Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Our mini adventure began at Tomichi Point - one of the best views of the canyon just off the first parking lot. I found it difficult to imagine just how deep the canyon cut into the earth, but the tingling and numbness in my fingertips were an effective indicator.

The views in Great Sand Dunes National Park offer 360° of unyielding allure. The young morning light danced across the sand in shades of pink and purple while the clear sky above deepened into its blue.

Mt Marcy is by no means a difficult mountain to ascend. There are no technical portions that require skills beyond basic bouldering and watching your footing. Any vertical upswings were met almost immediately with a few yards of steady grade. What made Mt Marcy’s trail so damn intense was its sheer length. We felt every bit of her 14 miles beneath our feet and within every muscle fiber of our legs.

Wonder permeated our minds as soon as we crossed the gate into Joshua Tree National Park. Massive rock outcroppings set the stage for alien-like Joshua trees and cholla cacti. Every hour that passed through the park presented a new, vivid palette of colors unlike any we have ever seen.