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/

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 ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ 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 ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ 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 ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ 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 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 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 ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ 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

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 ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ 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 ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ 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-lake and 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 ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ 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 [email protected] 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 "[email protected]"

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 ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ 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/y68hk99s

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 ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek