Trails, Dusty Roads & Wild Places Worth Remembering
We’re Bill and Crystal — two Colorado-based wanderers chasing alpine lakes, red rock canyons, quiet campsites, rugged backroads, and the little moments that become the stories we tell long after the trip is over.
Here you’ll find our adventure journals, hiking stories, overlanding routes, destination guides, national park travels, year-end reflections, and Wild Ready tips for exploring with more confidence and care.
Thanks for wandering with us — your next adventure might just be a click away.
Recent Wanderings
Fresh stories from the trails, roads, canyons, campsites, and wild places we’ve explored lately.
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Continue reading →: Winter Adventure at Snowy Range Ski Area: Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, and BurgersBill, Greg, and I visited Snowy Range Ski Area in Wyoming for winter fun. They snowboarded while I enjoyed a serene snowshoe hike in Medicine Bow National Forest. We reunited for stories and a meal at Mr. Bill’s Burgers, a perfect day of winter outdoor fun.
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Continue reading →: Winter Wanderings: Exploring the Aspen Grottos Ice CavesBill and I ventured to the Aspen Grottos Ice Caves with the pups, enjoying the tranquil winter landscape. The caves were a mesmerizing, serene retreat, reminding us of nature’s hidden winter beauty.
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Continue reading →: Rediscovering the Joy of Cross-Country Skiing at Devils Thumb RanchBill and I rediscovered the joy of cross-country skiing at Devils Thumb Ranch in Colorado’s snowy landscapes. Gliding through pristine trails, we found peace and connected with nature, enjoying the picturesque setting.
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Continue reading →: Discovering Hidden Gems: Exploring Rattlesnake Arches in McInnis Canyons NCABill, myself, and our dogs explored the remote, breathtaking Rattlesnake Canyon in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. With its natural arches and diverse landscape, this hidden wonder offers a unique hiking experience.
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Continue reading →: Embracing Winter’s Beauty: A Snowy Hike in Rocky Mountain National ParkGreg and I explored Rocky Mountain National Park’s Wild Basin area, braving snow-covered trails and towering ponderosa pines. While we didn’t reach Sandbeach Lake, the winter hike left us enchanted and rejuvenated.
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Continue reading →: Reflecting on 2020: Gratitude Amidst ChallengesThe year 2020 brought a mix of sorrow and joy, loss and love, hardship and resilience. It was marked by the passing of loved ones, but also moments of joy such as acquiring a vacation home and witnessing a son’s achievements. Despite the challenges, the writer is filled with gratitude…
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Continue reading →: A Sandy Christmas in Westcliffe: Exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park and Bishop CastleIn Westcliffe, Colorado, Bill, Butch, Greg, and I enjoyed a heartwarming Christmas retreat amidst the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with festive celebrations and memorable adventures, including a visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Bishop Castle.
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Continue reading →: Birthday Bliss: Exploring Settler’s Park and Red Rocks in BoulderGreg and I celebrated my birthday in Boulder’s Settler’s Park, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. A leisurely hike led us to Red Rocks, where we found pure joy and gratitude.
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Continue reading →: Grand Staircase: A Journey Through TimeGrand Staircase’s desolate perception belies its status as a living museum of unparalleled beauty, with a landscape stretching back over 200 million years. Explore its wonders via the Smoky Mountain Road Scenic Byway.
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Continue reading →: Tranquil Trails: Exploring Castlewood Canyon State ParkJoin us on a leisurely stroll through Castlewood Canyon State Park near Franktown, Colorado. The trail winds through caves, waterfalls, and hidden treasures, enveloped in a peaceful atmosphere. Our dogs also found joy in the adventure.
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Continue reading →: Scaling New Heights: Our Rock Rescue Adventure with Rock Ice Snow ExpeditionsBill and I joined Rock Ice Snow Expeditions for an exciting rock rescue adventure. Under expert guidance, we honed our skills, learned teamwork, and left feeling empowered for future climbing endeavors.
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Continue reading →: Exploring the Ghosts of Nevadaville: A Haunting Halloween AdventureExplore Nevadaville, a once-thriving Colorado ghost town with a rich history in gold and silver mining. Today, only eerie remnants remain, offering a haunting glimpse into its prosperous past and untold stories.
Western Wanderlust Chronicles 