In October of 2016, I embarked on a journey that would unknowingly change the direction of my life. As a wide-eyed near-college graduate, I bought a plane ticket from Omaha, Nebraska to St. George, Utah to meet up with my hooligan brothers who had just moved to Park City to be ski bums. Having never visited Utah before, I could only prepare for the unexpected. My brothers rolled up to an empty airport in the late afternoon, and we drove to my first dispersed campsite. I was in awe of the radiant rocks surrounding Zion National Park, and the way the sunlight sparkled off the desert landscape.

We set up camp next to a creek and spent the evening around the fire sharing laughs and mediocre campfood. We woke up early and headed off to what my brothers called the “Superbowl” of downhill mountain biking, Redbull Rampage. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I was along for the ride. We jumped on our bikes and scrambled the 2.5 miles to a remote desert location. It was the most invigorating atmosphere I’ve ever experienced. Between the talented athletes hucking backflips off the desert rocks and the energy of the crowd, it is absolute insanity (in the best way); but that's a story for another time. After rampaging in the desert for the weekend, we started making our way north toward Park City but our adventure wasn’t over yet.

Our next stop was Kanarraville Falls, a slot canyon hidden just off I-15. We pulled up to a deceivingly bland dirt parking lot having no idea what was in store. Once we left the lot, we were transported to another world. The hike is a 4 mile out and back hike through a stunning slot canyon creek and 20 foot waterfalls. My brothers and I trekked through cool water, up and down wooden ladders and boulders. Between the massive purple and orange canyon walls, we felt like we were in an adult playground. I will never forget that feeling.

Fast forward to October of 2023, my crew in Park City planned a trip to Kannaraville Falls. Although not quite as spontaneous, we now need a permit to hike the falls, we ventured down and explored a new dirt road that eventually led to dispersed camping. We rose early, packed our snacks, chacos, warm socks, and drove to the Falls. To my surprise, we pulled up to a paved parking lot, new pavilion, and station to check in, where we were greeted with smiles. Our hike commenced, rekindling the familiar spirit of an adult playground and sharing it with new friends. The water this time was a brisk 34 degrees, but the good company and endless laughter kept us going.

Reflecting on adventures involves more than just recalling past experiences– it’s about recognizing the changes that occur over time. Since my time here in 2016, Kanarraville Falls has been altered by flash flooding, washing out most of the trail. Weathered wooden ladders have been replaced with metal ones, and the trail itself has been shortened. These changes remind us of nature’s unpredictability and the need to adapt. Revisiting treasured adventures allows us to see how both the environment and ourselves have evolved, urging us to embrace the journey and appreciate our progress.