I’m Nick, the owner and founder, and this is a blog focused on traveling in the southwest and mountain states.
Most weekends, you’ll find me with a camera in my pack, alongside climbing rope, mountain biking shoes, crampons, neoprene socks, a Wisconsin Badgers hat, or any combination of these items. After a few years of living and experiencing the beauty of the region, I decided to share some of my secret spots and Microadventure ideas. In addition, the team of writers that I work with is also willing to share their Microadventures spots and ideas.
If you’re looking to spend time in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, or New Mexico and want to see and do activities that are off-the-wall, you’ve come to the right place!
Where the idea came from
When I was younger, I always thought adventures had to be grand. From sky diving in New Zealand to climbing Mount Everest to exploring the Great Reef Barrier, these activities were the coolest things anyone could do
My perspective changed when I stumbled across an article by Alastair Humphreys that focused on the concept of Microadventures. Microadventures are simple, short and cheap trips that take place around the home. They’re meant to “scratch the itch for adventurous souls trapped by the bludgeoning of chance in sensible office jobs.”
The term “Microadventure” was coined by Alastair Humphreys, a true Adventurer with a capital A. Humphreys has bicycled around the world, walked across India, and rowed across the Atlantic Ocean. And he noticed that whenever he spoke of these travels, listeners would get a look of awe and envy in their eyes and wistfully express how they wished they could take similarly grand adventures. This admission was invariably followed by a list of excuses for why such expeditions were not in the cards — the would-be adventurers lived in suburbs and cities, had jobs and kids, and didn’t have enough money, vacation time, etc.
Humphreys was sympathetic; he understood that it is hard for normal folks to take four years off to cycle around the world. Yet he strongly believed that people from all walks should cultivate the spirit of adventure in their lives.
To address this dilemma, he decided to undertake an experiment: for a year he would seek short, simple, cheap adventures in a place not known for its wild landscape — his home country of England. Rather than setting out on involved, far-flung expeditions, he would regularly take “Microadventures” – tiny trips that butted right up against the boundary of what might be called an adventure at all but still retained the fun, excitement, escapism, and challenge inherent to the essence of true adventures.
From his experience and concept, I decided to apply it to my local backyard and offers advice, tips, tricks, and ideas for having Microadventures in the southwest and mountain states. Hence the title of the blog “Southwest Microadventures.”
Our mission
Our whole team believes in the value of Microadventures and our main focus is on the southwest and mountain states: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. We’ll be covering all activities including mountain biking, hiking, trekking, backpacking, road biking, trail running, bar hopping, local attractions, and everything in-between. Throughout this blog, you will find travel tips and tricks, ideas, and inspiring stories, and resources to have your own crazy Microadventure in the southwest and mountain states.
Nick is the owner and regular content writer for Southwest Microadventures. When he’s not writing, you can find him rock climbing, peak bagging, mountain biking, backpacking, or drinking strong coffee.
