Stronger Together: Healing, Hiking, and Hope in Zion

This April, the National Park Trust, National Park Service, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and USAA partnered to bring 25 survivors to Zion National Park for a weekend of camping, hiking, volunteering, and connection in nature. National Park Trust and TAPS have formed a meaningful partnership over the last four years, working to create healing outdoor experiences for individuals and families who have lost a loved one due to military service. These experiences offer a chance for participants to revitalize their outlook, connect with their local communities, and immerse themselves in the public parks, lands, and waters their loved ones protected through their service.

From April 10th through April 13th, participants camped out at Watchman Campground, located inside Zion National Park, and shared their experiences of grieving and healing with fellow community members around the campfire and with NPS Rangers, developing fast friendship and connection that will last a lifetime.

On Friday, April 11th, the group each received their Gold Star America the Beautiful Pass, granting each participant lifetime access to all 431 NPS sites across the country, as well as many other public parks, lands, and waters. The group then participated in a guided volunteer service project in the park, picking up trash along the Kayenta and Emerald Pools trails with park rangers. The gratitude expressed by both NPS and fellow hikers along the trails was overwhelming, and after weighing out over 20 pounds of trash, the group felt a sense of accomplishment and engagement that few experiences can match in Zion.

After the stewardship activity concluded, the participants split up for an afternoon of guided engagement with the park, including one small group that chose to hike Angel’s Landing. Gaining over 1,500 feet of elevation in just two miles, the group ascended the canyon walls of Zion via steep switch-backs, rock climbing, and chains. Upon reaching the summit they were treated to some of the best views any national park can offer, and celebrated their accomplishment with cold lemonade and extra s’mores upon their return to camp.

At the end of their three-day experience in Zion, the group gathered together for a silent and meditative hike along the Virgin River in the park, and discussed what each participant would like to take with them from the event, and what they would like to leave behind on their journey through grief. Upon return, participants exchanged phone numbers and looked forward to the next time they would be able to enjoy nature and friendship together and with other survivors.

This event at Zion National Park is the second of seven events at national park sites taking place in 2025 in partnership with TAPS, serving gold star families. The six other event locations are Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida, Redwoods National and State Parks in California, Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio, National Mall and Memorial Parks in D.C., Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, and Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas.