Southern Utah University Outdoors led a night hike up the Thor’s Hideout trail under a full moon on Tuesday, February 11. The event drew a good turnout, with over twenty students braving the dark and cold to enjoy the stars and a fun time with friends.
Starting at the Thunderbird Gardens trailhead close to Cedar City, the group wound their way up to a ridge connecting to the nearby Red Hollow trail before returning to the trailhead. Along the way, the group enjoyed incredible nighttime scenery and a couple of hours of laughter and conversation.
Back at the parking area, the long-anticipated hot cocoa did not materialize due to the forgotten cocoa mix, but SUU Outdoors provided plenty of doughnuts for all participants.
“I love doing these Tuesday hikes because it gets me outdoors and keeps me healthy,” said McKenzie Tebbs, one of SUU Outdoors’ LEAP trip leaders. “It’s a good weekly tradition to do with my dog Lucy, and it’s a nice opportunity for meeting people.”
Tebbs explained that she especially loves the Thor’s Hideout hiking trail because it is relatively short, close to town, and includes some rocks and elevation gain without becoming too challenging for most people.
LEAP events like this hike are SUU Outdoors’ programming for shorter, more local outdoor activities, separate from their day-long weekend adventures. LEAP events are always free and easily accessible for students and include various daily free activities, including yoga, slacklining, wallyball, and more.
Although LEAP programming includes a daytime local hike every Tuesday, these night hikes after 8:00 pm are only held on Tuesdays when there is a full moon, like this week.
To stay updated on the latest SUU Outdoors events, including these weekly “Take a Hike Tuesdays,” follow their Instagram or visit their website.
Author: Emily Walters
Photographer: Anna Mower
Editor: Chevy Blackburn
outdoors@suunews.net