Under Utah’s Stars: Hill Air Force Base Airmen Explore Bryce Canyon National Park

In April 2026, the National Park Trust partnered with Hill Air Force Base in Ogden Utah, and Bryce Canyon National Park to introduce young airmen to the natural beauty of Utah during an overnight weekend trip to the park.

Saturday at the park started off with a ranger welcoming active-duty airmen from Hill Air Force Base with their National Park passes ready to go. The group then walked the rim to take in the views and attended a ranger-led geology program, which everyone loved. The highlight of day one was hiking the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop trails. The airmen were absolutely elated to conquer the hike and see the incredible hoodoos and rock formations up close.

Afterward, the group ate lunch and did some souvenir shopping at Ruby’s Inn, then drove back through the park viewpoints to simply soak in the peace and scenery. The fun continued back at Airbnb, where we visited a local baby animal farm and even squeezed in a game of mini golf. We wrapped up the day by making grilled cheese sandwiches together. Sitting around the campfire that evening, everyone really opened up to talk about the physical accomplishments of the hike and what the day meant to them. It was a powerful bonding moment in which the airmen could genuinely connect, reflect on the day’s challenges, and support one another, away from the usual daily grind. Sharing those stories under a truly remarkable, star-filled sky turned a great trip into a once-in-a-lifetime team-building experience.

This trip left the airmen feeling accomplished, supported, recharged, and fully mission-ready. We are incredibly grateful to the National Park Trust for its support in funding and organizing this event. You are making a massive difference in these military members’ lives by giving them a moment to recharge before returning to the mission.

This trip was the first of six events sponsored by National Park Trust, focused on connecting U.S. Air Force and Space Force bases with national parks located close to their installations. Other trips include backpacking at Rocky Mountain National Park from Buckley Space Force Base, camping at Grand Teton National Park from Peterson Space Force Base, and hiking at Lassen Volcanic National Park from Travis Air Force Base.