The Girls Hike Mount Timpanogos

Over the summer, the Sequoia Homes participated in a hiking program   They went off campus weekly for 2 ½ months to help them prepare physically and mentally to hike Mount Timpanogos, which is a 16 mile hike.  We had various students use special programs to be able to participate, and one student did an equipment drive to have hiking equipment donated for the students to use.

The students hiked Mt. Timp on August 27.  They woke up at 4 am and left campus at 4:30.  They finished their hike at 6 pm, then went to dinner at a local restaurant.  Along with the sunburns, sore muscles, blisters and twisted ankles, came other memories.  Here are some of the student’s words:

“The view on top made it unforgettable.  It has shown me so many new things, like how to work together and what I am capable of doing.”  Donna K.







“I felt accomplished after the hike.  My favorite part was sliding down the snow.  When things get tough, I just have to keep pushing.  In the long run, it will make me stronger.  If I get the opportunity, I want to hike Timp again.”  Crystal H.

“I will never forget my experience.  It was great to know that if I can climb a mountain, I can overcome anything in my life.  It was such a big goal, and to accomplish it was amazing.  I can always look back, and say, “I climbed that mountain.”  Casey N.

“I feel like every girl that went on the hike came out closer.  We all helped each other out.  It was long, and at points painful, but I enjoyed it and am super proud of myself.”  Heidi B.












“I thought it wasn’t too bad, other than I was drained of energy and it was super early.  I feel Timp is beneficial to anyone, and will show them what they can accomplish over time if they have motivation and continue to push themselves.”  Cortney I.






“I wasn’t really good friends with all the girls or the staff to begin with.  After we did our first hike, I felt more comfortable, so I got excited for the hikes each week.  One week, I learned not to eat Hot Cheetos before the hike, no matter how good they are!  That hike I realized, no matter how hard the hike is, when you reach the destination, it’s totally worth it.  I general, I learned that no matter how awkward you feel, act like yourself and put yourself out there. I learned that when your seven miles high on a mountain, don’t wear a thin layered tank top.  If you do, put on a crap load of sunscreen, cause if you don’t, you’ll get second degree sunburns!”  Sophie P.

“The best thing the hike did for me was help with my self worth.  When I reached the top, I felt like a champion, and the person I did it for was myself.  It opened my eyes, to see that there are others in my life to aid me in times of struggle.  It taught me to look ahead with strength and perseverance and to look back and see how beautiful life is-and that you can get through it.  Most importantly, to live in the right now, and focus on what you are doing to find peace and balance within yourself, so you’re ready for anything.  Be alive in the moment, or else you’re not living fully, and you’re missing the amazing experiences life offers you.  Find beauty, strength, wisdom and love in yourself, and recognize what you can do.”  Alex P.


“My experience with hiking Timp has been one of my best moments with me being at Heritage.  I got the opportunity to hike a mountain that people travel to Utah to get to do.  I was able to participate in all the hikes leading up to Timp.  I tried to encourage and help others to keep going.  When it got to the Timp hike, cause waking up at 4 am sucks!  I struggled at first, because I doubted myself.  Into the hike, something sparked, and I was able to move to the front of the line.  I didn’t want to have a negative attitude, cause I was privileged to even hike this, so why discourage myself and those around me.  I pushed myself through it and got to the top.  It was so amazing and beautiful.  The mountain for me related to the struggles I need to overcome.  Anything that is challenging for someone to do, I encourage you to try it out, cause it makes you feel unstoppable.  Hiking Mt. “Timpasaurus” made me feel like I was on top of the world.  That feeling is something I’m willing to strive for again.  It just takes believing in yourself and practice.”  Lauren D