Mountain Adventures for Thrill Seekers: Top Hiking & Climbing Spots

So yeah mountain adventures for thrill seekers — that’s basically my personality at this point. I swear I don’t plan it, but somehow every free weekend I end up driving hours to get scared on a mountain somewhere in the Rockies or Sierras. Right now I’m still sore from attempting the Diamond on Longs Peak two weeks ago. Spoiler: we turned around at the Broadway traverse because wind was trying to yeet us off and I was like “nah I like living.”

What Actually Hooks Me on These Mountain Adventures for Thrill Seekers

It’s not the Instagram views (okay maybe a little). It’s that feeling when your brain goes quiet for like five whole seconds because all you can think about is where your next handhold is. No emails, no doomscrolling, just granite and adrenaline.

I remember my first real multi-pitch climb in Eldorado Canyon. I was terrified. Legs shaking so bad the belayer below yelled “stop sewing machine leg!” Embarrassing. But when I clipped the chains at the top? Man. I ugly-cried behind my sunglasses. Didn’t tell anyone till now lol.

Here’s a shot kinda like what that day felt like:

Places I Keep Going Back To (Even Though They Hurt Me)

• Yosemite Valley — The big daddy. Last time I was there I hiked up to the base of El Cap just to stare at it like a weirdo. Climbed some easier stuff on the Cookie Cliff instead because I’m not ready for the Nose yet (and probably never will be).
• Indian Creek, UT — Wingate sandstone cracks are no joke. My hands looked like hamburger after one weekend. Worth it though. Check permits here if you go: BLM Indian Creek.
• Ouray Ice Park — Winter version of thrill seeking hiking and climbing. Frozen waterfalls. I fell into a snow hole once. Don’t recommend.

And yeah I mix in trail running or fastpacking sometimes because why not make it harder on myself?

thebigoutside.com

The 12 Best Dayhikes in Yosemite – The Big Outside

This is pretty much the view that gets me every time:

Stuff I Wish Someone Told Me Sooner (aka My Idiot Mistakes List)

• Weather apps lie sometimes. Always have a bailout plan. I learned this after getting hailed on for 45 minutes near treeline.
• Your ego is the heaviest thing in your pack. Leave it at home.
• Tell someone your plan. I once forgot and my roommate almost called search & rescue. Oops.

wildlandtrekking.com

The Ultimate Guide to Rock Climbing in Yosemite – Wildland Trekking

Oh and buy good socks. Blisters ruin everything.

The Not-So-Glamorous Truth About Chasing Thrills

I’ve literally sat down on trail and said out loud “why do I do this to myself?” Then ten minutes later I’m grinning like an idiot because the ridge opened up and the world looks stupid beautiful.

It’s messy. It’s not always fun. But it’s mine.

Anyway… You Should Probably Try It

If mountain adventures for thrill seekers sounds remotely interesting, start somewhere smaller. Take a friend. Fall a little (safely). Learn. Get hooked. Make your own dumb stories.

What’s the sketchiest thing you’ve ever done outside? Tell me—I live for the chaos. And if you’re ever in Colorado hit me up; we can suffer together.