Country of Origin: India
Degree: Master of Science in Information Systems
As an international student at the University of Utah, I wanted to explore all that Utah’s great outdoors had to offer. So, when a few friends invited me to join them for a hike up Mount Timpanogos in Provo, I jumped at the chance. I knew it would be challenging, but I underestimated just how intense this trail would be.
We started early in the day, a group of local friends who hiked often and a few fellow international students from India. The landscape was breathtaking, with the fall colors painting the trail in shades of red, orange, and yellow. I had packed a few essentials—Gatorade, protein bars, and water—thinking it would be enough. But as we climbed, I quickly realized that the higher altitude and rugged trail were wearing me down faster than expected.
After about six miles, I began feeling intense cramps in my legs. My international friends had already turned back after a couple of miles, but I’d been determined to keep up with the locals. Eventually, I lagged behind, and before I knew it, I was alone on the trail. My water was running low, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any harder, dark clouds rolled in, bringing a sudden hailstorm. The pelting ice and cold air made everything more challenging.
When I finally reached the summit, the clouds cleared, and sunlight lit up the breathtaking view. It felt surreal to stand at the top after such a grueling journey. I was exhausted and out of water but wasn’t entirely alone. A few mountain goats, surprisingly friendly despite their intimidating horns, trotted nearby, observing me with curious eyes.
The descent turned out to be even more treacherous than the climb. The final stretch to the top had been steep, nearly vertical in some parts, and the slippery ground from the recent hail made going down nerve-wracking. At one point, I lost my footing and slid toward the edge, narrowly catching myself before a steep drop. My heart pounded as I realized how close I’d come to a serious accident.
Once I was safely down from the summit, I paused, catching my breath and taking in everything I had just experienced. The last few sips of water were a relief, even if they were far from enough to quench my thirst. After a short rest, I steeled myself for the rest of the descent, grateful to have the hardest part behind me.
A helpful tip for my fellow students.
This hike was more than just an outdoor adventure; it was a powerful lesson in resilience, preparation, and adaptability. For new international students, especially those not accustomed to Utah’s rugged terrain, there are a few takeaways from this experience. First, always be prepared—bring more water, food, and layers than you think you’ll need, and don’t underestimate the altitude and weather changes.
Second, pace yourself. Utah’s landscapes are breathtaking but can be physically demanding, so don’t feel pressured to keep up with seasoned locals. And finally, lean on your community. Also, never go alone at such high elevations and leave the group. Whatever happens, always stick with the group. As I learned from my friends on this hike, sharing experiences and building connections with others can turn even the toughest challenges into memorable, meaningful adventures. For anyone embarking on a new journey in an unfamiliar place, these lessons apply both on and off the trail.