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

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Want to send me a message? Email me at justtrekofficial@gmail.com 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

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

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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.

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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 justtrekofficial@gmail.com

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

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

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Listen to more podcast episodes on ⁠⁠https://www.justtrek.net⁠⁠

Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ 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/

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Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ 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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Want to send me a message? Email me at ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ 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 justtrekofficial@gmail.com

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 ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ 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 ⁠⁠justtrekofficial@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM on Instagram @just.trek