I recently had the most incredible weekend taking some of my city friends on a true desert adventure in Zion National Park.

The whole point of this trip was to give them a chance to experience the area like a local, and it turned out to be the most special time.

We stayed at my favorite hotel, which is right at the entrance of the park and has the most stunning views. It was the perfect home base for our big canyoneering hike.

group of women gearing up with hiking backpacks in a lodge living room before a Zion National Park hike

Our AirBnb

Early Start

We got up super early on Sunday to get ready for our big hike. My friend, Heather, had one of her son's cute teenage friends, Jack, drop us off at the top of the hike to make things smoother.

It was so helpful to get an early start on the day.

Three people unloading canyoneering gear from an SUV in a Zion National Park parking lot, red sandstone cliffs in the background
A smiling young person with red hair seated in the driver's seat of a silver SUV at Zion National Park, red rock canyon walls and scrub trees visible behind the open door

Into the Canyon

We did a hike that is called Pine Creek. It's a really special place.

Paid guides aren't allowed in this part of the national park, so the only way you can go is if you are comfortable with the technical skills or have a friend who is.

I was so grateful that my college roommate, Angela, who is very experienced at canyoneering, agreed to take us. We used to go on crazy adventures together when we were 19, like hitchhiking to Moab!

My best friend from high school, Maegan, also came to help guide us.

Once we got into the canyon, we got suited up in our wetsuits and gear. Besides my local friends, none of these people had rappelled before this weekend, so I was so proud of everyone.

Four canyoneers in helmets, wetsuits, and harnesses gathered in a narrow sandstone slot canyon at Zion National Park
three canyoneers in wetsuits and helmets navigating a narrow sandstone slot canyon with water at the base, Zion National Park
Two canyoneers rappelling through a narrow sandstone slot canyon at Zion National Park, both wearing helmets and harnesses with a rope between them
three canyoneers in helmets and wetsuits climbing through a narrow sandstone slot canyon, using a rope to navigate a large rock obstacle
A canyoneer rappelling into a narrow slot canyon in Zion National Park, silhouetted against swirling sandstone walls with a beam of sunlight streaming from the opening above
three hikers in wetsuits and blue helmets walking through a narrow slot canyon at Zion National Park, tall smooth sandstone walls rising on both sides

Dropping In

We spent the day rappelling down waterfalls, navigating through pools of water, and taking in the breathtaking scenery. There were some thrilling moments, like when Erin did her best Indiana Jones impression with a big boulder.

The last rappel was really dramatic and incredibly beautiful. I'm not scared of heights, but I have to admit, I was nervous! It was such an amazing experience.

Jordan Ferney rappelling down red sandstone in a canyon at Zion National Park, wearing a blue helmet, wetsuit, harness, and gloves
A person rappelling down a narrow sandstone slot canyon at Zion National Park, golden light streaming in from the opening above

The Long Haul

The hike out was a few hours long and very hot. There are almost no photos of this part because everyone was tired and ready for it to be over.

One of us even got a little bit of heat stroke! But we made it, and some of us jumped into a swimming hole at the end of the trail to cool off.

woman on a red sandstone ledge about to jump into a natural swimming hole at Zion National Park, two friends already in the water below
Two hikers with backpacks walking a sandy trail alongside a stream in Zion National Park, red sandstone cliffs and green trees in the background

A Perfect Ending

After the hike, we rushed to take showers and then I surprised everyone with a fancy dinner in a field overlooking Zion National Park.

The amazing team at Zion made us a beautiful meal, starting with a delicious grazing board.

Group of women sitting in a circle on a blanket in a desert clearing, with Zion National Park red rock cliffs in the background
overhead view of a large charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, crackers, fresh vegetables, grapes, berries, olives, and dipping sauces, two hands reaching in to graze, set outdoors at Zion National Park

As another surprise, my high school friend, Rick, arranged for his friends at Water Canyon Winery to come do a wine tasting for us.

To top it all off, my friend who had just been to Dubai, surprised us all with the viral Dubai chocolate. It was the most special way to end the trip.

Group of people gathered around a candlelit outdoor dinner table at dusk, red rock canyon cliffs in the background, near Zion National Park
Al Suwissria Dubai Chocolate box, Kunafa and Pistachio flavor, 200g, held in hand outdoors

I loved being able to show people where I grew up and having friends from so many parts of my life in one place was incredible. This connects to another piece I wrote: Why We Love Italy.

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