Explorer Spotlight: Rebecca Jones
Name: Rebecca Jones | Age: 25 | Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
What’s your day job?
The Preparedness Manager at the American Red Cross
What are your favorite things to do outside?
Hike, Snowshoe, Camp, and Fish
What first drew you to the outdoors?
Accessibility! Living in Salt Lake, I can be in the mountains 3 miles from my house. There are so many things to do even after working a full day.
What’s your favorite hometown adventure?
There are so many canyons that are basically in my back yard, but I think any hike up Big Cottonwood Canyon would have to be my favorite. With Lake Blanche being a place I can visit over and over again.
What’s your essential gear that never gets left at home?
Camera, obviously :), and a backpack. For some reason I feel so insecure if I ever decide to hike without a pack on.
Any go-to soundtracks when you’re hitting the road?
Shuffle! The playlist should be as unpredictable as an adventure roadtrip.
What’s the scariest thing that’s ever happened while you were adventuring? And/or, the funniest?
3 days after I was hiking on a volcano in Guatemala, it erupted and a few tourists died who were in the same place I was just days before. The ground was so hot when we were there, you could not stand in one place for too long without the heat going through your shoes. We should have known something was up, but roasting marshmallows on the lava was too much fun!
Who’s your number one adventure partner-in-crime? Who inspires you?
Hailey Jensen. We met this last summer and 3 days later we bought plane tickets for Africa! That was a grand adventure I will never forget. We also have hiked countless miles closer to home- she is my favorite adventure buddy and always up for spontaneous adventures.
What are your top destinations for adventure travel?
Southern Utah - breathtaking hiking trails are literally endless.
What’s on the top of your must-do adventure list right now?
I have a goal to visit every state and national park in Utah in 2015! Lots and lots of roadtrips. Anybody want in?
And last but not least…What’s your personal motto?
"To believe in something and not to live it, is dishonest." - Mahatma Gandhi
Check out more of my adventures here
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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