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.