Some nights you plan for, and some nights plan themselves. Last night’s Hiking Happy Hour and Base Camp at Alien Tower in Draper was a little of both.
As we pulled into the trailhead, the sky opened up. Rain was pouring down, windshield wipers on full blast, and for a minute we were all wondering if Mother Nature had other plans for us. But true to Utah form, the clouds broke just as it was time to lace up. The storm rolled out, the air smelled like wet sage and fresh earth, and we hit the trail like it had been perfect weather all along.
Our crew was a cozy one last night, with just two women joining us. That’s part of the magic. Small groups mean real conversations, no one left at the back, and the kind of connection that turns trail buddies into friends. It’s one of the things we love most about the way GOAT does adventure.
And the views. Post-storm skies over the valley are something else. Everything looked freshly washed, the light was soft and golden, and the whole Salt Lake Valley stretched out below us. Immaculate is the only word for it.
If you’ve been to Alien Tower, you know the tower itself is a quirky little landmark. But the best surprise of the night? The swing was still hanging! We each took a turn, laughing and kicking our feet out over the view like kids at recess. It was one of those whimsical, giggly moments you can’t plan, and it reminded us why we do this: to play outside and feel a little bit free.
Once we made our way back down, we headed over to Bout Time in Draper for dinner and trivia night. Burgers, good company, and a little friendly competition was the perfect way to cap off the evening. We may not have taken home the win, but we definitely held our own (and had way more fun than the team that did, probably).
Rain at the start, sunshine on the summit, a swing in the sky, and trivia to close it out. That’s a Hiking Happy Hour for the books. Thank you to the ladies who braved the forecast with us. You made the night!
Want in on the next one? Hiking Happy Hours are one of our favorite ways to get outside midweek, meet new women, and end the day with good food and better company. Keep an eye on our calendar and socials @GirlsOnlyAdventureTrips for upcoming dates, and grab your spot fast!
