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My 2025 goals recap - what got done, what didn't, and lessons learned

December 05, 2025

I’ve made it to the end of 2025 without injuring myself! That alone feels like an accomplishment after three consecutive years one accident after another.

Skiing

I didn’t have the smashing success with my skiing goals as I’d hoped due to lower snowpack and travel during the ideal window, but I had a blast regardless. My skiing did improve a bit despite skiing only having twelve days on skis.

✅ Skiing in Hokkaido - In late January, I accomplished this goal in the best possible way. My bar was low, just a few resort laps would’ve sufficed, but the trip ended up being so much more. Luke and I had a blast skiing powder at Rusutsu, and we capped it off with a ski tour up Yotei-san via the Makkari route. We even had a surreal descent into the crater. One of the most memorable ski days of my life!
✅ XC Skiing Methow Trails – I finally crossed this one off in early February. It was a trip long overdue. Michael and Tom flew in, and with seven of us total, it felt like a proper gathering. The Methow Valley is a special place for me, but I had only seen it in summer. Experiencing it in winter was something else entirely. We lucked out with good weather, and XC skiing felt much easier than it did years ago. I’d gladly do this trip again next season, especially with friends.
⚠️ Skiing 350,000ft vert - I did my best here by going to Crystal Mountain solo on weekdays. I was able to get 171,000 feet in (~49% of goal). If not for the extensive travel I might have been able to squeeze out a few more. It was always a stretch goal and it successfully got me out the door on those winter mornings.
⚠️ Ski touring 30,000ft ele - This was far too ambitious. I only ski-toured twice (Japan and Muir snowfield) for a grand total of 7,800ft of ascent (26% of goal). I expected more spring touring but snowpack and travel limited my options for safe and fun local touring.
❌ The Birthday Tour (5mi, 3500ft desc) - Our snowpack was below average so the short window of opportunity came and went when we were out of town.
❌ Ruth Mountain ski (12mi, 4,800ft desc) - This one got cut due to travel as well.
❌ Snoqualmie Pass ski touring - I don’t have a strong network of ski touring friends and being away for a lot of the winter meant this was lower on the priority list. I’ll need to make a better effort at make touring pals.
❌ Backcountry skiing Mt Adams (12mi, 6,700feet desc) - My stoke level for this wasn’t high enough to attempt this with the marginal conditions present when my schedule allowed.

Surfing/swimming

On the water sports, I was always just barely interested enough to add them. These won’t carry over to next year.

❌ Swimming once each month - I did this for about five months and then gave up when the summer was in full swing. I was never happy driving to the pool and never happy doing laps. If I ever learn to enjoy it, it won’t be because I’ve forced myself to go.
❌ Kayaking around Mercer Island - I became far less stoked on this 15mile loop after doing just a 4mile paddle on Lake Washington with Leah. Even though we were close to shore, a 10-15mph gust made it a lot more taxing to maneuver. Primarily, I also hated how exposed to the sun I was being out on the water. The kayak will continue to be a part of our gear closet, but I’m not looking to make any goals out of this.

Cycling (road & gravel)

Since I spent a lot of time away from home this year, I didn’t get on the bike much locally.

❌ Goldmyer Hot Springs - I don’t care much for hot springs and hot tubs, but I figured this could be a fun and laid back recreational activity. The permit system is annoying and I didn’t want it enough.
✅ Bike touring Sardinia - Massive success! We had an incredible tour of the island and it was made all the more special by me being able to speak in Italian at an intermediate conversational level. See the full write-up here.
✅ Bikepacking across the Dolomites - I planned to take my hardtail mountain bike and draw a line across the crest of the Dolomites, staying in lodging along the way. Unfortunately, this wasn’t logistically possible (long story). Instead I took the hardtail on some magnificent day trips on singletrack, using it as a road bike to ride over mountain passes, and even biked around Lake Garda. It was an incredible solo trip. More details here.
❌ Bikepacking Death Valley (135mi, 12,000ft ele) - Although this would have been doable, I would prefer to have friends to do this with given the logistics of water resupply. Also, some parts of the route I had in mind are closed from flooding. I’ll file this away in the back of my mind for years later.

Mountain biking

This was the most disappointing section. Mountain biking is the easiest to do solo so I’m short on excuses. To my credit, many of these were big trips that benefit more from an overnight stay. I opted to get much of my mtb done locally instead.

✅ Orcas Island - I couldn’t find a weekend that worked for friends, many of whom were interested. In the last few days of the year, I went solo and pedaled my way up to the top and descended down Cold Spring. It wasn’t ideal. It was foggy, there were fallen trees, and I spent a lot of time driving and ferrying. Still, I had a good enough time since the alternative was staying at home that day.
✅ Darrington - I was planning to do this shuttled but an injured friend had to bail last minute. I had my heart set on crossing this off so I went solo and pedaled up the 3,000ft+ to the summit and descended on my own. I didn’t mind the extra effort. I rode the blue trails down and had my first bike crash in a long while. I think that’s the last time I’ll ride Darrington.
❌ Angel’s Staircase (23mi, 5k ft ele) - Cliff and I were going to make this happen on a weekday, but some logistics lapses meant we couldn’t get it in during that perfect window between larch season and the first falling of snow. I’ll forward this along to next year.
❌ Number 2 Canyon - The Labor Mountain wildfire closed this off as of late September, but I didn’t make an effort to ride it earlier in the year. I had forgotten how far Wenatchee is to consider it as a last minute day trip.
❌ Gifford Pinchot Forest - I pitched this to a friend for a weekend day trip, specifically the scenic Strawberry Ridge descent. The drive from Seattle isn’t too bad but due to some forest road closures, it’s become more of a hassle so I punted on it.

Backpacking & day-hiking

I kept my goals modest here.

❌ High Divide Loop backpacking in Olympic NP (19mi, 5k ft ele) - June and July were the ideal months for this loop. Even if I had the time I would have steered clear: the Bear Gulch fire started in early July and grew to be the largest wildfire on the Olympic Peninsula since 1951.
✅ Backpacking in the Sierras - We were able to secure permits for the early June shoulder season and set off for a five night loop. There were a lot of unknowns regarding the snow conditions and ultimately we found ourselves post-holing to our thighs at points. We slept at ~10,600 feet every single day and I was in a bad mood for most of the trip. Altitude hits my attitude hard. The terrain was challenging enough that we decided to exit a day early by having a longer hike out on the last day. In hindsight, it was a beautiful place to backpack and I’m glad I have the photos to remember the scenery by.

Mountaineering

I tried to be modest and limit myself to three goals, but even getting one of these done with my schedule was a challenge.

❌ Fisher Chimneys on Mt Shuksan (4th class, 7k ft ele) - I was absolutely ready to get permits but for some reason the website never worked out. I suspect it had something to do with the DOGE layoffs. I’ll try and make it happen next year.
❌ Little Tahoma (16mi, 7200ft ele) - This would have been a hot slog through choss, but I was in for it. Finding a partner who’s just as excited about a sufferfest is something I’m working on. I don’t think I’ll list this as a goal next year.
✅ Goode Mountain (guided) - This was the big one. I teamed up with Will Nunez for a four-day push in the North Cascades and led half the pitches on the Northeast Buttress. It was a full-on alpine adventure with big mileage, glacier travel, and real exposure. Easily one of the most demanding and rewarding climbs I’ve done. It massively renewed my enthusiasm and confidence for climbing. More details.

Climbing

After returning from Goode Mountain, I was eager to cross as many of these off as possible. I reached out to every climber I knew and tried connecting with strangers.

❌ Climbing in Red Rock - There was a window to make this happen, but lining up partners didn’t work out.
❌ Squamish climbing - I was all set to spend a weekend on some relaxing climbs up north, but poor weather rolled through and we cancelled the trip.
✅ Guided: Third Pillar of Dana (5.10 III, 5 pitch) - I figured this would be a difficult climb, and it was, but for the wrong reasons. The hike in had me gasping for air. The top of the route is close to 12,000ft in altitude and I was hearing my heart in my throat while belaying the first pitch. Fortunately, I was able to do all the moves cleanly on follow with plenty of rests. The final overhung crack pitch was glorious and I didn’t want it to end.
❌ Trad: West Ridge of Prusik Peak (5.7, 4 pitch) - I partnered up with a stranger online, hoping to do it c2c to avoid the camping logistics. I was in peak shape for tackling this but the partnership didn’t work out and the weather that weekend was poor.
❌ Trad: Ragged Edge of Vesper Peak (5.7, 6 pitch) - Days before Jeffrey and I were planning to take this on, he hurt his back and we called it off.
✅ Climbing in the Gunks - I learned to climb in the Gunks, but hadn’t roped up there in years. On a hot and humid July day, Jeff and I got on some old classics, and I led my hardest Gunks route yet: a sandbagged 5.7+. Immediately after, I cleanly led a 5.8. Jeff even encouraged me to put an attempt on the burly 5.9 Ant’s Line route, on which I had three hangs on before admitting my hands were too slippery to make the crux. It felt great to not only be at my my favorite crag, but also find my limit on trad!
❌ Sport: Prime Rib (5.9-, 11 pitch) - I was almost certain this would happen, maybe even the longer Flyboys too. I booked lodging in advance. I marked days of PTO. I had a partner locked in. I was in the right headspace. Unfortunately, my partner bailed on me.

It was a spectacular year that I’m grateful for. If I was just a little luckier with weather and circumstances, I could’ve gotten a lot more done. Of course, I’m choosing to focus instead on all that I accomplished.

Not shown above is everything that I did that was unplanned (e.g, mtn biking locally, touring Muir w/ a stranger, after-work hike to Blanca Lake, horse-riding in Mexico, climbing The Tooth with a stranger, cycling around Marin, tracing Lake Garda on wheels, foraging for mushrooms with a mountain bike, riding the Flume Trail over Lake Tahoe, pedaling up the impossibly steep roads of Slovenia, etc).

Outdoor goals for 2025 - effort vs interest matrix

January 05, 2025

Last year, I shared my goals for 2024, and it turned out to be a great way to plan my year.

While it might look like I’ve scheduled every weekend in advance, there’s almost always room to swap plans for something better. The goal of this list isn’t to restrict my opportunities. Instead, it helps me stay focused, train appropriately, and always have something exciting to anticipate.

If this all seems ambitious for one year, that’s because it probably is. In fact, there’s even more I had to defer until 2026. Accomplishing all of this depends on a light work schedule, perfect weather when I need it, and securing all the right permits. But I love dreaming big.

Skiing

Although I managed to get some skiing in last winter, it wasn’t a proper season due to low snowfall. I had just enough sessions on the slopes to pick up where I’d left off. This winter, I’m expecting better conditions and hoping to level up. The key will be volume: consistent practice and getting comfortable with waking up early to make the most of the mornings on the slopes.

Skiing in Hokkaido - My first ever Japow trip is set for late January, and my buddy Luke will be joining me. We’re heading to the Rusutsu area for three days on skis, and I’m eager to put my 117-underfoot Atomic Backlands with Shift bindings to good use. Touring at Yotei might even be on the table of conditions allow. Either way, I can’t wait to experience the legendary powder and see what all the hype is about.
XC skiing Methow Trails - The Methow Valley feels like heaven on earth in the summer, and in winter, it transforms into the largest cross-country ski area in North America. While my past experiences with XC skiing haven’t sparked much interest, this stunning setting deserves another chance. Poor snowfall kept us from making it happen last winter, but this year we’ve already booked lodging and plan to head out with friends. More info.
Skiing 350,000ft vert - While this might seem like a modest goal compared to the numbers my friends rack up, it feels achievable for me. Resort skiing is the perfect way to log volume and refine my technique. To stay motivated, I’ve connected with some random Internet friends for carpooling. Here’s the plan:
- Crystal Mountain w/ midweek pass: This will help me avoid lines and save money.
- Night skiing at Snoqualmie: Although Snoqualmie often has the worst conditions, it boasts the most night skiing terrain in the U.S. I’ll plan on hitting evening laps (4–8 pm) selectively.
Ski touring 30,000ft ele - Last year, I managed 17,000 ft of ski touring, thanks mostly to skiing two volcanoes with friends. To hit 30,000 ft this year, the best strategy is to do laps at Hyak. It’s a solid option for solo workout laps if I can’t convince someone to join me.
The Birthday Tour (5mi, 3500ft desc) - This is a straightforward, classic ski tour near Washington Pass, accessible when Highway 20 opens (mid-April to mid-May). The route requires a short car shuttle, though hitchhiking the 2-mile distance is a viable option. It seems like an ideal way for a backcountry beginner like me to explore the zone, and I imagine it won’t be hard to convince friends to join in. Route info.
- NOTE: Cliff is interested in joining
Ruth Mountain ski (12mi, 4,800ft desc) - I’ve long considered Ruth Mountain as a straightforward mountaineering objective due to its minimal crevasse risk, but it seems like it would be even more fun as a ski tour. The summit offers stunning 360-degree views of the incredible peaks in the North Cascades. The biggest challenge will be timing the conditions, but I’m planning to target May. Route info.
Snoqualmie Pass ski touring - I’d like to tackle some of the recommended local tours, such as Pineapple Pass, the Chair Peak Circumnavigation, or the Slot Couloir. These are low-commitment outings, with a short drive and flexible planning depending on who I can team up with. I’m aiming to make this happen between February and March.
Backcountry skiing Mt Adams (12mi, 6,700feet desc) - I’ve hiked Mt. Adams once on a perfect July day, and now I’d like to try it on skis. My plan is to descend the easiest, crevasse-free route, though I’d consider the Southwest Chutes if I had a partner to join me. The long drive might make it tricky to find someone equally excited, but I’d be open to going solo if I stick to the South Rib route. I’m aiming for June, depending on conditions. Route info.
- NOTE: Cliff is interested in joining

Surfing/swimming

I’ve always avoided water activities due to my poor swimming skills. Leah has been encouraging me to improve, and for some reason, I feel an irrational need to get better before having kids.

Swimming once each month - This is a bit embarrassing, but I’m determined to try again to make this goal happen. Having someone hold me accountable could make a difference, so I plan to ask my buddy Jason to let me know whenever he’s heading to the pool for a swim.
Kayaking around Mercer Island - Owning an Oru kayak feels like it needs some justification, and this seems like the perfect mix of simple yet adventurous. I’m thinking of tackling it on a summer weekday when the days are long, and I can leave work early to hit the water.
- NOTE: Eric is interested in joining

Cycling (road & gravel)

I’ve been finding a lot of inspiration in bikepacking lately and want to take my new hardtail bike out for a proper spin. While I’ll still do road rides, I don’t have any epic goals to publish—these will mostly be social rides or long solo efforts close to home.

Goldmyer Hot Springs - Nestled along the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River, these geothermal pools are managed by a nonprofit and accessible via a lottery system. Tuesdays are especially coveted for exclusive access to the pools. My plan is to try for a Tuesday evening slot (3–9 pm) and camp overnight for an additional fee. The 10-mile round trip can be made easier by using mountain bikes. I’d aim for late May or June, when it’s still chilly enough to enjoy a warm soak but not so cold that I’d regret camping. Reservations open two months in advance, so timing will be key. Info.
Bike touring Sardinia - Leah and I vowed to revisit Sardinia, having only biked along the very northern tip. This time, we’ll start in Cagliari in the south and explore the island by bike. We’ve already booked flights for mid-April and plan to spend two weeks there. While I have a rough idea of our route, I’m most excited about the incredible food and the chance to practice my Italian with the locals.
Bikepacking across the Dolomites - I fell in love with Italy during our honeymoon, and biking across the Dolomites feels like the perfect way to combine my love for the mountains with practicing Italian. After watching this video, I bought a used hardtail bike specifically to make this trip—and others like it—a reality. I’ve been piecing together route plans from various sources, aiming to maximize scenic singletrack. Ideally, I’d find lodging each night instead of camping, which would help keep my bike weight down.
The route I have in mind starts near Piz Boè, heads east, and eventually turns south along the border with Slovenia. I believe I can complete it in two weeks solo. With my flight booked for late August, all that’s left is to hope for good weather, no injuries, and no mechanical issues.
Bikepacking Death Valley (135mi, 12,000ft ele) - Most visitors to Death Valley experience it from behind the wheel, which is something I’ve done before. But taking in the landscape slowly by bike feels like the perfect way to connect with its vast, otherworldly terrain. I found a route on Bikepacking.com that outlines a 3–4 day journey, with November or December being the ideal time to go—right when there’s little else happening locally.
The biggest challenge will be sourcing water, but there are ways to manage that. I’m looking forward to trading the comfort of a car for the immersive solitude of a bikepacking adventure. Route info.

Mountain biking

I leveled up my skills last year, thanks to Fluidride clinics and an unusually warm winter that allowed us to ride year-round. Most of these rides are just about having fun and enjoying the adventure.

Orcas Island (shuttled) - Orcas Island, part of the San Juan Islands, opens its network of singletrack to mountain bikers from October 15 to mid-April each year. In early November 2022, a few friends and I rented an Airbnb on the island and shuttled our bikes up for laps off the summit of Mt. Constitution. We had an incredible time, and I’d love to make it an annual tradition—especially since the islands benefit from being in a rain shadow. More info.
- NOTE: Eric is interested in joining.
Darrington (shuttled) - The trails near Darrington, nestled in the mountains close to Seattle, are perfect for shuttle riding. The scenery is breathtaking, and the trails were recently developed to help diversify the town’s economy beyond resource extraction. This adventure is best tackled with a group of friends to manage the shuttling.
I’m particularly drawn to this because it’s relatively close to home and promises an incredible day on the bike. My plan is to hit it in peak summer, likely in late July. More info.
Angel’s Staircase (23mi, 5k ft ele) - This is one of Washington’s most challenging alpine mountain biking loops, featuring the highest altitude singletrack in the state at 8,000 feet. While there are sections of mandatory hike-a-bike, the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile. The trail winds around Martin Peak, transitioning from ponderosa forests to subalpine terrain and open ridgelines.
The high altitude means there’s a short window to ride, with the most scenic time being during larch season (September–October). The loop is physically demanding, but starting early by car-camping at the trailhead can help. For an epic weekend, we could follow it up the next day with Thompson Ridge nearby, possibly the state’s longest flow trail. More info.
Number 2 Canyon - Leah and I stumbled upon Number 2 Canyon almost by accident on our way back from the Methow, and it turned into one of our most memorable rides. We descended the Sundance Trail during wildflower season in early June, and despite an incoming storm obscuring the views, we both agreed it was a stunning and fun ride.
The trail network in this area is impressive, and it might be worth overnighting in Wenatchee to fully explore everything Number 2 Canyon has to offer.
Gifford Pinchot Forest - The rugged terrain between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams is home to some incredible backcountry riding. This area offers excellent loops that steer clear of moto trails and features stunningly scenic trails like Strawberry Ridge.
The drive to get there is a a long one, but the abundance of great trails here definitely justifies an overnight stay to make the most of it. Route info.

Backpacking & day-hiking

Leah encouraged me to make room in my life for more trail hiking last year, and I’ve come to appreciate it—especially when we find incredibly scenic trails without the crowds.

High Divide Loop backpacking in Olympic NP (19mi, 5k ft ele) - I was inspired to tackle this route after reading Climber Kyle’s blog post about epic mountain runs in the PNW. The trail offers an incredible variety of scenery, from rainforest views to alpine meadows, open ridgelines, and spectacular waterfalls.
I chose this route because I want to experience more of the Olympic Peninsula while I’m still living in Seattle and have relatively easy access to it. At first, I considered doing it as a day hike, but the stunning scenery convinced me it’s best appreciated as a backpacking trip. I’ll try my luck at securing a permit for July. More info.
Backpacking in the Sierras - We fell in love with the High Sierras on our hike last year, and I had the chance to show Leah how stunning Yosemite Valley is, even if only for a few hours. We both wished we had more time to explore the area.
This year, I’ve secured a permit for five nights in the Inyo National Forest, starting from Bishop Pass in mid-June. While we’ll figure out the exact route closer to the trip, the landscape is breathtaking, and I’m confident we’ll have an incredible adventure.

Mountaineering

I haven’t done any glaciated mountaineering in years, but now I finally have a reliable partner in Patrick. We had plans to tackle some peaks, but both of us agreed that preparing and practicing for mountaineering is a huge commitment—and we just didn’t make the time for it.

Fisher Chimneys on Mt Shuksan (4th class, 7k ft ele) - This route combines mountaineering with some exciting 4th class scrambling. I’ve attempted Mt. Shuksan before, but we had to turn back just a few hundred yards from the summit due to rain. If I try this route again, I’d want at least two partners to rope up with for added safety.
July and August are prime months for this climb. I’ll aim to secure a backcountry permit for the higher-altitude Price XC zone, but if that’s not an option, I’ll join the crowd camping for free at Lake Ann. Route beta.
Little Tahoma (16mi, 7200ft ele) - Little Tahoma, the smaller subpeak of Mt. Rainier, is a constant feature of my view from home. While it’s overshadowed by Rainier, its 11,138-foot elevation makes it a significant and challenging climb. The route sounds like a grueling slog, with sections of loose rock, so I’d plan to rope up with friends to tackle it safely.
Early July, with its long daylight hours, seems like the ideal time to attempt this climb. Route beta.
Goode Mountain (guided) - I have credit for a few days of private guiding with the American Alpine Institute, and I’m considering using it for a big objective in the North Cascades that would test several skills. This is the tallest peak in the National Park but its remoteness means it isn’t visible from any road. There’d be a long approach of 16 miles, a glacier crossing, some unroped scrambling, and a big descent. Route beta.

Climbing

I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’ll never be the climber I once aspired to be, and oddly, that realization brings me a sense of peace. Until now, I struggled with my inability to prioritize climbing over all the other activities I love. This year, I’ve trimmed down my list of climbing goals. I’ll give them my best effort, but I’ve decided not to beat myself up if they don’t all come to fruition.

Climbing in Red Rock - Climbing with Patrick in Red Rock last spring was an absolute blast. We found that 2–3 days of full-on climbing was the sweet spot; by the fourth day, we were so exhausted that we ended up catching an earlier flight home.
The area has an endless number of moderate classics, and I’d love to tackle as many as I can in my lifetime. With so much skiing planned for the spring, I’m thinking November would be the perfect time to make another trip out there.
1. NOTE: Ben and Greg are interested.
Squamish climbing - After an amazing mountain biking trip in Squamish, I’d love to return and check out the climbing. While not technically in Squamish, I’m particularly excited about Star Chek and Indra’s Net —both are multipitch sport routes that climb directly out of the river.
The route I’m most looking forward to, though, is Spirit of Squamish, an 8-pitch moderate and a classic of the area. The best time to visit seems to be between July and September, and I can’t wait to experience the climbing scene firsthand.
Guided: Third Pillar of Dana (5.10 III, 5 pitch) - For my birthday two years ago, Leah gifted me a guided climb with Peter Croft. Unfortunately, I had to delay using it due to two injuries, and when we finally made plans in 2024, Peter Croft ended up being flaky, and bad weather forced us to defer.
Now, I’m determined to return to the Sierras and make this climb happen, possibly in June. I’ll look for a different guide this time and might even consider tackling something harder, like the Red Dihedral, if I feel strong enough. Route beta.
Trad: West Ridge of Prusik Peak (5.7, 4 pitch) - Prusik Peak is arguably one of the most beautiful mountains in the country, and its West Ridge offers a moderate climb on solid rock with easy natural belay anchors. If not for the six-hour hike to reach it, the route would likely be swarming with climbers.
The biggest challenge is securing a permit for the area. This year, I’ll be ready to apply on February 15 and hope for some luck. I’m targeting July or August, though the odds of getting a permit are slim, so this goal might carry over to another year. As much as I love the idea of the climb, I’m not sure I have the enthusiasm to tackle it as an 18-hour, single-day push. Route beta, more info.
Trad: Ragged Edge of Vesper Peak (5.7, 6 pitch) - This alpine rock route offers stunning views and thrilling exposure, making it exactly the kind of moderate climb that appeals to me. Patrick and I almost attempted it, but after scouting it on a hike a few days earlier, I realized we were too late in the season. The north-facing wall already had ice forming on the holds by late September.
On the bright side, I found some excellent camping spots nearby—no permit required—for the next attempt. If conditions allow, we might also tackle True Grit, a slightly harder moderate route right next door. I’ll aim for mid-September or earlier to avoid the icy holds this time around. Route beta.
Climbing in the Gunks - The Gunks holds a special place for me as the area where I logged countless climbs while learning. I miss it a lot and would love to squeeze in a day trip next time I’m visiting family in NYC. I’m not too picky about which route I get on, though it’d be pretty awesome to climb The Dangler for a photo. 😅
Sport: Prime Rib (5.9-, 11 pitch) - It’s a destination for climbers from across the country, and it’s easy to see why. This one is definitely worth taking a day off for, and going mid-week should help avoid long waits behind other parties.
Located in the Methow Valley, just outside of Mazama—my happy place—this route now has the added convenience of a new hostel for easier lodging. I also learned that shuttling cars to the top of the route can save the hassle of multiple rappels. September seems like the perfect time to make this happen. Route beta.

To help coordinate plans, I created a chart outlining the ideal times to tackle each goal based on expected weather and my personal schedule. A few activities are already locked in for specific dates, but the chart helps keep everything organized. Let me know if you’d like a copy of the template to use for your own planning!

My 2024 goals - what got done, what didn't, and lessons learned

January 02, 2025

This was my first full year post-ACL rehab so I looked at this list with excitement as well as caution. My rehab program left me stronger than I’d ever been, but I wanted to avoid another injury. Somehow I ended up injuring myself in mid-July doing an exercise that tore a groin muscle during the peak climbing season. Unlike with my ACL, there was no lesson to learn so it was purely demoralizing. I’m making a decent recovery, but for yet another year I failed to have my epic climbing season. Still, I got a lot done.

This year, I used ChatGPT to demystify the complex maze of permits, which helped tremendously when paired with up-to-date beta on trail conditions from local facebook groups.

Skiing

Camp Muir ski tour

Mt St Helens ski tour

Hyak ski laps

❌ Ski lessons at Snoqualmie Pass - When I drafted the 2024 goals list, I assumed I’d be a lot worse off in terms of my skiing technique given knee operation last year. It turns out that not only I was able to pick up where I left off, I also had far more strength than ever before due to extensive physical therapy. I also balked at how expensive lessons were and opted to just work on the things I knew I was doing incorrectly.
⚠️ Ski touring 30,000ft ele - It was a pretty weak snowpack this past 23/24 season, so my plans to get “fitness laps” at a nearby ski resort hill (Hyak) weren’t fully fulfilled. I did get 4,300ft from three visits at Hyak, but most of my touring came from skiing on the volcanos. In total I got 17,000ft of ski touring this season. The goal of 30,000ft was arbitrary and intended to force me to learn about my layering systems, work on my kick turns, and dial in my transitions. I still learned a lot this year!
❌ XC skiing Methow Trails - The weak snowpack really hit the Methow Valley hard so it wasn’t worth the long drive up to experience XC skiing. I’d like to carry this over to 2025.
✅ Backcountry skiing Muir Snowfield on Rainier (9.5mi, 5000 feet desc) - I did this with my friend Cliff in mid-May after a failed attempt (too windy) with Leah earlier in the month. I had one of the best and longest ski runs of my life, enjoyed incredible views, and learned a lot about timing a descent for optimal snow conditions and the unreliability of a forecast for Mt Rainier.
✅ Backcountry skiing Worm Flows on Mt St Helens (11mi, 5500 feet desc) - I got this one done with Paul on March 30, just two days before the permits would be required. The mountain was were incredibly crowded because of the spectacular weekend weather window. Watching hundreds of other people struggling to make basic kick turns and carrying themselves inefficiently confirmed that hours of YouTube helped me out a ton.

I had a spectacular ski season even though it was a short one. I was fully expecting that skiing would be nearly impossible given my knee surgery on May 2, 2023, but I was back on snow 9 months after and was ready to ski on some volcanoes!

Camp Muir ski tour

Surfing/swimming

I’ve always been averse to water activities given my poor swimming skills. Leah has been encouraging me to improve and I also feel I need to get better before I have kids. I made very little progress on this front in 2024.

⚠️ Swimming once each month - I started out the year strong, heading to the indoor public pools once or twice a month, but as soon as it became warmer I gave up on this goal. It’s a shame because I had a moment where the technique of swimming finally clicked and I probably would have leveled up if I got more reps in.
❌ Kayaking and camping on Blake Island - Kayaking requires a great weather weekend, and I realized quickly that I don’t enjoy kayaking enough to prioritize it over doing any of the other things I do when it’s nice out. I’d still like to someday do it, maybe when I have a kid. In the meantime, I’ll have a kayak that collects dust.
⚠️ Surfing in Mexico - I mostly have written off surfing (I have too many activities) but it’s something Leah loves and I want to make an effort to share in her passion. She booked a bunch of lessons for herself with Zack Howard a pro-surfer instructor in Maui on a December trip. I decided I’d tag along for the five days of practice. Initially I was wrecked paddling out, but by the third day I was fine. I wasn’t scared of being out in the ocean anymore. By the last lesson, I was catching 4ft waves on 9’6” In the Pink board.

Cycling (road & gravel)

Highway 20 cycling

Top of Highway 20 cycling

San Juan Island ride

I’ve always done more cycling than I’ve wanted to because it’s so easy to just get on my bike alone compared to finding climbing partners. It’s also been good to me no matter what injury I’m recovering from (e.g., ACL rehab, sprained wrist, groin strain, etc). This year Leah and I had an unexpected bike ride around Mont Blanc for a week following a friend’s wedding in France!

Olympic Adventure Trail

✅ Car-free Highway 20 cycling (50+ mi, 6k ft ele) - In mid-April, WSDOT announced that Highway 20 was fully plowed and for only one weekend it’d be available to bike without cars. The weather was spectacular and I didn’t have any plans yet, so I went for it. Getting everything to line up perfectly requires a lot of luck so I was really happy to have gotten this one.
❌ Car-free Mt Rainier Sunrise Road (30+ mi, 3k ft ele) - I really wanted to do this ride with Leah to show her how great it was, but the weekends this was possible with weather and openings conflicted with plans we already made.
❌ Crater Rim ride at Crater Lake (32mi, 4k ft ele) - We had plans to do this but a concert and a wedding ended up taking priority. It would’ve been a very long drive and I’m not sure it’d be worth it. I’d love to go to Crater Lake again though.
✅ San Juan Island road ride (45mi, 3800ft ele) - In late-March, Leah and I invited Kara and Woody to join us on San Juan Island to do a bike ride that would take advantage of the rain shadow. Initially, I had planned to bike this in the summer so we could spot the orca migration. This was my first time on San Juan Island and I was amazed at how bucolic and scenic it was. It was only a day trip but it felt like we had gone on a mini vacation, especially since it was nearly winter still.
❌ 2-day bikepack Olympic Bridges (39mi, 3k ft ele) - The more I looked into this, the more I thought this wouldn’t be a good use of a weekend. It looked too easy and too graffiti’d. This won’t carry over to next year.
✅ Darrington box loop ride (105mi, 3k ft ele) - This was the most regrettable of all of my goals. It was the most boring and miserable gravel riding I’ve ever done and it tested my mental fortitude for hours. It was mostly flat, straight, and lonely. It was the kind of ride that makes you hate cycling. I’m glad I got it done and so I can at least tell others to avoid it.
✅ 2-day bikepack Olympic Adventure Trail (66mi, 8k ft ele) - We did this trail one way as a happy group of eight and had the good luck of perfect riding temps, an excellent campsite, and the ability to ride light because someone was shuttling our overnight gear. It was pure riding bliss!
❌ Lone Butte gravel ride (54mi, 5200 ft ele) - This never happened because it was such a long drive, injury recovery, and there were other things I wanted to do instead. I don’t think I’d carry this over to 2025.
❌ 2-day bikepack Teanaway River (42mi, 4.5k ft ele) - I still would like to do this loop someday, especially now that I have a hardtail bike that I’m setting up for bikepacking! I don’t think it would’ve been much fun on my gravel bike.
⚠️ Tour de Whidbey route (50mi, 4k ft ele) - On a mid-July Friday I set out for a ride on Whidbey Island, unsure if I had the stoke to do a 100-miler I initially drew out for myself. I had fun doing a 50mi loop around the southern end of the island and ended up having an amazing lunch at Goldie’s in Coupeville.
❌ Cowichan Valley 8 bikepacking (118mi, 6k ft ele) - Getting to Victoria, BC is an ordeal and I felt like this trail followed too many logging and mining roads to make it worthwhile. I don’t think I’d carry this over to 2025.

Mountain biking

Fluidride clinic

Methow Valley riding

Port Gamble riding

Post Canyon w/ friends

Post Canyon riding

I would have never guessed that mountain biking would play such a large role in my free time, but it has. It’s become the default activity for after work and last minute weekend plans.

✅ Fluidride clinics - Getting lessons from Simon Lawton absolutely leveled up my riding abilities. It was like getting physics lessons from Einstein.
❌ Orcas Island (shuttled) - I thought I could force this to be an autumn tradition but it’s hard getting a group together for shuttling and overnighting, especially when several of us are traveling during the rainiest part of the year (the fall). I’ll think of this instead as a spring-time activity: warmer weather, longer days, more reliable sunshine. Biking on Mt. Constitution is open until May 15.
❌ Darrington (shuttled) - Shuttled riding means I need to get a crew together, and a specific group of people who would be stoked to do this. We couldn’t align on schedules so it didn’t happen. Also, the road leading up to the summit was in need of serious repair.
✅ Methow Valley riding - I came here with Leah to mountain bike for a day. The Methow is my favorite place on earth and we came through before the trails got dry and dusty. We had incredible views of the surrounding mountains and got to sample some of the local dirt!
✅ Sunset descent of Olallie (18mi, blue/black) - I decided to test out my new hardtail on this trail one afternoon. I found it to be mostly uninspiring, lacking of views, and having to keep an eye on people coming up the trail you’re going ripping takes away from the flow. It could be good for a fitness lap, but I’d much rather do that with Flow State and Poppin Tops.
❌ Angel’s Staircase (23mi, 5k ft ele) - I’ll have to prioritize this for next year. We had a great weather weekend during larch season to experience this but Leah thought it was a bit too burly. Hopefully the stars align next year!
✅ Port Gamble - It was a relatively dry winter, so I was able to get out to Port Gamble early in the season with friends and had an absolute blast, especially having lunch halfway at Butcher and Baker Provisions.
⚠️ St Edwards laps - I was a bit too ambitious with my goal of 100 miles of riding, but it pushed me to get out and familiarize myself with the park by going here whenever I had a free afternoon. I ended up with 45 miles after 9 days of riding. Not bad. The real goal was to get familiar enough with the trails that I could work on challenging sections, which I was able to do successfully.
✅ Post Canyon, OR riding - Leah and I visited for our 2 year anniversary and coincidentally our friends also happened to be in town. I did three days of riding and enjoyed how different the softer volcanic dirt is compared to what we’ve got closer to Seattle.
❌ Whole Enchilada, Moab (27mi, 8,000ft descent) - This was very close to happening but Leah couldn’t get the time off work. Instead I ended up going to Boise to ride with Luke, which ended up being even more fun. Some of the trail sections in the sandstone quarry that we rode even had a very Moab-feel! I’d still like to do the Whole Enchilada and will try to arrange this as a group trip at some point.

Backpacking & day-hiking

Although I accomplished none of these, I still got some October trail hiking miles in thanks to Leah as well as some incredibly scenic hiking in the Sierras and near Squamish. I remembered what I appreciated about hiking, despite how slow it is.

❌ Mount Ellinor hike (6mi, 3,300ft ele) - Patrick and I made several planning attempts but the weather never quite lined up as we were hoping to do it in the winter. It’s a fairly big drive so we wanted to ensure we wouldn’t be socked in with clouds.
❌ High Divide Loop day hike in Olympic NP (19mi, 5k ft ele) - The day before I was slated to do this epic hike, I had my groin strain which took months to recover from. Bad timing.
❌ Enchantment Peak day hike (21mi, 8k ft ele) - I could’ve made this happen if not for the groin strain that wrecked my plans for the second half of the summer. All I can do is commit to trying again next year.

Mountaineering

Heading up Colchuck glacier

View from Colchuck

Top of Colchuck Peak

Anything that required roping up for glacier travel, I didn’t do. This was a failure on my part despite having an eager and capable partner in Patrick. We never prioritized the glacier rescue skills practice and never set aside the several days required to appropriately do one of these objectives. We both agreed it’d be a lot simpler if mountaineering was our only focus.

❌ Eldorado Peak glacier climb (10mi, 7k feet ele) - I’d still like to do this one (will be my third summit if successful), so it’ll carry over to next year.
✅ Colchuck Peak glacier scramble (13mi, 6k feet ele) - I did this snow scramble in late-May on a bluebird day on my own and it was a refresher in using crampons efficiently on firm snow. I wish I had brought my skis for the descent of Colchuck Glacier instead of resorting to glissading. I didn’t feel tired by the end of it all despite the 6,000ft of ascent but I noticed the altitude left me short of breath.
❌ Fisher Chimneys on Mt Shuksan (4th class, 7k ft ele) - I’d still like to do this one, so it’ll carry over to next year.
❌ Ruth Mtn Glacier climb (12mi, 4k ft ele) - I’d still like to do this one, so it’ll carry over to next year.
❌ Snowking Mtn snow scramble (18mi, 8k ft ele) - I really tried to make this one happen. The idea of cutting some mileage out by introducing a mountain bike, and then adding skis to speed up the descent really appealed to me as a multi-sport adventure. I couldn’t find anyone else who shared the stoke of multi-sporting and camping in the snow. I didn’t feel comfortable solo-ing this. I considered dropping this one for good. I’ll still keep it on for next year and likely recruit someone from the Internet.

Climbing

Red Rock, Beulah's Book

Red Rock, lots of rappels

Red Rock, Going Nuts

Red Rock

Index

Index, rappelling

Just as climbing season was peaking in the PNW, I had the groin injury that took months to recover from. Fortunately, I was still able to get some climbs in (even my hardest ever sport lead) but none of them were the big climbs I would’ve liked to be doing in the late summer and early fall.

✅ Climbing in Red Rock - This climbing trip I did in April with Patrick is exactly what I needed to get back into the trad leading mindset. It reminded me about what I love about multi-pitch climbing: the adventure, the problem solving, and the camaraderie high up on the wall. We hit up some classics like Birdland and made some excellent memories.
❌ Trad: S Face of the Tooth (5.4, 4 pitch) - I don’t know if I still have interest in this given how easy and crowded it is. Doing it in mountaineering boots might make it worthwhile as practice for alpine rock climbing. I don’t think I’d carry this over to 2025.
✅ Cragging: Index - Patrick invited me to join him for some trad climbing at our local crag. I was nervous at first since it had been years since I led on trad but I was able to calmly lead one of the moderate classics (Senior Citizens in Space). It’s exactly what I needed to give me the confidence that I still know what I’m doing.
❌ Guided: Third Pillar of Dana (5.10 III, 3 pitch) - We took a trip down to the Sierras for my guided rock climb with Peter Croft. He was incredibly flaky and I lost a lot of trust in him based on inconsistencies in his excuses for delaying. A friend confirmed that he has this reputation. Ultimately, the climb ended up not happening and I still have credit to climb with the guiding company he works with. At this point, I think I’d rather climb the Third Pillar with a friend and use the credit to possibly climb The Hulk with another guide if I can work my climbing skills up to that level.
❌ Trad: West Ridge of Prusik Peak (5.7, 4 pitch) - Didn’t make this happen because of injury. I also think having a camping permit would make this a whole lot more pleasant.
❌ Trad: Ragged Edge of Vesper Peak (5.7, 6 pitch) - I was close to making this happen with Patrick late in the season. I even scoped it out on a day hike with Leah on September 30. From the summit, I peered over the north-facing rock and could see ice crystals clinging to the holds. I’d probably enjoy it more if I plan for earlier.
❌ Sport: Tooth Fairy (5.9, 6 pitch) - See below.
❌ Sport: Voie de Chaise of Chair Peak (5.9, 7 pitch) - I was planning to do Tooth Fairy and Voie de Chaise with Patrick once my groin strain had mostly healed but he had already done em, noting “Tooth Fairy climbing isn’t super interesting until crux pitch which is substantially harder than the rest and Voie de Chase had lots of loose rock on first two rappels.” I’m not sure I’ll carry these over as goals but I’d be interested if the opportunity presented itself.
❌ Sport: Prime Rib (5.9-, 11 pitch) - I was close to making this happen, committing to even taking time off. Patrick had just driven back from the Methow and was in no mood to drive back there so it didn’t happen.
❌ Trad: Outer Space (5.9, 6 pitch) - Patrick and I were thinking about doing a climb in October and we floated the idea of doing this. I hadn’t climbed outdoors for a few months and neither of us felt 100% confident in a 5.9 trad lead. Next year, it’ll happen.

I didn’t rigidly stick to this goals list and instead used it as a rough guide. Even though I didn’t make a dent in my goal climbing routes for example, I nailed down a reliable climbing partner (something I didn’t have last year). I couldn’t complete the long hikes I set out to do here, but Leah and I were able to explore some incredible trails in Squamish, the Sierras, and backpacking below Mt Stuart. There are a lot of red Xs on this page, but it doesn’t reflect all the unplanned things I got done (e.g., a cyclocross race, bike touring around Mont Blanc, mountain biking in Boise).

Cycling around Mont Blanc

Mtn biking Boise

Cyclocross race

Backpacking Ingalls Lake

Hiking below Temple Crag

Mtn biking Squamish

Climbing Poppy's Peril

Bike/Ski Mt. Pilchuck

Goat Mtn hike

Outdoor goals for 2024 - effort vs interest matrix

January 03, 2024

Last year I published my goals for 2023, but didn’t accomplish any of them besides completing an AIARE course in January. I tore my ACL in February and had surgery in May to reconstruct the torn ligament. My entire 2023 revolved around physical therapy with the goal of coming back stronger and more capable for 2024 and beyond. During the countless sessions relearning how to walk, I've had ample time to daydream about the activities I wanted to be pursuing. The thought of being able to move through the mountains again someday is what kept me focused and motivated through the monotonous exercises.

Although it appears I'm planning every weekend of the year, I’m always open to surprises, like our unexpected cycling trip this year to Corsica and Sardinia, planned just nine days before our flight. The point of this list isn’t to limit my opportunities. Instead, focusing my attention inspires me to train appropriately and always have something to look forward to.

If this all seems unrealistic for a year, that’s because it probably is. I like to dream big.

Skiing

Although I’ve been cleared by my PT, I’ll be conservative with my skiing this season to avoid re-injury. Of all the activities on this list, skiing is the one I need to be most careful with. It looks like there won’t be much snowfall in the PNW this winter, so I’m skeptical if I’ll get much of this done.

Ski lessons at Snoqualmie Pass - I’m concerned that my new body mechanics and any mental hesitation I have would create bad habits, so I thought it may be a good idea to take at least one private lesson to focus on improving my form.
Ski touring 30,000ft ele - I’d like to get in some uphilling action at a nearby ski resort hill that has a groomed run for skinning. There’s about 1,100ft of climbing so I’d be getting in some “fitness laps” before work meetings on weekdays. I’d likely work from Passlife, the new coworking space at Snoqualmie Pass, and maybe make some new friends there. In addition to getting my hip flexors stronger, I’ll practice dialing in my transitions between skinning and skiing.
XC skiing Methow Trails - The Methow Valley in summer is heaven on earth for me and in the winter has the largest cross-country ski area in North America. I have zero interest in XC skiing given my past experience with it, but it deserves another chance, especially given the setting. More info.
Backcountry skiing Muir Snowfield on Rainier (9.5mi, 5000 feet desc) - The descent starts up at 10,000 feet in elevation, considered the halfway point for those ascending up to Rainier’s summit. The snowfield is probably one of the easiest-to-access ~5,000ft backcountry ski descents in the country, and it’s rated at moderate difficulty. While the Muir Snowfield can be skied all year round, it’s a lot more fun to go when you can ski all the way back to your car (usually til late June). On a clear day, views of Adams, Helens, Hood, and even Jefferson are visible. The biggest challenge here would likely be monitoring for weather changes and snow stability, as weather above 7,000ft is unpredictable. Route beta.
Backcountry skiing Worm Flows on Mt St Helens (11mi, 5500 feet desc) - MSH is often considered the easiest of the Cascade volcanoes. Although this route crosses the Swift Glacier, it’s fairly non-technical without crevasse concern. On a clear day, Mount Adams’ broad summit can be seen to the east. Catching clear weather on a day with minimal wind is ideal. Likely I’d try this as an overnighter from Seattle (i.e., sleeping in the car at the trailhead). The big question is whether to go before March 31 (free permits) or after (limited). Route beta.

Surfing/swimming

I’ve always been averse to water activities given my poor swimming skills. Leah has been encouraging me to improve and I also irrationally feel I need to get better before I have kids.

Swimming once each month - Last year’s goal was to swim once a month in Lake Washington, and I even took a cold dip in January and February. Since the goal is to learn how to swim better, I’ll allow myself the option to swim in an indoor public pool to remove the inconvenience of having to dry out my wetsuit after each dip in the lake.
Kayaking and camping on Blake Island - Blake Island is a state park that’s a moderately easy paddle from Seattle. The island is only accessible by boat and there are miles of hiking trails and campsites along the water. We have an Oru tandem kayak, whistles, and life jackets. I’ll need a basic understanding of currents and winds, as well as be mindful of the large ships I’ll be sharing the water with. More info.
Surfing in Mexico - November’s usually a wet and grey month in Seattle. There isn’t enough snow yet in the mountains and it gets dark earlier. I love the idea of spending that time each year exploring a new part of Mexico and getting some attempts to stand on a surfboard before my arms give out.

Cycling (road & gravel)

Cycling was the one activity I was able to do last year that helped get me outdoors. Many of these goals I’d love to do with Leah and the theme here is about using the bike to immerse myself in a new place. A few favorite rides from 2022 (e.g., Sunrise Road w/o cars, and Highway 20 w/o cars) I’d love to try again with Leah if she’s up for it.

Car-free Highway 20 cycling (50+ mi, 6k ft ele) - Highway 20 is the iconic road that cuts through the Northern Cascades. The road is popular with cyclists all-year round but there’s a sweet spot in the year when it’s plowed but not yet open to cars. This usually happens between late-April to early-May. Depending on how much is plowed, this can be a 30mi ride or a 100mi out and back. I’ll be checking WSDOT pretty regularly. More info.
Car-free Mt Rainier Sunrise Road (30+ mi, 3k ft ele) - Sunrise, nestled on the east side of Mt Rainier, is the highest point you can drive to in Mt Rainier National Park at 6,400ft in elevation. It’s also the last road to get plowed and open to cars. While the plows are still making progress, it’s possible to bike up for face-to-face views with the mountain without not have to worry about sticking to a shoulder lane. The trick is to time it so you ride it as late as possible, when it’s warmest and the most amount of road is accessible, but before cars are allowed through. This usually happens late-June or early-July depending on snowfall that winter. I’ve set a reminder on my calendar to check road conditions every few days. More info.
Crater Rim ride at Crater Lake (32mi, 4k ft ele) - I’ve been to Crater Lake before on a road trip with Ben and was stunned at how massive and blue the caldera was. There’s a road that traces around the crater rim and it’s almost entirely closed to car traffic for just two Saturdays out of the year (Sept 9 and 16 for 2023). The rim ranges in elevation from 7,000 to 8,000 feet, so I’d be curious if I could comfortably get two laps in. I’d love to go for a swim with Leah in the lake halfway through the ride too in America’s deepest lake. Given how long of a drive from Seattle this is, it may make sense to combine it with a visit to Bend, Oregon. More info.
San Juan Island road ride (45mi, 3800ft ele) - Just along the border with Canada is the San Juan Island archipelago. One island in particular, San Juan Island, I’m keen to check out for it’s bucolic and leisurely vibes. In addition to the rural farms and slow lifestyle, the island is home to Lime Kiln State Park along the western coastline. It’s one of the best places in the country for seeing orcas from atop a sea cliff without having to pay for a boat tour during the salmon runs (May through September). This path follows as much of the coastline as possible with a stop halfway through where we’d hopefully see some whales! Route line.
2-day bikepack Olympic Bridges (39mi, 3k ft ele) - Leah and I did our first bikepacking trip in 2022, which meant buying lots more gear. Now that we’ve got it all, I figure we better make use of it. This is an easy route that goes over two of the state’s highest arched bridges through the lush and dense rainforest in the Olympic Peninsula. It can easily be done in a day, and in fact may be easier to do in a day. This may be a good one to do with friends for a super chill weekend. Best done in the early summer (e.g., late May or June), when the rain has lessened but the trees are still glowing from all the spring precipitation. More info.
Darrington box loop ride (105mi, 3k ft ele) - This is a mostly unremarkable century road ride close to home without much elevation gain. It follows some scenic mountain roads that I’ve driven plenty of times and have daydreamed about pedaling through. I saw someone come up with this loop in a Facebook group and figure it’s a fun one to rip through whenever the temps are mild and the skies are clear. Route line.
2-day bikepack Olympic Adventure Trail (66mi, 8k ft ele) - This is the classic bikepacking route for those living in Seattle (i.e., seems like everyone is doing it). It’s almost entirely smooth gravel and dirt and effortless riding bliss with views of the forested mountains while tracing Lake Crescent’s shoreline. This year I booked two weekends in case of weather for a campsite at Fairholme Campground, which isn’t necessary but makes it a lot more pleasant. More info.
Lone Butte gravel ride (54mi, 5200 ft ele) - In August of 2022, I explored the vast Gifford Pinchot Nat’l Forest on my gravel bike and loved it. The area is nestled between Mt Adams and the remains of Mt St Helens and felt remote, dense, and felt far away. The ride also felt pretty rugged. I came across another trail that offers the same solitude and challenge with the highlight being the wild and pristine Lewis River Valley. I’m hoping to check it out in October as the leaves are turning. More info.
2-day bikepack Teanaway River (42mi, 4.5k ft ele) - This trail is a little more challenging but much easier to get to from Seattle. The loop offers views of the Central Cascades (including the jagged Stuart range). Some sections of trail are overgrown, have downed bridges, and steep sections that hiking a loaded bike should be expected. Fortunately, the route sits nicely in a bit of a rain shadow so it should be a nice escape from grey skies, making it a great candidate for September. More info.
Tour de Whidbey route (103mi, 6k ft ele) - Whidbey Island is near to Seattle but feels like an escape from the city given the slight rain shadow. This route, covering both the north and south part of the island, is one I copied from an official cycling event. The line goes through some towns, so resupplying would be easy enough. There’s a lot of up and down to keep things interesting while following the coastline. Route line.
Cowichan Valley 8 bikepacking (118mi, 6k ft ele) - Leah and I both want to explore more of British Columbia and a 2-3 day cycling trip in the Cowichan Valley seemed like a great way to test our bikepacking skills and experience the deeply forested trails of Vancouver Island. We’re also keen to check out Victoria, BC. While the trail can be ridden all-year round, we’d like to avoid being rained on. Route beta.

Mountain biking

I didn’t realize how much I’d miss mountain biking while I was in rehab. I enjoy it almost as much as I enjoy climbing. One surprise from all the strength training for my ACL rehab is that I’m a lot more confident moving the bike around.

Fluidride clinics - Simon Lawton is the owner of Fluidride and he runs the best YouTube channel for mountain biking skills. I’ve benefitted a lot from guided instruction in general, and he runs in-person classes. Leah and I took advantage of a sale and booked over 20 hours each of courses at the start of the season to set us up on the right foot.
Orcas Island (shuttled) - Orcas Island is another one of the San Juan islands, and after October 15 each year a network of singletrack becomes open to mountain bikers. In early November of 2022, a few friends and I rented an Airbnb on the island and shuttled our bikes up for laps off the summit of Mt Constitution. It was so much fun that we all agreed we should make it an annual tradition! More info.
Darrington (shuttled) - The riding near Darrington, tucked between the mountains close to Seattle, is best done with a shuttle. The scenery is spectacular and all of the trails were recently built to diversify the town’s economy from primarily resource extraction. This would best be done with a group of friends given the shuttling. I’d like to do this mainly because it’s relatively close to home and sounds like an incredible day. I’ll probably want to avoid overlapping with the annual bluegrass festival, or not. More info.
Methow Valley riding - The Methow Valley is my favorite place on earth and I hear the lines there are incredible thanks to the trail builders of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. We’d make a weekend of it. More info.
Sunset descent of Olallie (18mi, blue/black) - This is a local trail that’s a 9 mile climb up a ridge that descends back the same way. It’s positioned right at the foothills of the Cascade mountains. After doing my first night mountain bike ride and loving it, I think it’d be pretty awesome to ride this trail as the sun is setting. My friend Cliff has been doing this trail pretty regularly and has been talking about it nonstop. More info.
Angel’s Staircase (23mi, 5k ft ele) - This is one of Washington’s burliest alpine mountain biking loops, and is the highest altitude singletrack in the state at 8,000 feet. There’s some sections of mandatory hike-a-bike, but the views make it worthwhile. The trail traverses around Martin Peak through ponderosa forest to subalpine first on open ridgelines. This is another trail that has a short window given the altitude. The entire ride is physically demanding, but it’s possible to get an early start by car-camping at the trailhead. If we make a weekend of it, we could do some riding up in the nearby Methow Valley and Mazama, which is the closest thing to heaven on earth for me. More info.
Port Gamble - I’ve ridden at Port Gamble and had a lot of fun. Given the logging that occurred there and the amount of sand in the dirt due to the proximity of the sound, the trails dry out much faster after rain so it’s a good option to keep in mind. The trail builders are also eager to get more traffic to the area. More info.
St Edwards laps - My friend Jason rides the cross-country trails at St Edwards State Park several times a week and he knows the place intimately. Every time I’ve gone on my own I get lost in the web of trails lacking any signage. It’s close to home and a great place to level up my riding without having to commit to a long drive. My goal this year is to ride 100 miles of trails there, ideally with Jason leading the way so I know where to turn. More info.
Post Canyon riding - Leah and I were married in Hood River, Oregon in late May and we were thinking about visiting again around the same time if the weather is good. More info.
Whole Enchilada, Moab (27mi, 8,000ft descent) - This is one of the most famous trails in the world and somehow I already ended up riding it as one of my first ever mountain bike rides. It was as scary as it was fun, and one of the best days I’ve ever had. Moab is a great escape from the atmospheric rivers that hit Seattle in October. More info.

Backpacking & day-hiking

Despite the many opportunities for hiking in the PNW, I’ve been more excited to put time into other activities. Still, I do love getting out there when the views are grand and there’s enough of a struggle to keep the crowds away. The eccentric load of descending on trails will likely be tough on my operated knee so I’ll be curious about how hard it’ll be to get back to my previous level.

Mount Ellinor hike (6mi, 3,300ft ele) - This isn’t an intense hike but it is one of the peaks visible from Seattle when looking out onto the Olympics. It’s steep and available to do year-round as long as you’re prepared to trudge through snow. More info.
High Divide Loop day hike in Olympic NP (19mi, 5k ft ele) - I got the inspiration for this route from Climber Kyle’s blog post listing epic mountain runs of the PNW. The trail looms over a rainforest, crosses alpine meadows with open ridgelines, and overlaps with spectacular waterfalls.I chose this one because I’d like to appreciate more of the Olympic peninsula while I still live in Seattle and have relatively easy access to it. I figure I should attempt this in a day as a fast hike so that I could go light, guarantee I’ll have good weather, and not have to deal with a crowded campsite. The distance and elevation is less than what each of my days hiking the PCT Section J was, so hopefully this feels just perfect in terms of difficulty. More info.
Enchantment Peak day hike (21mi, 8k ft ele) - When I first moved to Seattle, I had dreams of doing the Enchantment thru hike in a day. It was even one of my goals for last year that I never got to. As I learned more about the conga line of folks hiking through the Enchantment zone, I lost interest in doing the same thing. Still, I’d love to experience the area in a different way, especially perched from a central summit. This approach means I’d be doing an out-and-back but I don’t mind. A trail always looks a little different when you’re looking the other direction. More info.

Mountaineering

I haven’t done glaciated mountaineering in years given the pandemic, living on the east coast til recently, my finger injury, the torn ACL, and the challenge of finding a capable/reliable partner to rope up with. This year, I think I’ve got a good idea of who I’d partner up and practice with.

Eldorado Peak glacier climb (10mi, 7k feet ele) - This is a summit I’ve stood on twice, both times under the supervision of a guide monitoring my decision-making. It’s a big day to reach base camp, and a rather short and straightforward ascent to the summit. It’ll involve roping up for glacier travel and carrying additional gear for overnighting. This would be my third summit on the peak, but I’d like to try it again because of how beautiful the terrain is and also because I’m familiar with it. “…Massively aloof…the summit has a Himalayan like splendor owing to its remoteness, position, and knife-edge summit ridge.” Best done between July and September, so I’d most likely I’d aim for late July. My longer term goals for this is to try and ski off the top…someday! Route beta, more beta, more beta.
Colchuck Peak glacier scramble (14mi, 5k feet ele) - This peak sits in the Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and seems to be easier when there’s snow covering the steep talus field. An ice ax, helmet, and crampons is essential but most parties forgo roping up. After topping out on the glacier, there’s some class 2/3 scrambling on rock before making it to the summit. Some groups choose to make the traverse to Dragontail Peak to make it a longer day. This is one I’d be tempted to do alone, but the responsible thing would be to go with someone else. Route beta.
Fisher Chimneys on Mt Shuksan (4th class, 7k ft ele) - This is a route that combines mountaineering with some 4th class scrambling. I’ve been on Mt Shuksan before, but we were rained off of it several hundred yards from the summit. Loose rock is another hazard to be mindful of, especially due to the popularity of the route. I’d want at least two partners to be roped up with if I attempted it. July and August seem to be primetime for this route. Route beta.
Ruth Mtn Glacier climb (12mi, 4k ft ele) - This is an easy objective that would provide spectacular views of Mt Shuksan and Nooksack Tower. It’s a great place to practice roping up for glacier travel and figuring out team dynamics. Best time to attempt is anywhere from June til October, but I’d likely aim for June. I’d definitely want to try doing this in a single day. Route beta.
Snowking Mtn snow scramble (18mi, 8k ft ele) - This is a big day in the mountains trudging through snow with some route-finding challenges. This would challenge my fitness early in the season and my ability to move efficiently through snow. Route beta, more info, more info.

Climbing

I’ve been waiting a long time for my “breakthrough climbing year,” when I’d finally have access to a great crag, a reliable gym, and a partner to help make my dreams come true. Instead, a finger ligament tear had me sit out 2022 and my ACL tear did the same for 2023. I’m nervous getting back into climbing given how much I worry I’ve forgotten, but I’m equally determined to relearn. There are more goals here than any other activity. Climbing outside is where my heart and soul feel full.

Climbing in Red Rock - I love Red Rock and can make the case that it’s the best climbing area in the world. It’s 30 min away from an international airport, there’s great food, easy lodging, tons of accessible sport and trad lines, and mild weather for half the year. The one downside is having to avoid the sandstone after rain. If the weather and schedules align, I’d like to take a trip in April to get back into the swing of things. More info.
Trad: S Face of the Tooth (5.4, 4 pitch) - This is probably the easiest and most popular multipitch in the state of Washington given how close it is to Seattle via the interstate highway. It’s often used as a training climbed for Mountaineers groups. My friend Patrick tells me there are only two decent pitches on it. I’d like to use it to vet any new partners who I’d bring with me, but also get back into the swing of climbing in the alpine again. The only way to avoid the route congestion would be to go mid-week. More info.
Cragging: Index - The climbing at Index is supposed to be world-class, but I’ve yet to go. I even have the guidebook and was studying the crag on my drive over from the east coast. The fine-grained granite has a bit of everything: from techy slab all the way to aid climbs on 500ft walls. The weather is often what keeps people away. Either the rock is too damp or the south-facing walls are blisteringly hot. The routes are more moderate-hard and I’d be a happy climber if I could manage to be a regular at Index. More info.
Guided: Third Pillar of Dana (5.10 III, 3 pitch) - For my birthday two years ago, Leah gifted me a guided climb with my favorite climber, Peter Croft. I delayed using the gift certificate with his guiding company because of my two injuries. Hopefully this year I can use it on this High Sierra classic. I just have to hope wildfire smoke doesn’t ruin my plans. Currently in a back and forth trying to schedule the date. Route beta.
Trad: West Ridge of Prusik Peak (5.7, 4 pitch) - Prusik Peak may be one of the most beautiful mountains in the country and there’s a moderate climb on solid rock with easy natural belay anchors. If not for the 6hr hike to get there, it’d be swarmed with people. I like the idea of a long approach and would like to check it out during larch season. It seems the biggest challenge is getting a permit for the area. Route beta, more info.
Trad: Ragged Edge of Vesper Peak (5.7, 6 pitch) - This is an alpine rock route with stunning views and great exposure. It’s exactly the kind of moderate route that appeals to me. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one. Finding the right partner, moving fast, and starting early are key to having a good time. I’ve read the mosquitos are merciless in the peak of summer so I’ll have to think about timing. Route beta.
Sport: Tooth Fairy (5.9, 6 pitch) - This is an alpine sport route located not far from Seattle. It also sees lots of traffic unsurprisingly. I see this as a stepping stone for longer multipitch sport routes like Prime Rib. More info.
Sport: Voie de Chaise of Chair Peak (5.9, 7 pitch) - This is a new alpine sport route pioneered by local climbers last year, and is located fairly close to Seattle. Not many people are familiar with it yet so I’m hoping to get on it before there’s a traffic jam on the route. More info.
Sport: Prime Rib (5.9-, 11 pitch) - A 5.9 sport route that goes on for 11 pitches? I couldn’t believe it when I first heard about this route years ago. This route sees people who travel from all across the country to experience it. This one is worth taking a day off for, and going mid-week will help ensure I’m not waiting behind other parties. It’s located in the Methow Valley, right outside of Mazama (my happy place). Route beta.
Trad: Outer Space (5.9, 6 pitch) - This is a grade I’ve never led on gear (i.e., my highest was a 5.8 multipitch in Joshua Tree). Fortunately, it’s a crack system that I’d follow, which I love to climb. Route beta.

In order to help coordinate plans, I created a chart indicating ideal times to accomplish each goal given expected weather and my personal schedule. A few things I’ve already locked in for certain dates. Let me know if you’d like this template as well.

Outdoor goals for 2023 - effort vs interest matrix

January 05, 2023

I finally feel like I’ve settled into the Pacific Northwest after completing a full year in my new home. I’ve still got a lot to learn as a newcomer to the west coast, but I credit my obsessive personality for pushing me to new corners of the map. Last year, I shared my 2022 outdoor goals for the year, which was basically a plotting of my daydreams on a chart. Having it as a reference allowed me to plan more thoughtfully, train smarter, and be more intentional about where I place my energy.

In order to do everything on my actual wish list, I’d have to quit my job and live two lifetimes. I’ve used this framework of effort vs interest to help narrow down what it is I’d arrange logistics for, train for, and ultimately prioritize. Last year, I only got to half of the goals on my list but I still had the most active year of my life. Throughout 2022, several injuries (e.g., torn finger ligament), environmental factors (e.g., wildfire smoke), life circumstances, and new inspiration crept in and I needed to adapt. I don’t see these goals as a contract with the universe, but more like a visualization of what’s in my head. I’ve had this approach for years, usually scribbling thoughts on paper. I’m sharing it again as lots of friends have gotten value from arranging their own goals in this way. Hopefully you get some ideas from this. If any are on your own list, do let me know!

Skiing

More than any other activity, my ski goals are highest on my priority list. Part of this has to do with the winter season being so short and precious, but also because it’s where I feel the biggest gap between what I want to be doing and what I’m capable of. Last year, I focused on leveling up my technique inbounds and this year I’m hoping to push into touring. This also means I better improve on my powder skiing.

AIARE 1 Avalanche + Rescue training - The larger goal here is to get out into the backcountry and earn my turns by skinning up the mountain. Before I can do that, I need to learn how to read snow conditions for avalanche risk. I’ve been dreaming about this for a while and I finally got a spot on a February Intro to Backcountry Course w/ AAIRE, joined by Leah and my buddy Ben. More info.
250,000 feet skiing - Last year I had a stretch goal of 300k feet of descent while skiing. I saw a dramatic increase in my skiing ability, but I also felt like I put my knees through a meat grinder by the end. Hopefully this is another year of improvement, ideally with stronger knees this time. I’ll be spending most of my time at Stevens Pass again, but hopefully will get laps in the backcountry.
Backcountry skiing near Stevens Pass - I have two guidebooks that tell me Stevens Pass is a great launchpad for some easy and moderate backcountry skiing. I also have lots of friends who stay at the nearby lodge and I’m eager to take pointers from them. I know that anything I plan in depth as a total noob will be foolish in comparison to getting advice from them, so I’m keeping an open mind. More info.
Backcountry skiing Muir Snowfield on Rainier (9.5mi, 5000 feet desc) - The descent starts up at 10,000 feet in elevation, considered the halfway point for those ascending up to Rainier’s summit. The snowfield is probably one of the easiest-to-access ~5,000ft backcountry ski descents in the country, and it’s rated at moderate difficulty. While the Muir Snowfield can be skied all year round, it’s a lot more fun to go when you can ski all the way back to your car (usually til late June). On a clear day, views of Adams, Helens, Hood, and even Jefferson are visible. The biggest challenge here would likely be monitoring for weather changes and snow stability, as weather above 7,000ft is unpredictable. Route beta.
Backcountry skiing Worm Flows on Mt St Helens (11mi, 5500 feet desc) - MSH is often considered the easiest of the Cascade volcanoes. Although this route crosses the Swift Glacier, it’s fairly non-technical without crevasse concern. On a clear day, Mount Adams’ broad summit can be seen to the east. Catching clear weather on a day with minimal wind is ideal. Likely I’d try this as an overnighter from Seattle (i.e., sleeping in the car at the trailhead). The big question is whether to go before March 31 (free permits) or after (limited). Route beta.

Surfing/swimming

I’ve been averse to water activities given my poor swimming skills. Leah has been encouraging me to improve and I also irrationally feel I need to get better before I have kids. Surfing isn’t high on my interest list, but it’s definitely there.

Surfing in Cerritos Beach, MX - After taking a bunch of lessons in 2022, Leah and I feel like we know our way around the water enough to just rent boards. Unlike Leah, I still can’t reliably catch a wave but I’ve hit a point where I don’t hate being out on the water; I’ve got the fire to finally figure this out. A co-worker gave me a tip that I should go to Costa Rica where I could find reliable beginner waves and get more “at-bats” without having to fight my way through the surf. Leah and I had some sticker shock at the flight and lodging for Costa Rica, so we settled on Cerritos Beach on the Baja Peninsula. Given my limited PTO this year, I’m hoping to do this by working remotely (2hrs on the water + work rest of day), probably in March when the waves are beginner-friendly.
Surfing in Sayulita, MX - We got a tip to check out the surf in Sayulita from a surf instructor. It’s a cheap flight to Puerto Vallarta from Seattle and Leah and I have been daydreaming about working remotely from Mexico for over a year. I’m also hoping to combine this with a trip to Oaxaca which has been in my thoughts for years for the food and culture. One idea could be to visit in early November, when Seattle gets blanketed with grey skies and enjoy some Día de Muertos festivities.
Swimming once each month in Lake Washington - This sounds miserable, and that’s the point. I don’t like getting wet or splashing around in water even in the summer, so my thinking is that by making a habit of dipping myself into the lake regardless of how unpleasant it is, I’ll develop a new relationship with water and my local lake (~5min from home). I’ve got a wetsuit, gloves, and booties to take some of the bite away in the winter temps.

Cycling (road & gravel)

Last year, I signed up for two official cycling events (Seattle to Portland at 206mi and RAMROD at 150mi). As a result, cycling dominated the spring and early summer for me; there was little room for much else given the training and exhaustion. I’d still like to experience the freedom of being on a bike, but less of the intense grind. Many of these goals I’d love to do with Leah and are about using the bike to immerse myself in a new place. A few rides from last year (e.g., Sunrise Road w/o cars, and Highway 20 w/o cars) I’d love to try again with Leah if she’s up for it.

San Juan Island road ride (45mi, 3800ft ele) - Just along the border with Canada is the San Juan Island archipelago. One island in particular, San Juan Island, I’m keen to check out for it’s bucolic and leisurely vibes. In addition to the rural farms and slow lifestyle, the island is home to Lime Kiln State Park along the western coastline. It’s one of the best places in the country for seeing orcas from atop a sea cliff without having to pay for a boat tour during the salmon runs (May through September). This path follows as much of the coastline as possible with a stop halfway through where we’d hopefully see some whales! Route line.

2-day bikepack Olympic Bridges (39mi, 3k ft ele) - Leah and I did our first bikepacking trip last year, which meant buying lots more gear. Now that we’ve got it all, I figure we better make use of it. This is an easy route that goes over two of the state’s highest arched bridges through the lush and dense rainforest in the Olympic Peninsula. It can easily be done in a day, and in fact may be easier to do in a day. This may be a good one to do with friends for a super chill weekend. Best done in the early summer (e.g., late May or June), when the rain has lessened but the trees are still glowing from all the spring precipitation. More info.
2-day bikepack Teanaway River (42mi, 4.5k ft ele) - This trail is a little more challenging but much easier to get to from Seattle. The loop offers views of the Central Cascades (including the jagged Stuart range). Some sections of trail are overgrown, have downed bridges, and steep sections that hiking a loaded bike should be expected. Fortunately, the route sits nicely in a bit of a rain shadow so it should be a nice escape from grey skies, making it a great candidate for September. More info.
2-day bikepack Olympic Adventure Trail (66mi, 8k ft ele) - This is the classic bikepacking route for those living in Seattle (i.e., seems like everyone is doing it). It’s almost entirely smooth gravel and dirt and effortless riding bliss with views of the forested mountains while tracing Lake Crescent’s shoreline. I had it on my list last year, but didn’t prioritize it enough to get a campsite at Fairholme Campground, which isn’t necessary but makes it a lot more pleasant. This year will be different and I’ve locked in a site! More info.
Lone Butte gravel ride (54mi, 5200 ft ele) - In August of 2022, I explored the vast Gifford Pinchot Nat’l Forest on my gravel bike and loved it. The area is nestled between Mt Adams and the remains of Mt St Helens and felt remote, dense, and felt far away. The ride also felt pretty rugged. I came across another trail that offers the same solitude and challenge with the highlight being the wild and pristine Lewis River Valley. I’m hoping to check it out in October as the leaves are turning. More info.
Crater Rim ride at Crater Lake (32mi, 4k ft ele) - I’ve been to Crater Lake before on a road trip with Ben and was stunned at how massive and blue the caldera was. There’s a road that traces around the crater rim and it’s almost entirely closed to car traffic for just two Saturdays out of the year (Sept 9 and 16 for 2023). I’d love to go for a swim with Leah in the lake halfway through the ride too in America’s deepest lake. Given how long of a drive from Seattle this is, it may make sense to combine it with a visit to Bend, Oregon. More info.
Darrington box loop ride (105mi, 3k ft ele) - This is a mostly unremarkable century road ride close to home without much elevation gain. It follows some scenic mountain roads that I’ve driven plenty of times and have daydreamed about pedaling through. I saw someone come up with this loop in a Facebook group and figure it’s a fun one to rip through whenever the temps are mild and the skies are clear. Route line.
Tour de Whidbey route (103mi, 6k ft ele) - Whidbey Island is near to Seattle but feels like an escape from the city given the slight rain shadow. This route, covering both the north and south part of the island, is one I copied from an official cycling event. The line goes through some towns, so resupplying would be easy enough. There’s a lot of up and down to keep things interesting while following the coastline. Route line.

Mountain biking

Last year, I only had two extremely modest goals for mountain biking. I had no idea I’d spend so much time on singletrack, but I saw an improvement in my riding ability. Now, whenever I’m on a hiking trail I think about how much more fun it’d be if I had a mountain bike.

Orcas Island (shuttled) - Orcas Island is another one of the San Juan islands, and after October 15 each year a network of singletrack becomes open to mountain bikers. In early November of 2022, a few friends and I rented an Airbnb on the island and shuttled our bikes up for laps off the summit of Mt Constitution. It was so much fun that we all agreed we should make it an annual tradition! More info.
Darrington (shuttled) - The riding near Darrington, tucked between the mountains close to Seattle, is best done with a shuttle. The scenery is spectacular and all of the trails were recently built to diversify the town’s economy from primarily resource extraction. This would best be done with a group of friends given the shuttling. I’d like to do this mainly because it’s relatively close to home and sounds like an incredible day. More info.
Three days at a mountain bike park - Last year, I went to a lift-assisted mountain bike park for the first time at Whistler. Half the fun for me is earning the descent, so I was skeptical about how much I’d enjoy paying for the privilege of being lifted to the top. My buddies and I spent three days on the mountain and I was surprised at how much I loved it. Most impressive to me was how much better we were getting in our technique since we could repeat laps on features and jumps. My hope this year is to get comfortable with small jumps with practice. I’m most interested in checking out Coast Gravity Park on the sunshine coast of British Columbia because of it’s location, as well as the new Summit at Snoqualmie bike park near home. More info.
Sunset descent of Olallie (18mi, blue/black) - This is a local trail that’s a 9 mile climb up a ridge that descends back the same way. It’s positioned right at the foothills of the Cascade mountains. After doing my first night mountain bike ride and loving it, I think it’d be pretty awesome to ride this trail as the sun is setting. More info.
Esmerelda basin loop (12mi, 3k ft ele) - I’d like to do more “backcountry” mountain biking, where the trails are deeper within the mountains and the climbing is as much a part of the experience as the descent. This short loop is apparently a great intro into alpine mtb, but it’s shared with motos, horses, and hikers. There’s also a very short window when the trail is ideal in early July, just after the snow melts but before it gets too sandy. The key to maximizing fun out of this trail will be getting there early, maybe even on a weekday. Route info.
Angel’s Staircase (23mi, 5k ft ele) - This is one of Washington’s burliest alpine mountain biking loops, and is the highest altitude singletrack in the state at 8,000 feet. There’s some sections of mandatory hike-a-bike, but the views make it worthwhile. The trail traverses around Martin Peak through ponderosa forest to subalpine first on open ridgelines. This is another trail that has a short window given the altitude. The entire ride is physically demanding, but it’s possible to get an early start by car-camping at the trailhead. If we make a weekend of it, we could do some riding up in the nearby Methow Valley and Mazama, which is the closest thing to heaven on earth for me. More info.

Backpacking & day-hiking

Langtang Trek & Yala Peak in Nepal trekking for 21 days - For our honeymoon, Leah and I are taking several weeks off in April to explore Nepal. I was extremely reluctant to go to Everest Base Camp or any of the other more overpopulated itineraries. Leah found a trek near the Tibetan border that seems like it’s avoided a flood of trekker tourism without compromising on scenery. This is largely because the valley experienced a devastating landslide triggered by an earthquake in 2015 that killed nearly 200 people. The entire village was buried under a mass of snow, ice, and debris. There’s been a remarkable rebuilding effort from the survivors but the pandemic put a hold on tourism for a few years longer. At the end of the valley, there’s a non-technical summit we’re interested in getting to Yala Peak (18,000 feet). We’re planning to go without a guide or porter for the trekking, but we’ll see how feasible that is for Yala Peak. The exact stats of the journey are unclear since we’re still figuring out specifics and I imagine there’ll be a bit of improvising when we’re there. I expect it’ll be around 100 miles of travel at altitude with tens of thousands of feet of elevation gain. More info.
High Divide Loop day hike in Olympic NP (19mi, 5k ft ele) - I got the inspiration for this route from Climber Kyle’s blog post listing epic mountain runs of the PNW. The trail looms over a rainforest, crosses alpine meadows with open ridgelines, and overlaps with spectacular waterfalls.I chose this one because I’d like to appreciate more of the Olympic peninsula while I still live in Seattle and have relatively easy access to it. I figure I should attempt this in a day as a fast hike so that I could go light, guarantee I’ll have good weather, and not have to deal with a crowded campsite. The distance and elevation is less than what each of my days hiking the PCT Section J was, so hopefully this feels just perfect in terms of difficulty. More info.
Enchantment Peak day hike (21mi, 8k ft ele) - When I first moved to Seattle, I had dreams of doing the Enchantment thru hike in a day. It was even one of my goals for last year that I never got to. As I learned more about the conga line of folks hiking through the Enchantment zone, I lost interest in doing the same thing. Still, I’d love to experience the area in a different way, especially perched from a central summit. This approach means I’d be doing an out-and-back but I don’t mind. A trail always looks a little different when you’re looking the other direction. More info.

Mountaineering

I haven’t done glaciated mountaineering in years given the pandemic, living on the east coast til recently, and the challenge of finding a capable/reliable partner to rope up with. I had a lot of goals last year in this category, and accomplished almost none. This year, I’ve got far more reasonable goals, but the biggest challenge will be finding a partner.

Eldorado Peak glacier climb (10mi, 7k feet ele) - This is a summit I’ve stood on twice, both times under the supervision of a guide monitoring my decision-making. It’s a big day to reach base camp, and a rather short and straightforward ascent to the summit. It’ll involve roping up for glacier travel and carrying additional gear for overnighting. This would be my third summit on the peak, but I’d like to try it again because of how beautiful the terrain is and also because I’m familiar with it. “…Massively aloof…the summit has a Himalayan like splendor owing to its remoteness, position, and knife-edge summit ridge.” Best done between July and September, so I’d most likely I’d aim for late July. My longer term goals for this is to try and ski off the top…someday! Route beta.
Colchuck Peak glacier scramble (14mi, 5k feet ele) - This peak sits in the Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and seems to be easier when there’s snow covering the steep talus field. An ice ax, helmet, and crampons is essential but most parties forgo roping up. After topping out on the glacier, there’s some class 2/3 scrambling on rock before making it to the summit. Some groups choose to make the traverse to Dragontail Peak to make it a longer day. This is one I’d be tempted to do alone, but the responsible thing would be to go with someone else. Route beta.
Fisher Chimneys on Mt Shuksan (4th class, 7k ft ele) - This is a route that combines mountaineering with some 4th class scrambling. I’ve been on Mt Shuksan before, but we were rained off of it several hundred yards from the summit. Loose rock is another hazard to be mindful of, especially due to the popularity of the route. I’d want at least two partners to be roped up with if I attempted it. July and August seem to be primetime for this route. Route beta.

Climbing

I’ve been waiting a long time for my “breakthrough climbing year,” when I’d finally have access to a great crag, a reliable gym, and a partner to help make my dreams come true. Instead, a ligament tear on my hand from a climb at Smith Rock in Nov 2021 put a hold on this. I spent 2022 recovering and am happy to say I’ve mostly caught up with my pre-injury self. There are more goals here than any other activity. Climbing outside is where my heart and soul feel full.

Work through John Kettle’s climbing technique book - Rather than focus on max strength and pulling hard, I’ve been more attracted to focusing on graceful and efficient movement. A few years ago I came across a book by John Kettle where he suggest focusing on simple technique drills. I bought the book but never had the discipline to commit to following the exercises. It was always tempting to just spend a gym session on trying a fun route or problem with a friend. I’d like to see how much I can progress with dedicated focus here. My expectation is that an investment here will pay dividends for many years. More info.
Cragging: Mt Erie - Mt Erie is a small mountain within the city of Anacortes, just north of Seattle and partially benefits from the Olympic rain shadow so climbing is possible year-round, especially given the sun exposure the wall often gets. The routes here are generally moderate and single pitch. There’s a beautiful view of the San Juans on a clear day and there’s a fairly laid back vibe. I’ve climbed here a few times and would like to familiarize myself more with the routes, especially because the climbing season can start earlier here. More info.
Trad: S Face of the Tooth (5.4, 4 pitch) - This is probably the easiest and most popular multipitch in the state of Washington given how close it is to Seattle via the interstate highway. It’s often used as a training climbed for Mountaineers groups. I’d like to use it to vet any new partners who I’d bring with me, but also get back into the swing of climbing in the alpine again. The only way to avoid the route congestion would be to go mid-week. More info.
Cragging: Frenchman Coulee - Frenchman Coulee feels like a unique gem for the PNW given its desert environment due to the Cascade rain shadow. The walls are made of basalt columns that allow for crack climbing between bolted routes on the face of the pillars. Leah and I have climbed here once before and it’s a reliable source of sunshine when the skies turn grey over Western Washington. Routes here are moderate single pitches, but a few ticks harder than at Mt. Erie. More info.
Cragging: Index - The climbing at Index is supposed to be world-class, but I’ve yet to go. I even have the guidebook and was studying the crag on my drive over from the east coast. The fine-grained granite has a bit of everything: from techy slab all the way to aid climbs on 500ft walls. The weather is often what keeps people away. Either the rock is too damp or the south-facing walls are blisteringly hot. The routes are more moderate-hard and I’d be a happy climber if I could manage to be a regular at Index. More info.
Guided: Red Dihedral on Incredible Hulk (5.10 IV, 12 pitch) - For my birthday two years ago, Leah gifted me a guided climb with my favorite climber, Peter Croft. I delayed using the gift certificate with his guiding company because of my injury. Hopefully this year I can use it on this High Sierra classic. I just have to hope wildfire smoke doesn’t ruin my plans. Currently in a back and forth trying to schedule the date. Route beta.
Trad: Ragged Edge of Vesper Peak (5.7, 6 pitch) - This is an alpine rock route with stunning views and great exposure. It’s exactly the kind of moderate route that appeals to me. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one. Finding the right partner, moving fast, and starting early are key to having a good time. Route beta.
Sport: Tooth Fairy (5.9, 6 pitch) - This is an alpine sport route located not far from Seattle. It also sees lots of traffic unsurprisingly. I see this as a stepping stone for longer multipitch sport routes like Prime Rib. More info.
Sport: Voie de Chaise of Chair Peak (5.9, 7 pitch) - This is a new alpine sport route pioneered by local climbers last year, and is located fairly close to Seattle. Not many people are familiar with it yet so I’m hoping to get on it before there’s a traffic jam on the route. More info.
Sport: Prime Rib (5.9-, 11 pitch) - A 5.9 sport route that goes on for 11 pitches? I couldn’t believe it when I first heard about this route years ago. This route sees people who travel from all across the country to experience it. This one is worth taking a day off for, and going mid-week will help ensure I’m not waiting behind other parties. It’s located in the Methow Valley, right outside of Mazama (my happy place). Route beta.
Trad: Outer Space (5.9, 6 pitch) - This is a grade I’ve never led on gear (i.e., my highest was a 5.8 multipitch in Joshua Tree). Fortunately, it’s a crack system that I’d follow, which I love to climb. Route beta.

Almost all of these are more fun than they are challenging, which is a different theme than my goals from last year. At the end of 2023, I hope I’ll be thinking less about the stats accumulated and more on the photos taken, memories created with Leah, and friends I’ve connected with.

I do expect to travel back to the east coast to visit family. Our parents are getting older and every day I think about how lucky I am to spend time with my folks and Leah’s. It’s the conversations at the dinner table I’ll be thinking more deeply about decades later, not the alpenglow over the Cascades that one day.

I don’t expect to accomplish all of these goals, and I’m open to new inspiration. The purpose of this is to make sure I make the most of every moment I’ve got. Of course, I wouldn’t get very much done at all if not for the full love and support of incredible wife, Leah.

In order to help coordinate plans, I created a chart indicating ideal times to accomplish each goal given expected weather. A few things I’ve already locked in for certain dates (e.g., the Nepal trip), which I’ve indicated below. Let me know if you’d like this template as well.

Outdoor goals for 2022 - effort vs interest matrix

January 20, 2022

UPDATE: here’s an end-of-year look back at 2022.

This’ll be my first full year of living in the Pacific Northwest, the closest I’ve ever been to big mountains. For the past few years, I’ve been daydreaming about all the activities I’d finally be able to immerse myself in once I moved out West. I always felt like I was playing catch-up, having grown up in a family that couldn’t afford to expose me to the great outdoors.

Comparing myself to others is not a healthy thing to do generally, but it helped me to dream big and do more than I would have otherwise. It all just pushed me to plan more thoughtfully, train harder, and be more intentional about where I place my energy.

In order to do everything on my wish list, I’d have to quit my job and live at least two lifetimes. I’ve used this framework of effort vs interest to help narrow down what it is I’d arrange logistics for, train for, and ultimately prioritize. The exercise of doing this helps me be realistic about what I can and can’t do in a given year. I’ve talked about this with friends and figured it’d be easiest to share a visual. Usually this happens on a piece of scrap paper that I scribble on for weeks. It also changes throughout the year based on any injuries, environmental factors, life circumstances, and new inspiration. Hopefully you get some ideas from this. If any are on your own list, do let me know!

Skiing

I didn’t have a ski season last year because of the pandemic, so I regressed a bit in my skills. Much of this year is just playing catch-up aggressively so that I could feel confident doing some touring.

AIARE 1 Avalanche + Rescue training - The larger goal here is to get out into the backcountry and earn my turns by skinning up the mountain. Before I can do that, I need to learn how to read snow conditions for avalanche risk. Accomplishing this is a matter of signing up for a course. At this point, it’s most likely that I’ll book it for the winter of 2023.
300,000 feet of resort skiing - The purpose of this goal is to feel more comfortable on skis by putting in lots of reps. To avoid practicing bad habits, I’ve committed to three ski lessons to correct my form. So far I’m at 27,000 feet of descent from two and a half days of skiing without trying too hard. This is a stretch goal, but pretty do-able if I take advantage of the night skiing at Stevens Pass.

Surfing

This is pretty low on the interest axis, but it’s on there. Leah’s trying to get more into surfing and I’ve been reluctant given my aversion to being wet and thrashed around. I see this as a way to spend more time doing something she loves. The main goal here is to be good enough to enjoy doing it. The water won’t start warming up til May around here, so I’ll probably have to get used to a thick wetsuit.

Surfing in Westport, WA - The closest decent destination for surfing in Seattle is just below the Olympic Peninsula in Westport. It’s about 3hrs away from Seattle, so it’s too far to make a day trip out of it so we’ll make a weekend of it.
Surfing at Short Sand Beach, OR - On our drive along the Oregon coast we stopped by to check it out. It looked like a beginner surfer’s paradise: smooth sand, sheltered cove, and a short hike through a magical PNW forest.

Cycling (road & gravel)

I have a lot of cycling goals, but it’s not because it’s the activity I enjoy the most. Every time I’m on my bike, I am mildly annoyed because I wish I was spending time climbing instead (true story). Still, I get excited looking at a map and drawing an ambitious line through a place I’ve never been to. Cycling also is something I can do on my own without much advanced planning. The endurance I built up from my low HR runs also means that I can cover a lot of mileage without breaking a sweat on two wheels.

Car-free Mt Rainier Sunrise Road (30+ mi, 3k ft ele) - Sunrise, nestled on the east side of Mt Rainier, is the highest point you can drive to in Mt Rainier National Park at 6,400ft in elevation. It’s also the last road to get plowed and open to cars. While the plows are still making progress, it’s possible to bike up for face-to-face views with the mountain without not have to worry about sticking to a shoulder lane. The trick is to time it so you ride it as late as possible, when it’s warmest and the most amount of road is accessible, but before cars are allowed through. This usually happens late-June or early-July depending on snowfall that winter. I’ve set a reminder on my calendar to check road conditions every few days. More info.
Car-free Highway 20 cycling (50+ mi, 6k ft ele) - Highway 20 is the iconic road that cuts through the Northern Cascades. I’ve done some climbing there and never appreciated how special the scenery was until I moved to Washington. I just assumed the entire state looked like this. The road is popular with cyclists all-year round but there’s a sweet spot in the year when it’s plowed but not yet open to cars. This usually happens between late-April to early-May. Depending on how much is plowed, this can be a 30mi ride or a 100mi out and back. I’ll be checking WSDOT pretty regularly. More info.
Mt Adams gravel cycling loop (50mi, 4k ft ele) - I only got into cycling two years ago, but I was most excited about gravel riding. The views, solitude from cars, and adventure aspect all appealed to me. This is a route that’s at the foothills of Mt Adams. Someone described is as one of the best rides from their summer. I’d probably do this in early July. Route line.
2-day bikepacking Olympic Adventure Trail (66mi, 8k ft ele) - I’ve never bikepacked before, but it doesn’t seem very complicated. Still, I decided to ease into it with this route in Olympic National Park. I initially planned on doing this out and back in a day, but figured it’d be more enjoyable if I took my time even though I’d be carrying overnight gear. Someone recommended doing this in the winter when there are fewer people around, so I’ll want to wait for a streak of dry weather in March to ensure the singletrack isn’t muddy. Route line.
Mt St Helens 2-day bikepacking loop (80mi, 12k ft ele) - The scenery here is notably different from the lush Olympic Nat’l Park. The eruption of Mt St Helens in 1980 left the landscape still recovering, with green ferns dotting the landscape but plenty of open vistas in all directions. Best time to do this would be mid-July to late-September before the first snow falls. Route line.
Seattle triple-ferry bike ride (100+mi, 6k ft ele) - This was something that I saw on Reddit that interested me. It’s a loop around the greater Seattle area that incorporates three ferries. Timing of the riding is pretty important to line up departures so I’d attempt on a long summer day. Route line.
RAMROD: Ride Around Mt Rainier in a Day (150mi, 10k ft ele) - This is a very popular event typically held on the third Thursday of July. There’s a lottery to get in but some tickets are auctioned for several times the face value, with the proceeds going to the National Parks. The scenery is spectacular as you ride with Mt Rainier looming over one shoulder. Getting one of the 800 spots is mostly a matter of luck. I’ve considered attempting it unsupported, but I’d only consider this if I wasn’t alone given how mentally exhausting the mileage sounds. Route line.
Seattle to Portland in a day cycling (200mi, 5k ft ele) - This is an annual event that attracts a massive amount of riders, almost too many from what I’ve read. The route is often done in two days but I’d be keen to try it in a single push. Much of it is flat, so it’s more of a mental challenge to endure the monotony. Much of it isn’t particularly scenic, so it’s low on my interests, but I’d like to do it just because it sounds cool to say I’ve done it. I haven’t registered yet, but it’s scheduled to be held on July 16-17 this year. Route line.

Mountain biking

There are so many fantastic destinations to ride around Seattle, and mountain biking is something Leah and I can easily do on a weekday summer afternoon when it’s still bright outside for hours. I’m still a beginner and need to learn how to make smoother turns without losing speed. Most of these are pretty modest goals but it will take effort. Getting really good at the sport would require a lot more dedicated practice than I’m willing to commit. Mostly, I’m just trying to have fun with this one.

Clean descent of Inside Passage, Tiger Mountain (1.7mi, blue) - If I do this route enough times, I’ll get it dialed and can know when to speed up and when to slow down. Route line.
Clean descent of Olallie (9mi, blue/black) - I haven’t done this route yet, but it looks beautiful. After a long climb, it’s a sweet descent. It’s longer than my other goal, so it’ll require a lot of pedaling up to get it dialed in with repeat laps. Hopefully I can get this done by the end of October, when the Seattle rain typically starts. Route line.

Climbing

Climbing is what inspires me to train and stay in shape. I like to say that all of my other activities exist to make me a more capable climber. Being in the alpine environment on moderate terrain is what I’m most passionate about. The North Cascades is a perfect playground for this. To make most of these happen, I’ll need to train for endurance in the climbing gym and also get myself out there on smaller, less committing routes at Index, Exit 38/32, Frenchman Coulee, and maybe even Beacon Rock along the Columbia River.

Guided climb: 3rd Pillar of Dana (5.10- III, 5 pitch) - For my birthday, Leah gifted me a guided climb with my favorite climber, Peter Croft! I am thinking I’d take advantage of this amazing gift by climbing one of the High Sierra classics in August. I just have to hope wildfire smoke doesn’t ruin my plans. Route beta.
Guided climb: Red Dihedral, Incredible Hulk (5.10b IV, 12 pitch) - While I’m down there, I figure I might as well get guided on another big classic. Hopefully all this movement on big terrain helps me feel more comfortable having longer days on the sharp end. Route beta.
Sport climb Prime Rib (5.9-, 11 pitch) - A 5.9 sport route that goes on for 11 pitches? I couldn’t believe it when I first heard about this route years ago. I would’ve tried this route last summer if not for the wildfires that overwhelmed the Methow Valley. Making this route happen is mostly about picking a quiet day, finding the right partner who can move fast, and starting early on a weekday to avoid crowds. Route beta.
Sport climb Flyboys (5.9, 18 pitch) - Just next door to Prime Rib is Flyboys, which is around the same grade but almost twice as long. If I can pull off Prime Rib with the right partner, I’ll have a better sense of how feasible this objective would be. Route beta.
Trad climb Ragged Edge of Vesper Peak (5.7, 6 pitch) - This is a solid alpine rock route with stunning views and great exposure. It’s exactly the kind of moderate route that sings to me. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one. Just like the other climbs noted earlier, finding the right partner, moving fast, and starting early are key. Route beta.
Trad climb Outer Space (5.9, 6 pitch) - This is one of the most popular crag routes in Washington. The easy access does mean that I’ll be less “out there” if things go south, but it’s also not a grade I’ve ever led on gear (that’d be a 5.8 in Joshua Tree). Fortunately, it’s a crack system that I’d follow, which I love to climb. Route beta.

Mountaineering & scrambling

I spent a total of five weeks guided in the North Cascades, learning to navigate safely through glaciers to reach icy summits. That was several years ago, and the amount of logistics to get onto glaciated terrain when I lived in NYC meant that it wasn’t something I practiced often. The skills I had have eroded away, so I’d like to rebuild and I’m living in the perfect place for it these days. Fortunately, my fitness is dramatically better than it was years ago and I’ve become more capable in other ways (e.g., I got my Wilderness First Responder certification).

Mt Adams South Spur, snow scramble (14mi, 7k ft ele) - This is basically an intermediary goal to get me comfortable again with my crampons and ice axe. It’s the easiest route up to the summit of Mt Adams and used to be climbed by mules back in the day. You can even bring your dog up. The more snow there is, the easier the route becomes, so it’s likely I’d attempt this in late April or early May (buying a $10-15 pass is required after May 1); I’d most likely want to attempt this in one big day to keep it fast and light (and also not have to carry my poop out). Route beta.
Ruth Mtn Glacier climb (12mi, 4k ft ele) - This is another easy objective that would provide spectacular views of Mt Shuksan and Nooksack Tower. The additional skill to incorporate here is roping up for glacier travel. Best time to attempt is anywhere from June til October, but I’d likely aim for June. I’d definitely want to try doing this in a single day. Route beta.
Eldorado Peak glacier climb (10mi, 7k feet ele) - This is a summit I’ve stood on twice, both times under the supervision of a guide monitoring my decision-making. It’s a big day to reach base camp, and a rather short and straightforward ascent to the summit. It’ll involve roping up for glacier travel and carrying additional gear for overnighting. This would be my third summit on the peak, but I’d like to try it again because of how beautiful the terrain is and also because I’m familiar with it. “…it is in the middle of a collection of beautiful peaks. Massively aloof, perched at the edge of the largest contiguous ice-sheet in the lower 48 states not connected to a volcano, the summit has a Himalayan like splendor owing to its remoteness, position, and knife-edge summit ridge.” Best done between July and September, so I’d most likely I’d aim for late July. Route beta.
Colchuck Peak glacier climb (14mi, 5k feet ele) - This peak sits in the gorgeous Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It seems to be easier earlier in the season when snow is covering the talus, but given that I’ve got other objectives in mind already, I’d likely attempt this in early August. The additional skill being challenged here is routefinding on both the ascent and descent. I’d most likely take advantage of long daylight by attempting this in a big day with an early start, but I’m still dependent on a camping permit for Colchuck Lake (~14% success rate). Depending on my comfort level, I may combine this with Dragontail peak. Route beta.
Fisher Chimneys on Mt Shuksan (4th class, 7k ft ele) - This is a route that combines mountaineering with some 4th class scrambling. I’ve been on Mt Shuksan before, but we were rained off of it several hundred yards from the summit. Loose rock is another hazard to be mindful of, especially due to the popularity of the route. If I arrive to the base of the rock portion tired from the hike up, that’s a bad sign. Training my endurance will be important. Most likely I’d attempt this in mid or late August. Route beta.

Backpacking & day-hiking

I lost interest in backpacking and hiking when I was exploring the peaks of New England, but I’ve got a renewed interest for it with the expansive terrain of Washington. I wouldn’t consider myself a trail runner, but I would say that I’m a fast hiker, especially when I’m on my own and can get in a certain headspace.

Thru-hiking Snoqualmie to Stevens Pass in 5 days (75mi, 16k ft ele) - As soon as I saw this line on a map, I was immediately interested. This is considered Section J of the Pacific Crest Trail and there isn’t a single road that you’d come across til you’re finished. Many of the dozen alpine lakes are even swimmable in late summer. Some areas are impassable until the snow fully melts in August, so this likely would be something for late August and would require taking some days off to complete. I’d most likely try this during the days before Labor Day or after, to avoid the holiday crowds. Five days would be the plan if Leah can join me, but I’d attempt it in four days if I was going solo. The hardest part may be arranging transportation for a dropoff and pickup. Route beta.
Enchantments thru-hike in a day (18mi, 5k ft ele) - This is probably the most popular trail in all of Washington state. Most people attempt to spend only a day in the Enchantments because of how hard it is to get a permit (less than 2% success rate). For those who can manage it, a day hike is the best way to do it. Because this is a point to point trail, arranging transportation is likely to be the hardest part. Logistics are made easier if I don’t attempt this alone, but I would love to get lost in my own head out there. Route beta.
Day hike Harts Pass to Rainy Pass (31mi, 4k ft ele) - This is another section of the PCT that I’d be interested in doing. It’s a small section that could be feasible in a day, and seems perfect for late September or early October when the larches are glowing gold. Again, the transportation logistics would be the challenge given it’s a point to point trail. I know of one person who did this trail with another solo hiker traveling in the opposite direction. When they crossed paths, they traded car keys. Route beta.
Mt Rainier Wonderland trail in 3 days (93mi, 22k ft ele) - The Wonderland trail is a giant loop around Mt Raininer, with broad meadows of wildflowers, waterfalls, and inspiring views of the mountain over your shoulder. This is by far the most intimidating goal on the entire list, even though it’s probably safer than any of my climbing objectives. What gives me chills is the rigor of hardcore training that would be required to pull this off. Most people do this trail in 7-10 days, but that requires a lot of permitting for campsites per night. The people who do this in 3 days are legit ultra-runners, and usually have support from the outside to make it happen (either friends or paying a company $1500). The best time to do this seems to be August. If for whatever reason this doesn’t go down in 2022, it’ll be a priority goal for 2023. This will happen. Route beta.

All of this is pretty local to where I live, with the exception of going to the High Sierras to climb. One of my priorities for the year was to explore locally as much as possible. There’s so much to do around here that it felt wrong to hop on a plane to recreate. Still I’ll be traveling back to NYC often to visit my family, Massachusetts for Leah’s family, and I’ll be taking my dad out to the Kenai peninsula in Alaska to go fishing for five days as a retirement gift in early July.

Writing this out in more detail than the usual notepad scribbles helped me tremendously. Rather than feel like there’s too much to do, I’ve limited my focus to a few goals that are within reach if I put in the effort (and get lucky with conditions). Even if I accomplish half of this list, it would be an epic year. Although my calendar is looks full, there’s still lots of blank spaces to fill with spontaneity and new inspiration. There’ll certainly need to be other objectives along the way that serve as stepping stones. I’m sure to learn a lot and make new friends along the way. What’s most exciting is how these experiences will set me up for an even more ambitious 2023! And of course, much of this will rely heavily on the support of my loving and beautiful partner in life, Leah.

Finally climbing Zion's Namaste Wall

December 06, 2020

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If you look online, there isn’t much written about climbing the beautiful Namaste Wall in Zion National Park. That makes sense, as it’s fairly simple to get to and a pretty straightforward climb. Still, I thought a piece of rock of this caliber deserves a bit more spotlight. Below is some route beta on the easiest route on the wall, the 1/2 Route (5.10+) as well as info about the area in general.

History & ethics

Conrad Anker, one of the climbing legends of our day, is credited with establishing several of the routes on this wall in the early 90s. In this piece in Outside Magazine, he lists this wall as having one of his all time favorite climbs (and this guy has climbed a lot around the world). Chris Sharma later visited and claimed “those were some of the best climbs ever, at any grade.”

The wall sits in a deep canyon that doesn’t see much foot traffic from hikers fortunately. While you are here, do your best to keep your impact to a minimum and be mindful of sharing the routes. Leah and I found toilet paper tossed into some shrubs within eyeshot of the wall. If you need to go, pack it out or make use of the toilet in the parking lot please.

Location and approach

NPS map of the park with Kolob Canyon in the top left. Click to expand

Close-up view of where to park in Kolob Canyon. Click to expand

The wall is located in the northwest part of Zion National Park (the Kolob Canyons), which you access by driving north along I-15. If you happen to be in Springdale, Watchman/South Campground, or the main Zion entrance, it’s about an hour to drive over.

On your way, I would strongly recommend you stop by River Rock Roasting Company for breakfast. I’d be only slightly exaggerating if I said that half the joy of waking up so close to Zion is getting something to eat here. They also make great pizzas for dinner. Call ahead: (435) 635-7625.

From I-15, take exit 40 and drive up on the Kolob Canyons Rd. The views are pretty spectacular as you ascend higher and higher. After a little over 3 miles you’ll come to a large parking lot at a hairpin turn with a picnic table and toilets. If you’re lucky, you’ll be the only car!

You’ll be heading into that deep canyon and hiking the very smooth South Fork Taylor Creek Trail about 1.5mi and ascend about 1,000ft gradually. Here’s the route line on Gaia. I can assure you that you will not get lost. The wall will be on your right-hand side and it is unmistakeable.

Climb the route

I was only fit enough to do the easiest route on the wall, 1/2 Route at 5.10+, but there are others. If you can climb 11s and 12s, be sure to check out Namaste (the route) and Huecos Rancheros.

The 1/2 Route is the first line of bolts from the left of the huecos marking the wall. It’ll likely be chalked up as the route doesn’t get washed from rainfall much due to the overhanging nature. Still, be mindful about climbing on wet rock. You can permanently damage the route and kill yourself and your partner. Sandstone crumbles easily when wet!

There are 7 bolts to the anchor and you should be able to count them all from below. If you look closer, you’ll notice a second set of anchors. This is the extension to the route, which adds three more bolts and kicks the grade up to 11+. Getting up to the first anchor (~80ft) is all we did. You’ll find lower-off carabiners. They were quite worn down and deeply grooved from use, so I’m hoping they get replaced soon. If there’s someone who is willing to do this, let me know and I’ll pay for it (send me a recording of yourself doing it though).

All of the holds are generously positive and the movement is amazing. You’ll find knee bars and arm bars for balance, heel hooks, and restful one-arm hangs where you can shake out. You should feel like a hero climbing this wall. If you’re lucky, someone will be taking photos of you. Just try wearing something colorful that stands out from the red wall.

How to top rope

If your partner wants to top rope (or you want to give it a quick second burn), be sure to use your own gear at the top. Don’t put further wear on the carabiners that are intended just for lowering off. After you’ve climbed it and have lowered off on your own anchor material, “flip the rope”by pulling it down from “your side” of the rope. Have your climber tie into the end of the rope closest to the wall. As she climbs up, she’ll have to unclip the rope from the seven quickdraws that you placed. When she’s at the top and ready to be lowered, transfer the rope over to the lower-off carabiners.

Whoever does end up cleaning the route after a lead will need to be mindful of removing the first quickdraw to avoid a swing that violently drags their belayer across the ground. For an example of what I mean, check this video out (it’s full of examples of how NOT to climb properly).

Things to be aware of

The route is in a deep canyon, overhanging, and north-facing, so it’s always in the shade. I climbed it in November and found my fingers and toes going numb easily. I’d love to come back in a warmer month like September. I’ve read that bugs can be a nuisance in the peak summer months so be prepared for that.
Do your gear a favor and bring a rope tarp. The base of the climb is very sandy and while there’s no avoiding getting it on your rope, you can mitigate it. Sand on your rope will wear your gri gri out faster as the particles grind down the lightweight aluminum. I love the Sterling Rope Tarp as it comes with a handy ‘pocket’ for tucking away cord during a climb (so your belayer doesn’t step on it).
The route’s steep and overhanging, and your belayer will likely want to crane their heads to get a good look at you sending. I’m glad I packed my belay glasses to avoid straining my neck. I’ve never encountered a better set of belay glasses than Y&Ys glasses. I initially balked at the price but I’d do it again if I had to. So worth it. Other brands feel cheap and plastic-y. They make a special clip-on version for folks who wear glasses but I can’t speak to how good those are.
The first bolt on 1/2 Route is too high for a stick clip to reach, but the holds are all positive and the clipping stance is top notch. If you are in the market for a stick clip, I love this one from Kailas because it’s cheap, collapses really small, and is quite long when extended.
If you hiked all the way here and found several parties in front of you, it likely is going to be a bummer waiting in line for em especially if everyone else is there for the same easy route. Pack a lunch and enjoy the show. There are other routes in the South Fork but they’re mostly hard slab climbs that see little traffic (so they get coated in sand) or hard trad cracks that look beautiful (I’ve yet to see anyone try em though).
If it’s wet and you had your hopes on climbing the Namaste Wall, I would say it’s still worth hiking there just to admire the wall. It’s quite a beauty. That’s what I did last year and I had no regrets about making the hike. The canyon is gorgeous and absolutely peaceful.