Experiencing Trial and Triumph Together

The original pioneers assigned to the San Juan Mission consisted of 250 people, most in families. The average age of the adults was 26. The average age of those who followed in their footsteps in 2010 was much younger. Most travelers were teens, organized with their leaders into "families."

Of his trek "family," one young man from the Kanab Utah Kaibab Stake said, "Although I didn't know the people in my family very well at the beginning, they all became my friends. We worked together, pulled handcarts together, camped together. We'll be friends forever. The trek was life changing."

One stake leader noted that the most important decisions the leaders made in preparing the youth for the trek was calling dedicated "Ma's" and "Pa's" for each of the families and determining which of the youth should be with them.

For more information about the Hole-in-the-Rock pioneers and trekking to San Juan Hill, go to hirf.org. Because the trail to San Juan Hill is on public land, groups planning to hike the trail need government permission. The Hole-in-the-Rock Foundation provides guidance and help. You'll also find more photos at ensign.lds.org.