A Magical Season in Nature’s Studio

Wow, what an incredible year it’s been! We can’t even begin to express how grateful we are to everyone who joined us this season.

From painting under the pines to creating in the coastal breeze, this year has truly been one for the books! 🌲🎨

We kicked things off with new outdoor studios, expanded our reach with traveling adventures, and met so many amazing emerging artists – some who had never picked up a paintbrush before, let alone a palette knife! 

Whether you joined us for a fun date night, girls day or family adventure, every group made this year so special. Thanks for sharing creativity and exploration together. 

As we close out the 2024 season, we’re taking some time to rest, recharge, and reflect on everything that made this year magical. But don’t worry—there are already plans for an even bigger, better 2025! We can’t wait to bring you new locations, fresh artist collabs, and of course, more painting among the pines.

In the meantime, don’t forget: Abstract Adventures gift cards are now available, the perfect way to treat your loved ones to a unique experience near Denver next year! 

🎁 GRAB HIKE & PAINT GIFT CARDS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

We’ll see you again in the spring of 2025, but until then, we’re sending all the creative vibes your way. Keep an eye out for updates, and we’ll be back in May to kick off another amazing season!

Colorado Hike & Paint Tours

Abstract Adventures has officially launched bookings for our Colorado Hike & Paint Tours at Mt. Falcon! After much anticipation and behind-the-scenes effort it’s finally here!

BOOK A HIKE & PAINT TOUR TODAY

Abstract Adventures Hike & Paints are a unique way to connect with nature and celebrate your creativity. Trails have been hand selected to teach you a bit more about Colorado nature and all the inspirations it has to offer. We provide and handle all the supplies, you just need to bring your sense of adventure. 

“It was a really calming and freeing experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique outdoor experience!”

EVERY HIKE & PAINT INCLUDES:

• Guided hike & painting lesson with supplies
• Take-home canvas as a souvenir
• Light refreshments (gluten free/vegan snack bar, nuts and fruit)
• Wilderness First Aid certified guide & first aid gear

The painting portion of our adventure is not your “typical” art class. Everyone follows the same lesson and learns the same techniques, but you will be encouraged to play, take risks and follow the flow. Whether you’ve picked up a paintbrush before or not, you’ll leave inspired with a distinctive piece of art you can call your own.

• Basic color theory
• Color wash & choosing a horizon
• Palette knife peaks
• Techniques and more!

We offer two adventure levels when booking so you can choose the trail and outdoor studio that works best for you. 

Nature Lover: Unwind on an easy trail among the pines and try something new, while also staying comfortable at a table during your painting lesson.

Trailblazer: Embark on a moderate hike and fully immerse yourself. Get to know nature up close and personal with a rustic outdoor painting class on covered ground. We recommend this level if you want to the full Abstract Adventures experience. 

Summer 2023 tours will fill up fast, so whether you call Colorado home or are traveling to the Mile High City, make sure to book your adventure today! 

Time to explore outside the ordinary. See you trailside!

Everything Is Alien and Awesome – Green River, UT

In celebration of making it through 2020, I headed west from Denver to a land of weird wonder…

Utah: the place on Earth where everything feels alien and awesome.

After a few pit stops and copious amounts of coffee, my boots hit the red dirt and dust. We had arrived at the dog-friendly slot canyon hike just outside of Goblin Valley State Park – Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon Trail.

While the entire hike spans 8 miles, we decided to take a more laissez faire approach, navigating the canyons and crevices for an undetermined time, but opting out of completing the entire loop. In total, we hiked about 4 miles out-and-back. 

Shortly after leaving the trailhead, the earth opened up into a wide avenue surrounded by geological wonders. If you’re bringing a dog or a little one, heads up that there is a tall ledge which requires a bit of climbing or a boost about 15 minutes into hiking. Once you pass the ledge, most of the trail is relatively flat the next couple of miles.

As we continued forward the rocks slowly began to close in around us, every step started to feel even more like an adventure. All of a sudden we’re zigzagging between rocks and in front of us is a sliver of trail sandwiched between smooth sandstone.

The cool air stuck between the formations, weaving throughout the path and welcoming us on our continued journey. If you ever visit Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon Trail, take a moment to notice the temperature change as you travel through the underbelly of the canyon.

After our first round of slotting, we arrived at an open area. It seems like most families and travelers turned around after this. I repeat, KEEP GOING. This is just the beginning of the adventure, you do not want to miss the rest.

From the open area, keep following the trail and you’ll be led to an even more intense slot canyon. While it wasn’t quite as squished, the walls next to you tower much higher than the first canyon.

Traveling through this geological maze felt humbling.

I had to trust the path and the rocks above. After a few echo tests and more tight squeezes, we came upon a giant boulder lodged in between the path. After a bit of coaxing, our dog Ein found her steps and we continued on.

If I’m being honest, Ein probably had an easier time navigating the obstacle than I did… as Donkey from Shrek says “That’s a nice boulder!”

Once you pass the Donkey-approved boulder it’s not long before a mini open space greets you. Unfortunately we had a hotel check-in and a few more hours of driving, so this was our turn-around spot. But if you’ve visited or visit this trail in the future, let me know in the comments how the rest of the loop is!

Usually I’m not a huge fan of out-and-back trails, I prefer a loop-de-loop, but this time heading back was an entirely new perspective. As soon as I turned back the rays of sun bounced off the curvy sandstone, emitting an almost heavenly glow. I could see the sky peeking through the crevices and notice the flaky red rock bundles around every turn.

Little Wild Horse Bell Canyon Trail is definitely a hidden gem. If you’re ever on your way to Goblin Valley State Park or Capitol Reef National Park, it’s worth it to travel a bit off your designated route to explore.

While I didn’t bring my paint supplies with me through the canyons, my imagination couldn’t let go of the magic of Utah.

Check out my recent creation “Wonderland” inspired by our trip to Utah 

And as always – Capture. Create. Chase.