacket and holding a hiking pole, standing in a river with canyon walls and other people in the background.]()
Kristen Blank
Utah Co-Ambassador
Hi, I’m Kristen! I’m originally from Pennsylvania and moved to Utah in the summer of 2022, where I quickly fell in love with the mountains and everything the outdoors has to offer. What started as a way to explore a new place turned into a love for hiking, adventure, and connecting with others on the trail.
Hiking is my way of taking time to slow down, clear my mind, and decompress. With a busy schedule, it’s where I feel most grounded and connected, and where I find a sense of peace. Whether it’s chasing views or trying something new, I’m always up for the experience. I love being part of a community that encourages each other, builds confidence, and makes the outdoors feel welcoming for everyone.
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![A woman standing in a meadow filled with flowers, surrounded by tall pine trees, with mountain peaks in the background under a partly cloudy sky.]()
Lauren Reed
Utah Co-Ambassador
With a background in elementary education and a love for all things nature, I’m passionate about making trails feel welcoming, doable, and maybe even a little magical.
You’ll usually find me chasing my two boys, heading out for a run, curling up with a good book, or stopping mid-hike to admire wildflowers like it’s my job. I believe the best conversations happen on a trail, fresh air fixes most things, and the scenic route is almost always worth it.
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![A woman smiling, wearing a blue cap and green sweatshirt, standing between large rock formations outdoors.]()
Lex Bengsto
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.
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![A woman taking a selfie while ascending a mountain trail with a view of a city below, dressed in outdoor gear, sunglasses, and a backpack.]()
Tiffany Soriano
Hike Lead
Hi, I’m Tiff! Utah-based hiker/artist, always chasing mountain views with my pups. I’m on a mission for 200 hikes this year, I’m drawn to new terrain, new hobbies, and anything that gets me out there and moving. I’m all about adventure, curiosity, and having fun along the way.
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![A woman with hiking gear standing on colorful rock formations at The Wave in Arizona under a clear blue sky.]()
Sara Smith
Hike Lead
HI! I'm Sara! I'm originally from Tennessee. I've been proudly rooted in Utah since 2023. I grew up in the outdoors and never left it behind. From working as a raft guide on the Ocoee River in TN for 10+ years to trading my paddle for hiking boots, the mountains have always been home. These days you'll find me backpacking, mountain biking, fly fishing or skiing. I'm always chasing the next adventure.
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![Woman smiling with a black beanie and red jacket in front of a canyon landscape in Zion National Park during sunset.]()
Holly Olsen
Hike Lead
Holly grew up hiking and camping with her family near Cache Valley in Northern Utah. She has had the privilege of hiking in the Wasatch Mountains for most of her life, but has also lived in Connecticut, Thailand, Costa Rica, and Spain. She has loved hiking in all of those places as well.
She is a mother of four daughters. She is also a certified yoga instructor, and she hopes to offer some hikes that incorporate yoga.
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Callie Platt
Hike Lead
I moved to Utah in November 2020 after graduating from CU Boulder. I spent that season working at Alta Lodge, where I fell in love with the Wasatch Mountains and skied every day. I spent some time living in Jackson, WY, working at the Four Seasons, but ultimately returned to the wonderful state of Utah. I love spending time outdoors hiking, skiing, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, and watercoloring! I look forward to connecting with everyone.
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![Silhouette of a person walking through a lush, foggy forest near a mountain with the sun shining brightly in the background.]()
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.
Ready to Join Us?
When you’re ready to RSVP, simply reserve your spot directly through our website. Each event listing includes important details, meeting location information, and helpful notes to help you prepare.
Space is limited to keep group sizes safe, organized, and enjoyable for everyone. Please only reserve a spot if you plan to attend. If your plans change, cancel your RSVP so another gal can join!
Important note:
Simply add the event to your cart and complete checkout to secure your spot — it takes less than a minute.
Events will require completion of a liability waiver prior to attending.
June Events
Deseret Peak Loop
Saturday, June 6 | 8:00 AM
Brighton Lake Loop
Saturday, June 6 | 8:00 AM
Wind Caves - Logan
Saturday, June 6 | 7:30 AM
Donut Falls
Tuesday, June 9 | 6:30 PM
North Fork Park Trail
Friday, June 12 | 5:30 PM
Battle Creek Falls
Saturday, June 13 | 7:30 AM
Summit Series: Kesler Peak
Sunday, June 14 | 5:30 AM
Little Mountain Summit
Tuesday, June 16 | 6:00 PM
Primrose Overlook
Wednesday, June 17 | 6:00 PM
White Pine Lake - Uintas
Saturday, June 20 | 9:00 AM
Albion Basin
Wednesday, June 24 | 6:30 AM
Lofty Lake Loop
Saturday, June 27 | 7:00 AM
Red Lake Trail
Saturday, June 27 | 9:00 AM
South Duel Creek Trail
Tuesday, June 30 | 5:30 PM
Summit Series
The Summit Series is our progressive peak challenge — a curated sequence of increasingly demanding summits designed to build your strength, your skills, and your confidence as a mountain woman.
We don’t rush to the top. We climb together. We push each other when it gets hard. And when we summit — we celebrate every single woman who made it.
Join the GGH Minnesota Community
Get hikes before anyone else. Join our Telegram community, it's where new hike releases drop first, before they hit social media. Spots fill fast, so this is the best way to stay in the loop.
FAQ - Utah Chapter
📍 About the Utah Chapter
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The Utah chapter is based in Salt Lake City but we hike all over — Millcreek Canyon, the Wasatch Front, Uintas, southern Utah, and everywhere in between. If there's a great trail in Utah, we'll find our way there eventually.
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Yes. Utah is an incredible four-season destination and we take full advantage of it. Winter brings snowshoe hikes, cold-weather walks, and cozy social events. Spring and fall are peak hiking season. Summers we start early to beat the heat. There's always something on the calendar.
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We primarily hike along the Wasatch Front — Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, Bountiful, and surrounding areas — but we also venture to places like the Uintas, Moab, St. George, and beyond for special trips and events. Each event listing includes the exact location.
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The Utah chapter launched in 2025 and is the founding chapter of Girls Gone Hiking. Everything we've built — the community, the safety standards, the event model — started right here.
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Yes. Same community, same Mel, same trails — just with a fresh look and a bigger vision as we expand nationally. The Utah chapter isn't going anywhere.
🥾 Events & RSVPs
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Yes. All Utah chapter events require advance registration through our website. Attendance is capped to keep events safe, organized, and enjoyable for everyone.
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Friends are always welcome — but each person must register individually through the website. Unregistered guests cannot be added on-site, no exceptions.
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Unfortunately you won't be able to join. For safety, liability, and fairness to others on the waitlist, we can't allow walk-ins even if space looks available.
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Limits help us maintain trail safety, ensure proper waiver coverage, create a great group experience, and respect land-use and parking restrictions at trailheads.
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Most hikes and community meetups are free unless otherwise noted. Some events — like social gatherings, special trips, or venue-based events — may have a small fee to cover costs. It will always be listed clearly on the event page.
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After you click "Add to Cart," the event gets added to your cart — then just head to your cart to complete checkout and you're all set. We know it's a little quirky — Squarespace keeps us humble. 😄
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Please cancel your RSVP through the website or email us as soon as possible so another woman can take your spot. For capped events this makes a real difference.
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Yes. All participants must complete the GGH liability waiver before attending their first event. Once it's on file it covers you for future events unless your information changes. The waiver link will be included in your registration confirmation email.
🌤️ On the Trail
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Every event listing includes the difficulty level, mileage, and elevation gain. We host everything from easy social walks to serious summit pushes — just read the details carefully and register for what feels right for where you are right now.
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Read the full event description — we include mileage, elevation gain, estimated time, and any technical notes so you can make an informed call. When in doubt, start with a moderate hike and work your way up. We've all been there and nobody judges.
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Yes — and a lot of women do. GGH is literally built for this. You don't need to know anyone to show up and have a great time. By the end of the hike you'll have made friends.
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Dogs are welcome only on events where it's explicitly stated. Always check the event description before bringing your pup. Some trailheads and event types aren't dog-friendly, and some Millcreek dates are odd/even restricted — we'll always note this in the listing.
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Our events are women-centered. Some events welcome friends and supportive partners when noted — always check the event description for specifics.
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Every event listing includes gear recommendations specific to that hike. In general — water (more than you think you need), proper footwear, layers, snacks, sun protection, and any trail-specific gear noted in the description. For Utah's elevation and climate swings, layers are non-negotiable.
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Some Utah trailheads require a parking fee or day pass — Millcreek Canyon and some Wasatch Front trailheads being the most common. Each event listing will note if anything is required so you can plan ahead.
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Safety comes first, always. If conditions become unsafe we may modify the route, reschedule, or cancel. Updates will be sent via email to registered participants and posted on our Instagram @GirlsGoneHiking.UT
💬 Community & Staying Connected
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Sign up for our email list — that's the best way to stay in the loop on new events, updates, and community news. You can also follow us on Instagram @GirlsGoneHiking.UT and join our Facebook community group for real-time updates.
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We use GroupMe for our Utah community chat. The link to join is in the footer of our website under "Enter Our Chat." It's where the community connects between hikes, asks questions, and shares trail conditions.
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Yes — search "Girls Gone Hiking Utah" on Facebook or find the link on our website. It's a great place to connect with other members, see event recaps, and stay in the community between hikes.
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GGH Utah is a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful community. We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, bullying, or behavior that makes others feel unsafe. We are not a politically affiliated group and do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or background. Anyone who doesn't uphold these standards may be asked to leave and restricted from future events.
🤝 Getting More Involved
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We'd love that. You can apply to be a Utah Trail Leader — women who co-lead hikes and help create the GGH experience for newer members. Head to our Get Involved page to learn more and submit an inquiry.
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Trail Leaders are women who co-lead events alongside Mel. If you're interested in that role, head to the Get Involved page and select "Lead & Support Community Events" in the form.
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Yes — that's exactly what our Ambassador program is for. Head to our Become an Ambassador page to learn more and apply. Mel reviews every application personally.