CRESTED BUTTE, CO | October 20, 2025 | by Scout Walton
This post is the first for my Scout’s Blog and it is historic. I am only four days away from my 30+ hour journey from Denver to Kathmandu where I will meet up with other starry-eyed trekkers, several from Gunnison County. Our three-pass trek takes us on a 112-mile circuit, including Everest Base Camp and multiple ascents of 18,000+ feet in elevation.
This Karuna Project (www.karuna-project.com) adventure is led by Crested Butte local, Seth Quigg, who has guided this route 17 times before. Nepal is one of several trips sponsored by Karuna each year. “Karuna” is a Sanskrit term meaning active compassion embodying a deep sense of caring that motivates actions to promote the betterment of another. Embedded into each Karuna trip is a service element and a true cultural exchange all contributing to a meaningful, transformational experience for all participants.
For four years, I have been hiking the mountains around Crested Butte contemplating this trip; but, the passing of a good friend a few months ago prompted me to make the affirmative decision. My friend died living the life that he loved and I decided it was time to commit. My training consisted of a regular diet of all-day hikes over passes and peaks, such as Teocalli, Gothic, Whetstone, Axtell, Avery, Scarp Ridge, West Maroon Pass, Star Pass, Mill Creek.
I am so looking forward to this physical and emotional journey and I hope you will plug into my experiences through Scout’s Blog.
Namaste,
Thank you for your response. ✨