A Traveler’s Guide: From Website Exploration to Mountain Escapades

Introduction:

Embarking on a journey, whether it’s across the country or just a short road trip, is always an adventure filled with possibilities. Some trips require meticulous planning, while others unfold in the most spontaneous, unexpected ways. No matter the destination, the essence of travel lies in the experiences that shape us.

Join me as I dive into my trip-planning process, from scouring websites for hidden gems to navigating rugged trails and learning a few hard lessons in the mountains.

Exploring Travel Resources

Discovering Hidden Gems Online:

One of my go-to resources for trip inspiration is OnlyInYourState.com. It’s a goldmine of travel ideas, covering all 50 states with recommendations that go beyond just hiking. Whether I’m looking for a quirky Airbnb, a scenic drive, or an offbeat museum, this site delivers. I could spend hours scrolling, clicking through unique destinations, and taking notes for future trips.

Choosing the Right Hotel:

I’m a loyal Hilton guest, but let’s be real, they’re not everywhere. So, I usually start with a Google search, looking for hotels within 10-15 minutes of my destination. While I appreciate the charm of boutique hotels in small towns, I always read reviews, compare prices, and check for key amenities, especially a hot tub.

Trail Access & Itinerary Planning

Road Conditions:

What looks like a quick 4-mile drive on Google Maps can turn into a slow, bumpy nightmare if it involves a washboard dirt road. I learned this the hard way in Hanksville, Utah. Lodging options were slim, so I stayed in Torrey, knowing it was a 45-minute drive to most trails. While the scenic Highway 24 made the journey worthwhile, some trailheads required navigating BLM roads, which meant factoring in extra time for the drive.

Building a Hiking Itinerary:

I rely heavily on the AllTrails app to plan my hikes. After narrowing down my options, I analyze trail reviews, photos, length, and elevation gain. Once I have my list, I rank trails from “easy warm-up” to “what the hell was I thinking?” This helps me create a well-balanced itinerary.

Assessing Route & Road Conditions:

Before hitting the road, I always check conditions because getting stuck in the middle of nowhere is not the vibe. On one trip from Little Wild Horse Canyon to Factory Butte near Hanksville, Utah, Google Maps suggested a “shortcut.” It looked questionable, but I went full send to save time. Big mistake. What should have been a 3-mile drive turned into a two-hour detour. Lesson learned: Always check Google Maps satellite images and call ranger stations for updates before trusting a “shortcut.”

Pre-Trip Preparations

Departure Planning & Route Strategy:

I structure my hikes by tackling the furthest trails first, then working my way back toward my lodging. This strategy minimizes unnecessary driving and maximizes time spent on the trails.

I also reassess my departure times based on factors like sunrise opportunities and trail difficulty. Sometimes, leaving earlier (or later) makes all the difference in catching a breathtaking view or avoiding the crowds.

Downloading Maps for Safety:

No matter what, I always download my hiking maps from AllTrails. Even when I think I’ll have good service, I don’t take chances. As a solo adventurer, offline GPS tracking is a must.

Deep Cleaning Before Leaving:

There’s nothing worse than coming home from an amazing trip to a messy house. I make it a point to do a deep clean before I leave so I can return to a stress-free space.

Checking the Weather (and Actually Paying Attention to It)

Weather can turn on a dime, especially in the desert, slot canyons, and high-altitude mountains. I’ve learned the hard way that even a slight chance of rain can be a deal-breaker. *Cough* Mount Nebo *Cough*

Slot canyons, for example, are not the place to test your luck, flash floods happen fast, and escape routes are nonexistent. Similarly, rain in the desert can turn dry sand into an impassable mud pit.

The Mountain That Almost Killed Me: My Mount Nebo Experience

Mountains have a way of humbling you, and Mount Nebo did just that.

The climb to the summit was breathtaking, 12,000 feet up, soaking in the views, snapping the obligatory selfie. But as I looked south, I noticed something unsettling: a massive rain cloud rolling in fast.

I glanced up to check the wind direction, and yep, it was heading straight for me.

All I could say was: “Shit.”

I knew I had to get down immediately.

I started booking it down the scree field, a slope covered in loose, pebble-sized rocks that made every step feel like a potential disaster. Then came the knife-edge, a razor-thin ridge with sheer drops on both sides. My plan? Make it past these two obstacles before the storm hit.

But let me tell you, thunder and lightning above the timberline at 12,000 feet hit differently.

I could feel the electricity in the air. The sound was deafening. My heart was racing, and my only thought was “Fucking Go, Theo”

I made it down safely, but I walked away with a newfound respect for the mountains.

Lesson learned: CHECK. THE. DAMN. WEATHER.

Final Travel Tips

Fuel Up, Seriously.

Some stretches of highway have zero gas stations for 100+ miles. I’ve been burned by this more than once.

One time, on my way to Moab, I thought, Eh, I have 1/2 of a tank, I’m good. Wrong.

Cruising through Soldier Summit Pass, my gas light came on. No problem, I’d find a station soon, right? Nope. No service. No stations. Just me, my car, and a slow-rising panic.

Finally, I spotted a station. Relief until I saw the price: $9 per gallon.

I refused to pay it and white-knuckled my way into Moab, running on pure stress and fumes. Not the best way to start an adventure.

Moral of the story? Never assume you have enough gas.