We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Hamilton and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brian, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Like a lot of people, I thought about it for a long time before I actually started. I knew that I wanted to do something that was directly related to my. own interests. Perhaps something creative, but I had no idea about what I actually could do. One day a few years ago, I was hiking in Mount Rainier National Park in the state of Washington. I was enjoying taking photographs of the various features along the trail to Tolmie Peak. I picked this trail because it led to an old fire lookout tower with amazing views of Mount Rainier. It was a beautiful fall afternoon with wonderful clear skies and impressive autumn colors. Somewhere along the way, it just came to me. I could start a blog and write about my adventures in the outdoors.
During that hike, I re-discovered what fuels my fire most: an adventurous life that inspires me to create and share, striving to capture the beauty of the natural world.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Skyblueoverland.com is an adventure lifestyle blog where I get to create and share, striving to capture the beauty of the natural world. From remote 4WD overlanding expeditions to high-elevation hikes and trail runs, running marathons, mountain bike tours, and backpacking trips. My unforgettable journeys are documented with videos, photos, and blogs that reveal all the details independent adventurers need to put together their own trips.
When I started, I looked at it as I was beginning a journey towards an unknown destination. So far, I’ve met a lot of creators who love adventuring in the outdoors. Many of whom are just getting started in their careers, finding their way in the world. I’ve really enjoyed making these connections with likeminded individuals and sharing their adventure stories.
In many ways, Skyblue Overland, is still in the start-up phase. I’ve discovered that it’s really hard to build an audience around a new blog and social channels. My focus has been to put as much great content out there. We’re constantly updating our articles and guides to ensure they are relevant with the changing seasons.
Right now, our readers are discovering our Colorado backcountry ski guides, with feature tons of photography and interactive 3D maps with color-coded slope shading. As we head into Spring, I’m excited for our readers to discover our hiking trail and alpine scrambling guides. Our most recent trail review article has more than 50 photos. I think of it as taking the reader along the trail, showing them all the awesome views and challenges to overcome.
I’m also passionate about our adventurer’s guide to National Parks Series. As an engineering geologist, I’ve had a lot of projects that are in and near national parks. In the early ’90s, I spent more than two months in Glacier National Park mapping the structural condition of the old retaining walls along Going-To-The-Sun Road. I later spent several months in Olympic National Park installing a water-supply well. I love to share all that I’ve learned about the adventure opportunites in our National Parks.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Boulder, Colorado has been on every list imaginable from top adventure town, to best place to live, to best college town. If world-class rock climbing, mountain biking, city biking, creek floating, trail hiking, alpine scrambling, backpacking, backcountry skiing, and mountaineering are words that pump your outdoor adventure heart, then Boulder is where you want to be.
I would start with breakfast at The Buff on Canyon Blvd, a Boulder institution serving breakfast and lunch before heading out for a hiking adventure.
One of my favorite trails is the hike up to Bear Peak. Of the five mountains lining Boulder’s western skyline, Bear Peak is the most spectacular. Because it is part of the eastern line of the Rocky Mountains, its nearly 3,000-foot vertical relief from the plains gives it a grandiose and imposing profile.
Another favorite trail is Mt. Sanitas, which is a fun, rocky, and repeatable hike. There are various ways to climb the peak, but all of them require more than a thousand feet of climbing. The payoff is a great summit perch with outstanding views of Boulder and the foothills.
Since we have an entire week, I would head to Rocky Mountain National Park for a hike up to Sky Pond. Often called the prettiest lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Timberline Falls and Sky Pond are excellent destinations in a beautiful part of the Rockies.
If my friend is a rock climber, the East Face standard route on the Third Flatiron is amazing. To quote Richard Rossiter, “This is probably the best beginner climb in the solar system.” This route is best led for the first time following another party unless you don’t care about finding the fixed eye-bolts.
For an alpine scrambling adventure, Navajo Peak in the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness is my favorite. The Indian Peaks has a TON of awesome scrambling. If you’re looking for an iconic mountain with substantial scrambling, an airplane wreck on its slopes, and incredible views, Navajo Peak is what you want.
For mountain biking, my favorite trail is the Dirty Bismark: Just south of Boulder proper, this loop offers a fun, longer ride with stellar views back to the Flatirons. Clocking in at over 15 miles, the ride can also be lengthened with Dowdy Draw, South Mesa and Spring Brook connector trails. The Dirty Bismarck trail is just reopening after the Marshall Fire swept through the area a few weeks ago.
After a day of adventuring, Boulder has great food options for any occasion. Hankering for some brunch? Check out Snooze or Tangerine. Burger on the brain? Mountain Sun (they only accept cash but have ATM’s on-site). Pizza? Boss Lady. Classy? Try the Flagstaff House, SALT, or the Boulderado. Looking for ambiance? Rosetta Hall, Avanti, and Rio Grande all have great atmospheres and rooftop seating. Java? Head over to Boxcar Coffee Roasters or OZO. The city also has dozens of breweries to explore, including Upslope, Avery, and Sanitas Brewing. Frozen Dead Guy Days (not technically in Boulder, but only a half-hour away in Nederland) is awesome too. Whatever your craving, Boulder provides.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I grew up backpacking, hiking, canoeing and camping in the outdoors with the Boy Scouts including two epic backpacking expeditions at Philmont Scout Ranch in the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rocky Mountains in northeastern New Mexico. My shout out is dedicated to all the volunteers and mentors who helped me get involved in the outdoors. These volunteers taught me the outdoor skills that I would need later in life.
Prior to graduating from high school, I achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. These memories drew me to seek further adventures. I became interested in geology after picking up a U.S. Geological Survey Paper on the geology in and around Philmont. This inspired me to study geology in college to connect with the earth and to pursue a career in the outdoors.
Website: https://www.skyblueoverland.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyblueoverland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/skyblueoverland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyblueoverland
Image Credits
Each of these photos were taken by me, Brian Hamilton.