Thenaturalmedic Adventures

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The tallest dunes in North America reside unexpectedly in Colorado, where wind and water have shaped massive sand formations surrounded by mountain ranges. This remarkable landscape serves as both a natural basin that collects eroded sand and a historic landmark, first documented by Zebulon Pike in 1807.

• Natural basin surrounded by mountains creates perfect conditions for sand collection
• Sand surfing opportunities available on the dunes
• Medano Creek flows seasonally at the base of the dunes
• Multiple hiking options and off-road driving available for exploration
• Archaeological evidence shows Clovis people hunted mammoths and ancient bison here
• Three distinct ecosystems converge: desert, prairie, and mountain habitats
• Weather can change dramatically from pleasant to snow-covered with limited visibility
• Four-wheel drive vehicles needed beyond the "Point of No Return" on Medano Pass Road
• Sabka wetlands beneath the dunes provide crucial water sources for wildlife

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Craig introduces his countdown of the 10 essential items for backpacking, starting with the most critical: water filtration in the wilderness. We explore why even pristine-looking mountain streams require treatment before drinking and demonstrate how to use the Platypus water filter system effectively.

• Water is our body's most essential need in the wilderness
• Beautiful streams often contain invisible harmful organisms
• Never drink wild water without proper treatment first
• The Platypus water filter works similarly to the Sawyer filter series
• Using dedicated "dirty" and "clean" water containers prevents cross-contamination
• Water filtration technology similar to medical dialysis
• Proper filtration prevents illness from Giardia and other waterborne pathogens
• Simple demonstration of collecting and filtering stream water

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Craig the Natural Medic explores the Tennessee Pass Trailhead where the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide National Scenic Trail intersect. He takes a short snowshoe trek at over 10,000 feet elevation, sharing trail insights and snowshoeing tips during his adventure.

• Snowshoeing at Tennessee Pass near Ski Cooper and the 10th Mountain Memorial
• The trail serves as a junction for both the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
• Well-marked trail with blue markers and occasional CDT or Colorado Trail markers
• Trail surface is packed enough that regular hiking boots might work, but snowshoes prevent occasional post-holing
• Important reminder: "They're called snowshoes, not dirt shoes" - avoid walking on dirt patches to protect your equipment
• High elevation (over 10,000 feet) makes even casual hiking more strenuous
• Area offers longer hiking opportunities: 6.5 miles to Holy Cross Wilderness and 115 miles to Hagerman Pass

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Ski Cooper outside Leadville, Colorado, offers an affordable, uncrowded skiing experience with rich historical connections to the 10th Mountain Division. The resort stands apart from corporate-owned ski areas, offering great value tickets and a meaningful opportunity to honor the veterans who shaped American skiing.

• Natural Medic films a ski run at Ski Cooper, experiencing ideal conditions with manageable crowds
• Detailed history of how the 10th Mountain Division trained nearby during WWII before fighting in the Italian Alps
• Monuments at Ski Cooper commemorate the 990 soldiers who lost their lives during the WWII campaigns
• 10th Mountain Division veterans went on to establish major Colorado ski resorts, including Vail and Aspen
• Cooper provides an affordable alternative to corporate resorts while maintaining excellent skiing conditions
• Budget approach to ski gear with tips on finding quality equipment at thrift stores for under $100
• Recommendation to rent equipment first before investing in personal gear

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Craig the Natural Medic takes us on a meaningful journey through Saguaro National Park in Arizona as he celebrates his 50th birthday. The magnificent saguaros standing sentinel throughout the park create a stunning backdrop while showcasing the resilience of desert ecosystems that once faced predictions of disappearing completely by the 1990s.

• Exploration of Saguaro National Park's East District near Tucson on April 4, 2025
• Discovery of "nurse trees" that protect young saguaros until they're established enough to survive on their own
• Historical insights about the park's establishment in 1935 and the freeze that nearly devastated the saguaro population
• Hiking the 3.8-mile Loma Verde Trail loop featuring remnants of early 1900s copper mining history
• Completion of the challenging Tanque Verde Ridge Trail offering spectacular views of Tucson and the surrounding mountains
• Observation of unique saguaro formations, including "octopus" shaped cacti and crown-like growth patterns
• Information about the park's six different life zones spanning from desert scrub to mountain forests
• Discussion about the impact of Tucson's rapid urban expansion approaching the park boundaries

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Standing among the towering hoodoos and balanced rocks of Chiricahua National Monument feels like stepping into another world. These extraordinary formations weren't crafted by human hands but by 32 million years of volcanic activity and persistent erosion. Located in southeastern Arizona near the small towns of Bowie and Wilcox, this hidden gem offers visitors a chance to explore one of America's most distinctive landscapes.

The scenic drive to Massai Point reveals panoramic vistas stretching up to 80 miles across the desert. From this vantage point, you can see the distant Dragoon Mountains—once the stronghold of Apache leader Cochise—and connect to an impressive network of trails. While the full 9-mile loop requires 5-6 hours, shorter options like the Echo Canyon Trail to The Grottoes provide accessible ways to experience the monument's signature formations. Walking through these natural stone corridors, with massive boulders suspended overhead, creates an almost mystical experience.

Chiricahua's significance extends beyond its stunning geology. Designated as a "sky island" wilderness, these isolated mountains form a unique ecological refuge surrounded by desert. The monument also preserves important human history at Far Away Ranch, where the Erickson family's homestead evolved from a primitive cabin to a working guest ranch. Walking among these historic structures prompts reflection on the legacies we leave behind—a thought that resonates whether you're admiring volcanic sculptures shaped over millennia or pioneer buildings constructed by determined hands. Whether you're a geology enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking natural beauty off the beaten path, Chiricahua offers a profound connection to the forces that shape our world. Come prepared with water and sturdy shoes, and don't rush your visit—this remarkable landscape deserves time to appreciate its wonders properly.

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Craig the Natural Medic shares his comprehensive day hiking gear setup for 2025, highlighting essential items that ensure safety and comfort on southwestern trails. His experience as a paramedic and a former park ranger provides these practical recommendations for hikers of all experience levels.

• Sun protection strategy includes the Outdoor Vitals sun hoodie with thumb holes and hood coverage
• Convertible pants offer versatility for changing weather conditions
• North Face Rincon backpack purchased from a thrift store for only $10
• Two-liter Platypus water bladder with drinking tube for convenient hydration
• Various snacks including freeze-dried strawberries, nuts, and harvest snap peas
• Compact but warm Outdoor Vitals Ventus hoodie for insulation
• Comprehensive emergency kit with fire starters, signaling mirror, and emergency blanket
• Dedicated "poop kit" with trowel, bags, and sanitizer for proper waste disposal
• First aid supplies, including a blister treatment kit
• Platypus water filter system for accessing natural water sources
• Element raspberry salt electrolyte powder for maintaining proper hydration

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Hidden within the rugged terrain of New Mexico's Gila National Forest lies an engineering marvel with a fascinating past. The Catwalk National Recreational Trail suspends visitors along sheer canyon walls, following a path first blazed by silver miners in the 1890s.

My journey begins at the trailhead where interpretive signs reveal the area's rich mining heritage. When silver and gold were discovered in Whitewater Canyon in 1889, ambitious prospectors built a wooden pipeline traversing three miles of treacherous terrain. Workers maintained this structure by balancing on narrow wooden planks that earned the nickname "catwalk" due to the cat-like agility required to navigate them. Though mining operations ceased by 1913, this remarkable pathway found new life decades later.

Walking the modern metal walkway, I'm struck by the dramatic juxtaposition of human engineering against raw nature. The first half-mile offers accessible, paved paths 40 feet above Whitewater Creek. Evidence of nature's power is everywhere—reinforced rock walls, mesh barriers, and countless stabilizing bolts testify to the 15 major floods that have reshaped this canyon over four decades. The 2012 flood destroyed the previous infrastructure, making today's trail a modern rebuild that honors its historic predecessor.

The canyon's volcanic geology tells an even older story. I examine fascinating formations, including pumice, lithics, and "stone bubbles"—gas pockets trapped in rock and lined with tiny crystals. The diverse ecosystem supports Ponderosa pines, Douglas firs, sycamores, and desert plants, creating a biological transition zone unique to this riparian corridor.

For those seeking adventure beyond the main attraction, the trail connects to the more challenging Whitewater Trail #207, leading deeper into the wilderness. This entire area once served as a sanctuary for Native Americans, including Geronimo, adding another layer to its remarkable story.

Whether you're fascinated by mining history, engineering achievements, geological wonders, or simply seeking stunning canyon views, the Catwalk Trail delivers an unforgettable experience that bridges New Mexico's rugged past with its preserved natural beauty. Bring proper footwear, water, and your sense of wonder—this hidden gem awaits your discovery.

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Step back in time with me as we explore the hidden archaeological wonders of Hovenweep National Monument, straddling the Utah-Colorado border. Few travelers discover this remote treasure, home to remarkable stone towers built by Ancestral Puebloans nearly 1,000 years ago.

My two-hour journey around the canyon rim revealed architectural marvels that continue to defy both gravity and time. Hovenweep Castle stands proudly at the canyon edge, its multi-story structure a testament to ancient engineering prowess. The Square Tower rises dramatically from the canyon floor, while the Twin Towers perch precariously on a rock ledge, somehow surviving centuries of harsh desert conditions. Each ruin tells its story: Stronghold House, Rimrock House, Tower Point - all positioned strategically across the landscape for purposes we can only theorize about today.

What struck me most was the sophisticated construction techniques employed by people without modern tools. These weren't simple rock piles but carefully designed buildings with specific functions – possibly homes, storage facilities, defensive structures, and ceremonial spaces. Conservation efforts have evolved significantly since the 1930s, when concrete was used for repairs; today's preservationists use acrylic-modified soil that better matches original materials, maintaining both stability and historical integrity.

The two-mile loop trail provides constantly changing perspectives of these ancient dwellings, each view more impressive than the last. For anyone fascinated by human ingenuity, archaeological mysteries, or simply beautiful desert landscapes, Hovenweep offers a contemplative journey through a truly deserted valley where the achievements of ancient peoples stand in silent testimony to their remarkable civilization. Have you explored ancient ruins that left you similarly awestruck? I'd love to hear about your experiences with archaeological wonders!

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The quest for natural wonders often leads to unexpected discoveries. My journey to San Francisco Hot Springs, tucked away in New Mexico's Gila National Forest, proved to be exactly that kind of revelation.

Setting off from the trailhead in my truck (affectionately named "Black Panther"), I began the 1.3-mile descent toward the promise of wild thermal waters. The trail offered solitude interrupted only by chance encounters—a horseback rider with his pack of hunting dogs, and later, two surprisingly friendly burros wearing bells who eagerly ate peanuts from my hand. These unplanned animal meetings added a layer of charm to the adventure that no developed hot spring could provide.

Reaching the springs required crossing the ice-cold San Francisco River, where the water reached just below my knees. The reward waiting on the other side was worth wet feet: natural pools where thermal waters bubble up alongside the river, creating perfect soaking spots. Unlike commercial hot springs, these wild pools held a different magic—lukewarm waters shared with tiny fish, all surrounded by the untamed beauty of the desert-forest transition zone. The contrast between the frigid river and the comforting warmth of the geothermal pool created a sensory experience that connected me deeply to the landscape.

The entire adventure—from trailhead to hot springs and back—took about 3.23 miles of hiking and roughly two hours, including a leisurely soak. For anyone seeking to escape the developed world, even briefly, this hidden gem offers both challenge and comfort. The springs' primitive nature means they're constantly changing with the river's patterns, ensuring each visit offers something new.

Have you explored wild hot springs before? If not, the San Francisco Hot Springs might be your perfect introduction to nature's therapeutic waters. Pack water shoes for the river crossing, watch for the thorny desert vegetation, and don't forget treats to make friends with the local burros!

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