Take a hike! Portneuf Peaks Club invites you to conquer the trails
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POCATELLO — Hit the trails, snap a selfie, and earn some bragging rights. The Portneuf Peaks Club is back for its fifth season, encouraging you to get moving, explore local peaks, and take on a challenge that’s about fun, fitness, and fresh air.
Healthy City USA and Portneuf Health Trust organized the hiking challenge on May 1, and it runs until the first snowfall, typically in mid-October.
Micaela Prochazka, director of Wellness Programs at Portneuf Health Trust, says the challenge is to help promote and instill long-term wellness habits throughout the community.
Participants are invited to hike three designated trails at their own pace: Scout Mountain, Chinese Peak, and Sterling Justice Overlook.
They can complete the hikes at any time throughout the challenge window and do all the hikes close together or spread them out.
“They can even bike the trails if they prefer,” said Prochazka.
To join, hikers must snap a photo at the summit of each trail and post all three pictures in the comments section of the pinned Portneuf Peaks Club post on the Healthy City, USA Facebook page. Those who don’t use Facebook can email their photos to info@portneufhealthtrust.org.
Upon completing the challenge, participants receive a commemorative prize acknowledging their accomplishments for themselves and the hiking community. This year’s prizes include T-shirts, Yeti water bottles, fanny packs and hydration backpacks.
For those looking for a less strenuous experience, the Petite Peaks challenge offers a scaled-down version that includes trails like Wiggle Worm Trail, Red Hill Trail, and any Greenway Trail.
“We want everyone to be able to participate,” said Prochazka. “We want to help create and promote a healthy lifestyle for generations by encouraging families and individuals of all ages to engage in outdoor activities.
The Portneuf Peaks Club exemplifies Pocatello’s commitment to promoting active living and enjoying the area’s natural beauty.
Local hikers recommend the book Pocatello Trail Guide by local author Ryan Byers as a valuable resource for navigating local trails. This guide offers detailed information on the trails, including directions and descriptions, making it easier for hikers to explore the region and find places that meet their fitness levels.
Additionally, the Portneuf Greenway Foundation offers maps of the extensive trail system connecting various parts of Pocatello and Chubbuck. These maps are available for download and provide valuable information for planning your hikes.
“We want to create and encourage a healthy lifestyle for generations by encouraging families and individuals of all ages to engage in outdoor activities,” said Prochazka. “Hike, bike, or skip up those trails. We don’t care how you get there. Just get out and move.”
For more information on Healthy City USA activities or to get involved, contact Portneuf Health Trust at (208) 239-1953 or follow it on
Healthy City, USA Facebook or Healthy City, USA webpage