On this episode I have Christian and Katie Surprise - an adventurous power couple. Both are California based outdoor enthusiasts, peak baggers, backpackers, climbers, and are adventure photographers & videographers.
During our roadsurfer roadtrip to Eastern Yosemite and the Eastern Sierra, we got to meetup with them and record in the otherworldly Alabama Hills landscape. We chatted about their journey from Tennessee to Los Angeles and settling down in Lone Pine, their experience attending my birthday + podcast anniversary group hike at Sandstone Peak and how they discovered the show, the pros and cons of small town mountain living, embracing outdoor community, their top trails in the Eastern Sierra both personally and as a couple, tips for exploring the Sierra mountains, and what it’s like to meet adventurers daily from all over the country and world at their outdoor jobs.
Christian and Katie Surprise exemplify the adventurous spirit that draws so many to the Eastern Sierras. Their journey from Tennessee to these majestic mountains demonstrates their profound appreciation for nature, exploration, and community.
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Rent your own camper van on https://link.roadsurfer.com/JUSTTREK and use our promo code “JUSTTREK” for 11% off your next roadtrip adventure and experience the freedom of van life, your way.
Watch Youtube version on https://youtu.be/nzKp5sIYlSg
Follow Christian on http://instagram.com/christiansurprise
Follow Katie on https://www.instagram.com/katsurprise/
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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, national park explorer, outdoor content creator, certified California naturalist, Outdoor Adventures+ Ambassador, and creator of the Grateful Gallivanter’s Blog & Podcast, Gallivanting with Grant, join me on the show.
We chatted about Grant’s first hiking memories, his growth as a content creator, his top trails in the US, national parks that have surprised him the most, surviving Mount San Jacinto, Outdoor Adventures+ 5 Year Anniversary in Montana del Oro State park, his transition from being a solo hiker to now leading group hikes, his new role as a certified California naturalist & his participation in projects like Monarch Butterly migration, his recent move to Mount Laguna and Tiny House living, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Grant's outdoor evolution has bee a truly inspirational journey to witness!
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This episode is brought to you by roadsurfer — the global leader in RV and camper van rentals. With over 90 rental stations across Europe and North America in 16 countries, they make it easy to hit the road wherever adventure calls. Whether it’s the mountains, the coast, or the open desert — your home is already packed. Check them out more on https://link.roadsurfer.com/JUSTTREK and use our promo code “JUSTTREK” for 11% off your next roadtrip adventure and experience the freedom of van life, your way.
Watch Youtube video version on https://youtu.be/k4rDywAeLmY
Follow Grant on https://www.instagram.com/gallivanting.with.grant/
Check out the Grateful Gallivanter’s Blog & Podcast on https://www.gratefulgallivanters.com/
Follow Just Trek on IG 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 share my unforgettable roadsurfer, roadtrip adventure with my hiking crewmate to two of California's most legendary landscapes: Yosemite National Park and the Eastern Sierra.
Come hop in the camper van and join us on this journey that spanned over 5 days of exploration: traversing landscapes such as Red Rock Canyon State Park, Mono Lake, Tioga Pass, Tuolumne Meadows, Mount Whitney Portal, HWY 395, and much more. Along the way, we experienced the freedom of van life with highlights including alpine lake plunges, epic high elevation treks, camping beneath desert cliffs & alien rock formations, and a recording a spontaneous podcast episode with local outdoor enthusiasts in Alabama Hills. This was a summer roadtrip for the books that I'll always remember for years to come. This episode will inspire you to skip the hotels and experience the Great Outdoors via the camper van, adventure lifestyle.
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This episode is powered by roadsurfer — the global leader in RV and camper van rentals. With over 90 rental stations across Europe and North America in 16 countries, they make it easy to hit the road wherever adventure calls. Whether it’s the mountains, the coast, or the open desert — your home is already packed. Use our promo code “JUSTTREK” for 11% off your next roadtrip adventure and experience the freedom of van life, your way. Book your very own camper van on https://link.roadsurfer.com/JUSTTREK
Follow Just Trek on IG 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 SoCal based trekker, backpacker, outdoor guide & safety instructor, wilderness first responder, wild keeper, and founder of Way Out Wild, Nikki Taylor aka Adventure Pea, joins me on the show.
We chatted about Nikki’s first hiking memories, her journey from the Philippines to Colorado to Los Angeles, the diverse outdoor experiences she fell in love with, the origin story to creating Way Out Wild, female empowerment through outdoor adventures, their REI meet & greet experience, her top trails in California, her special connection with On Trail With, hosting outdoor safety classes, the Six Pack Of Peaks Challenge: Way Out Wild Edition, personal trail moments that shaped her as a founder & guide, the importance of stewardship and protecting public lands, and the one outdoor experience she would relive all over again.
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This episode is brought to you by roadsurfer — the global leader in RV and camper van rentals. With over 70 rental stations across Europe and North America in 16 countries, they make it easy to hit the road wherever adventure calls. Whether it’s the mountains, the coast, or the open desert — your home is already packed. Check them out more on roadsurfer.com and use our promo code “JUSTTREK” for 11% off your next roadtrip adventure and experience the freedom of van life, your way.
Watch Youtube version: https://youtu.be/GdsmaIfSel0
Follow Nikki & Way Out Wild on https://www.instagram.com/adventure_pea/ and https://www.instagram.com/wayoutwild_/
Stay updated on events on https://www.eventbrite.com/o/way-out-wild-45312954783
Follow Just Trek on IG 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
For episode 86, I recorded with past guest Juan Flowers who is a big brother to many in the SoCal outdoor community including myself. Juan is a SoCal based trekker, backpacker, community leader, mental health advocate, certified California naturalist, and is the founder of Outdoor Adventures+ and the Urban Youth Nature Project.
Back in the beginning of March, we decided to do an impromptu recording literally right before hosting our final Nature’s Palette educational group hike in Vasquez Rocks which is located in Agua Dulce, California (just 45 minutes outside of LA). It is a high desert geological natural wonder where famous movies and TV show have been filmed such as Star Trek, The Flintstones, Planet of the Apes, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Austin Powers and so much more.
We chatted about his evolution into becoming a certified California Naturalist, his motivation to deepen his understanding of the natural world, highlights from our Nature’s Palette educational trek series where we explored Point Dume, Vasquez Rocks, and the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area, and his desire to inspire inner city youth to connect with nature with his latest project. We also talked about how the Outdoor Adventures+ team has grown with new outdoor leads and members. The conversation emphasizes the importance of conservation, continuous learning, and fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.
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.
Watch Youtube video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps-_tc5rflQ
Follow Juan and his projects on https://www.instagram.com/__juanflowers__/
https://www.instagram.com/_outadvplus_
https://www.instagram.com/__uynproject__/
Listen to Juan's previous episode on https://tinyurl.com/5835cra8
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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 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-new
Watch Youtube video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g037l1mE84
Follow Kenzie on https://www.instagram.com/messagesfromthemountains
Follow 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/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 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.
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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-lakeand register now.
Watch Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2hbYdOuCaE
Follow Josh & Forgotten Lands Project on https://www.instagram.com/forgottenlandsproject
Pre-Order his upcoming book “The Enduring Wild” on https://www.forgottenlandsproject.com/the-book
Subscribe 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/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 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.
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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=55lmLs3oLbU
Event was in partnership with Happier Cafe by TADAA.Coffee
We'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.la
Support Just Trek on Patreon 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 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/2p9kjv3w
Follow 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/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 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 her brother’s passing led to her 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/ha8tuchk
Follow Jaclyn on https://www.instagram.com/jacinthewild.la/
Sign up for LA Times The Wild for free on https://www.latimes.com/newsletters/the-wild
Follow 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/2p9kjv3w
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 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-Y4Y
Shop Alan's tribal story books on https://www.sunspritehandwork.com/
Watch Patagonia Film feat. Alan Salazar on https://tinyurl.com/mrxzedh6
Visit 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/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 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/4ahpnnmz
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 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
