From Trail to Taproom: Kicking Off Trail Mix 3

Welcome to Trail Mix 3: Your Ultimate Southwest Travel and Adventure Guide

Camping on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

We’re excited to take you on a journey through the Southwest, sharing hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing, and so much more! At Trail Mix 3, we focus on family-friendly outdoor travel with a special twist—craft beer and winery adventures. The trio behind the blog is myself (Lisa), my husband, Jake, and our newest addition, Stevie Rae. Of course, our two fur babies, Foster and Ollie, make an appearance from time to time.

The Story Behind Trail Mix 3

I started Trail Mix 3 on Instagram in early 2020 after moving to Arizona from California. As a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, I wanted to share my love for Arizona travel and the great adventures I was embarking on. What started as a small project with a few friends grew into something bigger, and now includes Jake, Stevie Rae, and our trusty pups. I was a Girl Scout growing up and spent a lot of time camping and hiking with my parents—so the outdoors has always been a part of me. Jake, a Wisconsin native and former Boy Scout, shares the same love for the outdoors and continues to inspire our family with his adventures. We hope to pass this passion for nature down to our daughter.

There are tons of outdoor blogs out there, but ours has something extra—craft beer, wineries, and foodie adventures! After a long hike, there’s nothing better than enjoying a post-trail beer or discovering a new winery. We also dive into guides about baseball, general travel, and other random things that inspire us (Go Dodgers!).

Our Outdoor Adventures & Hiking Trails

Ollie's first camping trip at Fool's Hollow Lake.

I’ve been lucky enough to explore some of Arizona’s most stunning hiking trails and outdoor spots, including the Salt River, Canyon Lake, White Tank Mountains, Flagstaff, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and Chiricahua National Monument. The best part? Depending on my mood, there’s always something new to discover. From the peaceful solitude of remote trails to kayaking on the Verde River, Arizona is full of opportunities to get outside and connect with nature.

One of my favorite memories before Stevie Rae arrived was when Jake proposed to me at the Prismatic Spring Overlook in Yellowstone National Park. We were on a 9-day road trip for my 32nd birthday, and he had secretly coordinated the perfect proposal with my boss and some clients. He even captured the whole thing on video, and despite my nervous laughter (I totally blacked out), I relive that moment every chance I get!

Outdoor Travel with Baby: What’s Next for Us

Stevie Rae is due on March 7, so we haven’t had the chance to fully prepare for outdoor adventures with a newborn just yet. But that’s exactly why I’m creating this blog—to learn and grow as a family together! I’ll be sharing everything from family-friendly travel tips to how we navigate outdoor travel with a baby, and of course, how we’re adapting our adventures as new parents.

Exploring Arizona’s Breweries & Wineries

Having grown up just minutes from the Temecula Valley wineries, I’ve always had a special place in my heart for wine tasting. Since moving to Arizona, I’ve been blown away by how quickly the wine industry in Arizona has grown, especially in areas like Cottonwood and Willcox. Arizona is also home to a thriving craft beer scene, and I’m always up for discovering a new brewery.

One of my favorite local craft beers being enjoyed in Joshua Tree National Park.

Some of our favorites include Merkin Vineyards in Cottonwood (the food is amazing, too), Saddle Mountain Brewery in Goodyear (woman- and veteran-owned), and Alcantara Winery (perfect for cooling down after a day of kayaking on the Verde River). Whether you’re into a good stout or prefer a crisp Syrah, Arizona has something for every palate.

Advice for Parents Who Love the Outdoors

My advice to parents who want to integrate outdoor adventures into their lifestyle with young children is simple—don’t think you have to stop just because you have kids! My parents took me on camping trips from a very young age, and I was always included in their outdoor activities. There’s no reason why having a child should put a halt to your love of adventure. It just means you may need to shift your perspective and plan a little differently.

What’s Next for Trail Mix 3

Follow our journey as we continue exploring hiking trails, camping spots, kayaking locations, and fishing guides across Arizona and beyond. We’ll be sharing tips for family-friendly adventures, hidden gems, and must-visit locations around the Southwest. You’ll also get the inside scoop on local breweries, wineries, and the best places to sip after your outdoor adventures.

You can even view more at www.Instagram.com/trail_mix_3. 

At Trail Mix 3, we’re all about celebrating the beauty of nature, great drinks, and the joy of being a family in the wild. Adventure, parenthood, and great drinks—all in one place!