Winter Solstice Lantern Hike

Gather with us to start a new tradition to bring light to the darkest day of the year! As the shortest day gives way to the return of the light, embrace the stillness and reflect on what truly matters! 

We will meet at Blackridge Reservoir Trailhead to begin our hike! Each participant will check in, sign waivers, and receive their lantern to carry during the hike. Headlamps and other lights are also appropriate to bring, in addition to bundling up in weather appropriate clothing, carrying water and wearing warm boots or shoes. 

The hike will begin around 6:30 pm, once everyone is checked in, and is approximately 4 miles long. We will start on the Blackridge Trail, to Sidewinder, up Diamondback to the viewpoint on the knoll and then down Diamondback to Blackridge and the Trailhead. We will be hiking at an easy pace, our goal is to stay mostly together, and to enjoy the peacefulness of the winter night. 

There will be hot cocoa at the end in addition to prize giveaways and goodie bags!

REGISTER HERE: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/winter-solstice-lantern-hike 

Route: 

Blackridge Reservoir: Participants will park in the Reservoir Parking Lot, if gate is locked, enter through the exit. Registration Tent will be set up by the Trail Kiosk. We will hike Blackridge to Sidewinder Trail. We will turn left off of Sidewinder on to Diamond Back Trail. Then back down Blackridge Trail to the Parking lot.

Route 1

If the hiking trails are muddy, we will move our hike to the Trail of Hope on the Midas Creek Trail.  Please make sure you are watching social media for event updates in regards to the weather!  Participants will park in the Herriman High School Parking lot, the registration tent will be in the South East Corner of the parking lot by the seminary building. The Hike will go west to the bridge, over the bridge then east down the Trail of Hope to the next foot bridge and back to the parking lot.  

Route 2 (If trails are muddy)

Gear

Winter gear is mandatory for this activity!  The FOH Trails will not be responsible for frozen toes and fingers. The following layers are recommended:  

Base Layer: Long johns/thermals 

Mid Layer: Fleece Jacket/Pants 

Outer Layer: Winter Coat and Snow Pants 

Shoes/Socks: Warm snow boots or hiking shoes/Winter Socks 

Gloves: Snow Gloves 

Hat/Scarves: It can be windy up on the Knoll, something to cover ears and noses are always a good idea!  

Handwarmers and Toe warmers are a good idea too!   

Shoe Spikes: If the trails are snowy, shoe spikes are a good option 

Registration

There is a $25 non-refundable registration fee for this event.  All the money from this event goes towards trail building!  We cannot guarantee lanterns to participants who register after December 14, 2025, so sign up quick! If you have a Herriman Trails Membership you can get a 50% off promo code if you email Jill Lemon at jilllemon@friendsofherriman.org 

Individual: $25 

Families of 4 or more (up to 6 people): $75 

Additional Lanterns: $10 per lantern 

REGISTER HERE: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/winter-solstice-lantern-hike 

**If this event is cancelled due to extreme inclement weather, lanterns will be available for pick up at city hall.

Weather

The weather is very unpredictable in December.  We plan on hiking in all conditions, unless it is extreme snow, rain or wind. Please follow our social media closely as the event nears to get updates on the hike!   

Facebook: Friends of Herriman Trails Association https://www.facebook.com/FOH.Trails 

Instagram: Friends of Herriman Trails https://www.instagram.com/friendsofherrimantrails