Advertise on podcast: Just Trek Podcast

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 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 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/ 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 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/ 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, 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