During a 2014 trip to Key West with his wife, John McGraw's 358-pound frame ached after a day of walking. When he got home, he realized he wanted to make a change in his life.
John McGraw/CNN iReport
Glacier National Park, Montana —
McGraw lost 140 pounds in less than two years, thanks to gastric bypass surgery, exercise and a high-protein diet. His triple-digit weight loss allowed him to hike and capture all the photos he wanted on his August dream trip to Glacier National Park in Montana.
John McGraw/CNN iReport
Glacier National Park, Montana —
After years of only being able to take photos from the road and going on trips limited by his weight, McGraw took his first hiking trip with his wife, Diane, in August. They hiked nearly 8 miles to reach the top of Grinnell Glacier, seen in the distance on the Highline Trail.
John McGraw/CNN iReport
Glacier National Park, Montana —
"While going through the weight loss and doing all the work necessary, I always had one thing in mind: I wanted to hike in Glacier National Park, and especially to the Grinnell Glacier," he told CNN.
John McGraw/CNN iReport
Glacier National Park, Montana —
The avid travel photographer stopped for many photo opportunities throughout the park, like Swiftcurrent Lake (above), Highline Trail and Grinnell Glacier.
John McGraw/CNN iReport
Glacier National Park, Montana —
Beyond the first-time hiking trip, it was also the first time McGraw was able to go horseback riding. He always had to say "no" to the activity because there was a 250-pound weight limit.
John McGraw/CNN iReport
Glacier National Park, Montana —
All of his hard work losing weight paid off, McGraw said, because of the experience he got to have with his wife, like this breathtaking view. Wild Goose Island is touted as one of the most photographed spots in the park, and it's clear why.
John McGraw/CNN iReport
Glacier National Park, Montana —
"It was about an 8-mile hike round trip with elevation and plenty of switchbacks. There was no way I could have done this two years ago," said McGraw. He snapped this breathtaking view of Grinnell Lake.
John McGraw/CNN iReport
Glacier National Park, Montana —
A bighorn sheep said "hello" as McGraw and his wife made their way up the glacier.
John McGraw/CNN iReport
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming —
The McGraws didn't stop at Glacier National Park. McGraw captured the iconic T.A. Moulton Barn on Mormon Row sitting in front of the Tetons at Grand Teton National Park.
John McGraw/CNN iReport
Yellowstone National Park —
Colors pop at Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, which the McGraws visited in early August.
John McGraw/CNN iReport
Fargo, North Dakota —
The McGraws' 11-day trip out west also took them to the Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore and more. They stopped for a selfie in Fargo, North Dakota. The couple says their next stop will be a dream trip to Italy.
