FAQ

• What will the trekking experience be like?

-We will not be trekking from campsite to campsite as some people traditionally think of with a trekking experience. Instead, we will be setting up camp in one location and will not move our camp from that site. Kind of wimpy, I know. On our first trekking day we will drive to the Sixth crossing trek location (1 hour away) and get our handcarts there. We will equip our handcarts with the water and food we will need just for the day and trek a 6 mile loop in the Sixth crossing area (Some treks do 10 - 15 miles a day so be grateful!). There will be opportunities to cross the river (if river levels and weather allow) and time for multiple stops along the way. The entire trekking experience for that day should last 6-7 hours and then we will drive back to our base campsite for dinner and evening activities. The 2nd trekking day will be at Martin's Cove which is about a 15 minute drive from our campsite. Similar to the previous day, we will be doing a 6 mile loop (Easy!) with the handcarts with multiple stops along the way that will take about 6-7 hours. After trekking we will return to our camp for dinner and evening activities. We will do a total of 12 miles for this trek, or 6 miles a day.

• How far away is trek?

-Martin's Cove is 482 miles from Delta, UT. This is approximately 7 1/2 hours drive, or possibly 7 1/2 of pure torture with a bunch of rowdy teenagers.

• Why is trek on the week of the 4th of July?

-Don't ask! I'm still pretty angry about that! But if you must know, Due to circumstances beyond our control and an especially busy trek season we had no other options for a different date. We submitted our requests for location and dates as early as we could, but still did not get our first option of site location. We were forced to resubmit our request a second time and there were very few options left over. We got the only date that was left in July. 

• When are we leaving on trek?

-We will be leaving on Wednesday, July 5th, 2023. We will be leaving the church at 7 am. We will be meeting at the church at 6 am. I know that stinks post 4th of July, and believe me, there is nobody that likes to sleep in more than me, but we really gotta get on the road to maximize our time. Please arrive at the church as early as possible so we can be sure to leave right at 7 am and have plenty of time we need for that day. 

• When will we return from trek?

-We will be coming back on Saturday, July 8th, 2023. Those who are just loving the experience so much are welcome to stay as long as they'd like (they'll have to find their own way home of course). We will be leaving Martin's Cove at about 10 am on this day. We are going to be stopping at Rock Creek Hollow on the way for lunch and a spiritual thought. We anticipate we will get back to Delta around 7 pm, but that time may vary depending on how many stops are needed on the way home.

Campsite

• What campsite are we camping at?

-We will be in Jackson 2 Campground at Martin's Cove all 3 nights of our campground. This campsite is located approximately 7 miles west of the Martin's Cove Visitors Center.

• What is the campground set up like and what are the sleeping arrangements going to be?

        -There will be a central community eating area, cooking area, and recreation area at the campsite for everyone's use.

           -We will plan on each family having their own area within camp where the country flag will be, chairs and tables set up for meeting, and tents will be set up. We will try to bring smaller 2-6 man tents that can manage the wind better. Each family will have a separate girls tent and a separate boys tent for youth 12 and up. A youth could bring their own tent if they prefer. Each adult couple will have their own tent. Single adults on trek can have their own tent or share a tent with members of the same gender. Primary aged children going on trek will stay in the same tent as their mom &/or dad. We will work with anybody who has concerns with the above arrangements to make everyone comfortable, but hope people can get a little out of their comfort zone and get to know others. 

Church rules for sleeping arrangements on trek are as follows:

"On overnight activities, leaders arrange sleeping accommodations so that male and female participants do not sleep in immediate proximity to each other. Male and female leaders must have separate sleeping facilities. Married couples may share the same quarters if appropriate facilities are available. When staying in tents youth may not stay in the same tent as an adult unless (1) the adult is his or her parent or guardian or (2) there are at least two adults in the tent who are the same gender as the youth."

• Is water available at the site?

-All campgrounds have available drinking water. Groups are responsible for filling up water containers before trekking. There is limited drinking water on the trails. Groups should bring two five-gallon jugs for each handcart. And the rules state we are not to wash anything, but hands within 50 feet of the water wells so FYI.

• Are pit toilets or portable toilets available at the property?

-Each campground has really nice flush toilets with running faucets, bidets, scented candles, etc. to use to your hearts delight! . . . Are you kidding me?! We are camping. Of course there won't be flush toilets. What we will have are lovely pit toilets, and the site stocks these with toilet paper (probably single ply). There are portable toilets along the trails also.

• Is there electricity in the campgrounds?

-No. We will have a generator and solar charger for limited charging, but no electronic items should be brought from home, except possibly digital cameras. See cell phone restrictions below.

• Is there cell service at the campsite?

-No. Cell service is pretty spotty in this area so don't plan on it. Youth will not be allowed to a bring cell phones. If you do, they go straight in the pit toilet. Adult leaders could bring some, but should only use cell phones on a limited basis for trek related activities.

• Do I need to bring food?

-No. All food and snacks will be provider by the food committee during our time at trek. Any personal snacks or items are optional. If you have a snack you can't live without better bring it in your bag.

• What do I need to pack for camping?

-Please see the "What to bring" section of the website and "Packing List". 

• When is curfew?

-Quiet time begins at 10 pm. We will need to get up pretty early each day so probably best to go to sleep as soon as you can.

Location

• What is the weather like in Wyoming?

-We are going in early July so a hot time of year. Perfect weather for hiking many miles in stuffy pioneer clothing! We will be at about 6,250 feet elevation which cools things off a little. Plan on hot, sunny days during the day, but do not be fooled by the warm days because temps will drop at night. Also storms and cooler weather are possible. The average high temperature in July is 86 degrees F. It will cool off at night though with the average low being 54 degrees F. You'll want to plan for hot weather, but also take some warm clothing items for the chilly evenings. The area tends to get a lot of wind so be prepared for that and storms are always possible so bring rain gear.

• Where is Martin's Cove and Sixth Crossing? 

-Middle of No Where in central Wyoming 450 - 500 miles from Delta, UT. Martin's Cove is very remote area with out cell service. Rawlins, WY is about 1 hour away which is probably the closest city. Sixth Crossing and Martin's Cove are 1 hour apart.

Preparation

• How will I prepare for trek?

-Preparing for trek will be a lot of fun and also a great spiritual experience. To make the most out of your overall trek experience we recommend trying to make it to all the activities. In 2023 starting in January we will start having regular meetings until we leave for trek in July. We will have monthly trek prep events that adult leadership and some youth will be involved in. The youth will have regular activities through the year that are focused on trek topics. These will be fun activities and worth showing up for. For physical preparation we will be going on some hikes during the year or walks to try to increase our stamina. The best thing you can do is go walking regularly on your own through the first part of the year so the 6 miles pulling a handcart will feel like a piece of cake. There will be some temple trips we will want to take together as a group to prepare spiritually for trek. Use the website to prepare for trek. 

More to come!