Explorer Spotlight: Thomas Burton
Name: Thomas Burton | Age: 29 | Location: Ogden, UT.
What’s your day job?
CPA
What are your favorite things to do outside?
Hiking mainly but also rock climbing, snow skiing and kayaking. Everything is better outdoors though.
What first drew you to the outdoors?
My parents were both very into outdoor sports. Both have climbed some of the tallest mountains in the world and love to sport climb. They instilled a love for the outdoors into our family from a young age and it is something that has always been apart of me.
What’s your favorite hometown adventure? ...and, almost as important, where’s your favorite spot to get a beer after?
I have two favorite Ogden hikes: the first is Wheeler Creek Canyon. It is short and sweet and dogs are allowed off leash. There is a river for my dog to play in and cool down in during the summer. It is also mostly shaded so it never feels too hot and the trail is great even in the snow. The second is Malans Peak. It is an intense hike with crazy elevation but it helps prepare me for longer hikes. I do not drink but my favorite local restaurant is Aroy-D. It serves mouth watering Thai Food and I've yet to find a better crab cheese wonton.
What’s your essential gear that never gets left at home?
My camera, you never know when you'll get a great photo.
What’s your favorite trail snack?
Pumpkin Seeds or Chewy Sprees.
Any go-to soundtracks when you’re hitting the road?
Right now I cannot get enough of Bastille.
What’s the scariest thing that’s ever happened while you were adventuring? And/ or funniest?
The scariest was probably either climbing Ancient Art or entering Buckskin Gulch while raining with running water through the canyon up to our knees.
Who’s your number one adventure partner-in-crime? Who inspires you?
My wife both inspires and is my number one partner in everything. She is great, she rarely complains and is almost always up for an adventure. Secondly my father, he always encourages me to find awesome adventures and he never stops having fun.
What are your top destinations for adventure travel?
I really love southern Utah. We have spent a ton of time in Southern Utah and the National Parks and it seems like we've only seen a small percentage of what it really has to offer. It is awesome it is so close by.
What's on the top of your must-do adventure list right now?
Show us your most memorable photo, and tell us about it!
One of my most recent memorable photos is of my father crossing the Paria River. The river was so muddy and it took so long to hike through since we couldn't see our feet. It was an epic trip.
And last but not least…What’s your personal motto?
"We do not remember days...We remember moments."
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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