Ashley grew up in North Texas but spent her summers at a cabin in Ontario, Canada. It was rustic enough that there wasn’t much to do inside, so we went on adventure after adventure. Whether it was hiking, jumping off a waterfall, swimming in the Great Lakes, finding a cave, or rolling down some sand dunes, we were up for pretty much anything. Combine that with family vacations abroad and you have a young girl with a full heart.
Fast forward to high school, where my priority became sports, and then on to college where my studies captured my attention. After college, we took a family trip to Crested Butte during the summer and I immediately fell in love with the mountains. We vowed to move there one day, and a few years later we did it!

Since then, my focus has been hiking as much as possible during the summer months. Once the higher elevations turn from snow to dirt, my feet hit the ground hard. I hiked hundreds of miles while we lived in Breckenridge, Colorado, and now I continue my passion in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Our weekends are full of dirt trails, campfires, and maybe even a send or two at our local crag.
Ashley’s role in Know Nothing Nomads is to bring the content to life through easy-to-follow how-to’s, knowledgeable guides, honest product reviews, and anything else that helps you get outdoors. All this is based on her real-life experience and what she’s learned her entire life. When she’s not at the computer writing, you can find her exploring and adventuring with Derek.
Ashley’s Writings
-
Ralph Waldo Emerson Famous Quotes on Nature & Motivation
A compilation of the best Ralph Waldo Emerson famous quotes, with an emphasis on nature, motivational quotes, and being yourself.
-
Ice Lake & Island Lake Colorado: The Complete Trail Guide
Ice Lake and Island Lake in Colorado can be accessed from the same trailhead and they are the most beautiful alpine lakes in the state.
-
How to Clean a Water Bladder
Knowing how to clean a water bladder is an essential piece of gear maintenance and you should regularly clean your water pack. Learn how here!
-
Chihuahua Lake Colorado – A Sapphire Mountain Lake
Chihuahua Lake in Colorado is a hidden gem located near Breckenridge. Its beautiful bright sapphire colored water is a must-see.
-
Decalibron Loop Trail Review – THREE 14ers in One Hike
The Decalibron Loop near Breckenridge, Colorado, is a difficult but rewarding adventure that lets you summit three 14ers in one hike!
-
Best Hiking in Breckenridge – The Ultimate Guide
Breckenridge is an amazing hiking destination, and we’ve ranked the best hikes in the area in order of difficulty – plus we’ve included some extras!
-
Bear Safety in Colorado – For Hikers, Backpackers, & Campers
-
Blue Lakes Breckenridge – The Complete Guide
Blue Lakes near Breckenridge is a must-see destination and features a beautiful waterfall, two alpine lakes, and plenty of opportunities for exploring.
-
Minnie Mine Loop – A Perfect Fall Hike near Breckenridge
Minnie Mine Loop is a moderately easy hike near Breckenridge that is a perfect beginner hike featuring great views and aspen groves.
-
Blue Lakes Hike near Ridgway Colorado – Guide and Review
Blue Lakes (near Ridgeway and Telluride) trail is a must-do Colorado hike that features three beautifully blue alpine lakes and endless views.
-
Boreas Pass Road Breckenridge – Scenic Drive and Hiking Destination
Boreas Pass Road is an unpaved road located in Breckenridge, Colorado, that is a great scenic drive and a great destination for hiking.
-
Backpacking the Four Pass Loop Trail – All You Need to Know
The Four Pass Loop is an incredible 28 mile backpacking loop located in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness.
-
Shelf Lake Trail
Shelf Lake is a 7 mile out-and-back lightly trafficked trail off Guanella Pass that features an alpine lake and beautiful views.
-
Acorn Creek Loop Trail Review
Acorn Creek Loop is a quintessential mountain trail that features meadows, forest, mountain views, creek crossings, and more!
-
McCullough Gulch Trail Review – The Best Moderate Hike in Breckenridge
The McCullough Gulch Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado and features a waterfall, two alpine lakes, and great mountain views.
-
Aspen Alley – A Must-Do Fall Hike in Breckenridge
Aspen Alley is a moderately difficult hike near Breckenridge that offers pristine fall colors with golden aspens and beautiful views.
-
Wheeler Lake Trail
Wheeler Lake Trail is one of our favorite local hikes – it’s about 7 miles roundtrip and features amazing wildflowers, a stream, and a beautiful lake.
-
Osprey Daylite Plus Review: Our Favorite Daypack for Hiking
We both use the Osprey Daylite Plus Pack as our hiking day pack and for good reason: it’s an all around great backpack for hiking and travel alike.
-
Continental Falls and Mohawk Lakes Hike
The hike to Continental Falls and Mohawk Lakes outside Breckenridge is one of the best hikes in the area and is a must-do when you’re nearby.
-
Red Mountain Trail Review
Just outside of Breckenridge is Red Mountain, a 13er that’s lightly trafficked, you’ll likely not see anyone else the entire day.
-
Slumberjack Daybreak 4 Tent Review
We use the Slumberjack Daybreak Tent for car camping and it’s by far the best tent you can get for the price and the features it has to offer.
-
Three Lakes Trail – A Crested Butte Gem
The Three Lakes Trail outside of Crested Butte is a great hiking trail and each of the three pristine lakes offers great Brook Trout fishing.
-
Schofield Pass to Crystal Mill Hike – A Colorado Must See
In September, we hiked to Crystal Mill via Schofield Pass (from Crested Butte) and it secured the top spot on our list for our favorite hikes in Colorado.
-
Our First 14er: Quandary Peak Review
In July, we hiked our first 14er! Quandary Peak is a pretty popular 14er, located just outside of Breckenridge, Colorado.
-
Petroleum and Anderson Lakes Trail – A Must-Do in Aspen
If you find yourself in Colorado, the Petroleum and Anderson Lakes hike is a must-do – breathtaking views, turquoise alpine lakes, and wildflowers!
-
How to Wash and Waterproof a Rain Jacket (June 2023)
Learn how to properly wash and treat your rain jacket so you can prevent “wetting out” and increase the functionality of the jacket.
/