Just Trek Podcast

On this episode I have Utah based adventure enthusiast, outdoor podcaster, content creator, backpacker, Vice President of Responsible Stewardship, and HIGHLANDER Adventure ambassador, Kenzie Smith, join me on the show. In this special event edition episode, we chatted about all things related to HIGHLANDER Adventure and the upcoming Big Bear Lake hiking + backpacking festival going down from June 17-21 here in Southern California. We talked about how Kenzie first discovered HIGHLANDER Adventure and became an ambassador, the five different epic event formats participants can choose from, what's included in each registration, Kenzie's most memorable experiences during HIGHLANDER Montana and Big Bear Lake, the different activities and entertainment that happen throughout this multi-day event, what participants can expect on their journey to the finish line, tips for beginner & advanced backpackers, the big afterparty for all participants and why HIGHLANDER Adventure is for anyone no matter their hiking or backpacking skill level. Register now for Big Bear Lake on https://www.highlanderadventure.com/en-us/big-bear-lake. Use code “JUSTTREK_HL20” and get 20% off your registration for any format except Lyra. The code will only last 1 more week!Rent gear for Highlander Big Bear on https://www.highlanderadventure.com/en-us/big-bear-lake/gear-rentals-newWatch Youtube video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g037l1mE84Follow Kenzie on https://www.instagram.com/messagesfromthemountainsFollow HIGHLANDER adventure on https://www.instagram.com/highlander.usa/Learn more about HIGHLANDER on https://www.highlanderadventure.com/Follow Just Trek on IG https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode I have LA based trekker, writer, photographer, conservationist, and leading voice of public lands managed by BLM, Josh Jackson of Forgotten Lands Project, join me on the show. We chatted about Josh's first meaningful memories out in nature, why he moved from the Midwest to the West Coast, what sparked his deep love for BLM land, the origin story to creating the Forgotten Lands Project and the inspiration behind “The Enduring Wild,” his top 3 BLM lands in California, tips for exploring these forgotten and remote landscapes, his recent Superbloom camping trip with USAL Project at the Carrizo plain, his thoughts on the current state of affairs of our public lands and what we can do to help protect them, how BLM lands are the ancestral homelands of the native tribes, his most special interactions with wildlife, and the one forgotten land experience that was the most unforgettable for him._________________This episode is brought to you by HIGHLANDER Adventure. HIGHLANDER, a hiking event series present in 20+ countries worldwide, returns to Big Bear Lake, California for its fourth epic year from June 17-21. Choose your challenge - from 14 to 82 miles and experience between a 1-5 day hike through the majestic San Bernardino Mountains with all logistics and safety taken care of by the organizers. Use code “JUSTTREK_HL20” for 20% off any format (except Lyra). Trek on over to https://www.highlanderadventure.com/en-us/big-bear-lake and register now. Watch Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2hbYdOuCaEFollow Josh & Forgotten Lands Project on https://www.instagram.com/forgottenlandsprojectPre-Order his upcoming book “The Enduring Wild” on https://www.forgottenlandsproject.com/the-bookSubscribe to Forgotten Lands Newsletter on https://forgottenlands.substack.com/Visit Forgotten Lands Project website on https://www.forgottenlandsproject.com/Purchase tickets to SAMO Fund's "Trail Forever" celebration feat. guest speaker Josh Jackson on https://tinyurl.com/58xx6zbk Check out USAL Project's nature experiences on https://www.usalproject.com/Follow Just Trek on IG https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode, I release the full recording from our third ever live podcast show. It was filmed at the Just Trek Podcast 5 Year Anniversary celebration on Sat, April 5th at the Happier Cafe by TADAA.Coffee space in Frogtown, Los Angeles. The live podcast show featured an all star panel of previous podcast guests that included Joshua Walker (outdoor content creator + travel blogger), Nicole Snell (CEO of Girls Right Back, Founder of Outdoor Defense), Victor Martinez (Founder of The LA Trail Killers), and Jaclyn Cosgrove  (Outdoor Reporter at the LA Times), and myself as the moderator. It was an entertaining and impactful group conversation that definitely left a major impression on the audience. We chatted about what sparked their love for the Great Outdoors,  the importance of solo exploring, their most memorable outdoor adventures + travel experiences, and what the historic LA fires have taught them.  After the group discussion, we opened up a live Q&A to the audience so that everyone could join in on the fun and ask the guests their own questions and show them some love.________________________This episode is brought to you by HIGHLANDER Adventure. HIGHLANDER, a hiking event series that is present in 20+ countries worldwide, returns to Big Bear Lake, California for its fourth epic year from June 17-21.Choose your challenge - from 14 to 82 miles and experience between a 1-5 day hike through the majestic San Bernardino Mountains with all logistics and safety taken care of by the organizers. Use code “JUSTTREK_HL20” for 20% off any format (except Lyra). Trek on over to highlanderadventure.com and register now. Watch Youtube version on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55lmLs3oLbUEvent was in partnership with Happier Cafe by TADAA.CoffeeWe'd like to thank our event sponsors Parks Project, AllTrails, KEEN, Topo Designs, HIGHLANDER Adventure, Trail Threadz, Juneshine, Easyrider, and Parch.Follow our guest panelists on instagram www.instagram.com/joshyoutrippin,  www.instagram.com/adventuresofnik, www.instagram.com/vic_of_earth, www.instagram.com/jacinthewild.laSupport Just Trek on Patreon www.patreon.com/justtrekShop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shopListen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.netWant to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this solo episode, I share my feelings on reaching the big 5 year anniversary milestone of the show. Join me on a trek down memory lane as I share how we celebrated past podcast anniversaries, my most memorable outdoor recording, and my reflections on the podcasting journey. I even received a surprise voice message from one of our most legendary guests on the show which was a very heartwarming message. Thank you everyone for all your support these past 5 years. Your support has meant the world to me. If you are local to the LA/SoCal region, I invite you to join us for our big 5 year Anniversary event going down on Sat, April 5th at the Happier Cafe space in Frogtown, Los Angeles. The event will feature our third ever live podcast show featuring special guest panelists Jaclyn Cosgrove, Nicole Snell, Joshua Walker, Victor Martinez, and myself as the moderator. Join us for the Just Trek Pod 5 Year Anniversary on April 5th: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/2p9kjv3w⁠Follow Just Trek on IG https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/Made a B-Day Donation on venmo.com/justroc or via zelle with email "jjrimon@gmail.com"Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode I have LA based trekker and outdoor reporter for the LA Times, Jaclyn Cosgrove (they/them), join me on the show. We chatted about Jaclyn's emotions towards the historic LA fire crisis that ravaged entire urban communities, the impact of the National Park mass firings + park protests, outdoor survival stories, how their brother's passing led to their transformative hiking journey, completing the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge, their experience being the writer for the LA Times The Wild outdoor newsletter, their top trails in SoCal, hiking hacks & outdoor tips, their desire to explore the Backbone trail in the Santa Monica mountains, joy & inclusivity in the Great Outdoors, and the one outdoor experience they would relive all over again. Watch Youtube video version: https://tinyurl.com/y68hk99sFollow Jaclyn on https://www.instagram.com/jacinthewild.la/Sign up for LA Times The Wild for free on https://www.latimes.com/newsletters/the-wildFollow Just Trek on IG https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/Join us for the Just Trek Pod 5 Year Anniversary on April 5th: https://tinyurl.com/2p9kjv3wSupport Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode I have Ventura based native storyteller & educator, tribal spiritual adviser, Native American activist, Chumash canoe paddler, and tribal elder in the Fernandeno Tataviam & Ventureno Chumash tribes, Alan Salazar, join me on the show. He is an absolute living legend for his contributions to Native American heritage and education. We chat about his first meaningful memories out in nature, how his father played a major role in him embracing his indigenous roots at a young age,, top mountains &  trails in SoCal, the importance of revitalizing tribal culture along with wildlife and native plants, what the Chumash and Tataviam tribes were most known for, the importance of storytelling in tribal culture, presiding over the burial of celebrity mountain lion P22, tribal wisdom & tips when exploring out in nature, the history of building Chumash canoes and being featured in a Patagonia film, his once in a lifetime experience of being apart of the first canoe crossing to Channel Islands in over 150 years, how tribal people built California, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Shout out to the Museum of Ventura County for graciously allowing us to record this episode in their beautiful outdoor patio courtyard! This museum is a true gem, preserving and celebrating the rich history, art, and culture of Ventura County. Make sure to give their museum a visit in downtown Ventura. Watch Youtube video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlTXEVB-Y4YShop Alan's tribal story books on https://www.sunspritehandwork.com/Watch Patagonia Film feat. Alan Salazar on https://tinyurl.com/mrxzedh6Visit and check out the Museum of Ventura County on https://venturamuseum.org/ and follow on https://www.instagram.com/museumofventuracounty/Follow Just Trek on IG https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

For episode 79, I recorded with previous guest and fan favorite, Tomasa aka @iamoneness11, at Rocky Peak Summit in the Santa Susanna mountains in Los Angeles County. Even her beloved golden retriever named Miso joins us on the pod! Tomasa is a SoCal based trekker, peak bagger, backpacker, outdoor content creator, solo female world traveler, and was our Top Spotify Episode of 2024. We chatted about her cherished trail memories with her dogs, her emotions winning the top episode of 2024 award, her impressions of Rocky Peak summit trail, how 2024 was a challenging year for her, recents travels to Washington State, and her travels back to the Motherland that being El Salvador.This episode is part of the Trek Talks series where I record on trail conversations with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. It is more raw and candid perspective of our guest's outdoor adventures as these conversations are more unscripted and in the moment.** Video version is available on Spotify + Youtube channel - all other streaming platforms are audio versions**Follow Tomasa & Miso on https://www.instagram.com/iamoneness11/ and https://www.instagram.com/miso_the_golden/#Listen to Tomasa's previous episode on https://tinyurl.com/4ahpnnmzFollow Just Trek on https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode I have Philippines based adventure enthusiast, climber, trekker, dirt biker, scuba diver, model, and director, Simon Guinto, join me on the show. We chatted about his favorite outdoor adventure activities, why he moved from the US to the Philippines, his most memorable climb, summiting & trail running Mount Pulag - the tallest mountain on Luzon island & third tallest peak in the Philippines, his sunrise experience with the LA Trail Killers, his travels to the magical island of Palawan, how the Philippines natural landscapes differ from the rest of the world, getting inked from the world's oldest tattoo artist, and how he was a cliff diver in a famous beer commercial. This episode was extra special as Simon was our first ever international guest that we got to record with in person. Follow Simon on https://instagram.com/simong.og Follow Bad Eye Deli on https://www.instagram.com/badeyedeliph Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠ Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠ Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠ Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this solo episode, I share my raw thoughts and emotions of currently experiencing the most devastating wildfire in Los Angeles history. We have lost so many iconic trails, businesses, and entire densely populated neighborhoods have been scorched to the ground. At least 150,000 Angelenos have evacuated their homes, over 40,000 acres burned, over 12,000 structures destroyed, and at least 27 deaths. This monologue takes  take you through the first 7 days of the fire and what it feels like to live through this historic ongoing crisis as an Angeleno who has rediscovered the city through the Great Outdoors and the local mountain communities. I cover LA's long history with wildfires, the current impact of the Palisades & Eaton fires, how nature is resilient, delivering supplies to fire victims, volunteering around the city, and even share a past relevant conversation had with LA outdoor legend Casey Schreiner who is the founder of ModernHiker.com. It's been a nightmare of a week but seeing how the entire LA community has rallied together so quickly to help those in need has been incredibly inspiring. Please keep LA in your prayers and donate to the following links below if possible. GOFUNDME LINKS: For Fabian https://gofund.me/ff330f04 For Zorthian Ranch https://gofund.me/e0371ef5 For Harry Mack https://gofund.me/904f473b For Claire https://gofund.me/bb46e518 LA Fire Relief Resources → https://tinyurl.com/4tsnxe6t Watch Hiking Guy news segment on https://tinyurl.com/2zwbrdya Listen to Imperfect Paradise fire episode on https://tinyurl.com/ej6utcfb Follow us on IG https://instagram.com/just.trek/ Support Just Trek on Patreon https://patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net/ Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode, I share my wild and action packed adventures through Colorado's Rocky Mountain landscapes and Denver's urban sprawl. Join me on this unforgettable trip that included overcoming adversity & summiting an iconic Colorado 14er, trekking a section of the Continental divide trail, thrilling rides on a mountaintop adventure park, visiting one of the most legendary outdoor concert venues int he world, Denver urban explorations, underground cave sauna, sunrise at Garden of the Gods, and even high altitude wedding celebrations for an OG member of the #JustTrekCrew. Follow us on IG instagram.com/just.trek/ Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠ Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠ Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠ Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

For episode 75, I recorded an adventure banger of a show with fan favorite, Victor Martinez, at Kenneth Hahn State Park in Los Angeles. Victor is a SoCal based trekker, trail runner, backpacker, solo world traveler, Highlander Adventure ambassador, Merrell ambassador, community leader, and is the founder of the LA Trail Killers. Victor was also our EP 37 and EP 55 guest on the show! I caught up with Victor and we chatted about all his unforgettable adventures from trail running Rim to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon, summiting Half Dome in Yosemite on his birthday, the LA Trail Killers Philippines group trip, Highlander Adventure Costa Rica & France, and running 350 miles through the Atacama Desert in Chile for the notorious race entitled "The Speed Project." This episode is part of the Trek Talks series where I record on trail conversations with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. It is more raw and candid perspective of our guest's outdoor adventures as these conversations are more unscripted and in the moment. You can even hear the sounds of nature in the background as we are recording out on the trails. **VIDEO VERSION ONLY AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY APP + YOUTUBE CHANNEL , all other streaming platforms are audio versions** Follow Victor Martinez on https://www.instagram.com/vic_of_earth/ Follow LA Trail Killers on https://www.instagram.com/latrailkillers Follow Just Trek on https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/ Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠ Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠ Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠ Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

**VIDEO VERSION ONLY AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY APP + YOUTUBE CHANNEL , all other streaming platforms are audio versions**  For episode 74, I recorded a special and impromptu trail conversation with Joseph Durkin aka The Hiking Chef in the Angeles National Forest in LA County. Joseph is a SoCal based hiker, professional chef & baker, outdoor content creator, and is the creator of the amazing YouTube channel The Hiking Chef. We chatted about the origin story of The Hiking Chef YouTube vlog series, his most memorable gourmet meals he's cooked in the mountains, why California has the best hiking opportunities, the historic Echo Mountain resort, his famous Tomahawk Ribeye steak on Twin Peaks, his Iron Mountain cooking disaster, how hiking impacts our everyday lives, and he loves showcasing the best trails and hidden gems in California through his outdoor vlogs.  This episode is part of the Trek Talks series where I record on trail conversations with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. It is more raw and candid perspective of my outdoor adventures as these conversations are more unscripted and in the moment. You can even hear the sounds of nature in the background as we are recording out on the trails.  Follow Joseph Durkin on https://www.instagram.com/thehikingchef/ Subscribe to The Hiking Chef Youtube Channel on https://youtube.com/@thehikingchef Follow Just Trek on https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/ Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠ Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠ Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠ Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode I have LA based adventure enthusiast, climber, military veteran, actor, TV personality, content creator, and Founder CEO of Trace Club, Christian de la Torre, join me on the show. We chat about his first meaningful outdoor memories, the origin story to creating Trace Club, top outdoor destinations in California, outdoor tips & tricks, hosting a park nature cleanup series, how we first met on a sunset group trek , our first community collab event at Trail Canyon Falls in the Angeles National Forest, our second community collab event at the historic Nike Missile Site in the Santa Monica Mountains, the power of climbing and being present, how being a military veteran has impacted his outlook on life, working in the entertainment industry, equestrian therapy, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Follow Christian on https://www.instagram.com/christiandelatorre/ Follow Trace Club on https://www.instagram.com/trace.club/ Visit Trace Club's website on https://www.thetraceclub.com/ Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠⁠ Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠ Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠ Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode I share my magical solo adventure of exploring Channel Islands National Park for the first time ever. It is California's most underrated island, one of the least visited national parks in the entire country, and is considered the Galapagos Islands of North America. Join me on this action packed day trip that included wildlife sightings, choppy boat rides, an epic 10 mile trek, and almost ended with me being stranded on the island. What made this trip even more special was that I did it spontaneously during my birthday week. ⁠ Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠ Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠ Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠ Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, climber, peak bagger, mountaineer, and mountain dancer, Brett Patrontasch aka Summit Shuffler, join me on the show. We chat about his first hiking memories, top trails in California, hiking hacks & tips, summit shuffle dancing and climbing iconic peaks such as Mount Whitney & the Matterhorn, how dancing and climbing both fulfill him, the Pacific Northwest vs Southern California outdoor scene, his most dangerous on trail experience, how scaling mountains has impacted his overall life, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Follow Brett on ⁠https://www.instagram.com/summitshuffler Watch Youtube version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msWgx5Qzlo0 Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠ Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠ Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠ Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

On this episode I have Pacific Northwest based trekker, peak bagger, outdoor adventurer, founder of the Yakima Valley Trekkers, and the voice behind the Hikes And Mics Podcast, Ivan Orozco, join me on the show. We chat about his  first hiking memories, the origin story to creating the Hikes and Mics Podcast, top trails in the Pacific Northwest, hiking hacks & tips, experiencing a Star Wars / Mandalorian inspired group trek in Los Angeles, creating Yakima Valley Trekkers & hosting his first ever group hike, the Pacific Northwest vs Southern California outdoor scene, a magical wildlife encounter, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Follow Ivan on https://www.instagram.com/hikesandmics and https://www.instagram.com/yvtrekkers/ Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

On this episode, I release the full recording from our second ever live podcast show. It was filmed at the Just Trek Podcast 4 Year Anniversary celebration on Sat, April 6th at the Happier Camper Outdoor Showroom + Happier Cafe here in Los Angeles. The guest panel featured SoCal Hometown Heroes such as Karla Amador (founder of @52hikechallenge), Cris Hazzard (creator of HikingGuy.com), Anjelica Avella (Lead Protagonist / Story Producer in the film “Forward”), and myself as the moderator. We chatted about each of their impactful work in the community, their most meaningful outdoor adventures / nature experiences, what the community each has cultivated has taught them, and the one must do experience that any outdoor enthusiast should at least do once.  After the group discussion, we opened up a live Q&A to the audience so that everyone could join in on the fun and ask the guests their own questions. The overall group panel talk was inspirational, impactful, informative, entertaining, and a blast of time. ________________________ Filmed at the Just Trek Podcast 4 Year Anniversary 4.6.24 Watch Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyo5fdGGj4Q We'd like to thank our sponsors: Cotopaxi - https://www.cotopaxi.com/ KEEN - https://www.keenfootwear.com/ 52 Hike Challenge - https://www.52hikechallenge.com/ Parch - https://drinkparch.com/ Juneshine - https://juneshine.com/ Easy Rider - https://drinkeasyrider.co/ Tony's Chocolonely - https://tonyschocolonely.com/us/en Event was in partnership with Happier Camper, Happier Cafe, and Tada Coffee.  Use code “TADAATREK” on https://happiercamper.com/ for an exclusive upgrade to any camper purchase. With this code you receive and choose one of two options 1) Full-shell Gel Coat of any standard color (Mojave Sage, Palms Springs Yellow, Venice Breeze, Topanga Turquoise) valued at $1,500.00 or 2) $1,500.00 of Adaptiv Credit towards a custom made-to-order camper. Follow our guest panelists on instagram www.instagram.com/lovekarlamador,  www.instagram.com/52hikechallenge,  www.instagram.com/hikingguy_com, and  www.instagram.com/adventureswithanjelica Support Just Trek on Patreon www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, peak bagger, outdoor content creator, and solo world traveler, Tomasa aka @iamoneness11, join me on the show. We chat about her first hiking memories, her top mountains in California, top international treks, hiking hacks & solo travel tips, what sparked her passion for solo adventuring, her love for Cotopaxi the outdoor brand, the importance of solo exploring, her intense volcano experience, her international travels to Iceland & Banff, Mount Baldy winter wonderland adventures, and the one outdoor experience she would relive all over again. Follow Tomasa on https://www.instagram.com/iamoneness11/ Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want t send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, peak bagger, outdoor adventurer, dancer, marketer, entrepreneur, restaurant owner of Sampa, and member of the Just Trek Crew, Jenny Valles, join me on the show. We chat about her first hiking memories, her top SoCal mountains, hiking hacks & tips, intense Death Valley storms, exploring an ancient lake, unforgettable Eastern Sierra summer trip, utilizing the Great Outdoors as an entrepreneur, traversing from the dance community to the outdoor community, being the owner of a Filipino American restaurant in LA, her perspective of being apart of a hiking/adventure group, and the one outdoor experience she would re-live all over again. Follow Jenny Valles and Sampa on https://www.instagram.com/jennyvalles https://www.instagram.com/sampa.la Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, backpacker, writer, plus size outdoor explorer, diversity & inclusion advocate, hiking guide, and community leader, Anjelica Avella aka Adventures with Anjelica, join me on the show. We chat about her first hiking memories, what sparked her passion for backpacking, the debut of her film documentary "Forward" at the Coast Film Festival, her top SoCal hikes, hiking hacks & backpacking tips, the 5 peak challenge in the San Gabriel mountains, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, unfortunate encounters on the trails, her special connection with Karla Amador & the 52 Hike Challenge, the transition from thru-hiking to settling back to everyday life, empowering women + men of all shapes and sizes to get outside, and the one outdoor experience she would re-live all over again. Follow Adventures with Anjelica on https://www.instagram.com/adventureswithanjelica Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, outdoor adventurer, solo world traveler, award winning international speaker, self defense expert, creator of Outdoor Defense, and CEO of Girls Fight Back, Nicole Snell aka Adventures of Nik, join me on the show. We chat about her relationship with nature growing up in the desert, the origin stories to creating Outdoor defense and Girls Fight Back, the importance of solo adventures, her top California hikes, outdoor safety strategies & defense tactics, thru-hiking Mt. Whitney, Exploring New Zealand, her Yellowstone National park adventure, and the one outdoor experience she would re-live all over again.  Episode Sponsor: Cotopaxi is an outdoor apparel brand known for their high quality outdoor essentials. They create sustainable products to fight extreme poverty, inspire adventure, and move people to do good. Their social impact strategy focuses on global poverty alleviation, and they strive to employ responsible sourcing and manufacturing practices throughout their supply chains. Check out their gear & outdoor apparel more on ⁠https://www.cotopaxi.com/⁠ Follow Nicole Snell on https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofnik/ Follow & Visit Girls Fight Back on ⁠https://www.instagram.com/girlsfightback ; https://www.girlsfightback.com/ Support Just Trek on Patreon ⁠https://www.patreon.com/justtrek⁠ Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠ Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠ Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, outdoor adventurer, content creator, travel blogger, diversity + inclusion advocate, and founder of "Hike N Color" hiking group, Joshua Walker, join me on the show. We chat about his journey moving from the South to the West Coast to chase the LA dream, his trail name origin story, our serendipitous encounter on Cucamonga Peak summit in the San Gabriel mountains, the concept of over access to our local mountains, dancing on the trails, his personal experience as a black hiker in the outdoor space, his top SoCal hikes, hiking tips & tricks, his unforgettable Mount Whitney adventure, his journey as a hiking influencer + content creator working with world renown brands, his mission to help diversify the great outdoors, and the one outdoor experience he would re-live all over again. It was an honor to have such a talented content creator and major advocate for diversifying the outdoors on the show. It was not only an incredibly entertaining episode, but a movie like conversation that had alot of depth and different perspectives for us to all learn from and take with us moving forward in our outdoor journeys. Episode Sponsor: Cotopaxi is an outdoor apparel brand known for their high quality outdoor essentials. They create sustainable products to fight extreme poverty, inspire adventure, and move people to do good. Their social impact strategy focuses on global poverty alleviation, and they strive to employ responsible sourcing and manufacturing practices throughout their supply chains. Check out their gear & outdoor apparel more on https://www.cotopaxi.com/ Follow Joshua Walker on https://instagram.com/joshyoutrippin Follow Hike N Color group on https://www.instagram.com/hikencolor/ Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, outdoor adventurer, certified California naturalist, permaculture practitioner, herbalist, and founder of Inner Garden Wellness, Jaskrit Bhalla, join me on the show. We chat about how a profound international hiking experience impacted her as a pre-teen, how she became obsessed with the plant kingdom, how working at a regenerative farm deepened her relationship to the natural world, the origin story to creating Inner Garden Wellness, top SoCal hikes, reconnecting with the land, what community means to her, our collaboration group hike in the Santa Monica Mountains, her favorite native plants, her unforgettable European travel adventures, and the one outdoor experience she would re-live all over again. Jaskrit is making quite the impact in the SoCal community with her in depth knowledge and unique offerings from plant identification nature walks to transformative roundtable dinners, and much more. Follow Inner Garden Wellness on https://www.instagram.com/innergarden/ Visit Inner Garden website on https://www.innergarden-wellness.com/ Learn more about Friends of the Wild on https://www.friendsofthewild.club/ Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

On this episode I have California based trekker, outdoor adventurer, community leader, and founder of iconic hiking groups Everyone's Hike & Dodgers Blue Hiking Crew, Carlos Berruz, join me on the show. We chat about his outdoor awakening at Griffith Park, the origin story to creating his two hiking groups, mobilizing several thousands of Angelenos into the Great Outdoors, hiking tips & advice, his current observations of the SoCal hiking scene, top California hikes, the NorCal outdoor scene vs the SoCal scene, and the one outdoor experience he would re-live all over again. Carlos' social platforms are far reaching and he is a most beloved figure in the SoCal outdoor community that EVERYONE KNOWS. He changed the landscape of LA/SoCal group hiking and it was an honor to have such an impactful community leader on the show. Follow Carlos Berruz on https://www.instagram.com/everyoneshike/, https://www.instagram.com/dodgersbluehikingcrew/, https://www.instagram.com/a_lot_of_miles_and_smiles/ Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

On this episode I share the unforgettable community collaboration group hikes that we hosted during the month of May 2023. I felt compelled to do a solo episode as it was quite the action packed month filled with many full circle moments. I had the opportunity to co-host a group hike to Sandstone Peak with the outdoor writing legend Casey Schreiner (Founder of Modern Hiker), a 4 peak challenge in the San Gabriel Mountains with beloved hiking groups LA Trail Killers, OutAdv+, and SweatSoGuud, a #WeHikeToHeal sunset trek to Echo Mountain with the powerful spirit Karla Amador (Founder of the 52 Hike Challenge), and even had a collaboration with the Spotify for Podcasters team around the topic of community building. Co-hosting these adventures with some of the most inspiring leaders in the outdoor community was powerful & impactful and what makes it all extra special is that each individual was a previous podcast guest on this very show. Enjoy my trek reflections as I take you along with me on these epic outdoor adventures. Follow our collaborators on IG: https://www.instagram.com/modernhiker/, https://www.instagram.com/latrailkillers/, https://www.instagram.com/sweatsoguud/, https://www.instagram.com/_outadvplus_/, https://www.instagram.com/52hikechallenge/ Subscribe to these FREE Outdoor Newsletters: https://www.latimes.com/newsletters/the-wild https://modernhiker.substack.com/ https://www.weekendsherpa.com/subscribe/ https://hikingguy.com/newsletter/ Support Just Trek on Patreon www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

On this episode, I release the full recording from our first ever live podcast show. It was filmed at the Just Trek Podcast 3 Year Anniversary celebration on Sunday, April 2nd at Party Beer Co. in Los Angeles. The guest panel featured local legends Robert Martinez (creator of Parliament of Owls), Mary Forgione (former editor at LA Times The Wild),  Daisy Martinez (founder of Wellness on the Trails), and myself as the moderator. We chatted about what makes the LA + SoCal Great Outdoors so great for each one of them personally, their feelings towards the historical rainfall and massive snow storms that slammed our region, how spending extensive time in nature has impacted their overall life, and the one must do experience every Angeleno & SoCal outdoor enthusiast should do in their life at least once. After the group discussion, we opened up a live Q&A to the audience so that everyone could join in on the fun and ask the guests their own questions. The overall group panel talk was inspirational, impactful, informative, entertaining, and such a blast of time. Follow our guest panelists on instagram www.instagram.com/parliament0f0wls, www.instagram.com/elementsofdaisy, and www.instagram.com/maryforgionehikes Support Just Trek on Patreon www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

On this episode I release the "Best of Just Trek: Mixtrek Volume 2" in celebration of the podcast reaching the 3 year anniversary milestone. This second compilation features the best stories and moments that I have ever heard on the show from our cast of special guests. Featured in this compilation are Robert Martinez (@Parliament0f0wls), Casey Schreiner (@ModernHiker), Veronica Castro (@SweatSoGuud), Jeff Hester (@TheSoCalHiker / @SixPackOfPeaks), Jen Yonda (@LA.Skate.Hunnnies), Victor Martinez (@Vic_Of_Earth / @LATrailKillers), Cris Hazzard (@Hikingguy_com), Dora Santana (@Hiking_Lotusflower), Mitchel Dumlao (@MitchelDumlao), Stefan Fagerholm (@LifeHacksLA), Noah Klein (@FeelsLikeFloating), Cisko (@HikerFighter @BehindTheSufferAndPain), and Karla Amador (@52HikeChallenge). They share stories from their outdoor adventures that highlight places such as the Angeles National Forest, Mount Whitney, John Muir Trail, Eastern Sierras, Cotopaxi, Cactus to Clouds, Backbone Trail & Santa Monica mountains, San Gorgonio, Mt Charleston, Mount Baldy, Mount Baden Powell, Palos Verdes and more. Consider this episode an adventure story sampler of the Just Trek Podcast. We'd like to thank our sponsors: HIGHLANDER Adventure is the leading long-distance hiking event series in the world with over 40 events in 20 countries worldwide. Highlander creates once in a lifetime experiences for all nature lovers, explorers, and modern nomads around the world. They will be hosting their next event in Southern California's alpine paradise known as Big Bear Lake from May 24th-28th. Use code ''JUSTTREK30" for 30% off any Big Bear format on https://bit.ly/4087rYL The 52 Hike Challenge is a global hiking movement where participants gain the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits from hiking once a week for an entire year. Sign up for the 2023 challenge on https://www.52hikechallenge.com/ Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker & backpacker, nature spiritual teacher, world traveler, outdoor entrepreneur, and founder & Chief Hiking Officer of the 52 Hike Challenge, Karla Amador, join me on the show. We chat about how divorce and a spiritual moment on Mt. Whitney birthed a global hiking challenge, the origin stories of the 52 Hike Challenge and the evolution of the platform, her top 3 SoCal hikes, impactful finisher stories from the challenge, hiking hacks for day hikers + backpackers, her campout experience learning from elders of 20 different tribes, major takeaways from her first Burning Man experience, how she overcame the first & second hardest years of her life, hiking for healing, and the one outdoor experience she would relive all over again. Karla inspires the community to complete one hike, every week, for an entire year to see the transformational physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits from spending more time out in Mother nature. Karla's overall platform is far reaching and is a most influential resource in the global outdoor community that has changed hundreds of thousands of lives one step and one hike at a time. It was an honor to have such an impactful and beautiful soul on the show. Follow Karla Amador on https://www.instagram.com/lovekarlaamador/ and 52 Hike Challenge on https://www.instagram.com/52hikechallenge/ Sign up now for the 2023 52 Hike Challenge on https://www.52hikechallenge.com/ Like 52 Hike Challenge on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/52hikechallenge Take their Hiking 101 Course on https://www.52hikechallenge.com/products/52-hike-challenge-hiking-101-course Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have LA based trekker & backpacker, flautist & naturalist, experience curator, community leader, eco-musicologist, and Co-Founder of Feels Like Floating, Noah Klein aka Noah the Naturalist, join me on the show. We chat about his love for the Santa Monica mountains, his epic adventure hiking the 67 mile Backbone trail, the origin story of the "Feels like Floating" weekly outdoor art series, becoming a certified naturalist, curating legendary music experiences in Mother Nature, the Feels Like Floating x Vasquez Rocks collaboration, his top 3 LA hikes, the healing power of nature, LA's rich history of community organizing & community of activism, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Follow Noah Klein on https://www.instagram.com/no_______________ah/ and https://www.instagram.com/feelslikefloating/ View upcoming Feels Like Floating events on https://www.feelslikefloating.com/ Text "cloud emoji" to 310-421-0869 to get updates on Feels Like Floating events. Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have THE SoCal hiker, outdoor adventurer, peak bagger, backpacker, community leader, co-host of the Almost There Adventure Podcast, founder of SoCal Hiker Blog, and Chief Adventure Officer of the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge, Jeff Hester, join me on the show. We chat about how a mountain bike accident sparked a national hiking challenge, completing the John Muir Trail twice (30 years apart!), the origin stories of the SoCal hiker blog and the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge Series, his top 3 SoCal hikes, hiking hacks for day hikers + backpackers, the SoCal hiking community in comparison to other communities in the country, his deep passion for backpacking, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Jeff's overall platform is a massive and influential resource to outdoor communities all across the nation. He constantly inspires the community to flex their adventure muscles and to challenge themselves to break through their own barriers and climb that epic mountain. Jeff's Six Pack of Peaks challenge has completely changed hundreds of thousands of life including my own. It was an honor to have him on the show. Follow Jeff Hester on https://www.instagram.com/thesocalhiker/ and https://www.instagram.com/sixpackofpeaks/ Register now for the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge 2023 on https://sixpackofpeaks.com/ Check out the SoCal Hiker blog on https://socalhiker.net/ Join SoCal Hikers Facebook Group on https://www.facebook.com/groups/889877821073036 Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have LA based trekker, peak bagger, outdoor adventurer, solo world traveler, Korea Town Run Club member, mindfulness advocate, community leader, and founder of the LA Trail Killers, Victor Martinez, join me on the show for the second time (he last appeared as our EP 37 guest on the show). We chat about him quitting the corporate life and solo world traveling through South America, celebrating the 5 year anniversary of LA Trail Killers in the Angeles National Forest, his top outdoor adventures on his international travels, working on an organic farm in Peru, tips & advice for solo travelers, exploring a desert oasis, the Bolivian salt flats, major takeaways he learned from his travels, becoming an official ambassador for Highlander USA, and the one place from his travels he wish he could teleport back to. Vic's solo world adventures have been a massive inspiration to his community back in Los Angeles - he is the definition of locally respected and worldwide connected. Follow Victor Martinez and LA Trail Killers on https://www.instagram.com/vic_of_earth/ and https://www.instagram.com/latrailkillers/ Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have LA based trekker, outdoor adventurer, community builder, wellness advocate, and founder of @SweatSoGuud, Veronica Castro, join me on the show. Veronica has been blessing the outdoor scene with her wellness group hikes and is a female community leader we should all pay attention to. We chat about her very first hiking memories, scrambling up the Hollywood Sign, the backstory behind creating SweatSoGuud, incorporating wellness into group hikes, her partnership with @SelfWorkByMe, her top 3 trails in Los Angeles, the importance of inner work, tips and advice for long day hikes & newbie hikers, hiking for healing, exploring a Santa Monica mountain trail gem, her Mexico adventures, highs and lows from her Mt Whitney backpacking journey, her passion for dance and live music, and the one outdoor experience she would re-live all over again. Follow SweatSoGuud on https://www.instagram.com/sweatsoguud/ Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, off trail explorer, wildlife photographer & videographer, artist in residence for the Angeles National Forest, and creator of the youtube channel Parliaments of Owl, Robert Martinez, join me on the show. Robert's videos have been viewed by millions in the country and his work has brought awareness to the thriving animal life we have in our local LA mountain foothills. We chat about his first major wildlife encounter, the bustling animal activity in the San Gabriel mountains, how he became an artist in residence for the Angeles National Forest, his top moments captured on his trail cameras, Wilford the bear celebrity, Limpy the lion, tips for off trail exploring, his observations of the local wildlife, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Robert is quite the adventurous individual and his passion for documenting the wildlife is absolutely infectious. He is on a mission to foster deeper connections to our local wildlife through his work so we may grow a deeper appreciation of them and grow respect of their natural habitat. Follow Parliaments of Owls on https://www.instagram.com/parliament0f0wls/ Watch his wildlife videos on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNKOr01VRL8 Shop Robert's animal prints on https://robertmartinezphotography.com/ Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

**PATREON EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!** For episode 52, I am switching it up and sharing an exclusive piece of content that was released to the Just Trek Patreon subscribers a few months ago. On this show, I share the first ever episode of my new podcast series entitled "Trek Talks" which has currently only been available to the Just Trek Patron community. Trek Talks is a raw and candid perspective of my outdoor adventures and what makes these episodes unique is that I record myself along with fellow hikers while LITERALLY hiking on the trails. You can hear us huffing and puffing, the loose dirt beneath our boots, the sounds of nature, and much more. This episode was recorded during the height of the global pandemic right as LA County opened Mount Baldy up for outdoor recreation once again. On this episode of Trek Talks, the #JustTrekCrew ventured to Mount Baldy - the tallest peak in LA county @ 10,064 Feet. Mount Baldy is part of the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge and this mountain is considered our local Mount Everest in the winter time. Myself along with Mitchel Dumlao (EP 21 guest), Matt Kerr (EP 32 guest), and Kelleia share our thoughts and feelings while hiking on the trail. To cap everything off, I even ran into two special individuals at Mount Baldy summit. Tune in to find out who they were! Want to listen to more Trek Talks episodes? Subscribe to Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop Follow us on https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/ View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, rock climber, ultra trail runner, peak bagger, and mountaineer Cisko (@hikerfighter / @behindthesherpa), join me on the show. We chat about the backstory behind his mysterious face mask, how an unnamed peak in San Bernardino sparked his outdoor journey, his top 3 mountains in California, tips and advice for long day hikes and peak baggers, honoring life and death in the San Gabriel mountains and Eastern Sierras, climbing for Nemo, hiking to fight depression, his ultimate trail angel, mental health and the outdoors, mountaineering Mount Baldy, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Cisko is an epic outdoor adventurer in the SoCal community that always pushes himself to greater heights while guiding others to the top. Elevation is truly his recreation. Follow Hiker Fighter & Behind the Sherpa on https://www.instagram.com/hikerfighter/ and https://www.instagram.com/behindthesherpa/ Watch the Youtube episode version on https://youtu.be/aMRwP-cqmEw Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I launch the inaugural series "Best of Just Trek: Mixtrek Volume 1" in celebration of reaching 50 episodes of the show. This compilation series features the best stories and moments that I have ever heard on the show from our cast of special guests. Featured in this first compilation are Will Mattox aka @Tacoslayers, Victor Martinez (@latrailkillers), Daniel Zhu (@danielzhustance / @stanceelements), Complexion (@thefuturebeatsshow), Daisy Martinez (@elementsofdaisy), Mary Forgione (@maryforgionehikes / LA Times), William Vazquez (@weexploreearth), Ray Medearis (@californiahikinggroup), Mckenna Mobley (@mckmobley), Ayumi Nicole (@_chasingpeaks_), Matt Kerr (@from.matts.mat), and Sarah Nacario (@i.dream.i.do). They share stories from their outdoor adventures that highlight places such as Half Dome, Mount Whitney, Cactus to Clouds, Deep Creek, Mount Williamson, Katmai National Park, AZT aka Arizona Trail, and more. Consider this episode an adventure story sampler of the Just Trek Podcast with more compilation episodes to come! Follow Just Trek on IG: @just.trek Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek Merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have LA based trekker, outdoor adventurer, environmental activist, native plant enthusiast, Author of “Day Hiking Los Angeles” and “Discovering Griffith Park”, and founder of Modern Hiker, Casey Schreiner, join me on the show. We chat about how the view of the San Gabriel mountains sparked his outdoor journey, the concept of place attachment in relation to landscapes, the origin story and evolution of Modern Hiker throughout the years, advocating for more LA park lands, his top SoCal hikes, hot weather and summer hiking tips, Sandstone Peak and the Mishe Mokwa Trail, becoming a native plant enthusiast, his perspective on the hiking explosion in LA, favorite Los Angeles history gems, creating access for all in the outdoors, protecting Griffith park from the Gondola project, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Since 2006, Casey and the Modern Hiker site have been quite the impactful and influential resources that we are blessed to have here in the LA hiking + outdoor community. It was a major honor to have him on the show as his trail guides were the foundation to my hiking journey. Follow Modern Hiker on https://www.instagram.com/modernhiker/ Visit Modern Hiker blog on https://modernhiker.com/ Purchase Discovering Griffith Park (signed copy) on http://discoveringgriffithpark.com/ Purchase Day Hiking in Los Angeles (signed copy) on http://dayhikinglosangeles.com/ Download Modern Hiker app on https://modernhiker.com/download-the-modern-hiker-app/ Support Just Trek on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/justtrek Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I share my insane adventure of experiencing Death Valley National Park for the first time ever. It was the most wild weekend I've ever had in a national park and quite possibly in the great outdoors. This immensely intriguing park is a land of extremes - it is the largest national park in the country, home to the Badwater Basin which is the lowest point in North America, and Death Valley has the hottest temperatures recorded in the world. Myself and the Just Trek Crew experienced everything from below sea level salt flats to high elevation peaks, sand dunes to volcanic craters, salt creeks full of fish to trippy rainbow colored canyons, Star Wars landscapes, and the sunrises, sunsets, star studded skies, and full moons here are just next level. I even share how I survived a heatstroke in the canyons and share the details of all our non-stop action packed adventures. I can literally say I survived and thrived in Death Valley National Park. The vastness of Death Valley is like none other, it has so much of nothing and so much of everything all at the same time. It is a must visit park land and I can not wait to go back and explore more desert magic. Follow @justroc on https://www.instagram.com/justroc/ and @just.trek on https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/ Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can now leave ratings on Spotify, so make sure to leave a 5 star rating on there as well! Consider supporting the podcast by donating on anchor.fm/justtrek/support or on Venmo @justroc. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have LA based trekker, roller blader & skater, outdoor adventurer, wellness advocate, community organizer, and founder of the LA Skate Hunnies, Jennifer Yonda, join me on the show. We chat about how Jen's desire to be in nature led her from the East Coast to the West Coast, the backstory behind creating the LA Skate Hunnies, her top places to skate and favorite hiking trails in Los Angeles, tips & advice for newbie skaters & bladers, hosting a Palms Springs Skatecation, how physical activities are a moving meditation, curating memorable experiences for her community, how skating and hiking has impacted her overall life, and the one skating and outdoor experience she would relive all over again. Jen is building a massively beautiful community through the LA Skate Hunnies while helping them find parallel tribes to help feed their soul. Follow LA Skate Hunnies on https://www.instagram.com/la.skate.hunnies/ Join LA Skate Hunnies Facebook Grouop on https://www.facebook.com/groups/213341999904859/ Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Consider supporting the podcast by donating on anchor.fm/justtrek/support or on Venmo @justroc --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this special edition, solo episode, I celebrate the podcast reaching its Two Year Anniversary along with my birthday. The show has grown quite alot from year 1 to year 2 with more incredible guests sharing their origin stories, outdoor adventures, tips and advice, and life lessons. This episode features intimate messages from the Just Trek community throughout the show. I share my biggest takeaways that I have learned from the guests and sharing highlights from my podcasting journey thus far. From the bottom of my heart, thank you everyone for another year of support. Let's keep on elevating one another up the mountains and in life. Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/just.trek Shop New Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/ Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Consider supporting the podcast by donating on anchor.fm/justtrek/support or on Venmo @justroc. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, peak bagger, trail steward, off trail adventurer, founder of Bushwacker's Anonymous, and co-founder of Hike Revolution, Justin Williams (Rockhound Hiker), join me on the show. We chat about how Justin grew up in our local mountains and wilderness, the backstory behind Hike Revolution and Bushwacker's Anonymous, trail maintenance, tragedies on Mount Baldy, his top SoCal mountains, tips & advice for off trail routes and backcountry hikes, the important of respecting the mountains, how the golden era of hiking in LA is back, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Follow Rockhound Hiker on https://www.instagram.com/rockhoundhiker/ Follow Hike Revolution on https://www.instagram.com/hikerevolution/ Follow Bushwacker's Anonymous on https://www.instagram.com/bushwhackersanonymous/ Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, outdoor explorer, professional hiking guide, and creator of HikingGuy.com, Cris Hazzard, join me on the show. We chat about how taking an international corporate job sparked his outdoor journey, the backstory behind creating HikingGuy.com, his top SoCal trails, tips & advice for long day hikes & newbie hikers, tips for outdoor bloggers & writers, current gear recommendations, All Trails vs Gaia GPS, how hiking and nature has impacted his overall life, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Cris's hiking guides and virtual trail guides have been read and watched by millions online. I have personally been using his guides since the beginning of my hiking journey so having Cris on the show was a full circle moment and true honor to have him join us. Visit HikingGuy website on https://hikingguy.com/ Support HikingGuy (Affiliate Links): https://hikingguy.com/support-hiking-guy/ Watch HikingGuy Virtual Trail guides: https://www.youtube.com/c/Hikingguy Follow Cris Hazzard on https://www.instagram.com/hikingguy_com Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have LA based trekker, doctor of physical therapy, outdoor adventurer, and ultra peak bagger, Becca Dugan, join me on the show. We chat about how an international backpacking trip inspired her outdoor journey, completing the Fool's Traverse 11 Peak endurance challenge, climbing Middle Palisades in the Eastern Sierras, tips & advice for long day hikes and aspiring peak baggers, her sketchy adventure of sliding down a mountain, how summiting major peaks has impacted her life, and the one outdoor experience she would relive all over again. Becca has greatly inspired me through her peak bagging journey and is representing for the lady trekkers out there! She has accomplished many extremely, challenging routes in a relatively short period of time. Elevation truly is her recreation. Follow Becca Duggan on https://www.instagram.com/becs.hikes/ Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Consider supporting the podcast by donating on anchor.fm/justtrek/support or on Venmo @justroc. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode, I kickoff the 2022 New Year with a special edition, solo episode dedicated to Sandstone Peak which is known as the tallest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains (Pacific Palisades/Malibu area). It is a most special place in my hiking journey that I hope you visit one day whether you are a LA local or are visiting from out of town. Reflecting back on 2021, I made the pilgrimage back here numerous times and each time solidified why this is my favorite trek of all time. I share how I first discovered this mountain, my overall thoughts and feelings towards this place, recap some of my adventures here, and I open up about life events that led to my hiking journey. I talk about finding True North, the importance of physical activity, and the power of reinvention for leveling up in one's life. May this episode inspire you to get on out there and live your best outdoor life in 2022! Follow @justroc on https://www.instagram.com/justroc/ and @just.trek on https://www.instagram.com/just.trek/ Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can now leave ratings on Spotify, so make sure to leave a 5 star rating on there as well! Consider supporting the podcast by donating on anchor.fm/justtrek/support or on Venmo @justroc. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have LA based trekker, outdoor adventurer, travel + outdoor writer, outings leader for the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, lead journalist & blogger for the LA Times, editor of "The Wild" newsletter, and SoCal Great Outdoors advocate, Mary Forgione, join me on the show. We chat about why LA is one of the greatest hiking cities in the US, how Griffith Park sparked her journey, her top 3 hikes in LA, the launch of LA TIMES "The Wild" newsletter & the 24 page "Go Hiking in LA" comprehensive guide, summiting Mount Whitney since 1991, interviewing a quadriplegic on the trail, and tips & advice focusing on outdoor safety. We even talk about what makes the SoCal outdoors special from the rest of the country, and the one outdoor experience she would relive all over again. Mary is the ultimate advocate for the LA/SoCal Great Outdoors constantly inspiring her fellow Angelenos to get off their couch and explore what our incredible scene has to offer. Follow Mary Forgione on https://www.instagram.com/maryforgionehikes/ Sign up for The Wild newsletter on https://www.latimes.com/newsletters/the-wild Drop Mary & The Wild a line at TheWild@latimes.com. Check out the LA TIMES "Go Hiking in LA" special guide on https://lat.ms/3sjnvJj Paralyzed Peaks Documentary https://bit.ly/3e95rJl Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Listen to more podcast episodes on https://www.justtrek.net Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Consider supporting the podcast by donating on anchor.fm/justtrek/support or on Venmo @justroc. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On Saturday, Oct 23rd I attempted the most difficult trek in my outdoor journey and that was tackling the peak bagging extravaganza known as the #FoolsTraverse Challenge hosted by TRVRS Outdoors. The Fool's Traverse is an 11 peak endurance challenge located in the Mount Baldy area that is 26 miles long, and up to 12,000 ft elevation gain. Participants need to strategically navigate to as many peaks and checkpoints as physically capable to win prizes from sponsors and to claim bragging rights as #SoCal mountain goats. This was an adventure for the books and also a suffer fest I will never forget and neither will my body. I shared my overall thoughts from the day, the highs and lows, and recap how the adventure all unfolded. Shout outs to my #FoolsTraverse crew @elementsofdaisy @canelaadventures @626sly @from.matts.mat for being the most inspiring and badass group one could ask for tackling this epic challenge. We pushed for the peaks, enjoyed incredible views along the way, and most importantly formed a strong bond with one another. Cheers to pushing ourselves in our outdoor pursuits! Follow TRVRS Outdoors on https://www.instagram.com/trvrsoutdoors/ Check out TRVRS Outdoors on https://www.trvrsoutdoors.com/ Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Consider supporting the podcast by donating on anchor.fm/justtrek/support or on Venmo @justroc. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have the ultimate LA explorer, urban trekker, experience curator, podcast host, and founder of LifeHacksLA, Stefan Fagerholm, join me on the show. We talk about how the culture of things to do in Los Angeles is different from other cities, the backstory behind LifeHacksLA, his top 3 neighborhoods, hacks for exploring Los Angeles, exploring the coastal gem known as Palos Verdes + Terranea Resort, our LifeHacksLA x Bungee America x Just Trek collabo giveaway, tips for growing one's Instagram account, launching the LA Hackers Club, building a community of die hard LA lovers, and chat about our mutual friend Andy Nguyen, founder of After's Ice Cream who is known as the SoCal foodie king. We even have Stefan describe what his perfect day in LA would look like. LA is a tale of many cities with endless things to do. With close to 120K followers on Instagram, Stefan and his platform LifeHacksLA helps locals and tourists alike to hack the best things to do in the best city in the world. LA all day everyday! Follow LifeHacksLA on https://www.instagram.com/lifehacksla/ Listen to LifeHacksLA Podcast on https://apple.co/3iJbuHy Join the LA Hackers Club on https://www.lifehacksla.com/jointheclub Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Consider supporting the podcast by donating on anchor.fm/justtrek/support or on Venmo @justroc. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker & runner, solo female traveler, cyclist and swimmer, outdoor adventurer, and founder of Babes Who Elevate, Sandra Rubio, join me on the show. we talk about how the pandemic led her to joining a running challenge, the backstory of creating Babes Who Elevate, her top 3 adventures, how physical activity helps battle depression, tips & advice for solo female travel & newbie hikers, her Sunset Peak collabo hike with We Explore Earth, from training for her first Triathlon to testing positive for Covid 19, Hitting rock bottom and elevating back up, and how different physical outlets serve different purposes in her life. We even talk about her bond with sister Lorena Rubio (ultra trail runner) and the one adventure she would re-live all over again. Sandra is one of the most resilient people we have come across in the community and she continues to not only elevate herself but everyone around her. Follow Babes Who Elevate on https://www.instagram.com/babeswhoelevate/ Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/ Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Consider supporting the podcast by donating on anchor.fm/justtrek/support or on Venmo @justroc. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, solo world traveler, outdoor adventurer, and founder of LA Trail Killers, Victor Martinez, join me on the show. We talk about how solo world traveling inspired him, the backstory of creating the LA Trail Killers hiking group, top 3 SoCal mountains, tips and advice for long day hikes & newbie hikers, his wild Guatemala adventure, the cloudy sunset experience at Moro Rock, and how he incorporates mindfulness & spirituality into his group hikes. Victor's deep passion for getting his fellow Angelenos off the couch and into the outdoors is a true inspiration that there is a whole world out there ready to explore. His storytelling is some of the best we've heard on the podcast and we can't wait for you to hear his adventures and life perspectives. Follow LA Trail Killers on https://www.instagram.com/latrailkillers/ Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/ Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Consider supporting the podcast by donating on anchor.fm/justtrek/support or on Venmo @justroc. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have California based trekker, musician + songwriter, Men's life coach, founder of Better To Greater, and ultra trail runner, Devon Kelts, join me on the show. We talk about the differences between NorCal and SoCal, his top trail running experiences (Marin Ultra Challenge, Bishop 100k, etc), The Bad Water Basin Race (World's Toughest Race), overcoming addiction & achieving sobriety, his transition from starting a band & becoming a songwriter to becoming a purpose driven coach, the importance of growth mindset, how trail running has enriched his overall life, and the one outdoor experience he would re-live all over again. Devon is a longtime friend from my college days who was even apart of my breakdancing crew and has been a mentor of sorts at different points in my life. He is one of the most intelligent and well spoken individuals I know and is a major inspiration to others to become the best versions of themselves they can be. Follow Devon's journey on https://www.instagram.com/better.to.greater/ and https://www.instagram.com/devod123/ Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/explore Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review on https://ratethispodcast.com/justtrek and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Consider supporting the podcast by donating on anchor.fm/justtrek/support or on Venmo @justroc. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message

On this episode I have SoCal based trekker, backpacker, climber, and mountaineer, Valerie Campos, join me on the show. We talk about the epic challenge that sparked her outdoor journey, conquering Mt Whitney via the mountaineer's route, Cactus 2 Clouds as a solo hike, summiting Mount Rainier in Washington state, top Southern California mountains, tips for long day hikes and aspiring mountaineers, finding purpose in the outdoors, building athleticism through mountaineering, how scaling these major peaks have impacted her, and the one hiking experience she would re-live all over again. Val's constant desire to level up and build her athleticism through mountaineering is an inspiration to the SoCal outdoor community and beyond. Follow Val on https://www.instagram.com/ventureswithval/ Shop Just Trek merch on https://www.justtrek.net/shop View photos from the discussed hikes on https://www.justtrek.net/ Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com or DM on Instagram @just.trek Like the show? Leave a 5 star rating and review on https://ratethispodcast.com/justtrek and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Consider supporting the podcast by donating on anchor.fm/justtrek/support or on Venmo @justroc. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justtrek/message