From Code to Summits: How the Timpanogos Hiking Challenge Changed My Life

By Saurav Gupta

When I moved to Utah for my job as a Software Engineer at Adobe, I was searching for something that could help me stay active, grounded, and connected outside of work. I’d always admired the mountains from afar, but summiting one felt far beyond my reach. That changed when I discovered the Timpanogos Hiking Challenge.

At first, I joined simply to build better habits and spend more time outdoors. But what I found was something much deeper. The challenge taught me consistency, patience, and mental clarity — the same qualities that make someone better not only on the trail but also in their professional life. Every step up the mountain pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a place of focus I’d never experienced before.

That first summit lit a spark. Since completing the challenge, I’ve gone on to summit Mount Olympus, Lone Peak, Mount Timpanogos, Mount Nebo, and even Mount Elbert, the second-highest peak in the lower 48 states. I also completed a multi-day backpacking trip in the High Uintas to Red Castle Lake — something I would have thought impossible just a year earlier.

The journey didn’t stop there. Inspired by what started with Timpanogos Hiking, I set out to explore more of Utah’s natural beauty — from the red rocks of Arches and Canyonlands to the cliffs of Zion, the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and the desert landscapes of Capitol Reef. Standing atop Angels Landing in Zion National Park was another defining moment — a reminder of how far I’d come from being someone who once hesitated to step onto a trail.

More than the physical transformation, what truly stands out is the sense of community. Through Timpanogos Hiking Co., I connected with people who share the same love for challenge, nature, and personal growth. These connections turned weekend hikes into lasting friendships and taught me the value of shared experiences.

Today, hiking is no longer just an activity — it’s part of who I am. It keeps me creative, balanced, and resilient in my work as a software engineer. Whether I’m debugging complex systems or climbing steep switchbacks, I’ve learned that the mindset is the same: stay patient, stay consistent, and keep moving forward.

I’m deeply grateful to the Timpanogos Hiking team for creating a platform that helps people like me escape the noise and reconnect with nature, purpose, and community. What started as a small personal goal has turned into a lifelong passion for the mountains — and it all began right here in Utah.

— Saurav Gupta, Lehi, Utah