FAQ

The trek will take place at Deseret Land and Livestock, located on the Utah-Wyoming border near Evanston.

Full Address:

Deseret Land and Livestock

Woodruff, Utah 84086

Driving directions will provided.

Trek will be July 16 - 19, 2025, Wednesday - Saturday. We will have other activities and events prior to Trek itself to prepare for and get excited for the main event.

You may attend Stake Youth Trek if you will be 12 or older by the end of 2025 (11-year-olds born in 2013 are welcome). Those graduating from High School in 2025 are invited to attend.

Yes. Because of the nature of this fenced-in property and the rules at Deseret Land and Livestock, (DL&L) you will have to commit to all four days of trek. It is unfeasible to have people coming and going. The missionaries of DL&L and Stake Leadership will decide on any exceptions.

Everyone will return from camp mid-afternoon on Saturday, July 19th. Details will be shared after registration.

We aim to provide reasonable accommodations for participants. If you have dietary or medication needs, or any other special accommodations, please indicate those needs when you register and we will do our best to work with you. Our Medical and Special Accommodation Committees will reach out to you to make the necessary arrangements. If you have additional specific questions, please reach out to us using the [[“Contact” tab]] on the website. 

If you are uncertain that you are registered, please submit an inquiry under the [[“Contact” tab]] of the website. 

The trek will undoubtedly be a challenge, but we are committed to accommodating everyone who wishes to participate. That said, we understand that some may not feel ready to be away from home for 4 days and 3 nights, or to walk 25 to 30 miles. When our three daughters, aged 7, 9, and 11 at the time, joined the trek with our ward, they had an incredible experience and are now thrilled to participate again—they wouldn’t miss it!

For those aged 11 to 13, we encourage participation if they feel prepared and excited for the journey. However, we recognize it may not be suitable for everyone in this age group. Physical preparation and safety are our highest priorities to ensure every participant has an unforgettable and positive experience.

 Participants will cover 25 to 30 miles over the course of 4 days. 

The attendance cost for the trek is $50 per youth. We have made every effort to keep the cost as low as possible to minimize any financial burden on families. If covering the cost is a challenge, please reach out to your Bishop. We want to ensure that no one misses the opportunity to participate due to financial constraints. 

Pioneer clothing will be worn for the trek. For detailed guidelines, please refer to page 15 of the “Handcart Trek Reenactments Guidelines for Leaders” or visit Clothing.

Over the course of the trek, we will be walking 25 to 30 miles across 4 days and 3 nights.

To ensure you're well-prepared, we recommend incorporating walking and hiking into your routine beforehand. The more walking and hiking you do prior to trek the better prepared you will be.

For additional details, please refer to page 17 of the “Handcart Trek Reenactments Guidelines for Leaders” or visit: [[Safety and Health]].

Please check our Packing List page for more info!

As the trek approaches, we will provide a specific list of supplies. In the meantime, you can refer to pages 17 through 22 of the “Handcart Trek Reenactments Guidelines for Leaders” for helpful suggestions on what to bring.

Porta potties will be available at all major stops along the trek. They will be cleaned twice daily, and there will be ample facilities to accommodate our group. For restroom needs while on the trail, young women will use one side of the trail and young men the other, with measures in place to ensure privacy for everyone.

Youth will be assigned to a family of 7-9 youth and led by your assigned Ma and Pa (an adult couple from the stake).

Additionally, company captains and other adults will be present to provide support to families and individuals. The process of assigning youth to families will involve careful consideration, guided by both prayer and practicality. Our goal is to create a balanced mix of older and younger youth, as well as boys and girls, to ensure no individual feels overwhelmed.

Youth who participated in the conference two summers ago will find this experience very similar. While meals and games offer opportunities to connect with people outside your trek family, we hope youth and leaders alike will focus on building strong and meaningful relationships within their trek families.

For safety and practicality, families will not be sleeping in tents during the trek. Instead, tarps will be used for ground cover and overhead protection. For additional details, please refer to pages 25 and 26 of the “Handcart Trek Reenactment Guidelines for Leaders”. 

I would share Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Just like in life, the trek will come with its challenges, but it will also bring incredible experiences that will be cherished for a lifetime. Place your trust in one another and in the Lord to guide you through. 

Each of us has pioneers in our families—individuals whose choices created paths and opportunities for future generations. We also have the chance to be pioneers in our own lives. We hope the youth will take time to reflect on those who came before them, recognizing how their sacrifices paved the way for the blessings they enjoy today. Equally important, we invite them to consider the role they play in shaping opportunities and blessings for their posterity. Strengthen your family chain—be a strong link for those who come after you.

Attitude and preparation are essential. If you approach the trek with a positive mindset, you're likely to have a great experience. However, if you focus on the negatives, it may hinder your enjoyment. Take the opportunity to look beyond yourself and consider ways to brighten someone else's day and make their journey a little easier. 

Please submit all other questions under the [[“Contact” tab]] of the website, and we will do our best to answer promptly.