Advertise on podcast: Rise & Wander by Karla Amador of the 52 Hike Challenge

In episode 15 of series four on hiking basics, I reflect on a week of training in Colorado (about 45 miles) and focus on self-care before, during, and after hikes. I cover motivation and SMART goal setting, accountability strategies, and planning for weather and safety, including tips from 52 Hike Challenge leaders on heat, water, hiking early, and caring for dogs. I explain warning signs of hypothermia, frostbite, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, emphasize preparedness, checklists, post-hike recovery, rest, and avoiding ego-driven "summit fever" by knowing limits and turning around when needed.   Show Notes:  Kafka's Kool Tie: https://rei.pxf.io/enbZQQ Hiking Safety Blog- Hiking in the Heat: https://www.52hikechallenge.com/blogs/blog/hiking-safety-hiking-in-the-heat

In this Rise and Wander Podcast episode, I talk with Mike Leum, assistant director of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Search and Rescue, who has 35+ years with the department and 32+ years in SAR; he says LA County had 756 rescue missions in 2025 across eight teams. We focus on hiking safety: knowing your fitness and choosing appropriate trails, making a plan and telling someone (and not hiking alone), checking conditions and weather with multiple sources, and carrying the 10 essentials. Mike explains how iPhone 14+ satellite SOS can send exact coordinates directly to their station and has saved dozens of lives, while devices like InReach can take about 40 minutes to route. We discuss getting lost, hydration, heat risks for dogs, turnaround times, storms/flash floods, snow gear like crampons, and a memorable rescue of a deaf, autistic man.  Show Notes:     LA County Sheriff Hiking Plan: https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/lasd/163961_LosAngelesCountySheriff-HikingPlan.pdf 10 Essentials: https://www.52hikechallenge.com/pages/the-10-essentials Cal Topo: https://caltopo.com/ Navigation Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu0kPQAHkIc GAIA GPS: https://www.gaiagps.com/

In episode 13 of season four, focused on hiking basics, I explain why education is essential for safe hiking, drawing from my own learning since starting hiking in 2014 and taking courses like Sierra Club wilderness travel, snow travel, ropes, mountaineering, navigation, and more. I recommend learning through classes, books, YouTube, community groups, and resources like REI, the National Park Service, and Leave No Trace, including topics like maps and compass, the 10 essentials, AllTrails, CPR/first aid and wilderness first aid, animal and weather safety, risk management, and starting small, local, and safely whether solo or with groups.    Show Links:  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@52HikeChallenge Facebook Groups: https://www.facebook.com/52hikechallenge/groups REI: https://rei.pxf.io/6yKVeN Sierra Club:  https://wildernesstravelcourse.org/ Dr. Rob Scanlon "Surviving the Trail" Book: https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Trail-Rob-Scanlon/dp/1493090127?crid=1C7EV2MFAEAF4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jsSgVyVwP9Vw2O0KfIjXHHr-7qVXpb1-AV-dQAzA8AzOZAZSW8LK38ZOWl84-rMFQq3GuTyiCbWAXebDFYIVtB41CN3q117-vHftoM7rucBYF10KnnluguBT505btE0bKVGWHaT55vYsEiedxkZV8Ac8DVOOYr2qQOn4vgSz9U_JImyRIaW4mHVgVYdprOTt.FGgbGDcPjhEtx0BngaCIRIVFGq0GWt3vwZtWl3_ds3w&dib_tag=se&keywords=rob+scanlon&qid=1774914160&sprefix=rob+scallo%2Caps%2C257&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=52hikechallen-20&linkId=7e5c2c8ec5702cad82cfe4959b4385e2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl  Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills Book: https://rei.pxf.io/vPAXrd Bear Safety Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQR9I8dBvRs&t=4s Leave No Trace Course: https://learn.lnt.org/courses/101

In this episode, I focus on hiking basics—especially planning and preparation—by defining what counts as a hike, encouraging people to "hike your own hike," and sharing ways to find trails through apps like AllTrails, blogs, books, friends, groups, parks, and local chapters. I explain how to assess hike difficulty using mileage, elevation gain, terrain, and altitude, and I demonstrate map-reading fundamentals like contour lines, map scales, landmarks, and AllTrails elevation profiles to avoid route misunderstandings. I also cover parking, permits, road conditions, backup hikes, public transit options, tracking progress, and taking navigation classes.    Show notes:  AllTrails: https://alltrails.pxf.io/KjngNx REI:  https://rei.pxf.io/6yKVeN REI Topo Maps: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/topo-maps-how-to-use.html Hikingguy: https://hikingguy.com/ Dr. Rob Scanlon "Surviving the Trail" Book: https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Trail-Rob-Scanlon/dp/1493090127?crid=1C7EV2MFAEAF4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jsSgVyVwP9Vw2O0KfIjXHHr-7qVXpb1-AV-dQAzA8AzOZAZSW8LK38ZOWl84-rMFQq3GuTyiCbWAXebDFYIVtB41CN3q117-vHftoM7rucBYF10KnnluguBT505btE0bKVGWHaT55vYsEiedxkZV8Ac8DVOOYr2qQOn4vgSz9U_JImyRIaW4mHVgVYdprOTt.FGgbGDcPjhEtx0BngaCIRIVFGq0GWt3vwZtWl3_ds3w&dib_tag=se&keywords=rob+scanlon&qid=1774914160&sprefix=rob+scallo%2Caps%2C257&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll2&tag=52hikechallen-20&linkId=7e5c2c8ec5702cad82cfe4959b4385e2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl Sierra Club: https://www.sierraclub.org/get-local Latino Outdoors: https://latinooutdoors.org/ Just Trek Podcast Episode with Corbin: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5r3yvFlYBNRkseXjV1XLZr?si=5f6ab2429b9c49ea 52 Hikes Journal: https://www.52hikechallenge.com/products/52-hike-challenge-journey-journal

In this Rise and Wander Podcast episode, I interview Traveling Jackie (Jackie Nourse) about her award-winning, long-running travel podcast, her inclusive "adventure-hungry" audience, and how studying abroad and learning multiple languages launched her travel path. We discuss slow, immersive travel, practical tips for beginners (passport, choosing destinations, booking the flight), and the courage to take the first step. Jackie shares how divorce led to years of nomadic solo travel, women's retreats, and lessons on self-support, and she recounts a challenging chapter living in a truck camper during COVID before moving toward buying a home.   Links:  REI.com for Darn tough socks, NikWax and more www.52hikechallenge.com https://travelingjackie.com/

This hiking basics season episode focused on footwear with guest Scott from Oboz Footwear. Scott stresses that foot health starts with proper fit using a Brannock device (length, width, arch) measured seated and standing to account for swelling, recommend limiting try-ons to three brands, and discusses waterproof vs non-waterproof options, traction/outsoles, midsoles, and insoles (including replacing insoles around every 500 miles). We cover blister and toenail prevention, lacing techniques, sock selection (wool over cotton), gaiters, and shoe maintenance with DWR reapplication and Nikwax cleaning. Links:  Obozfootwear.com REI.com for Darn Tough socks, NikWax and more https://dirtygirlgaiters.com www.52hikechallenge.com

In this Rise and Wander podcast episode, I welcome pulmonary and critical care physician Dr. Rob Scanlon, author of "Surviving the Trail." Dr. Rob explains how hiking became a way to de-stress, why preparation matters, and the most common causes of hiker deaths and rescues: dehydration, hypothermia, heat illness, drowning, falling, and getting lost. We discuss his five essential skills—hydration strategy, maintaining body temperature, fall awareness, safer water crossings, and land navigation—along with warning signs of heat illness and hypothermia, guidance for estimating water needs, risks of "fatal selfies," stream-crossing considerations, and why preventable incidents strain mountain rescue teams. Show Links:  Surviving the Trail Book Dr. Rob's Instagram REI 52 Hike Challenge

In episode eight, I cover hiking essentials and basics, starting with backpacks: choosing capacity by season and mileage, fit and support, hip belts, hydration systems, rain covers, and how I pack the 10 essentials, food, layers, and water. I also share leave-no-trace bathroom items (trowel kit, trash bag, and a Kula cloth), trekking poles for elevation and knee support, satellite/GPS safety devices, water filters and treatment options, guidebooks and maps, bug and poison oak/ivy protection, bear spray considerations, and snow gear like snowshoes, baskets, microspikes, and gaiters, with a warning not to confuse hiking gear with mountaineering needs.   Links:  REI for all your hiking gear needs: https://rei.pxf.io/6yKVeN 52 Hike Challenge Nepal Annapurna Circuit Trip: https://www.52hikechallenge.com/pages/annapurnacircuittrek Kula Cloth: https://www.52hikechallenge.com/products/52-hike-challenge-kula-cloth-colorful-outdoors

In this episode, I cover hiking clothing basics for beginners, focusing on moisture-wicking fabrics (synthetics and wool) and avoiding cotton ("cotton kills"). I explain options like yoga pants, hiking pants (including convertible styles), sun shirts with UPF, sports bras and moisture-wicking underwear, and wool hiking socks. I emphasize layering for safety and comfort, especially with fast-changing weather: a base layer, a warm mid-layer like fleece, and a waterproof/windproof rain shell, plus care tips like testing and reapplying DWR (e.g., with Nikwax) and considering Gore-Tex. For colder conditions I add a puffy jacket, gloves, a beanie, and a buff, and I remind listeners to check the weather, carry extra layers, get advice, and build gear over time. Show Links:  REI Gear: https://rei.pxf.io/6yKVeN 52 Hike Challenge Nepal Annapurna Circuit Trip: https://www.52hikechallenge.com/pages/annapurnacircuittrek Lume Six: https://lumesix.com/

In this episode, I  welcome listeners back to the Rise and Wander podcast (season 4, episode 6) after a holiday hiatus. In this eposide I interview Chris Griffith and Susie Kara Slater, co-authors of Urban Trails San Diego, a Mountaineers Books guide featuring 52 accessible 1–6 mile urban hikes. They explain how the book grew out of hiking together, COVID-era doorstep exploration, and a desire to highlight hidden gems beyond the usual "top 10" lists. We share favorite routes including Shepherd Canyon, Cabrillo National Monument, Sweetwater River, Dictionary Hill, Los Peñasquitos Canyon, and the Rolando Village catwalks, plus beginner tips to start small and use community resources. They note San Diego's mild weather and varied environments, announce a March 1 release, list events, and share where to buy and follow them online.   Show Links: www. UrbanTrails-sandiego.com  @susiehikes   @sdpeakbagger www.52HikeChallenge.com

In this episode, I'll share insights on the importance of snacks and food during hikes. I'll discuss planning and preparing snacks based on hike length and difficulty, the necessity of having backup emergency food, and various snack ideas including bars, trail mix, peanut butter, and more. I'll also give tips on packing, the importance of electrolytes, and ensuring you have enough nutrition for your journey. Important note: plan on carrying 200-300 calories for every hour you will be hiking.  Show notes:  www.52HikeChallenge.com

In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of hydration for hikers. I'll provide essential tips on water consumption, emphasizing the importance of pre-hydration and the amount of water needed during hikes in various conditions. I'll explain the benefits of using water reservoirs, electrolytes, and portable filters, particularly in hot climates or extended hikes. I'll also share strategies for preventing water from freezing in cold weather. The key takeaway is to always plan ahead, carry more water than you think you'll need, and ensure you're prepared for the conditions of your hike.   Show links:  Hydration 101 blog: https://www.52hikechallenge.com/blogs/blog/top-hydration-tips-when-hiking Hydrapak Flux: https://rei.pxf.io/2aeY0g Water Reservoirs: https://rei.pxf.io/JKE5Kv Sawyer Filter: https://rei.pxf.io/9LZQd0 Insulated hose: https://rei.pxf.io/mOWx4O

In this episode of the Rise and Wander podcast, I am joined by guest Cris, known as 'hiking guy.' We discuss the comprehensive preparation needed for safe and enjoyable hiking. Key topics include the use of GPS units, the value of understanding trail elevations, the difference between satellite communicators and GPS devices, and the significance of planning and preparation. We emphasize the practical steps hikers can take to ensure safety such as carrying paper maps, using offline maps, having satellite communicators or personal locator beacons, and the critical aspect of discernment in decision-making while on trails. We also address the necessity of having backup power for electronic devices and share personal stories to highlight these safety measures. The episode concludes with a philosophical touch, encouraging hikers to listen to their inner GPS and be conservative with risk-taking on hikes.   Show Links:  https://hikingguy.com/ www.52HikeChallenge.com

Join me for this episode of the Rise and Wander podcast as I introduce essential tips and advice for beginner hikers. I'm providing practical steps on how to get started. The episode covers basics like using the AllTrails app for navigation, understanding elevation gain, and joining local hiking groups for support. I also discuss the '10 Essentials' for hiking safety. I'll give you practical advice on what each essential entails and tips on preparing for hikes. Let's go through the importance of education, preparation, and overcoming initial fears to become a confident hiker.   Show Links: 52 Hike Challenge: www.52HikeChallenge.com  AllTrails: https://alltrails.pxf.io/KjngNx 10-Essentials: https://www.52hikechallenge.com/pages/the-10-essentials Local Groups Links: https://www.52hikechallenge.com/pages/resources-local-groups Facebook Chapters: https://www.facebook.com/52hikechallenge/groups/ meetup.com  Sierra Club Wilderness Travel Course: https://wildernesstravelcourse.org/ Oboz Hyalite: https://obozfootwear.com/en-us/hyalite-collection Freedom of the Hills: https://rei.pxf.io/vPAXrd REI Puffy Magma: https://rei.pxf.io/yqVz5V Patagonia Fleece: https://rei.pxf.io/qzP1q5 Outdoor Research rain jacket: https://rei.pxf.io/ra5V3Q Adventure Medical Kits: https://rei.pxf.io/e1mDMr Kula* Cloth: https://www.52hikechallenge.com/products/52-hike-challenge-kula-cloth-colorful-outdoors *Note: A kula cloth is used for pee only! GPS Units: rei.pxf.io/4GKyO0 More on Iphone satellite capabilities: https://hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/iphone-vs-garmin-inreach/

Welcome to the Rise and Wander Podcast, where I, Karla Amador, explore adventure, spirituality, and empowerment through the outdoors. This season focuses on hiking basics and my personal story of founding the 52 Hike Challenge. In 2012, at my lowest point during a divorce, I discovered the transformative power of hiking. Guided by life coaching and self-discovery, I committed to hiking once a week for a year, which led to the creation of the 52 Hike Challenge. This journey helped me heal mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, inspiring me to share this challenge with others. This season will cover hiking essentials, safety, and planning, aiming to empower and educate listeners to embrace the outdoors. By committing to this challenge, you can experience personal growth and healing, just as I did. Join me as we embark on this life-changing journey together.   Show links:  www.52HikeChallenge.com https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/vivian-creek-trail-to-san-gorgonio-peak