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Hikers Find New Adventures in National Parks

By: Jeff Joiner | July 3, 2024

Group of UTD alumni posing for a photo at Zion National Park and holding the Indian flag.
A group of fellow alumni from UT Dallas, who all met at the University and graduated together, explored Zion National Park in Utah this spring. The group included (from left) Fenil Godhani, Parth Sabhadiya, Renil Gangwal, Dhruvi Sonani, Jinal Patel, Prijesh Bhinagradiya, Kruti Marvania, Mayank Goyani, Akash Ramani, Manav Prajapati and Yashvi Kasodariya. All graduated in 2023 with master’s degrees in computer science.

A group of UT Dallas classmates turned friends experienced true adventure on a trip to visit national parks this spring. The group of 11 met as students in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science and graduated together in May 2023 from the computer science master’s program. Wanting to maintain their friendship, the group decided to spend time together exploring national parks.

“Choosing our group hike at Zion National Park was a collaborative effort based on everyone’s interests and abilities,” Parth Sabhadiya MS’23 said. “The decision balanced adventure with accessibility, fostering camaraderie amidst Zion’s stunning landscapes.”

The group decided to hike the Observation Point Trail, a path known for its moderate challenge and breathtaking views, said Sabhadiya, who helped organize the trip. The hike took about six hours, and once finished the friends left Zion National Park to spend a couple of days in nearby Bryce Canyon National Park. It was there that their adventure turned frightening.

In Bryce Canyon, the friends, traveling in two vehicles to their lodgings, were caught in a spring snowstorm. Faced with zero visibility, the two groups became separated. One vehicle ended up stuck in the snow, forcing the occupants to head out on foot. Meanwhile, their friends started a search for the lost group. Eventually, with help from a local resident, the lost party was found and brought to their cabin safely.

“It was a miracle finding the helper and ensuring everyone made it home,” Sabhadiya said.

The UT Dallas graduates and friends are already planning their next trip together this summer, but this time the group will visit the less-wild environs of Chicago.