The Gift of Adventure: Experiences that Last

Why I Always Give the Gift of Adventure

When I look back over the past decade of holidays with my family, I don’t think about the gifts wrapped in bows. I think about the trails, the rivers, the canyons, and the countless memories made adventuring with my dad. For over ten years, I’ve given him the same Christmas gift: an adventure. And it has turned out to be the best gift either of us could ever receive.

A Decade of Shared Trails

Together, Dad and I have hiked Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon, rafted for five days on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River, backpacked through Rocky Mountain National Park, and trekked the world’s longest slot canyon, Buckskin Gulch (which we now guide with All Ways Adventure!). We’ve shouldered packs into the glowing sandstone of Neon Canyon (another All Ways Adventure favorite), and explored dozens of other wild, beautiful places. Sometimes we bring friends and family, but even if it’s just the two of us, we’re perfectly happy to lace up our boots and head out together.

Last May, Dad and I floated the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon on a guided rafting trip, checking off one of his lifelong bucket list goals. Then in October, my brother, Dad, and I spent three nights in the Yosemite Backcountry to summit Half Dome—a trip where my brother and I shared our love of rock climbing and peak bagging with Dad.

From Small Town Dad to Adventure Buddy

When I first started guiding, I never expected my Kansas-born, NFL-loving, meat-and-potatoes dad to become my most loyal adventure buddy. But he’s always ready with a “yes” whenever I pull the next obscure permit. Year after year, this tradition has deepened our relationship and turned us into best friends. The trips themselves are unforgettable, but the real gift is the bond we’ve built along the way.

Bonus for Dad - along the way I found my way back to the Chiefs football and Kansas City BBQ!

The True Glory of Showing Up

When we were in Yosemite earlier this year, my dad got quiet for a moment and then said, "You know, Jillian, we would never be here if it weren't for you." I still get emotional thinking about it. It's a powerful acknowledgment of the passion I’ve invested in guiding: working hard not just for my own objectives, but to help my loved ones fall in love with the wild places that mean so much to me. It’s humbling to be recognized for this effort, even though the easy response is to deflect the praise. But the truth is, our objectives—mine and my dad's—have grown in grandeur simply because we’ve been consistent in showing up, which is always the hardest part. I try to run a business that implores our staff to treat their guests like family, and I lead by example: everyone deserves that moment, perched on the side of Half Dome with the ones they love, to just revel in the glory of it all. We only get one short life to live, and there is no time to waste in getting after your dreams.

Give an Experience, Not a Box

That’s why I believe so deeply in giving the gift of adventure. Experiences don’t gather dust or go out of style—they grow more valuable with time. They create stories, laughter, courage, and connection that last far longer than anything that comes in a box. For me and my dad, this choice has given us over a decade of unforgettable memories. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

This season, consider giving the people you love the same gift: the chance to explore, to share something new, and to walk away with memories you’ll both carry forever. There’s no price tag you can put on that.

Ready to give the gift of adventure? Check out our All Ways Adventure Gift Cards and surprise someone with an experience that will last a lifetime.