Connecting with God and community through outdoor recreation
The Wilderness Ministry at PCJH invites individuals and families to experience life together with God and others through the awe-inspiring beauty of Jackson Hole. Rooted in Christ, this ministry uses outdoor adventures as an outreach to deepen faith, build community,
and experience the joy of God’s creation and presence.
Registration required for all events. Suggested donation of $10 per participant per event to help fund the purchase of equipment, leader training, and other program needs.
Questions? Please contact our church office at Office@pcjh.org
Follow us on Instagram: @pcjh_wilderness
Wilderness Together: Ski Lake Hike and Stagecoach lunch
Saturday, July 17th
Time: 8:30am - 11:30ish
Locations: Meet at Stagecoach parking lot in Wilson to carpool up to Phillips Bench Trailhead (Teton Pass) Parking Area
Difficulty: Moderate, 6 Miles Roundtrip
Leaders: Becky Kimmel & Kacy O'Hare
Packing list: Hiking boots, poles, sunscreen, hat, water, snack, bear spray & bug spray!
Audience: All Adults Welcome!
A beautiful hike to Ski Lake—this 6-mile moderate hike climbs through pine and fir forests, wildflower meadows, and open ridgelines to beautiful Ski Lake, offering sweeping views of the valley and Jackson Peak.
Let's stop for lunch afterwards, Streetfood @ The Stagecoach in Wilson. 5755 W. Highway 22, Wilson, WY 83014
Wilderness Together: Cody Peak Summit Hike
Saturday, July 25th
Time: 7am–12pm
Locations: Teton Village/Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
• Leaders: Adam & Elizabeth Johnson
• Difficulty: Difficult (7.5 miles and 5,200ft of elevation gain)
Audience: Adults & Older Teens (w/ Hiking Experience)
Join us for a summit hike up Cody Peak — one of the most breathtaking alpine experiences the Tetons have to offer! We’ll begin at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and make our way up through the resort trails, climbing above treeline to the summit at 10,759 feet.
Along the way, expect wildflowers, wildlife, and ever-expanding views of the Teton Range that remind us just how magnificent our Creator truly is. At the top, we’ll pause together for a short reflection and scripture reading before descending via the aerial tram. Option for a lunch when we are back in Teton Village.
Wilderness Together: Watercolor Painting
Wednesday, July 29th
Time: 6–8pm
Locations: Wedding Tree in Bridger Teton National Forest
Trip Leader: Elizabeth Johnson
Gear to Bring: Portable camp chair, water bottle, and hiking shoes.
Audience: All Ages Welcome!
With breathtaking views of the Tetons, the Wedding Tree is a perfect spot to slow down and bask in God's wonders. Escape the summer chaos and join us for a quiet evening of rest, reflection, and creativity. Painting supplies and light refreshments will be provided.
Parking at the Wedding Tree is limited to 6 vehicles with overflow parking available at Kelly Warm Spring. Carpooling is encouraged.
Wilderness Ministry: Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve to Phelps Lake Hike
Sunday, August 23rd
Time: 2-4pm
Locations: Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve to Phelps Lake
• Audience: Youth (~10) through Adults (2–15 participants)
• Leader: Diane McGee
• Difficulty: Easy → Challenging by choice (2.5 mi or more)
Enjoy a hike through the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and learn about this legacy of conservation through the story of its idea, creation, and gift to the NPS. We are called to be stewards of God's creation and will be reflecting on 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. We will start at the Visitor Center and then go to Phelps Lake, pausing to pray, reflect, and connect with God.
Wilderness Ministry: Jenny Lake Hike
September 19th
Time: 8:30–10:30am
Locations: Jenny Lake, GTNP
Don't be discouraged by the Jenny Lake crowds. Fall will have fewer visitors, and it is worth the trip and time to be together! Join Diane (Former GTNP Interpretive Ranger) as she shares her knowledge of the stories of this unique place. Hike and stop to Reflect on scripture Matthew 14:23; Jesus went into the mountains to pray.
We'll enjoy a round trip boatride to and from the western shore and an optional picnic lunch. Scholarships available for boatride cost!
Activity Checklist - Good walking/hiking shoes/socks; light pack with snack, water, clothing layer(s), hat, optional hiking stick, binoculars. If staying afterwards for optional picnic, bring food and if the weather is nice, water shoes/clothes.
●Audience: Youth (~10) through Adults (2–15 participants)
● Leader: Diane McGee
● Difficulty: Easy (1.5 hours approximately)
● Location: South Jenny Lake Parking
*Suggested donations of $10 will be used to support the growth and development of the Wilderness Together ministry through gear purchases, rentals, trip expenses, etc.
Wilderness Together: God's Care of Creation in Nature and Us
(POSTPONED) NEW DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Time: 10am - 12pm
Locations: East Jackson, Putt Putt Trailhead
Difficulty: Trip planned for children 6 and older with caregiver and any adult who wants a short easier hike with nice variety of sights and some elevation.
Leader: Debbie Schlinger
Audience: Depending on ages of children and their endurance - hike might vary from 2-3 miles with minor elevation.
Continue the Vacation Bible School adventure with this accessible hike that's fun for kids and adults alike. Easy to get to in town and great for those who don't have lots of time discover. Join us for a joyful hike through nature with trees, flowers and views of town from up high.
We will have kids and adults use their senses to point out sights and sounds in God's creation that we see and use verses in the Bible about the birds and flowers and how God takes care of these and us even more. We will think about why we shouldn't worry , how incredible is God's nature plan, and how grateful we are to have this easy and nice adventure hike right in town. Snacks will be provided when we reach the bench part way up the trail.
Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! ~Psalm 8:1
Wilderness Together: Crater Lake & Charcuterie Tailgate
CONCLUDED
Saturday, July 11th
Time: 9am - 12:45 ish.
Locations: Crater Lake, Old Pass Road/Black Canyon Trail
Difficulty: Easy (3.2 Miles Roundtrip)
Leaders: Becky Kimmel & Elizabeth Johnson
Audience: All Adults Welcome!
This is a beloved and beautiful hike, with scenic values and plenty of uphill cardio. Old Pass Road to Crater Lake is full of wildflowers and poles are helpful for hiking down the Crater Lake Trail. Enjoy a refreshing bridge crossing over a wonderful cascading stream.
We will plan a Charcuterie tailgate party in the parking lot after the hike, noon - 12:45 ish
Wilderness Together: Art & History in Grand Teton National Park
CONCLUDED
Sunday, June 28th
Time: 4-6pm
Locations: Grand Teton National Park (Begins at Chapel of the Transfiguration)
Difficulty: Easy
Leader: Elizabeth & Adam Johnson
Audience: All Ages Welcome!
Join us for a short, 1-mile interpretive walk, beginning at the Chapel of the Transfiguration, where we will soak in the beauty of God’s creation and celebrate the formation of Grand Teton National Park. Afterwards, with the majestic Teton range as a backdrop, we’ll settle in for conversation, moments of reflection, and relaxing watercolor painting. Painting supplies and light refreshments will be provided.
Suggested donation of $10 Per Participant - To be used to support the growth and development of the Wilderness Together ministry.
Wilderness Together: Fly Fishing for All
CONCLUDED
June 15,16, 18 & 22nd
Time: 4-6pm
Locations: Flat Creek (South Park Feed Grounds)
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Leader: Tim Rogers
Audience: Ages 6+ (10 People Max Per Date)
minors must be accompanied by an adult
Fly Fishing For All is about building a fly fishing community centered around Christ. Flat Creek is a great fishery for all abilities. We will be fishing for Snake River Cutthroats. Choose a date and a time.
Note from the Trip Leader: If you have your own fly fishing equipment. Please bring your equipment to Flat Creek.
For anyone who does not have any fly fishing equipment, I have extra 5 fly rods for you to fish with. Please bring sunscreen and a snack. I will have bottled water for you.
*Suggested donations of $10 will be used to support the growth and development of the Wilderness Together ministry through gear purchases, rentals, trip expenses, etc.
Wilderness Together Ministry Training Weekend
CONCLUDED
May 15th & 16th
Wilderness Together Ministry Training Weekend
with Rev. John Wayne (Bethany Community Church, Seattle)
Time: See Below Schedule
Locations: PCJH
Join us for a two-day training designed to explore wilderness ministry as a meaningful and often untapped pathway for discipleship and outreach. Led by Rev. John Wayne—one of the leading voices in wilderness ministry—this weekend will cast vision for how the outdoors can become sacred space for spiritual formation, not simply recreation.
Together, we’ll reflect on why wilderness ministry matters and how it aligns with our calling as the Church, while also gaining practical tools for implementation. Topics will include spiritual content formation, risk management, and trip planning and administration.
Open to all who want to know more about cultivating a ministry that forms disciples and reaches our community in transformative ways.
Rev. John Wayne will also be preaching in worship on Sunday, May 17, and leading the Pathfinders Class at 9:00am, where he will share more about this unique and impactful ministry.
Friday evening (5:30pm - 8:00pm) + Saturday (9:00am - 3:00pm)
Free | Meals and refreshments provided
Please select which portions of the training you plan to attend (Friday, Saturday, or both).
Come be part of shaping a ministry that is Life Together: Rooted in Christ, Reaching Out in Love.