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 →: 4 Days of an Unforgettable Southwestern AdventureBill and I enjoyed a 4-day trip through southwestern Colorado and southern Utah, exploring stunning waterfalls, ancient ruins, and breathtaking landscapes. Highlights included Treasure Falls, Chimney Rock National Monument, and camping in Canyons of the Ancients, reflecting on nature’s beauty.
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Continue reading →: Footsteps Through the Past: A Journey on Lion Gulch TrailLion Gulch Trail in Colorado offers a scenic 7-mile hike through Roosevelt National Forest, leading to historic Homestead Meadows. This journey blends natural beauty with rich history, allowing hikers to appreciate the rugged lives of early settlers while enjoying serene landscapes.
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Continue reading →: Chasing Waterfalls and Mountain Views: A Weekend Adventure in OurayBill and I finally hit up Ouray, the “Switzerland of America,” and it blew us away! With gorgeous waterfalls and epic hikes like Box Cañon and the Ouray Perimeter, plus soaking in hot springs at Twin Peaks Lodge, it was an unforgettable adventure. Can’t wait to go back!
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Continue reading →: South Zapata Lake: A Journey into the Sangre de Cristo WildernessA challenging yet rewarding trek through the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, South Zapata Lake tested our endurance with steep climbs, tricky stream crossings, and lingering snow. Finally reaching the frozen alpine lake, we embraced the beauty of perseverance and the untamed wild.
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Continue reading →: Camping and Exploring the Great Sand Dunes National Park and PreserveGreg and I explored Great Sand Dunes National Park, enjoying its towering dunes and stunning desert views during our third visit. We camped at The Oasis Campground, relaxed by Medano Creek, and prepared to tackle the challenging Zapata Lake hike once more.
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Continue reading →: Exploring Utah: Day 5 – Waterfalls, Snowstorms & The Journey HomeOn our last day in Utah, we hiked to the breathtaking Lower Calf Creek Falls, encountering Fremont Culture remnants along the way. After the hike, a snowstorm surprised us during our drive home, highlighting Utah’s unpredictability. Reflecting on the journey, rich history and unexpected moments made this trip unforgettable and…
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Continue reading →: Exploring Utah: Day 4 – Slot Canyons, Natural Bridges, and a Historic TrailOn Day 4 of our adventure, we journeyed down Hole-in-the-Rock Road, explored Zebra Slot Canyon’s icy narrows, and reached Escalante Natural Bridge after multiple river crossings. We reflected on the historical significance of the area and cherished the moments spent, including our farewell to a friendly camp dog, as we…
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Continue reading →: Exploring Utah: Day 3 – Canyons, Cliffs, and Slot Canyon Thrills, ArchesDriving Burr Trail Road and Hell’s Backbone, exploring Devil’s Garden, tracing dinosaur tracks, and squeezing through Spooky Slot Canyon—Day 3 was filled with adventure, unexpected snow, and a campfire under the stars, shared with a friendly four-legged visitor.
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Continue reading →: Exploring Utah: Day 2 – Arches, Ancient Art, and Epic LandscapesFrom Colonnade Arch’s towering windows to the ancient pictographs of Horseshoe Canyon, and the rain-soaked cliffs of Capitol Reef, Day 2 was a journey through time, beauty, and adventure—ending with a starry night along the Burr Trail’s rugged backroads.
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Continue reading →: Exploring Utah: Day 1 – Goblins, Rain, and Red Sand DunesBill and I kicked off our Utah adventure exploring Goblin Valley State Park, where rain turned Goblin’s Lair into a magical oasis. Slippery trails, vibrant wildflowers, and red sand dunes along Lower San Rafael Road made for an unforgettable first day.
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Continue reading →: Adventure at Button Rock Preserve: Hiking the Sleepy Lion Trail Near Lyons, ColoradoTucked in the foothills near Lyons, Button Rock Preserve’s Sleepy Lion Trail offers diverse terrain, stunning views, and serene water features. This 5.4-mile loop winds through towering pines, past streams and ponds, and around Ralph Price Reservoir, making for a perfect outdoor escape.
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Continue reading →: Snowy Spring Hike to Ouzel Falls – A Wild Basin AdventureThis spring hike to Ouzel Falls offers diverse scenery, including forests and waterfalls. The journey, initially smooth, requires snowshoes closer to the falls. With a total distance of 7.4 miles currently, it combines natural beauty with potential wildlife sightings.
