My Top Adventures of 2016

Exploration is only the beginning.

By: Garrett Schmidt + Save to a List

Cedar Key Florida will forever hold a special place this year. It's where I went to school when I was younger and I practically grew up there. The place where everyone knows your name. I have spent a lot of time here in my life and even more time in the dark here this year. Capturing the milky way and hanging with new and old friends. I can't count the times my grandpa and I shared lunch in this town and the many trips to pick up seafood. This one picture sums up everything I love about this place!


The Appalachian Trail was my first experience primitive camping and being in the mountains with my camera. I did a total of about 25 miles on this tattered trail and would advise anyone in the South to at least spend a night or two on it. The sunsets are breathtaking and the time walking up and down mountains will really show you what you are made of!



Foster Falls, Tennessee was my first experience climbing outdoors. I met incredible people that took me under their wing and taught me how to stay alive outside climbing. I miss not being able to climb with them every week, but memories last forever! (Foster Falls has some of the best climbing in America.)


Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park in the summer. This was my first big trip to the midwest and it definitely shaped my style of photography. This trip also taught me that I can go 36 hours with minimal sleep and still function enough to be a decent person; without coffee too. The trip was super pivotal in giving me the desire to move across the country. So I owe a lot to this trip!


Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park in the fall of this year. This was the last trip I could take before the big move to the PNW. This trip gave me time to reflect and spend time with a good friend before our lives got chaotic. I got to see much more of the parks this time around and sleep a little more. The wildlife was phenomenal on this trip as well. Definitely a lot colder than the summer trip which kept people away; that was a nice part. 




Arches National Park on the longest road trip of my life I got to experience the prettiest place I have ever seen. I have never felt so small before but this place will put you in your place. With giant red structures shooting from the ground, this place is my favorite so far. I hope 2017 brings more time in Utah to explore and climb. For now I will hold on to these dear pictures that I am left with. 



The Pacific Northwest: I cannot wait to spend 2017 here in the PNW. I am grateful for the opportunities out here and the ability to explore this beautiful part of the country. 





P.S. 2017, lets get weird.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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