our story

It all started with one wild heart.

Wild Hearts Adventures grew from a story of adventure, struggle, loss and a belief that time in the outdoors can help us connect more deeply—with one another and with what matters most.

where it began

Our story is really Jake's story.

Jacob “Jake” Lanhart had a wild heart. He loved competition, adventure and pushing himself to see what he was capable of. He was fiercely competitive when playing football or rugby. He spent time in Arizona, and eventually found his way to Colorado—where the mountains became an important part of his life.

Jake loved climbing mountains. During the last two and a half years of his life, he was working his way through Colorado's 14ers as part of his recovery. He told us he felt closest to God when he was on a mountain and he found that being out there helped him with his relationships and struggles he was going through.

His dream was to help others find connection and healing in the wilderness.

loss became purpose

A story we never expected to tell.

On October 23, 2021, Jake passed away unexpectedly at the age of 24. Losing him changed our family forever. But even in the grief, we knew his story—and what we had learned through loving him—could become part of something meaningful.

Jake fought hard in his recovery, but ultimately substance use disorder took his life. His struggles did not define him. We remember his courage, his humor, his love of adventure and the way he lived. And through our journey with Jake, our family grew in compassion and learned what it means to love people well, right where they are.

We couldn't change Jake's story. But we could carry something from it forward.

wild hearts was born

Turning an idea into an invitation.

Jake had talked about wanting to help people experience the kind of connection he found in the wilderness. After losing him, that idea stayed with us.

Wild Hearts Adventures grew from that seed—creating opportunities for people to step outside the everyday, experience adventure together, and build meaningful relationships along the way.

Our earliest vision was shaped deeply by our family's experience with substance use and recovery. That remains an important part of who we are and many of the communities we serve. But over time, our vision has grown. Today, Wild Hearts welcomes people navigating all kinds of life's challenges.

The invitation is simple: come as you are. There's a place for you here.

the story continues

What began with one story now makes room for many.

Every person who joins a Wild Hearts adventure brings a story of their own. Different experiences. Different challenges. Different reasons for saying yes.

On the trail, around a campfire, in a canoe or at the top of a climb, those stories begin to connect. People encourage one another, challenge themselves, laugh, struggle, rest, and discover that they belong.

Jake's story helped start Wild Hearts. Every person who joins us helps write what comes next.

be part of the story

Your adventure could start here.

Come as you are. Find an adventure, meet some good people and see where the experience takes you.

Explore Adventures Our Mission