First Ever Spring Break Zion Senior Retreat
The Journey Begins
The trip kicked off early Monday morning with a 6:00 AM departure from San Diego. After a long drive (and a quick pass through Nevada and Arizona) the group arrived in Zion, settling into our wagon-styled lodging at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.
To get there, we drove through the entire winding road of the canyon, taking in towering rock formations and dramatic cliffs just as the sun began to set.
Rain, Mud, and the Magic of Zion
Our first hike, the Watchman Trail, came with a twist: RAIN, and lots of it. What could have been seen as a setback quickly became one of the most memorable parts of the trip. The intermittent rain turned the trails muddy, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement. Instead of slowing the group down, it brought energy, laughter, and a sense of adventure.
That evening, we explored the Riverside Walk Trail, which felt completely transformed by the recent rainfall. Water rushed through the canyon with incredible force, and waterfalls poured down the rock faces with a kind of power that stopped everyone in their tracks. We were so lucky to be able to experience this unique side of Zion.
Finding Joy in the In-Between Moments
Outside of the hikes, some of the most meaningful moments came from simply spending time together.
At the resort, students relaxed in the hot tub, spent time petting and feeding horses, and took advantage of activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. We spent hours around the camp fire telling embarrassing stories and playing games. The wagons themselves added a unique and whimsically memorable element to the experience.
These in-between moments created space for connection. Whether it was conversations at night, laughter during free time, or shared experiences throughout the day, the group grew closer with each passing moment.
A Colorful Finale at Bryce Canyon
On the final full day, the group made the drive to Bryce Canyon for one last adventure.
This time, the experience came with a creative twist: color hunting.
At breakfast, each student randomly selected a color at the start of the day and spent their time capturing photos that matched it. By the end of the hike, each person created a collage representing their color.
For some students, Bryce Canyon stood out even more than Zion. Its vibrant colors, unique hoodoo formations, and surreal landscape offered something entirely different. Others preferred the sheer scale and power of Zion with its towering canyon walls and rushing waterfalls that made everything feel larger than life.
Both parks left their mark in different ways.
A Trip That Stays With You
Trips like this go beyond the itinerary.
They challenge students to step outside their comfort zones, to show up for one another, and to embrace both the planned and unplanned moments. From muddy trails to quiet conversations, from powerful waterfalls to creative expression, this journey was filled with experiences that will stay with them for years to come.
And in the end, that’s what it’s all about.