The Aloof

Climbing Idaho’s Longest Sport Climbs in the City of Rocks

February 11, 2012

Me, Crisco, and Adam took a quick-but-successful trip to Idaho’s City of Rocks a few years ago. [Click for the rest…]

Going Quasi-Carless

February 9, 2012

I’ve been using my car less and less recently, and I love it. [Click for the rest…]

L’viv, Ukraine [PHOTOS]

February 6, 2012

I lived in L’viv — the most beautiful city in Ukraine — for several months in 2006-2007. [Click for the rest…]

Squawstruck Beta, Topo, and First Ascent History

February 3, 2012

Here’s some info about my route that’s the second longest bolted climb in America.  [Click for the rest…]

A Look Back at January

January 31, 2012

It was the best month I’ve had in a long time. [Click for the rest…]

I Have a #1 Bestseller on Amazon

January 27, 2012

My new Kindle ebook is the #1 bestseller in its category. [Click for the rest…]

Inspiration and Theft in Web Design

January 16, 2012

I just redesigned one of my websites. [Click for the rest…]

How to Read 34% Faster Without Even Trying (Seriously)

January 11, 2012

I was going through some of my old notes and found an experiment I conducted last year. [Click for the rest…]

A Printable List of the Countries of the World and Their Capitals

January 9, 2012

I made this list a few years ago but just updated it to be current. [Click for the rest…]

Climbing Ancient Art, the Most Famous Climb in Utah

January 7, 2012

This climb is justifiably famous and was just featured in in a CitiBank commercial. [Click for the rest…]

Utter Failure in the La Sal Mountains in Winter

January 4, 2012

The plan was to climb the tallest mountain in Utah’s 2nd tallest mountain range. [Click for the rest…]

My Goals and Plans for 2012

December 30, 2011

Here’s what I’d like to get done this upcoming year. [Click for the rest…]

2011 in Review

December 29, 2011

This was one of the more eventful years for me. [Click for the rest…]

Bald Eagles and Rainforests on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula

December 17, 2011

After climbing Mt. Rainier, we spent a day exploring the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. [Click for the rest…]

The Most Beautiful Mountain I’ve Ever Been On: Mt. Rainier

December 14, 2011

And these are some of the most beautiful photos I’ve ever taken. [Click for the rest…]

Virgin Cracks and Half Naked Dudes: First Ascents in Price Canyon, Utah

December 13, 2011

A couple years ago Crisco, Matt, and I put up some new crack climbs in Price Caynon. [Click for the rest…]

Giant Buddhas, Hanging Temples, and Ancient Pagodas in Datong, China

December 12, 2011

Here are some pics from a trip I took with some friends to Datong, China in October 2003. [Click for the rest…]

Hiking Up Santaquin Peak (10,685′) and Loafer Mountain (10,687′), Utah

December 11, 2011

These are 2 separate summits of the same mountain that form one of Utah Valley’s big “7 Peaks.” [Click for the rest…]

A Failed Winter-ish Ascent of Lone Peak, Utah

December 10, 2011

This is one of the only mountains I’ve attempted and not summited. [Click for the rest…]

Spell Check Is a PRORITY

December 6, 2011

I saw this sign at the Greyhound Station in Houston, Texas. [Click for the rest…]

A Quick Jaunt Up Round Mountain Near Moab, Utah

December 5, 2011

This is a neat, out-of-place mountain that doesn’t get much attention. It should, though. [Click for the rest…]

Climbing Elephant Butte, the Highest Point in Arches National Park

November 29, 2011

I’ve been to Arches probably a dozen times and finally got around to climbing this thing. [Click for the rest…]

Climbing Mexican Hat in Utah – Trip Report, Pics, and Beta

November 26, 2011

I’ve wanted to climb this thing for a decade. [Click for the rest…]

Climbing The Cheesebox in Southern Utah

November 24, 2011

This is kind of a crappy climb in and of itself, but the whole experience is fun and worth doing. [Click for the rest…]

Climbing Little Black Mountain Near Salt Lake City, Utah

November 20, 2011

It snowed the night before I climbed this one, making it my first summit of the 2011/2012 winter season. [Click for the rest…]

Extreme Hiking: Climbing Parriott Mesa Near Moab

November 12, 2011

This is “extreme hiking” at its finest. [Click for the rest…]

Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado) and Four Corners

November 5, 2011

Here are some photos from southwestern Colorado. [Click for the rest…]

Hiking the Chute of Muddy Creek in the San Rafael Swell

November 3, 2011

This was one of the most amazing hikes I’ve ever done. [Click for the rest…]

The Most Epic National Park You’ve Never Been To

October 25, 2011

I drove through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park last week. Wow. [Click for the rest…]

Hiking Mt. Garfield (6,765′) in Colorado

October 23, 2011

This might be the best short hike I’ve done. [Click for the rest…]

Climbing Otto’s Route (III 5.9-, 350′) on Independence Monument, CO

October 22, 2011

This is THE classic desert tower in Colorado. [Click for the rest…]

Climbing the North Chimney (III 5.9, 400′) of Castleton Tower, Moab

October 6, 2011

This is definitely one of the desert southwest’s most iconic rock formations. [Click for the rest…]

Hiking Half Dome and Feeling Claustrophobic in Yosemite

September 27, 2011

Yosemite is Mecca for rock climbers, but this particular trip left me with mixed feelings. [Click for the rest…]

My 4x Great Grandfather’s Grave, Plus 15 Minutes in Wyoming

September 24, 2011

I decided to drive to Wyoming today. [Click for the rest…]

My First Visit to Portland and the Oregon Coast

September 23, 2011

Last month I visited Portland and the Oregon coast for the first time.  [Click for the rest…]

The Highline Trail (and a Quick Mountain Climb) in Glacier National Park

September 21, 2011

Every time I’d see a photo of Glacier National Park, I’d have a “Wow, holy crap” moment. [Click for the rest…]

Climbing the South Spur on Mt. Adams, Washington

September 20, 2011

Mt. Adams is now one of my favorite mountains.  [Click for the rest…]

One of the Most Annoying Things Companies Do Without Even Knowing It

September 19, 2011

I dislike most emails I get from companies, but if they do this one thing, it REALLY frustrates me. [Click for the rest…]

Lunch at the Space Needle and a Troll Under a Bridge

September 18, 2011

Here are a few pics from having lunch at Seattle’s Space Needle with my sister and her kids. [Click for the rest…]

A Solo Ascent of the South Ridge (5.4, 3000′) of Mt. Superior, Utah

September 17, 2011

This classic climb had been on my list for a long time. [Click for the rest…]

TheAloof.com Is Changing Directions

September 16, 2011

This blog will now consist of less of me-trying-to-please-you. [Click for the rest…]

Climbing Mt. Shasta, the Giant Californian Volcano [PICS and VIDEO]

September 9, 2011

Pics and a video from my favorite mountain. [Click for the rest…]

My First Time Bungee Jumping

September 7, 2011

I would have felt really, really stupid if I’d died bungee jumping. [Click for the rest…]

It Feels Good to Finally Be from Somewhere

August 27, 2011

For years, my least favorite question has been “Where are you from?” [Click for the rest…]

Ever Wonder Where the Word “Windfall” Comes From? [GRAPHIC]

August 25, 2011

One of my favorite things to do is learn the origins of words. [Click for the rest…]

Photos from Climbing Borah Peak, the Tallest Mountain in Idaho

August 24, 2011

Last week I climbed Borah Peak (12,662′), the tallest mountain in Idaho. [Click for the rest…]

The Toilet with the World’s Most Spectacular View

August 23, 2011

Talk about a loo with a view. [Click for the rest…]

I Guess I Like Rivers, and That’s Why I Travel

August 19, 2011

What do NASA and Sailing Have in Common?

July 30, 2011

Me. I got to experience both when I was in Houston this past week. [Click for the rest…]

I Just Got My Fortune Told for $5, and It’s Kinda Unspectacular

July 22, 2011

At the very least, I knew it would make for an interesting blog post… [Click for the rest…]