Samantha (Corrections Officer)

I know you won't believe me, and honestly, I wouldn't blame you. It still doesn't make sense in my own head. I've heard stories about unknown creatures in the woods, but I never thought I'd encounter one myself, you know? I posted another story about some creepy old people I ran into in the woods, but that's nothing compared to this.

I know you won't believe me, and honestly, I wouldn't blame you. It still doesn't make sense in my own head. I've heard stories about unknown creatures in the woods, but I never thought I'd encounter one myself, you know? I posted another story about some creepy old people I ran into in the woods, but that's nothing compared to this.

It might sound like a good horror story to some people, but it haunts me every day. Anyway, here we go. I love hiking. I usually go with my three-year-old German shepherd, Kyrie, and let her roam off-leash since we prefer secluded places. I've hiked all over the mountains in Utah, but wanted to find a new trail not too far from home.

It might sound like a good horror story to some people, but it haunts me every day. Anyway, here we go. I love hiking. I usually go with my three-year-old German shepherd, Kyrie, and let her roam off-leash since we prefer secluded places. I've hiked all over the mountains in Utah, but wanted to find a new trail not too far from home.

I have an app, AllTrails, that tells me about nearby hikes, whether they're challenging, if there are any reviews, and if they're dog-friendly. I was scrolling through it, hoping to find something new, and to my surprise, there was a listing I hadn't seen before. I don't remember the name, but it was at the bottom of the list with just one review that said good.

I have an app, AllTrails, that tells me about nearby hikes, whether they're challenging, if there are any reviews, and if they're dog-friendly. I was scrolling through it, hoping to find something new, and to my surprise, there was a listing I hadn't seen before. I don't remember the name, but it was at the bottom of the list with just one review that said good.

I thought it was odd because people usually leave detailed reviews, but I figured maybe it just wasn't popular. The next day, Kyrie and I packed our gear and set out. I always carry a first aid kit, extra food, a knife, and other emergency items in case I get lost.

I thought it was odd because people usually leave detailed reviews, but I figured maybe it just wasn't popular. The next day, Kyrie and I packed our gear and set out. I always carry a first aid kit, extra food, a knife, and other emergency items in case I get lost.

It's important to note that Kairi eats raw meat, so I brought some along in her little blue backpack, planning to feed her later when it got warmer. Where I live, you drive through a long canyon with many roads branching off toward different trails. This one was farther than I'm used to, but I was excited to try something new, and Kairi always winds until we arrive.

It's important to note that Kairi eats raw meat, so I brought some along in her little blue backpack, planning to feed her later when it got warmer. Where I live, you drive through a long canyon with many roads branching off toward different trails. This one was farther than I'm used to, but I was excited to try something new, and Kairi always winds until we arrive.

I followed the directions on my phone and ended up on a narrow hidden road. No wonder I've never heard of this place, I thought, because it was so tucked away in the mountain. The road only fit one car, so I was nervous about meeting another car head on. Luckily none ever came.

I followed the directions on my phone and ended up on a narrow hidden road. No wonder I've never heard of this place, I thought, because it was so tucked away in the mountain. The road only fit one car, so I was nervous about meeting another car head on. Luckily none ever came.

When I reached the parking lot, if you could even call it that, I saw space for maybe three cars total, all crammed together. It was tiny, so I parked with my car facing out just in case.

When I reached the parking lot, if you could even call it that, I saw space for maybe three cars total, all crammed together. It was tiny, so I parked with my car facing out just in case.

i worried it might be private property but the app didn't say anything so i shrugged it off got kyrie out and we headed for the trail although i didn't see any other cars i initially kept kyrie on her leash in case there were bikers around After about 30 minutes without seeing a soul, I let her off leash. The first half was steep, but it was a beautiful hike.

i worried it might be private property but the app didn't say anything so i shrugged it off got kyrie out and we headed for the trail although i didn't see any other cars i initially kept kyrie on her leash in case there were bikers around After about 30 minutes without seeing a soul, I let her off leash. The first half was steep, but it was a beautiful hike.

We were deep in the woods, and I felt at peace. I used to wear headphones while hiking, but stopped, so I could listen to the forest. It was still early, and I wore a light jacket, planning to feed Kairi her breakfast when it got warmer. Now, before anyone points it out I know, carrying raw meat was absolutely stupid and ignorant.

We were deep in the woods, and I felt at peace. I used to wear headphones while hiking, but stopped, so I could listen to the forest. It was still early, and I wore a light jacket, planning to feed Kairi her breakfast when it got warmer. Now, before anyone points it out I know, carrying raw meat was absolutely stupid and ignorant.

I'd never seen a bear, wolf, or anything else scary, so I got cocky and figured it would be fine. I learned my lesson that day. No need to tell me I was dumb, I already know. Anyway, here's where the bad part begins. The trail leveled out into an easier path. At the top, through the trees, I could see a beautiful open meadow. Beyond it, I could hear a river and a waterfall.

I'd never seen a bear, wolf, or anything else scary, so I got cocky and figured it would be fine. I learned my lesson that day. No need to tell me I was dumb, I already know. Anyway, here's where the bad part begins. The trail leveled out into an easier path. At the top, through the trees, I could see a beautiful open meadow. Beyond it, I could hear a river and a waterfall.