We kicked off our first Hiking Happy Hour of the year on Thursday, January 8th with a classic Salt Lake City favorite: Ensign Peak.
Winter showed up in full force. It was cold, the wind made itself known, and headlamps and crampons came out early. But that did not stop a solid group from showing up ready to move, connect, and start the year outside.
Ensign Peak is one of those hikes that delivers quickly. A short but steady climb, sweeping city views, and that unmistakable feeling of standing above downtown Salt Lake City as the lights begin to glow. The cold air kept us moving and the conversation flowing. Layers were adjusted, laughs were shared, and the city looked especially crisp from the top.
After the hike, we headed to The HandleBar to warm up and settle in for dinner. Hot food, drinks, and a cozy atmosphere made it the perfect follow up to a windy winter hike. Stories from the trail carried into the evening, new connections were made, and plans for future adventures started forming at the table.
This night was a great reminder that you do not need perfect conditions to get outside. You just need good people, a willingness to show up, and a reason to gather. Hiking Happy Hour is about making space for community, movement, and real connection, even when the weather is not ideal.
Thank you to everyone who came out and made our first hike of the year such a fun one. We are just getting started, and we cannot wait to see you on the trail and around the table at the next one.
