It’s spring break and the youth have journeyed out west, to southeast Utah. They stayed at an Episcopal church in Gallup, N.M., on the way out and have plans to stay at one in Pampa, Texas, on the way back home.

TRIP UPDATE:  Wednesday, March 18

So far, the group has experienced a nine-mile hike in Devil’s Garden, seeing many “named” arches along the way. They enjoyed a sunset, mountain hike that put them in great view of Delicate Arch for a picnic dinner. In between, they visited Island in the Sky and have had time for lots of rock scampering and evening fireside time with smores. Courtney says the weather has been “absolutely perfect.”

Next they’re headed to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and Slick Rock Trails, for more hiking and breathtaking desert panoramas shadowed by snow capped mountains.