Tips for Happy Hikers

What are the fundamentals for having a good time in the backcountry or while on an intense day hike? After three years of camping and completing physically intense projects, I have come up with a few tips on how to stay strong, energetic, and comfortable on the trail....

Rock, Roll, a Rock Wall

These mountains are cathedrals of stone, and I feel like I am moving individual hairs. These hairs weigh hundreds of pounds, and we are moving them to give the mountain a styling. We are trying to make it look pretty for all the weekend warriors and eager explorers....

50 Years of Wilderness

Hopefully most outdoor enthusiasts are aware that this coming September it is the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act.  Throughout the country there are many different events that have been set up to celebrate such a wonderful event.  For the last two weeks my...

The Fun Part

After so many years living and working in the alpine I’ve learned a few things about enjoying my time in the mountains. Each day working above the trees, I see numerous hikers pass by with their heads to the ground, pushing for the summit through lightning and...

The Challenge of Building in Wilderness

The 2014 trail season has begun! This season my co-worker, Miriam, and I will be breaking ground on a two-year project on El Diente Peak. This remote peak is located in the Lizard Head Wilderness southwest of Telluride. Because it lies in a wilderness area special...