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  • On this episode, I sit down with LA based visual artist, illustrator, climate strategist, birder, wildlife photographer, and outdoor adventurer Valeree Catangay at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Los Angeles, California.

    Val takes me through her Long Beach roots, how Animal Planet and Tree Musketeers sparked her love for nature, and a formative Earth Watch scholarship trip to Texas studying whooping crane ecosystems. She shares how birding became a grounding practice during a tough season of life and naturally led her into wildlife photography, plus how her plein air painting community, Warrior Painters, makes her hyper-aware of light, weather, and seasonality. We also get into her Coastal Connections zine inspired by the Audubon Coastal Leadership Program, practical ways to plug into LA’s environmental community, her favorite local spots (Anza-Borrego, Sepulveda Basin, Ballona Wetlands), her Brower Youth Award and UCLA Environmentalists of Color Collective work, her sustainability role at Earth Justice, completing the Sierra Club Wilderness Travel Course, and birding and travel experiences in Peru and the Philippines.

    Follow Valeree on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/valereeplants

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    Lean more about Valeree and support her work on https://www.valereecatangay.com/

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    Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

  • On this episode, I sit down with LA based outdoor adventurer, award-winning writer/editor, and Basecamp Outdoor founder/CEO Ali Carr at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. Ali takes me through her Southern California outdoor roots - skiing Big Bear, camping, backpacking - then how a year in New York City led her to Outside Magazine and a mountain-filled life in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She breaks down how Basecamp Outdoor is an inclusive digital community connecting outdoor brands with industry curious job seekers through its Facebook group, newsletter, events, office hours and brand interviews, the Career Collective, and the Base Camp Match job board, plus what she’s seeing in hiring and why intentional networking beats “spray-and-pray” applications. Ali also shares standout adventures (Grand Teton, Smith Rock, Patagonia), local gems (Red Rock/Topanga, Chantry Flats/Sturtevant Falls, Cedar Grove, Leo Carrillo tide pools), her Outside story on her father’s disappearance at sea, surviving cancer in 2023, and her new birth doula project, Wild Grace.

    Stay Updated with Ali Carr, Basecamp Outdoor, and Wild Grace on IG:

    https://www.instagram.com/chasingalicarr

    https://www.instagram.com/basecampoutdoorjobs

    https://www.instagram.com/lovewildgrace

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    Join Basecamp FB Group: https://tinyurl.com/4whchwye

    Learn more about Basecamp Outdoor on https://www.wearetheoutdoorindustry.com/

    Learn more about Wild Grace on https://www.lovewildgrace.com/

    Follow Just Trek on https://instagram.com/just.trek

    Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠

    Become a Just Trek Patron member on https://www.patreon.com/justtrek

    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

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  • In this volume of the Trails & Tribulations series, I chat with Tyler Wagoner, a San Diego native and new-to-hiking convert, about his Mount Whitney redemption push on June 24th, 2024 - a 22-mile day hike to the tallest peak in the continental U.S. (14,504 ft) that turned into repeated close calls.

    Tyler shares how he was turned back in 2023 at Trail Camp after being told he was ill-equipped for snow and cold, then returned in 2024. Tyler's second Whitney attempt had tribulations stacking up from the parking lot to the summit and all the way back down. A 21-hour battle with some genuinely terrifying moments and hard-earned lessons that you'll want to hear. Tyler is a San Diego-based hiker who caught the hiking bug in 2022 and has been going hard ever since — and his Whitney story is one for the books. What starts as a solo pre-dawn push quickly turns into an epic story that involves a bold wildlife encounter before the hike even begins, a sketchy icy section on the notorious 99 switchbacks, and a race against a weather system that the outdoor store in Lone Pine had predicted almost to the minute. The summit itself delivers one of the most surreal and spine-tingling moments you'll hear on this show. And then the descent — that's where things really unravel. Multiple setbacks stack up one after another, pushing Tyler to his absolute limit before he finally makes it back to his car deep into the night. He also shares key lessons on gear, preparation, and the one rule every Whitney hiker needs to know before they ever step on that trail. This is a story about perseverance, humility, and the kind of experience that turns a hiker into a lifetime student of the mountains.

    Have you ever experienced a survival moment or learned a tough lesson on the trail? Maybe you got lost, faced sudden weather, encountered wildlife, or found yourself pushed to your limits in ways you didn’t expect. Trails & Tribulations is the space where those stories come to life, inspiring and connecting the outdoor community. If any of these resonates with you, we'd love to hear YOUR story!

    Submit your story on https://tinyurl.com/47jdbvau for a chance to be featured or send us an email on [email protected]

    Follow Tyler Wagoner on https://www.instagram.com/tyler_on_trail

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

  • On this episode, I’m joined outdoors in Palos Verdes, California by Corbin Pickett (@outdoorswithcorb), also known as “Brotha Nature” — a SoCal trekker, outdoor creator, community builder, board member of Black Men Hike LA, and founder of Kuji Hiking Crew. We talk about his earliest outdoor memories, how the 52 Hike Challenge became a life changing spiritual “walkabout” while he lived in Atlanta, and how Black Men Hike LA helped him find brotherhood and community after returning to SoCal. Corbin shares what it’s like navigating outdoor spaces as a Black man, the origin of his trail name, and practical tips on safety, preparedness, and easing into camping. We also highlight his favorite SoCal trails, recap his Moab trip with Black People Who Hike, and chat about his spring adventure to Big Pine Lakes and Tahoe Rim Trail thru-hike supported by an ALDHA scholarship.

    Follow Corbin on https://www.instagram.com/outdoorswithcorb

    Follow Black Men Hike on https://www.instagram.com/blackmenhikela

    Follow Kuji Hiking Crew on https://www.instagram.com/kujihikingcrew

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    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

  • In this volume of the Trails & Tribulations series on the Just Trek podcast, I welcome back Juan Flores (Outdoor Adventures+, Nature’s Palette, Urban Youth Nature Project) as he recounts first attempt of big bad, Iron Mountain in the San Gabriel Mountains near Bridge to Nowhere in December 2021. Starting at midnight on a 16 mile out-and-back, Juan and his friend encounter mountain lion chirps ahead and behind around 2AM while two women in their group push far ahead. After reaching the summit around 7AM, the brutal descent turns dangerous: Juan is left behind, runs out of water after starting with two liters, becomes lost on a false trail without a map, and collapses exhausted with miles remaining until a stranger with a dog finds him. It took 16 grueling hours for him to complete this trek and he shares key lessons on carrying more water, downloading maps, not relying on guides, and staying over-prepared.

    Have you ever experienced a survival moment or learned a tough lesson on the trail? Maybe you got lost, faced sudden weather, encountered wildlife, or found yourself pushed to your limits in ways you didn’t expect. Trails & Tribulations is the space where those stories come to life, inspiring and connecting the outdoor community. If any of these resonates with you, we'd love to hear YOUR story!

    Submit your story on https://tinyurl.com/47jdbvau for a chance to be featured or send us an email on [email protected]

    Follow Juan Flores on https://www.instagram.com/__juanflowers__

    https://www.instagram.com/_outadvplus_

    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 exclusive recording from the show’s fourth live podcast at the Just Trek Pod's 6 Year anniversary celebration at Happier Cafe along the LA River in Frogtown, Los Angeles. I reflect on launching the podcast during the March 2020 pandemic shutdowns to amplify outdoor voices, then moderated a live panel featuring Rolland Tizuela (Camp Anthropology/Camp Homies), Nikki Taylor “Adventure Pea” (Way Out Wild), and RJ Soria (TRVRS Outdoors). The group discusses what sparked their love for the outdoors, how their platforms prioritize education and backcountry safety, balancing risk with pushing limits, and practical preparation including mapping tools, practicing with gear at home, and building inclusive communities. Audience Q&A covers conservation through relationship with public lands, trail work groups, and recommendations for apps, maps, and beginner-friendly ways to start hiking.

    We'd like to thank our community partners: Happier Cafe, TADAA Coffee, Happier Camper, Parks Project, KEEN, Topo Designs, HEST, HIGHLANDER, JuneShine, Pabst Light, and Parch.

    Follow our guest panelists on IG: www.instagram.com/campthropology

    www.instagram.com/adventure_pea

    www.instagram.com/wayoutwild_ www.instagram.com/trvrsoutdoors

    Support Just Trek on Patreon www.patreon.com/justtrek

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    Want to send me a message? Email me at [email protected] or DM on Instagram @just.trek

  • In this episode, I share my most unforgettable adventure yet: my first major international trek with the Just Trek Crew in Guatemala, hiking Volcán Acatenango for a front-row view of Volcán de Fuego erupting. I break down how this dream trip finally came together, our crew lineup, and our day-by-day itinerary from landing in Guatemala City and exploring Antigua to the Ox Expeditions briefing and gear prep. I recount the relentless climb through shifting landscapes, the dust, cold, altitude, and the brutal “double whammy” push to Fuego Ridge—where the clouds finally opened and we watched cinematic explosions and lava flows light up the night. After skipping the 4 a.m. summit, we descended, reset in Antigua, visited Hobbitenango, recorded a quick crew recap, and even caught Fuego erupting again during rooftop dinner.

    RSVP to the Pod 6 Year Anniversary Party in Los Angeles on https://tinyurl.com/2p62j22z

    Follow Ox Expeditions on http://instagram.com/oxpeditions

    Book your Volcano Trek w/ Ox Expeditions on https://oxexpeditions.com/

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    Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek

  • On this episode I release the "Best of Just Trek: Mixtrek Volume 3" to kickoff the podcast entering it's official birthday month and onward to the show reaching it's 6 Year Anniversary. This third compilation features some of the most memorable stories and moments from our cast of special guests. Featured in this compilation are Alan Salazar (Tribal Elder), Austin Nicassio (Accessible Off-Road), Josh Jackson (Forgotten Lands Project / The Enduring Wild), Nikki Taylor aka Adventure Pea (Way Out Wild), Anjelica Avella aka Adventures with Anjelica, Christian De la Torre (Trace Club), and Luis aka Mr. Traveler (Vamos Hiking Crew).

    They share stories  from the Angeles National Forest, Mount Kilimanjaro in Eastern Africa, Forgotten BLM Lands, Sierra Nevada Mountains, Half Dome, in Yosemite, the Channel Islands and more. Consider this episode an adventure story sampler of the Just Trek Podcast.

    Follow Just Trek on https://instagram.com/just.trek

    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

  • In this volume of the Trails & Tribulations series on the Just Trek podcast, I welcome back SoCal trekker, Justin Williams aka @RockhoundHiker, to recount a 2016 “vision quest” style thru-hike across Southern California’s mighty San Gabriel Mountains. Starting at Ling Yen Mountain Temple near the Etiwanda Preserve, Justin set out severely underprepared—carrying only water and three apples—on a roughly multi-day, ~60-mile push toward St. Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo, California. Along the way he commits to dangerous off-trail terrain, including climbing multiple 40–50 foot dry waterfalls with loose rock, an all-night bushwhack through thorny buckthorn and a wrong turn that sends him up a rugged ridge to Etiwanda Peak before reconnecting to the route toward Cucamonga Peak and Baldy. As heat, dehydration, and electrolyte depletion set in, he vomits repeatedly, naps in a cave to escape the sun, accepts help from hikers. He shares memorable encounters—especially meeting Mr. Kim on Mt. Baldy, a hiker on a personal pilgrimage for Korean reunification who later died on the mountain—and describes being emotionally shaken by a memorial to PCT hikers who died in snow, prompting reflection on the consequences of risk and who we leave behind.

    Have you ever experienced a survival moment or learned a tough lesson on the trail? Maybe you got lost, faced sudden weather, encountered wildlife, or found yourself pushed to your limits in ways you didn’t expect. Trails & Tribulations is the space where those stories come to life, inspiring and connecting the outdoor community. If any of these resonates with you, we'd love to hear YOUR story!

    Submit your story on https://tinyurl.com/47jdbvau for a chance to be featured or send us an email on [email protected]

    Follow Justin Williams on https://www.instagram.com/rockhoundhiker

    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'm joined by Jennifer Whalen, a California-based adventure elopement photographer. Jennifer shares her captivating journey from being a traditional wedding photographer in urban settings to capturing intimate, adventurous elopements in stunning natural landscapes like Yosemite, Big Sur, and Joshua Tree. The episode delves into Jennifer's passion for travel, the inspiration behind her shift to adventure elopements, the logistical challenges she navigates in planning these unique ceremonies, and offers insights for couples looking for non-traditional wedding experiences. Whether you’re a couple planning an elopement or simply a nature lover, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable advice.

    Check out Jennifer Whalen Weddings on https://jenniferwhalenweddings.com/

    Follow Jenn on https://www.instagram.com/jenniferwhalenweddings

    Follow Just Trek on https://instagram.com/just.trek

    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’m joined by Scotty Hsieh, a dance and art educator, community builder, and van life explorer, along with his beloved wolf dog Nanooki. The episode explores Scotty's journey from city life to embracing the camper van lifestyle, his spiritual and outdoor experiences, and the deep bond he shares with Nanooki. We discussed their adventures across stunning landscapes like Sedona, Mammoth Lakes, and Joshua Tree, and more emphasizing the transformative power of nature and introspection. The episode features discussions on the challenges and rewards of van life, significant moments with Nanooki, and the lessons learned from reconnecting with nature. Additionally, Scotty shares his aspirations for future projects emphasizing community and personal growth through outdoor exploration with Nanooki by his side.

    Follow Nanooki on https://www.instagram.com/nanooki_the_wolf/#

    Follow Scotty on https://www.instagram.com/scotty.hsieh/

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    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

  • In this volume of the Trails & Tribulations series, I welcome Lauren from @YorAdventures, who shares her family's gripping story of a Rim-to-Rim backpacking trip in Grand Canyon National Park. Despite being relatively inexperienced and facing an unexpected and painful series of challenges—including a devastating car crash, trail closures, rock slides, vomiting, dehydration, and even broken noses—Lauren and her two oldest sons displayed extraordinary resilience and adaptability. Throughout their journey, they navigated significant obstacles while embracing the raw beauty of the canyon. Lauren's story is a testament to the strength of parental faith, childhood resilience, and the importance of flexibility. She also shares valuable lessons about hiking safety with kids, the importance of being prepared, and the lasting memories created by overcoming difficulties together as a family. Tune in to gain inspiration and insights into the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of family backpacking adventures.

    Have you ever experienced a survival moment or learned a tough lesson on the trail? Maybe you got lost, faced sudden weather, encountered wildlife, or found yourself pushed to your limits in ways you didn’t expect. Trails & Tribulations is the space where those stories come to life, inspiring and connecting the outdoor community. If any of these resonates with you, we'd love to hear YOUR story!

    Submit your story on https://tinyurl.com/47jdbvau for a chance to be featured or send us an email on [email protected]

    Stay updated with Lauren & YorAdventures on:

    https://www.instagram.com/yoradventures/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@yoradventures

    https://www.youtube.com/@yoradventures

    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’m joined by San Diego based trekker, outdoor creator, Snow Peak ambassador, camp connoisseur, co-founder of the Camp Homies collective, and founder of Campthropology — Rolland Tizuela.

    We dove into Rolland’s earliest hiking and camping memories, the origin story behind Campthropology, and his transformative 100-mile journey on the PCT as a McNair Scholar. We also talk about his viral “epic poo view” TikTok content, his top camping destinations in California, favorite San Diego trails, and the community-driven spirit behind the Camp Homies collective.

    Rolland shares episode recommendations from the Campthropology podcast, breaks down American vs. Japanese camping styles, and unpacks the cultural ethos of Snow Peak. He also offers tips for new campers, reflects on the importance of discovering magic in your local outdoor spaces, and reveals the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. At his core, Rolland is on a mission to make camping — and the great outdoors — more accessible to everyone.

    Follow Rolland on http://instagram.com/campthropology

    Follow Rolland on http://instagram.com/camp.homies

    Shop Campthropology Merch on https://campthropology.com/

    Listen to the Campthropology Podcast on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/9kp7f98v

    Follow Just Trek on https://instagram.com/just.trek

    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

  • In this gripping episode of the Trails & Tribulations series, I welcome Jose De La Rosa, a fellow SoCal peak bagger and hiking group leader, as he recounts a high-stakes rescue mission in the San Gabriel Mountains. After a successful group hike to Ontario Peak, Jose received a distress call from a friend who had slid down a canyon and was lost. What follows is an intense journey of leadership, teamwork, and determination as Jose and his friend Alfonso race against time and the elements to bring her back safely. The episode highlights critical lessons about the buddy system, staying calm in emergencies, and the importance of never being overconfident especially in challenging conditions. Jose's harrowing yet inspirational story underscores the unpredictability of group hiking adventures and serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience required when faced with unforeseen challenges.

    ____________

    Have you ever experienced a survival moment or learned a tough lesson on the trail? Maybe you got lost, faced sudden weather, encountered wildlife, or found yourself pushed to your limits in ways you didn’t expect. Trails & Tribulations is the space where those stories come to life, inspiring and connecting the outdoor community. If any of these resonates with you, we'd love to hear YOUR story!

    Submit your story on https://tinyurl.com/47jdbvau for a chance to be featured or send us an email on [email protected]

    Follow HAFA on http://instagram.com/hikingadventuresforall

    Join HAFA on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/hikingadventuresforall

    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

  • Join us for an extraordinary reverse episode of the Just Trek podcast as we celebrate the monumental 100th episode milestone. Hosted by the insightful Jonathan Flores, aka "The Brown Naturalist," this special episode flips the script, putting the spotlight on the founder and voice behind the podcast, Justin 'Justroc' Rimon. Broadcasting from the breathtaking sunset at Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains, Justin shares his heartfelt reflections on his journey, from his life-changing first hike to the creation and evolution of the Just Trek podcast and crew. The conversation covers memorable hiking experiences, top trails, and valuable outdoor tips. Delve into the emotional and motivational facets of Justin's story as he talks about connecting with the outdoor community, the challenges and triumphs of reaching a 100-episode milestone, and the transformative power of nature. It's a tribute to community, resilience, and the spirit of adventure that fuels us all.

    Follow Just Trek on https://instagram.com/JUST.TREK

    Follow our guest host Juan on https://www.instagram.com/__juanflowers__/ and https://www.instagram.com/_outadvplus_/#

    Shop Just Trek merch on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net/shop⁠⁠

    Support on Just Trek on http://patreon.com/justtrek

    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, peak bagger, community leader, comedy magician, runner, and the founder of the 5AM Crew, Omar Covarubbias aka The Great Omar, join me on the show.

    We chatted about Omar’s wild first hiking memory, his evolution from being a professional magician to becoming a hiking leader, the formation and growth of the 5AM Crew in Griffith Park, his top trails in California, hiking hacks and outdoor tips, The Mt Baldy 5000 & Camp Baldy summer experience, his challenging ascent of Mt Whitney with Vamos Hiking Crew, and the one outdoor experience he would relive all over again. Omar shares valuable insights into leadership, community building, and the power of nature. This captivating episode highlights the inspiring journey of a man dedicated to elevating the well-being of his community through consistent early morning, sunrise hikes.

    Follow the 5AM Crew on http://instagram.com/the.5amcrew

    Follow The Great Omar on https://www.instagram.com/thegreatomar1/#

    Learn more about 5AM Crew on https://the5amcrew.com/

    Book The Great Omar for magic on https://thegreatomar.com/

    Follow Just Trek on https://instagram.com/JUST.TREK

    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

  • In this gripping episode of the Trails & Tribulation series, I welcome Missy Martinez, a fellow SoCal trekker, as she recounts her terrifying solo hike + trail run on San Gorgonio mountain - the tallest mountain in Southern California. During an adventurous descent, Missy loses her footing and slides down the side of the mountain, resulting in a dramatic fall and a night spent lost in a burn zone. Despite being unprepared, she miraculously self-rescues, traversing over 60 miles and into a different county before encountering her saviors. Drawing strength from memories of her late father, Missy's story is a powerful testament to resilience and the critical importance of preparation, as she highlights the essential gear that could have made a significant difference. Tune in for a tale of survival, the kindness of strangers, and the lessons learned from the wild.

    ____________

    Have you ever experienced a survival moment or learned a tough lesson on the trail? Maybe you got lost, faced sudden weather, encountered wildlife, or found yourself pushed to your limits in ways you didn’t expect. Trails & Tribulations is the space where those stories come to life, inspiring and connecting the outdoor community. If any of these resonates with you, we'd love to hear YOUR story!

    Submit your story on https://tinyurl.com/47jdbvau for a chance to be featured or send us an email on [email protected]

    The 10 Essentials Resources: https://tinyurl.com/4sxdny9u -- https://americanhiking.org/10essentials/

    Follow Missy on https://www.instagram.com/missymar17

    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, doctor, and all around adventure enthusiast, Dr. Shreya Reddy, join me on the show.

    For this show, we dove into Shreya’s recent trekking accomplishments — summiting Mt. Whitney and completing the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge. We unpack what inspired her to take on Mt. Whitney, the challenges she faced along the way — from altitude sickness and fatigue to freezing temperatures — and the deep personal reflections she had at the summit. We discussed which peaks she tackled in the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge and which one pushed her the most. Plus we even took a moment to reminisce about how we first met during an unforgettable full moon group hike adventure.

    Watch Youtube video version on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSdD0PMkU6w

    Follow Shreya on https://www.instagram.com/drreddyforabreak

    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, we kick off Volume 1 of the Trails & Tribulations series! This trail tale dives into Marlee's unforgettable water canyoneering expedition through one of LA’s best-kept adventure secrets — Eaton Canyon and Falls. But we’re not talking about the popular trail to the waterfall. This story takes you above the falls, into a hidden & rugged canyon that’s tough to access and only for experienced canyoneers.

    It was Marlee’s first long water canyoneering trip, packed with cliff jumps, endless rope rappels, icy plunge pools, and sheer drops that tested every ounce of courage she had. What started as an epic group adventure quickly turned into a battle against fear, fatigue, and the raw power of nature.

    ______________

    Have you ever experienced a survival moment or learned a tough lesson on the trail? Maybe you got lost, faced sudden weather, encountered wildlife, or found yourself pushed to your limits in ways you didn’t expect. Trails & Tribulations is the space where those stories come to life, inspiring and connecting the outdoor community. If any of these resonates with you, we'd love to hear YOUR story!

    Submit your story on https://tinyurl.com/47jdbvau for a chance to be featured or send us an email on [email protected]

    Follow Marlee on https://www.instagram.com/littlemarrmaid

    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, backpacker, fisher, hiking lead, Mountain House ambassador, and outdoor content creator, Exploring with Vee, join me on the show.

    We chat about her first hiking memories, what inspired her to host group treks, her top trails in California, how the outdoors played a major role in her healing journey from a toxic relationship, her first solo backpacking experience in the Sierras, adventuring with her dog Bella, her absolute joy for fishing and the one outdoor experience she would relive all over again.

    Watch Youtube video version on https://youtu.be/-JtkBNvICY8

    Follow Exploring with Vee on https://www.instagram.com/exploringwithvee

    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