Hike, Explore, Repeat: Trailblazing Texas Podcast

Site Superintendent Jason’s Guiding Words

Managing the resources of Texas and providing recreational opportunities is one of the most rewarding balancing acts I can think of. Keeping healthy ecosystems is only part of it. Our jobs would not be as important without the people that visit.

Episode Description

Alligators, incredible wildlife, miles of hiking trails, and even a window into the stars! Welcome to Brazos Bend State Park, one of Texas's most fascinating outdoor destinations.

In this episode of the Trailblazing Texas Podcast, we're joined by Site Superintendent Jason to explore what makes this park so special.

From the park's history and unique ecosystem to its famous alligator population, we dive into the experiences that keep visitors coming back. Jason shares insider tips for first-time visitors, favorite hiking trails, camping opportunities, and the incredible diversity of wildlife that calls Brazos Bend home.

But there's more to this park than what you'll find along the trails! We also explore the George Observatory, birdwatching opportunities, conservation efforts, and the important work happening behind the scenes to protect this remarkable Texas landscape.

And of course, we tackle the big question: Just how close is too close when encountering an alligator?

Whether you're a seasoned hiker, wildlife photographer, camper, or someone planning their first visit, this episode will give you a whole new appreciation for Brazos Bend State Park.

Trailblazing Texas Podcast

Discover the parks. Meet the people. Explore Texas.

Subscribe, follow, and share as we continue exploring the incredible places and people that make Texas outdoors so special!

Dedication from Alyssa

To my family and friends: thank you for believing in my big dreams, always encouraging me, and supporting me along the way. To my former coworkers from Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site and Cape Disappointment State Park: I am so grateful for all the learning and laughing we shared. During those times, I was shown that my self-doubt could fade away and that my passions could lead me here.

Episode Description

Sometimes the smaller parks hold some of the biggest surprises.

In this episode of the Trailblazing Texas Podcast, I sit down with Ranger Alyssa from Fort Boggy State Park to explore this peaceful East Texas destination and discover what makes it worth adding to your Texas State Parks list.

We get to know Alyssa and the path that led her to Texas Parks and Wildlife before diving into everything Fort Boggy has to offer, from its history and the story behind the park's name to its lake, fishing, wildlife, hiking trails, primitive camping, and some of the hidden gems visitors might otherwise miss.

Alyssa shares what surprises people most when they arrive, why the park is such a great place to escape the crowds, and how simply stepping onto a trail can lead you to a quiet side of Texas that's becoming harder to find.

We also talk about conservation, the work happening behind the scenes to protect the park, memorable visitor experiences, and what first-time visitors should know before planning their trip.

If you've ever driven past Fort Boggy State Park or simply haven't heard much about it, this episode might give you a reason to change that.

Trailblazing Texas Podcast

Texas trails, parks, people, and the stories that bring them to life.

Episode Description

In Part 2 of my conversation with Tim Buckley of Backpacking with Buckley, we head straight into the trails, places, people, and experiences that have shaped his life as a backpacker.

We spend plenty of time talking Texas, Tim’s first impressions of backpacking here, the misconceptions people have about our landscape, and what makes places like Big Bend and the Guadalupe Mountains so different from anywhere else in the country. We also talk about the heat, long water carries, rugged terrain, wildlife, and why Texas has a way of earning your respect.

From there, we go beyond Texas to some of Tim’s favorite and most underrated backpacking destinations, the places that exceeded his expectations, and a few adventures still sitting high on his bucket list.

But some of my favorite moments in this episode aren't about destinations at all.

Tim opens up about the backpacking community, the people he's met along the way, and the unexpected friendships that have grown through Backpacking with Buckley. We talk about documenting adventures as a way of preserving memories, the messages from viewers that have stuck with him, and the responsibility outdoor creators have when introducing more people to the places we love.

And, of course, we couldn't have Tim on without some gear talk. We get into inexpensive gear that works, gear worth every penny, underrated items, and the things that always seem to find their way into his pack.

Finally, we look ahead at what's next for Backpacking with Buckley and hear Tim's message to anyone who's been sitting on the sidelines thinking about taking that first backpacking trip.

This one is about more than miles, mountains, and gear.

It's about the places we discover, the memories we make, and the people we meet along the way.

Trailblazing Texas Podcast, Backpacking with Buckley, Part 2

A message from the Host

One of the things I love most about hosting Trailblazing Texas Podcast is getting to sit down with people who share a genuine passion for the outdoors. My time with Tim Buckley was no exception.

What I appreciate about Tim is that he doesn't just share backpacking adventures. He shares the lessons, the mistakes, the laughter, and the people who make those experiences meaningful.

We talked about everything from his early days on the trail to building Backpacking with Buckley, the realities of creating outdoor content, and why the gear you carry should never define the kind of backpacker you are.

And, of course, we couldn't have a conversation without talking about Texas and my love for it!

This is one of those conversations that reminds me why I started this podcast in the first place: to connect with people, share their stories, and celebrate the outdoor community.

Tim, thank you for taking the time to join me, sharing your experiences, and reminding us that there's room on the trail for everyone.

Episode Description

Backpacking with Buckley: The Man Behind the Miles | Part 1

What does it take to turn a love for backpacking into a community of outdoor enthusiasts?

In Part 1 of our two-part series, I sit down with Tim Buckley, the man behind Backpacking with Buckley, to explore his journey from his first backpacking adventures to sharing his experiences with thousands of outdoor enthusiasts.

We dive into the stories behind his YouTube channel, the challenges of creating authentic outdoor content, and the lessons he's learned along the trail. Tim shares his thoughts on backpacking gear, the influence of social media on the outdoor community, and why we should never judge another hiker by the gear they carry.

We also head to Texas to talk about his adventures in Big Bend and what makes backpacking in the Lone Star State so memorable.

Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or just getting started, this conversation is about more than miles and gear. It's about the people, experiences, and passion that keep us coming back to the trail.

🎙️ Subscribe to Trailblazing Texas Podcast and join us for Part 2 on October 1!

A quote from Alysha

Home is behind, the world is ahead.

- JRR Tolkien

Episode Description

This week on the Trailblazing Texas Podcast, we’re heading to Fort Parker State Park with Site Superintendent Alysha!

We talk about Alysha’s journey with Texas Parks and Wildlife, what brought her to Fort Parker, and what makes this park such a special place to both work and visit.

We dive into the park’s CCC history, trails, camping, wildlife, conservation, hidden gems, and, of course, Fort Parker Lake, from paddling and fishing to simply enjoying life on the water.

Alysha also shares some of her favorite memories, visitor stories, and what she hopes people take away from their time at the park.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking for another Texas State Park to add to your list, this episode gives you a great look at Fort Parker State Park through the eyes of the person helping lead and protect it.

Trails • Camping • Paddling • Fishing • Wildlife • CCC History

Come discover Fort Parker State Park with us!

A quote from Nate

The world is a mountain, what we do is shout, the echo comes back to us.

- Rumi

Episode Description

PART 3 OF 3 — NATE | ONE MAN’S ODYSSEY

We’ve talked about the peaks. We’ve talked about navigation, weather, risk, and what it takes to safely travel through the mountains of New Mexico.

For the final chapter, we go beyond the summits.

Nate takes us into some of Northern New Mexico’s hidden gems, the places that don’t always get the attention of neighboring Colorado, but absolutely deserve a spot on any hiker’s list. We talk underrated trails, places to find solitude, the best seasons to visit, small mountain towns, local stops, and where he’d send someone with three days and a backpack.

Then we get into the stories.

The unforgettable days. The mistakes. The close calls. The funny moments. The backcountry camps you never want to leave.

And finally, we talk about the moment Nate realized his journey through New Mexico’s high peaks had become about something much bigger than simply checking mountains off a list.

This is Part 3 of 3 with Nate — One Man’s Odyssey.

Three episodes. A whole lot of mountains. And one incredible journey through New Mexico.

Trailblazing Texas Podcast Get outside. Explore somewhere new. And maybe put Northern New Mexico a little higher on your list.

A Quote from Nate:

With the eye of my mind I gazed upon Paradise; the summit of every mountain is lower than its summit.

- St. Ephrem the Syrian

Episode Description:

In Part 1, we talked about where Nate’s journey began and what eventually led him toward the challenge of climbing New Mexico’s 12,000-foot peaks.

In Part 2, we head deeper into the mountains, and into the skills, decisions, and risks that come with being there.

Have hikers become too dependent on GPS?

What navigation skills should every mountain hiker know?

How quickly can weather turn dangerous in the New Mexico mountains, and when do you make the call to turn around?

We also get into the dangers hikers often underestimate, mistakes Nate sees people making on the trail, how risk management changes above 12,000 feet, and what happens when an adventure suddenly becomes serious.

Nate shares what safety and emergency gear never leaves his pack, his approach to lightning and building storms, experiences getting off route, and the lessons the mountains have taught him along the way.

Because reaching the summit is only part of the goal.

Making good decisions and getting back down safely is what really matters.

Trailblazing Texas Podcast * One Man’s Odyssey with Nate, Part 2 of 3 Navigation • Mountain Safety • Weather • Risk • Emergencies

Nate's Dedication:

To Lindsey, Austin, Elena, and Aurora. Thank you for sacrificing your time and time with me so I can pursue this passion. I love you!

Episode Description — Nate | Part 1 of 3

What starts as a love for hiking can sometimes turn into something much bigger.

In Part 1 of this three-part Trailblazing Texas Podcast series, I sit down with Nate to hear the story behind his passion for the outdoors, the mountains, and an ambitious goal: climbing New Mexico's 12,000-foot peaks.

We go back to where it all started, his first experiences hiking and backpacking, where his love for the mountains came from, and the moment that simply enjoying the outdoors began evolving into chasing bigger objectives.

Then we head into the high country of New Mexico.

Nate takes us inside the challenge of the 12ers: the peaks that surprised him, the ones that were tougher—or easier—than expected, the mountains that humbled him, and the summits that have given him the greatest sense of accomplishment.

And, of course, we have to talk favorites. Best views? Best approach? Most remote? And if you could climb only ONE New Mexico 12er, which one should it be?

Finally, we start pulling back the curtain on something every backcountry adventurer can learn from: how Nate researches and plans a mountain before ever setting foot on the trail.

This is only Part 1 of 3, and we're just getting started.

Trailblazing Texas Podcast Get outside. Explore more. And maybe start chasing a few mountains of your own.

#TrailblazingTexasPodcast #NewMexico #Hiking #Backpacking #PeakBagging #NewMexicoMountains #12ers #MountainAdventure #GetOutside

Henry’s Motto:

"De omnibus dubitandum"

Doubt everything.

Episode Description

Long before ultralight backpacking became mainstream, Henry Shires was simply trying to solve a problem.

In 1999, while preparing to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, Henry designed a lightweight shelter for himself. That idea would eventually become Tarptent, one of the original cottage gear companies and a brand that has helped influence backpacking shelter design for more than 20 years.

In this episode of the Trailblazing Texas Podcast, I sit down with Tarptent founder Henry Shires to go all the way back to where it started.

We talk about Henry’s introduction to hiking and backpacking, the shelter he built for his PCT journey, and the moment he realized other backpackers wanted what he had created. Henry shares what those early years of Tarptent looked like, the challenges of growing a small cottage company, and why Tarptent has intentionally remained relatively small even as the outdoor industry around it has changed.

We also get deep into the world of shelter design, where ideas come from, balancing weight and durability, testing prototypes in real-world conditions, learning from designs that didn’t quite work, and figuring out when a shelter is finally ready to leave the drawing board and head into the backcountry.

Having spent more than two decades in the industry, Henry also gives us his perspective on how backpacking has changed. We talk about the rise of ultralight gear, social media’s impact on the outdoor community, the growth of the cottage gear industry, and what he hopes never changes about backpacking.

But perhaps my favorite part of the conversation is looking beyond the gear.

For more than 20 years, Tarptent shelters have been carried on first backpacking trips, weekend adventures, long trails and thru-hikes around the world. Behind every one of those shelters is a story, and a memory made underneath it.

So what does it mean to Henry knowing something he first designed for himself has become part of so many other people's adventures?

And after more than 20 years of designing, building and questioning how things can be done better...what does he hope the legacy of Tarptent will ultimately be?

This one is about innovation, taking chances, staying small, and the incredible things that can happen when a backpacker decides there has to be a better way.

Episode Artwork Photo by Chase A. Fountain. Shared courtesy of Lydia Pagel.

A quote from Lydia

Standing above us, above the build of our town, Mount Franklin is the landmark and the trademark of where we live. "A mountain," Carl Sandburg said, "is something that's fastened down, something you can count on.'' By that token, a mountain is a talisman in our hearts. In looking at Mount Franklin, up there, we lift our eyes toward the sky.

- by Tom Lea.

Episode Description

Franklin Mountains State Park with Ranger Lydia — Part 2 | Trails, Desert Adventure & Protecting a Wild Landscape

Part 2 takes us deeper into Franklin Mountains State Park as Ranger Lydia joins me again to talk about what it’s really like to explore one of the most unique landscapes in the Texas State Park system.

We hit the trails, talking about some of the park’s most popular routes, where first-time visitors should start, and where experienced hikers can find a little more challenge and solitude. Lydia also shares what visitors need to know before hiking in the Chihuahuan Desert, especially when those West Texas temperatures start climbing.

But hiking is only part of the story.

We get into rock climbing and bouldering, mountain biking, wildlife and birding, camping beneath the West Texas sky, ranger-led programs, and some of the best times of year to experience the Franklin Mountains.

Then we turn to something just as important as exploring the park: protecting it.

Lydia talks about the challenges of managing recreation in such a fragile desert ecosystem, Leave No Trace issues like cutting switchbacks, conservation and restoration efforts, volunteer opportunities, and the balance between giving people access to these incredible mountains while preserving them for the future.

We also look ahead at what could be next for Franklin Mountains State Park, and I give Lydia one final challenge:

If someone has never visited Franklin Mountains State Park, what’s your pitch to get them there?

If Part 1 introduced you to Lydia and the heart behind Franklin Mountains State Park, Part 2 is about getting out there and experiencing it.

🥾 Trails 🧗 Rock climbing & bouldering 🚵 Mountain biking 🦅 Wildlife & birding ⛺ Camping & stargazing 🌵 Desert hiking and Leave No Trace 🏔️ Conservation and the future of the park

This is Franklin Mountains State Park. Let’s hit the trail.