“A Wonderful Spirit of Adventure”: Peterson Space Force Base Visits Two National Parks

National Park Trust’s Military Family Programs connect service members, veterans, and their families to the parks, public lands, and waters they have helped protect. Through partnerships with military installations and military-focused nonprofits, we fund outdoor outings that give military communities the chance to build connections, try something new, and experience the benefits of time outdoors together.

The story below was written by Hanna Warren, Assistant Director of Peterson Outdoor Recreation at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, about a recent camping trip to Zion National Park, Utah.

Peterson Space Force Base Outdoor Recreation recently took eight participants on an unforgettable adventure to Zion National Park! Despite challenging weather conditions, including rain, snow, and flood warnings, the group maintained a positive attitude, embraced the adventure, and made the most of their time outdoors. Participants hiked the Emerald Pools trail, explored incredible viewpoints throughout the park, including Weeping Rock, and enjoyed a relaxing soak at Zion Hot Springs in town. The group also cooked delicious camp meals, spent nights in tents at the beautiful Watchman’s Campground, and even adapted their plans by venturing to a second national park, Bryce Canyon, when conditions in Zion became too unpredictable.

This incredible experience was made possible through generous funding from the National Park Trust nonprofit and the dedication of the educational ranger team at Zion National Park, whose time, effort, and equipment helped make this adventure a success. Despite Mother Nature throwing a few curveballs, the group demonstrated resilience, flexibility, and a wonderful spirit of adventure. The trip provided participants with opportunities to connect with nature, explore two of Utah’s most spectacular parks, and create lasting memories along the way. We are very grateful to the NPT and the team at Zion National Park for helping to make this trip happen.

How Can You Support National Park Trust’s Military Family Programs?

National Park Trust believes parks have the power to connect us with one another. Your support helps fund outdoor experiences like this one, giving military families the chance to build lasting memories and connect with the lands they’ve served to protect.

Learn about ways to support our mission.

About National Park Trust

National Park Trust is an independent, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has protected national park land since 1983, acquiring missing pieces of our national parks and benefiting 58 national park sites nationwide. Our mission is to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow.

Our youth education and family initiatives — Buddy Bison School Programs, College Ambassador Program, and Military Family Programs, along with National Kids to Parks Day — connect tens of thousands of people to the outdoors each year.

We believe public parks, lands, and waters should be cared for, enjoyed, and preserved by all, for current and future generations. Learn more at parktrust.org.