Western Wanderlust Chronicles

As 2024 comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on a year filled with discovery, challenges, and unforgettable moments. This was a year where we pushed boundaries, embraced new cultures, and found joy in the simplicity of nature’s beauty. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the ancient ruins of Peru, every step, every turn, and every adventure brought something unique to our lives.

This year wasn’t just about checking off bucket-list destinations—it was about immersing ourselves in the journey. Whether it was the thrill of canyoneering through Zion’s narrow canyons, the serenity of camping beneath star-studded skies, or the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Andes, each experience deepened our appreciation for the world around us.

We celebrated familiar trails and ventured into the unknown, savoring every sunrise, every trail marker, and every quiet moment in between. And while the miles we covered were countless, the memories we made are truly what defined this year.

Day Hiking Trips

From local gems in Colorado to international wonders in Peru, we tackled 25 incredible day hikes:

• Highlights:
  • Colorado Favorites: North Table Mountain, Grand Mesa’s alpine lakes, and Rocky Mountain National Park’s scenic CCY mini loop.
  • Utah Discoveries: Observation Point in Zion, Fisher Towers, and the colorful Checkerboard View Trail.
  • Peruvian Treks: Humantay Lake, Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, and the challenging yet rewarding Huayna Picchu.

Off-Road Adventures

We took our wheels to rugged terrains and scenic trails, embracing the wild beauty of the West.

• Standouts:
  • Conquering the Canyonlands White Rim Road in Utah over three unforgettable days.
  • Exploring the stunning Gemini Bridges OHV trail.
  • Tackling Arizona’s Schnebly Hill, a Jeep Badge of Honor Trail, for panoramic desert views and a rewarding off-road experience.

Camping Trips

This year’s camping experiences brought us closer to nature under star-filled skies:

• Favorite Spots:
  • Utahraptor State Park adventures in Moab, with nights spent in the rooftop tent.
  • The serene Rawah Wilderness in Colorado.
  • A cozy escape to Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff during the golden hues of autumn.

Scenic Drives

Sometimes, the journey is the destination. Our scenic drives offered jaw-dropping views at every turn:

• Memorable Routes:
  • The dramatic switchbacks of Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.
  • The tranquil beauty of Wyoming’s Snowy Range and Grayrocks Reservoir.
  • Exploring hidden gems like Lost Park Road and Sand Creek along the Colorado-Wyoming border.

Canyoneering Thrills

Our canyoneering escapades added adrenaline and adventure to the year:

• Unforgettable Descents:
  • The stunning narrows of Spry Canyon in Zion National Park.
  • A magical moment dancing in Keyhole Canyon as the team prepared the next rappel.

Snowmobiling

Winter wasn’t just for staying indoors!

• Top Snowy Spots:
  • Medicine Bow and Albany Lodge in Wyoming offered frosty fun and fast-paced trails.

Backpacking Journey

Backpacking allowed us to immerse ourselves in the rugged beauty of the backcountry:

• Bill and Greg teamed up for a memorable adventure on Colorado Trail Segment 4, sharing the joys (and struggles!) of the trail and forming deeper connections with nature.
• Greg and I took on Colorado Trail Segment 5, a trek that rewarded us with breathtaking views and moments of serene solitude.

Adventure Motorcycle Trip

Bill embarked on an exhilarating 3-day, 435-mile adventure motorcycle journey through northwestern Colorado. With a mix of both on-road and off-road terrain, the trip was the perfect blend of speed, skill, and scenic beauty. The adventure included winding mountain roads, rugged dirt paths, and stops at remote vistas that could only be reached on two wheels. This solo journey showcased the raw beauty of Colorado’s backcountry and Bill’s passion for exploration.

International Adventure

Our highlight of the year was undoubtedly our Peruvian adventure:

• Top Experiences:
  • 5 day trekking through the Andes and Peruvian jungle to Machu Picchu while savoring the history of the Inca Trail.
  • Horseback riding to Salkantay Pass, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks.
  • Immersing ourselves in culture with a coffee roasting experience and exploring the vibrant streets of Cusco.

Unique Experiences

Every adventure added its own flair, but a few stood out as truly special:

• Witnessing the mesmerizing views from Island Lake and the Land of Lakes overlook in Colorado.
• Exploring the rugged beauty and colorful formations of Cedar Breaks National Monument in Utah.
• Hiking the colorful layers of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, a less-crowded gem in the Andes.

As we look ahead to 2025, our sense of adventure burns brighter than ever. There are new trails to hike, hidden corners of the world to explore, and fresh challenges to embrace. We’re already planning exciting trips, setting new goals, and dreaming of the moments that will shape the coming year. Adventure isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are, and we can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us.

Thank you for being part of our journey—we can’t wait to share even more experiences with you next year.

Here’s to another year of more trails, sunsets, and unforgettable journeys!