My 30 Before 30 List
Last Updated: 1/21/2026
Here is a list of 30 things that I am striving to do before I hit my 30th birthday. I won’t be crushed if some things need to wait until my 30s or later in life, but writing this list was motivating and encouraging even if I’m not able to check off every single thing. These are all things that have been on my mind for quite some time, so it is fun for me to share them with you as well. I highly recommend reflecting and making a similar list even if your 30th birthday is fast approaching or 40 years in the past.
Skydive
Live in a tiny house
Take a solo international trip
Surf
Run a half marathon
Go on a backpacking trip
Paint a mural/public art
WWOOFing
Work for a non profit
Be featured in an art exhibition
Illustrate a book (I want to make a cookbook)
Have a garden
Roadtrip the PNW
Kayak at the Apostle islands
Visit California (again)
Visit Taiwan
Visit Canada
Climb outdoors
Be debt free
Visit all of the Colorado State Parks (there are 42)
Hike the Manitou incline
Spend a fall weekend in New England
Take a cooking class
Visit Hawaii
Ski or snowboard in Colorado
Read 52 books in a year
Get my conceal carry license
Visit the Grand Tetons
Paint a large plein air
Improve my sewing skills
6. Go on a backpacking trip - July 2025
My first backpacking trip was a very challenging one, but I loved it! A few friends and I backpacked from Crested Butte, CO to Aspen, CO. It did not go quite as planned, and we ended up hiking about 22 miles in 2 days.
15. Visit California - January 2026
I spent a few days in California when I was in high school, but I put it back on my list because I knew there was so much to still see. So when I had a long weekend in January, I decided to spend it in San Francisco. I was able to explore the area, hike, paint, and take a ton of pictures. It is now one of my favorite cities!
17. Visit Canada - June 2024
Canada has been on my list for a while due to how close it is to home. I was able to join some of my relatives and visit Banff in 2024. We did a lot of hiking and sight seeing. It was so beautiful there and I would go back in a heartbeat.
21. Hike the Manitou Incline - October 2025
The Manitou Incline is a mile-long hike consisting of 2700+ uneven steps. It is a popular challenge in Colorado. It took me longer than I had expected, but I was just happy to complete it!
29. Large plein-air painting - June 2025
Throughout the past few years, I’ve gotten over my fear of painting in public. I paint a lot of small pictures but wanted to challenge myself to set up an easel and paint for a few hours out in the open. This has now become one of my favorite ways to document my trips.
