My curiosity has flourished since I stuck my thumb into a jagged pot-protecting tin can as a 1-year-old. I’ve never been satisfied to sit back and watch. I need to do. I think that’s why I’m drawn to hiking.

The connection with nature is brilliant. The feeling of the fresh air and wind against my face is exhilarating. And reaching the top of a peak and looking out over the landscape is unmatchable. But the need to see things for myself and satisfy the curious nature is what really drives me to hike.

Here are some places I want to explore. (Find more at National Geographic.)

Sage Creek Wilderness Area, Badlands National Park (South Dakota) - I’ve hiked through the badlands, but somehow I missed this gem. I hope to catch it in the summer of 2013.

Grand Canyon (Arizona) - Americans take their own country for granted. I don’t want to. I want to experience all the wonders we have in our own backyard - no matter how large that backyard is.

Yosemite Grand Traverse (California) - Echo.

Petra, through the back door (Jordan) - I want to see Petra, so why not do it after 7 days of hiking.

Kalalau Trail (Kauai, Hawaii) - It’s paradise without a passport, right?

Here are some specific to Peru. I hope to check them all off in the next year.

Incan Trail - I absolutely cannot wait for this four-day hike to Machu Picchu, but before I take it on, I have a lot more ground to cover in Peru.

Palakala Falls - Only three hours away from Lima, I hope to start my hiking adventures here.

Colca Canyon - This area near Arequipa seems to have plenty of hiking and site seeing options.

Cordillera Blanca

Paracas