Thenaturalmedic Adventures
Hello there, and thanks so much for joining us here! You are probably wondering what this podcast is all about? In this podcast, we will talk about all sorts of outdoor adventures, but primarily, for now, we will focus on hiking and backpacking. No other outdoor adventure is so accessible to so many people! So please join us as we talk about how to hike/backpack and learn how to hike any length trail from your local neighborhood parks to those long trails such as the Appalachian and others worldwide! Remember... "in every walk with nature; one receives far more...
Exploring New Mexico’s Hidden Badlands Near Farmington
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We hike the Brook Badlands in New Mexico and get up close to hoodoos, caprock, and weirdly hollow sounding walls that make the landscape feel almost unreal. We also talk through how these formations erode and why being careful with your hands and feet matters as much as the view.Â
• location and quick orientation near Councilor and FarmingtonÂ
• why the area feels unique and less marked than nearby badlandsÂ
• hollow sounding rock, tall hoodoos, and toadstool shaped formationsÂ
• how caprock and softer layers create hoodoos through erosionÂ
• wind, water, ice, and...
We Follow A Faint Trail Through Hoodoos To A 10-Foot Rock Throne
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We hike New Mexico’s Valley of Dreams to hunt for hoodoos, petrified wood, and the famous Alien Throne hidden beyond a faint, unmarked path. Along the way, we spot the Three Wise Men formation, salt deposits by a rare bit of water, and a strange rock-walled structure on the hike out.Â
• starting out near the Valley of Dreams and heading toward badlands formationsÂ
• spotting petrified wood similar to species found in ArizonaÂ
• climbing ridges for panoramic views and locating the Alien ThroneÂ
• seeing the Three Wise Men rock pillarsÂ
•...
We Follow Ancient Pueblo Trails From The Visitor Center To Sunny Alcove
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We hike Canyon of the Ancients National Monument from the Dolores visitor center to the Sand Canyon Trail, chasing big views and even bigger history. We connect Sleeping Ute Mountain’s origin story and geology to Ancestral Puebloan ruins like Sunny Alcove, Corncob House, and other cliff dwellings hidden in dry alcoves.Â
• arriving at the Canyon of the Ancients visitor center and museum basicsÂ
• walking the Dominguez Escalante Pueblo trail and spotting room blocks and a central kivaÂ
• linking Sleeping Ute Mountain myth to laccolith geologyÂ
• scanning the landscape toward the La...
What Do We Owe The Places We Visit?
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700-plus steps down, a windy ledge under a limestone roof, and a cliffside “apartment” complex that once held a thriving community. I’m Craig Nitromedic, and I’m taking you along the Island Trail at Walnut Canyon outside Flagstaff for a fast, grounded tour of one of Arizona’s most memorable archaeological sites.
As we walk, we look closely at how the rooms were built and expanded over time, why the limestone overhang matters, and what the layout suggests about family growth, storage, and daily life. We also talk about the hard reali...
Four Practical Reasons Trekking Poles Make Hiking Safer And Easier
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We break down four concrete reasons trekking poles belong in a hiking or backpacking kit, from better posture to real stability on rough ground. We also share how we choose and set up our poles, and why they can double as shelter support and first-aid tools when things go sideways.Â
• Why trekking poles are not just for older hikersÂ
• setting pole height for better posture and biomechanicsÂ
• choosing foldable versus collapsible designs and lever locksÂ
• using trekking poles with trekking pole tents to reduce pack weightÂ
• keeping tip covers for sens...
Travel Back 900 Years To A Desert Hub Of Trade, Ritual, And Ingenious Design
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We travel from Wukoki's sandstone perch to Wupatki's 100-room complex, tracing trade routes, desert farming, and the living science of a breathing blowhole. Along the way, we weigh preservation, oral histories, and how plazas and ball courts shaped community life.
• Wukoki's defensive siting and sandstone construction
• Site etiquette and why artifacts must stay put
• Ripple marks as geology's timeline beneath pueblos
• Wupatki as a trade hub linking north and south
• Meanings of the blowhole in science and tradition
• Ball court uses across sports, ceremonies, and storage
• Three...
Walk With Me Through Cinders, Peaks, And Moon-Training History At Sunset Crater
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We hike the Bonita Vista and Lenox Crater trails at Sunset Crater, share why NASA trained astronauts here, and explain how a thousand-year-old eruption reshaped this volcanic field. We give practical tips on altitude, footing, water, and protected areas you cannot hike in.
• quick overview of Bonita Vista and Lenox Crater loop
• Why astronauts trained on Sunset Crater terrain
• what to expect at 7,000 feet and why to hydrate
• views of the San Francisco Peaks, O’Leary Peak, and Bonita Lava Flow
• why Sunset Crater’s cone is closed to prot...
Trail-Ready Camp Kitchen Essentials
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We walk through a trail-tested cook system built for fast boils, hot coffee, and simple packability, comparing stainless durability with titanium weight savings. Along the way, we demo the BRS 3000T, share smart add-ons, and show how everything nests for a tidy carry.
• waterproof dry bag setup and packing order
• Stanley stainless cup with graduated marks to 600 ml
• boil-only routine for dehydrated meals and coffee
• BRS 3000T stove pros, cons, and lighting
• regulator absence and practical fuel efficiency
• GSI Spice Missile for six compact seasonings
• Sea to Summit...
How A Volcano Preserved A Colorado Forest For 34 Million Years
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We walk the Florissant Fossil Beds and trace how volcanic mudflows turned a living redwood forest into a world-class fossil site. Along the way, we meet Eocene mammals, explore ancient climate, and reflect on the human choices that saved this place from development.
• planning trails around the visitor center and winter hours
• overview of Eocene mammals and insect fossils
• how lahars buried trees and silicified wood
• reading tree rings for ancient climate insight
• redwood cloning and why redwoods no longer grow here
• Lake Florissant’s brief life and rich...
It’s Called Emerald, Not Because Of My Face After That Climb
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We hike Zion’s Emerald Pools from lower to upper, compare the routes, and share realistic time estimates, views, and trail tips. Sudden rain, green water, and a few confusing junctions turn a short outing into a vivid tour of the canyon’s layers.
• lower, middle, and upper route options compared
• time and distance expectations for each segment
• Why the water looks green from algal growth
• navigating confusing junctions on the upper spur
• handling rain, wet rock, and changing conditions
• best views over the Virgin River valley
• cho...
Where Stone Pinches Water: Lessons From A Narrow Canyon
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We walk the Riverside Walk to the start of Zion’s Narrows, explain how the Virgin River carved the canyon, and talk through safety, gear, and why crowds change the experience. We end with plans to return better equipped and an invite to subscribe for more Zion content.
• route basics for the Riverside Walk and Narrows
• how the Virgin River carved the canyon and sand deposits
• why the canyon narrows upstream and widens toward Springdale
• weeping wall, hanging gardens and seep-fed ecology
• where the paved path e...
Three Miles, Countless “Wows,” And One Very Out-Of-Breath Narrator
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We hike the Queen’s Garden Navajo Loop at Bryce Canyon counterclockwise, dropping into hoodoos, spotting Queen Victoria, and climbing Wall Street at sunset. Along the way we share timing tips, parking choices, and why golden hour turns this three-mile loop into pure magic.
• starting at Sunrise Point and choosing counterclockwise
• route overview and mileage expectations
• walking among hoodoos in Queen’s Garden
• finding the Queen Victoria formation
• turning toward Wall Street and the slot canyon
• climbing switchbacks and tunnels to Sunset Point
• timing the hike for golden ho...
I Came For Bryce, Stayed For The Weird Sand Pillars
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Trade the crowds for silence and stone. We take you onto Codachrome Basin’s Panorama Trail in southern Utah, where red Entrada sandstone meets pale Henryville layers and the desert’s famous sand spires tell a surprising story about water, pressure, and time. Instead of hoodoos, these pillars rose from saturated sand forced upward long ago, then emerged as the softer surroundings eroded. The loop stays friendly underfoot, but the views scale up fast: Ballerina Spire, the quirky Hat Shop, tight turns through Secret Passage, and the wide-air drama of Mammoth Spire.
...
A Quick Hike Through Bryce Canyon’s Mossy Cave Reveals Pioneer Waterworks And Surprising Geology
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Video Version: https://youtu.be/SWL355PFqNk
We walk the Mossy Cave trail in Bryce Canyon, tracing a short path that blends hoodoos, pioneer engineering, and a quiet waterfall. Along the way, we explain how diverted water shaped a green corridor and how groundwater carved the cave-like overhang.
• Mossy Cave trail overview and timing
• Pinyon-juniper and ponderosa transition zone
• History of the Tropic Ditch built 1889–1892
• Water diversion effects on plants and microclimate
• Geology of hoodoos and limestone dissolution
• Tropic Falls seasonality and safety features
• “Hike th...
From Rainbow Point To Hoodoos: A Scenic Drive Through Bryce Canyon
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Video Version: https://youtu.be/uEX6Wi7xinc
We road-trip from Rainbow Point to the entrance, pairing quick geology lessons with practical driving tips, forest zones, and stops at Black Birch, Ponderosa, Natural Bridge, Paria View, Bryce Point, and Inspiration Point. We weave in Southern Paiute stories, acoustic ecology, and route planning for hikes like Mossy Cave and the Navajo Loop–Queens Garden.
• starting at Rainbow Point for right-side pullouts
• Bryce’s deep-time timeline and hoodoo formation
• elevation-based forest zones and what to notice
• Natural Bridge as an arch s...
Come Hike A One‑Mile Alpine Loop And Meet Ancient Bristlecone Pines
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Video Version: https://youtu.be/_HSyseF2TJ8
We walk the Bristlecone Loop at Rainbow Point and share how to spot ancient bristlecone pines, read forest health at a glance, and make the most of a short, high‑elevation hike. Along the way, we decode hoodoos, park benchmarks, and route links to Yovimpa Point.
• starting at 9,120 feet on a one‑mile loop
• Why Bryce’s hoodoos form and what they reveal
• bristlecone pine traits and longevity
• how to identify healthy vs stressed trees
• Why thinning creates a more resilient...
Ancient Petroglyphs, Mormon Orchards, And A Desert Valley That Sustained Two Worlds
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We follow the petroglyphs of Capitol Reef to explore how Native families and later Mormon settlers used the same fertile valley to live, farm, and make meaning. From lost panels to living orchards, we connect tools, water, and story across centuries.
• petroglyph overview and 1952 rockfall context
• identity, naming, and Hisatsinom lineage
• Fruta settlement and the river’s fertile corridor
• comparison of traditional and pioneer tools
• reading figures, animals, and possible symbols
• orchard cycles and a freeze that stopped fruit
• reflections on continuity between cultures
• travel teaser for...
How A Bridge Forms In Stone And Why Solitude Still Lives In Utah’s Least Crowded Park
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We hike to Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef and unpack why the park is named for domes and a land reef. Along the way, we spot ancient handprints, explain how a natural bridge forms, and share why this quieter park stands out among Utah's big five.
• trail overview, distance, and elevation gain
• CCC history shaping the route
• origin of the name Capitol Reef
• pictographs and respectful observation
• difference between a natural bridge and an arch
• erosion processes shaping the span
• views on crowds and why the park feels...
Risk, Reward, And The Quiet Beauty Of Utah’s Cathedral Valley
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A quick scout of Cathedral Valley shows how to judge the Fremont River ford, when two-wheel drive is enough, and why timing and weather call the shots. We pivot for cattle, grab a geocache, and map a smarter return for the whole loop.
• locating the ford and reading warning signs
• confirming water levels with the visitor center or phone line
• choosing high clearance and gear selection through the river
• identifying washouts and bentonite hazards after rain
• planning a flexible route with turnarounds and alternates
• geocaching stops and photo-fr...
Your Suitcase Called; It Wants A Day Off
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Video Version: https://youtu.be/6VUjqYWgNSY
I put the Maetin Travel Backpack through a year of real trips to see if it can replace a rolling carry-on. From pockets and padding to durability and exact dimensions, I share what works, what's just fine, and where it shines for airport-to-trail travel.
• Why a backpack beats a roller for short trips
• what the Maetin pack includes and how it's built
• strap comfort, sternum support, and stow options
• quick-access pockets and thoughtful organization
• clamshell central bay and elastic load strap...
Reading Rock Art: Petroglyphs, Dinosaurs, And Time
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Note: Please see YouTube for a video version
We trace Utah's Potash Road to packed petroglyph panels and nearby dinosaur tracks, unpacking how to identify motifs, read track slabs, and protect fragile surfaces. Along the way, we confront vandalism, clarify what not to touch, and share simple steps to leave no trace.
• difference between pictographs and petroglyphs
• anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures on multiple panels
• Archaic and Fremont period styles and dates
• roadside access and safe viewing tips
• theropod track types on Navajo Sandstone
• Why chalking, ca...
A Seven-Day Utah Park Adventure Begins With Cliffs, Crowds, And A Crater Debate
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Note: To View the Video Version, Please Visit YouTube
We kick off a seven-day Utah parks road trip with Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky, moving from the quick drama of Mesa Arch to the long horizons of Grand View and the unsolved geology of Upheaval Dome. Short hikes, big views, practical tips, and a standing question: meteor strike or salt dome collapse.
• Mesa Arch hike overview and viewpoints
• Trail etiquette and protecting cryptobiotic soil
• Grand View Point rim trail highlights and river layout
• Parking pressure, timing, and safety...
Crowds, Canyons, And Pie: What I Learned Traveling Utah's National Parks in 1 Week
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Note: If you are interested in a video version, please view it on YouTube.
We road-trip the Big Five in eight days, moving from Canyonlands and Arches to Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion with honest notes on crowds, shuttles, permits, and weather. Expect practical routes, favorite hikes, and small tips that unlock big views, plus where to find the best pie.
• Canyonlands Island in the Sky highlights and overlooks
• Camping near Moab and permit basics
• Arches access, Windows area, Double Arch logistics
• Off-season timing and crowd st...
Walking Mosca Pass: Fall Color, Quiet Creeks, And A Slice Of Colorado History
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Sand that moves like a stormy sea, a creek that sings under aspen fire, and a ridge that widens the world—this Mosca Pass hike delivers more than a modest mile count suggests. We start at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, trace Mosca Creek through shifting meadows and timber, and climb a steady grade toward a saddle lined in late-September gold. Along the way, we pause at a rock marker to unpack pioneer footsteps and revisit Ze...
Sometimes You Should Chase Waterfalls: Our Journey to Zapata Falls
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Ever wondered what geological treasures hide near Colorado's Great Sand Dunes? Join me on a refreshing detour to Zapata Falls, where ancient glacial forces created a stunning 25-foot waterfall tucked away in a rocky chasm.
The adventure begins with a scenic half-mile hike through BLM land, leading to Zapata Creek. Don't be afraid to get your feet wet—the final approach requires wading through shallow water and navigating slippery rocks, but the reward is absolutely worth it! As I discovered, the fa...
Detour to a Ghost Resort: When Plan B Becomes the Adventure
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Sometimes the best adventures come from unexpected detours. When bad weather derailed my plans to summit Mount Elbert, I discovered the hidden gem of Interlaken Trail near Leadville, Colorado – a 5-mile journey that transports hikers through time to a preserved "ghost resort" nestled along Twin Lakes.
The trail offers stunning views of Mount Elbert (Colorado's highest peak) before arriving at the historic Interlaken resort complex. The crown jewel is the Dexter Cabin, an impressive Victorian-era house complete with multiple bedrooms, sitting ar...
Journey Through Valle Caldera
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We explore Valle Caldera National Preserve in New Mexico, a 1.25-million-year-old dormant volcano with a massive magma chamber beneath its surface. The preserve features historic buildings, dramatic weather changes, and breathtaking views of mountain landscapes surrounding the massive caldera depression.
• Historic cabin district includes structures dating back decades, each telling stories of the area's ranching history
• Weather changes dramatically throughout the day, shifting from clear skies to snowstorms within minutes
• The preserve sits atop a massive magma chambe...
The Hidden Gems of Jemez: Exploring Spence Hot Springs
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Ever stumbled upon a natural wonder that feels like a well-kept secret? That's exactly what awaits at Spence Hot Springs, tucked away in New Mexico's breathtaking Jemez Mountains.
Nestled within the Santa Fe National Forest just outside Jemez Springs, these thermal pools offer a perfect blend of accessibility and natural beauty. After a quick 0.4-mile hike across the Jemez River, you'll discover a series of warm, soothing pools cascading down the mountainside. The main upper pool accommodates about a dozen...
Hiking Bandelier's Ancient Canyon
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Step into the ancient world of Bandelier National Monument through this immersive backpacking journey along the Rito de las Frijoles (Bean Creek). What begins as a simple overnight trek quickly transforms into a fascinating exploration of natural wonders and human history nestled in north-central New Mexico.
The trail winds through diverse ecosystems where riparian habitats meet towering cliff faces, creating an ecological treasure trove. Wildlife thrives here - from elusive mountain lions and black bears to the more visible...
Rock Art and Room Service: Apartment Living, Ancient Style
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Step back in time with me as we explore the ancient wonders of Tsankawi at Bandelier National Monument. This remarkable archaeological site offers a rare window into the lives of ancestral Puebloan people who made these cliffside dwellings their home centuries ago.
Walking through what was once a bustling central plaza, I discovered pottery fragments scattered across rocks—tangible connections to those who lived here long before us. As tradition dictates, these artifacts remain undisturbed where they were found, preserving both arc...
Rock Stars: The Handprints, Macaws, and Mysteries of Rio Grande Style Art
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Craig the Natural Medic explores the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, New Mexico, discovering ancient rock carvings etched into volcanic basalt across three distinct canyon areas.
• Piedras Marcadas Canyon features hundreds of petroglyphs on a 1.5-mile trail showing animals, humanoid figures, and handprints
• Ancestral Pueblo people created the Rio Grande style petroglyphs between 1000 BC and 1700 AD
• Boca Negra Canyon, considered the "birthplace" of the monument, has the famous Macaw petroglyph showing evidence of ancient trade networks
•...
Exploring North America's Tallest Sand Dunes: A Journey Through Great Sand Dunes National Park
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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...
Essential Backcountry Water Filtration: Your First Line of Defense
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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 s...
Exploring the Continental Divide: A Quick Snowshoe Adventure at Tennessee Pass
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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
•...
Shredding Ski Cooper: No Crowds, Great Value
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Audio only, see YouTube for full video...Thanks
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 Co...
Desert Giants: A Birthday Hike Through Saguaro National Park
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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
• Histor...
Balanced Rocks and Buffalo Soldiers: Arizona's Strangest National Monument
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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...
Backpack Essentials: Day Hiking Gear Guide for 2025
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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-lite...
Walk the Plank: The Dizzying Heights of Gila's Historic Catwalk
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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...
Ancient Towers on the Utah-Colorado Border: Exploring Hovenweep National Monument
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Note: Audio Only, please see YouTube for Video Version.Â
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 t...
