Dunning has written for REI, Reserve America, The Gap, and MGM
Studios; and is the admin of the 40k plus member Facebook group
"Exploring the US National Parks."
Tyler and his best friend Nate were working in Uganda for the non-profit
group Invisible Children. Tyler returned home to the states, but Nate
remained in Uganda. Shortly after, Nate was killed in a terrorist attack
while attending a fútbol game. This sent Tyler into a bout of
depression. To combat his depression, he began to travel, touring nearly
all 59 U.S. National Parks, and climbing Longs Peak, the highest point
in northern Colorado, convinced that by overcoming the mountain, he
would overcome loss.
This book became a documentary film that won Best Short at the Lyons
International Film Festival, and was an Official Selection at Mountain
Film Fest where he was asked to speak on a panel with Cheryl Strayed
about the healing powers of nature (Tyler stole the show). He was also
invited for an all expenses paid trip to London to give a TedX talk.