Walk with me.
Three days on the trail. One handcart. A company of youth retracing a path worn smooth by the faithful who walked before. Registration for the 2026 trek is now open.
A journey, retraced.
Every four years our stake gathers its young men and young women, divides them into families, and sends them out onto the trail with nothing but a handcart and each other. What they carry home is heavier than anything they push.
The 2026 trek is built around a simple idea — that the best way to understand what the pioneers felt is to feel a little of it ourselves. Dust on our boots. Sun on our necks. A hymn rising unexpectedly over the sage. And in quiet moments, a sense that we are not walking alone.
Prepare honestly, pack lightly, and come ready to be changed.
A look back at 2020.
Three days on the trail.
Gather and depart
Arrive at the stake center by 6:00 a.m. Bus to the trailhead. Assigned to families, introduced to Ma and Pa, and issued a handcart. First leg to camp with a devotional at the fire.
The long pull
The main day of the trek. Break camp after morning devotional. Long pull across open country, river crossing at midday, and the women's pull before we reach the second camp. Testimonies after supper.
Arrive and return
Early breakfast, final pull to journey's end, and a closing testimony meeting under the trees. Return buses to the stake center by 6:00 p.m., where families will greet you.
Ready your heart and your pack.
Spiritually
Read the pioneer journals of your own ancestors, or one of the Martin and Willie company accounts. Come with a question you want answered and a promise you want to make.
- Daily scripture15 min
- Fast oncebefore
- Journalbring it
Physically
You will walk more than twenty miles with a handcart over three days. Start walking now — not to be fast, but to be ready. Break in your boots long before the trailhead.
- Walk3×/week
- Break in boots50+ mi
- Hydratealways
Practically
A full packing list will be mailed after registration. Think sturdy, modest, and simple. No electronics, no candy stash, no extras. The cart carries your bucket — you carry yourself.
- Long skirt / pants2
- Hat & bandana1 ea
- 5-gal bucket1
Required forms.
Every participant — youth, young single adult, and adult leader alike — must submit all three forms before they can be assigned to a trek family. Print, sign, and return to your ward youth leader.
Questions about a form? Reach out to the trek committee below and we'll help.
Reach the trek committee.
General Questions
trek2026@fruitheightsstake.orgMedical & Forms
medical@fruitheightsstake.orgMailing Address
Fruit Heights Stake
Center, Utah
For stake-wide updates, watch for the monthly trek newsletter sent through your ward Young Men and Young Women presidencies. Prayer requests and pioneer ancestor stories are welcome any time.