Hike It Off Magazine Issue Two

editor's note

Hike It Off was conceived a few years ago deep in the heart of the Sierra over a campfire and strong mountain cocktails. My husband, and CoFounder Tony Purinton, and his best bud Rick Beach, always came home with much more than memories and bruises while on their many hiking trips They are notorious for mantras and catchy sayings inspired by their biggest muse, the mountains.They would discuss putting some of their favorites on t-shirts.They always wanted clothing that represented the way they felt about hiking, but could never find what they were looking for in stores. Hike It Off was always the first mantra they talked about putting on a t-shirt, but once they were back to the daily grind and distractions of life, the t-shirts never became a reality. Then something happened that would change everything for us. On June 4th, 2014 while celebrating my birthday, the universe decided to change our lives forever. While stepping over some rocks on a trail I have hiked a hundred times before, I lost my balance and in a split second shattered all three bones and dislocated my right ankle. We had no idea how much our lives were about to change, lying in the dirt waiting for help to arrive.

When you are unable to do what you love and are forced to be still and really think about your life and what is most important, your perspective changes. After two surgeries, a prognosis of a year of recovery, and an uncertain outcome, the thought of not being able to hike again was a real fear that crossed both of our minds daily We both realized then how much hiking meant to us and even though this was the most difficult obstacle we had ever needed to overcome, we knew that the universe in its tricky little way had created an opportunity for us through this misadventure.

While I was in recovery, Hike It Off was born I was determined to bring this dream to life- both in the t-shirts Tony had always envisioned and in writing, my true gift. Now we live, breathe, eat, and sleep Hike It Off It is our dream, medicine, and future. We are so honored to be able to share it with hikers that are just like us. Hikers who live to hike it off!

Jaime Purinton

Jaime Purinton EDITOR IN CHIEF

“

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein

SIX Incredible Day Hikes in the Eastern Sierra

By: Emily Pennington

We can't get enough of the Sierra! It's one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the world and we have put together a list of six of the most incredible day hikes in the Eastern Sierra!

Photo by Yolanda Nowicki

With its jagged, toothy crags, shimmering aquamarine lakes, and multitude of back country camping options, it’s hard not to fall in love with the Eastern Sierra. Home to the tallest point in the lower 48 states, Mt. Whitney, the trails here range from mellow day treks to gargantuan mountaineering quests. Though drier and less green than the west side of the mountain range, the trip options are vast and varied, offering up a chance for solitude seldom encountered in the National Parks to the west. Look out, Yosemite. I’ve created a list a few of my favorite jaunts in the Eastern Sierra. They vary greatly in terms of difficulty and elevation, leaving a little something for everyone to explore.

ONE.

CONVICT LAKE LOOP

Just two miles off the 395 highway lies a gateway to one of the most majestic alpine lakes in the entire Sierra range. Convict Lake takes its grim name from an incident in 1871 in which a group of convicts escaped from prison in Carson City. Sheriff Morrison organized a posse to track them down, and he was killed in a shootout near the tarn. The towering, back face of Mt. Morrison that dominates the southern edge of the lake was named after him.

This mellow, 3-mile loop trail seems to make all the “top ten” lists, and it’ s easy to see why. From the paved

parking area, hikers traverse a relatively flat trail that circumnavigates the lake’ s shore, taking in jaw-dropping views of Laurel Mountain, Convict Canyon, and Mt. Morrison along the way.There are ample boulders to stop, rest, fish, or simply enjoy the scenery.

A .25-mile wheelchair accessible trail extends across the lake’ s southeastern border from the parking lot. There’ s not a bad view in the whole place, and the trail is suitable for families with small kids.

Hit not one but two iconic Mammoth landmarks on this 5.5mile round-trip hike in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. This hike can be a bit of a bear to get to, due to the strict shuttle system to get down the road during summer months, but don’t let that deter you! It is well worth the effort.

Begin by grabbing a Reds Meadow shuttle ticket at the Mammoth Adventure Center, across from the Main Lodge. Wait in the queue and then take the 20-30 minute shuttle ride own a steep hill with spectacular views of the sharp shark’ s teeth of the Minaret Range. Hop off the shuttle at the Devils Postpile stop and stay a few minutes for the ranger-led presentation, if you ’ re lucky enough to catch one!

From here, it’ s an easy and flat halfmile (each way) trek over to Devils Postpile itself. Hikers who want to go chasing waterfalls (don’t say I didn’t warn you!) will continue south for a little over two miles, veering right at the junction towards Rainbow Falls This 101-foot cascade of roaring water creates a rainbow arc when the sun hits it just right, and I highly recommend strolling down the steep path to check out the view from the bottom of the falls too.

When you ’ re ready, just turn around and head back up the way you came, this time turning towards Reds Meadow at the junction and taking the shuttle back from there

THREE.

LAMARCK LAKES

Often overlooked by popular overnights out of South Lake and Lake Sabrina, the steep, dusty trail up to Lamarck Lakes is an epic half-day hike for anyone looking to get in a leg-busting workout before lunchtime. Park in the North Lake lot and take a half-mile stroll down the dirt road leading towards the North Lake Campground. You’ll nab a commanding view of Mt. Emerson’s imposing crags along the way. Then, follow signage in the campground to the trailhead and get ready to climb! The hike to Upper Lamarck Lake may only be 2.7 miles, but in that short distance, hikers will find themselves gaining over 1,700 feet of elevation. Add on the fact that the trail starts at 9,300 feet above sea level, and you’ve got a recipe for a pretty breathless hike. The path zigs and zags through groves of quaking aspen trees that shuffle in the wind, eventually spitting hikers out at the first of the two impossibly blue tarns. There are some phenomenal backcountry campsites to be found on the east side of the lake, if you’re looking to overnight it. After you’ve checked out the lower lake, you’ll amble past a small waterfall descending from Upper Lamarck Lake, pass through a field of wildflowers, and rock hop across a stream before reaching your final destination.

.DUCK LAKE

Though many people choose to backpack overnight on this trail and sleep at Pika Lake, I’ m of the opinion that it makes for a pretty stellar all-day excursion as well. The 10.3-mile journey passes through a series of pristine, aquamarine lakes and up and over a high mountain pass It pack so much into such a short mileage that it’ s truly one of those “only in the Sierra” hikes.

From the Duck Pass Trailhead (ample parking and flush toilets – woohoo!), follow signs pointing towards Duck Pass. You’ll climb uphill under a canopy of towering lodgepole pines and quickly find yourself passing a series of side trails leading down to Emerald, Skelton, and Barney Lakes. Make sure you ’ ve got enough water at this point, because the hardest part is yet to come!

Slowly hike uphill across several switchbacks cleverly cut into a talus field leading up towards Duck Pass. Once you ’ ve reached the top, rejoice! You’ll have an incredible view of the bright, teal water of Duck Lake. Skip down the remaining trail to the water’ s edge and maybe stop here for a lunch break before the long journey home.

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At only 3.2 miles, this trail somehow manages to pack in the best of Mammoth Lakes into one tiny package, giving hikers an amazing view of one of the area’s premiere rock climbing destinations – Crystal Crag.

From the Crystal Crag Trailhead, hikers will steadily ascend a series of well-maintained switchbacks, shaded by a multitude of massive, green pine trees. Be sure to turn around once in a while and check out the view as you climb. When the weather’s good, you’ll be able to see Lake George, Lake Mary, and the town of Mammoth Lakes. Turn left at the junction and continue on to Crystal Lake.

If you’re looking to relax and have an afternoon picnic, I recommend traversing the banks of this glittering tarn around to the east side of the lake, where it’s much flatter and easier to hang out. The trail itself is an out-andback, so just turn and head back to your vehicle when you’re ready.

You know it, you love it, you’ve probably seen it all over Instagram. The North Fork of Big Pine Creek is one of the most infamous hikes in the entire Sierra Nevada. Hikers from across the country trek the 9-mile out-and-back trail to snap epic selfies and postcard-worthy panoramas of themselves in front of the climbing mecca itself – Temple Crag. The trail is actually much longer than the 9-miles I’ll describe here, offering fantastic opportunities for multi-day backpacking trips and hikes out to see the Palisade Glacier and several other glacially fed alpine lakes in the area.

Begin at the trailhead at the end of Glacier Lodge Road, carefully turning towards the north fork of the creek at the signed junction. From here, you’ll climb up, up, up a series of switchbacks, passing rushing waterfalls bursting with snow melt, groves of quaking aspens, and an old, abandoned cabin that once belonged to Lon Chaney.

Just under 4 miles in, you’ll come across the first of the famous Big Pine Lakes. This lake also boasts a magical view and is a fine place to turn around if you’ve had enough of the altitude. But, if you’re looking to get that iconic shot, head on up the trail to the Second Big Pine Lake and find yourself a large boulder to bask in the sun in celebration.This journey is an out-and-back, so just turn around and head back down the mountain when you’re ready to go.

HIKING & MEDITATION: GOOD FOR OUR MIND, BODY, AND SOUL

As we already know, hiking can have a positive impact on both our physical and mental health. A short list of some of the physical benefits to our health include strength building, lowering the risk for heart disease, improving blood pressure, strengthening our core, improving balance, and helping to control our weight. In addition to the physical benefits, research has showed hiking can also have a positive impact to our mental health as well including increasing attention spans and creative problem-solving skills by as much as 50 percent. Another study, shows that regular hiking as an add on therapy for those who are at risk of suicide, is associated with an improvement of hopelessness, depression, and suicide ideation. While hiking is great for our bodies and our mental health, what about the health of our soul, our being?

Just like hiking, meditation is also beneficial to our health, especially the formless part of ourselves, our being. We chatted with the Meditation Pro, Michelle Zarrin, founder of The Mindfulness Expo, an inspirational speaker, author, meditation teacher, and spiritual guide whose meditations have received more than 1 million downloads worldwide, on the Insight Timer app.

According to Michelle, meditation is good for you because “The human being consists of two elements: the human and the being. The 'human' part of us is the form. It is all things in our life that is tangible, such as our physical body and appearance, our material possessions and aspects of our career. The 'being' part of us is formless. It is all things about us that is not tangible. The being part of us consists of all things that cannot necessarily be touched, but can be felt. Examples are our peace, love, intuition and joy”. She also says, “In the world of form, we have DO to get results.. Whether it's a better body, or more work accolades, or more money to buy a bigger house. In the world of formless we have to BE to ge co

ourselves is through meditation. A meditation practice organically aligns us with our 'being.' The more space that comes between our thoughts during a meditation practice, the more opportunity we have to connect with our peace, love, intuition, joy and other formless dimensions. Meditation is good for you because it aligns you with the formless aspect of your life. And the quality of a person's life resides in the formless dimension. For example, how enjoyable can a bigger house be, if we are stressed all the time, without any peace of mind? How can our relationships thrive on love if we don't understand, and are connected to the love for ourselves? So, because of the reasons stated above, meditation leads to a more quality life”

Michelle also explained that when we meditate, we tap into a formless dimension within ourselves. When we hike, we tap into the formless dimension of Mother Earth, of the whole Universe. And while it's true there are physical flora and fauna around us while we hike, there is also a vastness that surrounds the landscape.

By focusing on this vastness- a vast stillness- that is almost palpable during a hike, we tap into a formless energy field that is grander than ourselves, that is grander than the mind. This is one reason we receive epiphanies and clarity about our life, during a hike. The vast space around us is similar to the space we create in our mind during meditation. Hiking

How can We combine the health benefits of hiking and the health benefits of mediation? Here are Michelle's top three ways to incorporate meditation to your hiking:

1. Do not listen to music or podcasts.. Even if you are with other people, take time for silence while hiking. This will allow you to tap into the grand formless dimension of Mother Earth

2. Be aware of your thoughts while hiking. And if you notice your thoughts have come, gently release them, and bring your focus to your steps, or to any aspect of the present moment.

3. Actually sit down, on the ground, during one of your hiking breaks to meditate with eyes closed. And when you do this, make sure you also feel the grand and still energy of Mother Earth around you.

"By focusing on this vastness- a vast stillnessthat is almost palpable during a hike, we tap into a formless energy field that is grander than ourselves, that is grander than the mind."

"YOU AND I ARE ALL AS MUCH CONTINUOUS WITH THE PHYSICAL UNIVERSE AS A WAVE IS CONTINUOUS WITH THE OCEAN" ALAN WATTS

SNOW HIKING BASICS

What an awesome year for snow it has been so far here in Southern California . But with all the snow comes all the danger as well . Before we were able to slide our snow shoes into the fresh white powder , we were already seeing posts online of hikers that are ill prepared and under skilled to be attempting to hike in the snow . Tragically , we have lost one hiker and one SAR volunteer searching for the lost hiker already this season . We get it , snow in SoCal is exciting , and we all want to experience it , especially when we see all the posts of others doing it with huge smiles on their faces It took us many years and tons of experience ( including climbing mountains like Mount Shasta to gain mountaineering experience ) to be able to say we have the skills and knowledge to be able to hike in the snow safely

While we think it is one of the best things one can do in life , we also are saddened every winter by the amount of people that do not take it seriously and are injured or killed in the mountains .

The first think you should know about snow hiking is snow hiking does not equal hiking . Hiking in the snow presents lots of additional challenges and dangers that regular hiking does not . It is a skill that must be learned and sharpened with experience and extensive knowledge . Do you have the right equipment and know what to bring for the current conditions ? Have you been trained in how to use that equipment ? Do you know how to read a detailed weather forecast that includes the different elevations you will be hiking to ? Do you have extensive off trail navigation skills with a compass and a map ? Are you carrying enough gear and are prepared to spend the night in below freezing conditions if something goes awry ?

Can you physically sit / lay in the snow and stay warm / dry with the gear you have with you until help arrives if you get hurt ? Do you know where it is safe to hike and how to avoid avalanche areas ? Do you have the physical stamina to get you back to your car as hiking in the snow requires more physical effort ? These are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself before heading out into the white wilderness . We put together a list of some of the very basics to think about in addition to the questions above . We want you to have that same magical experience we do every time we hit the snow , but also want you to get back safe so you can share all your photos with us !

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2. Become a map and compass navigation pro. This is a non - negotiable for winter hiking . Snow can cover the trail making it invisible and the cold weather can drain your cell phone / navigation devise ’ s batteries faster than normal . You just can ’ t rely on anything else but a good old school compass and map and you must have the skills to use them

3. Learn how to monitor the weather forecast and know what the hour by hour conditions will be for the elevation you will be at. There should be no “ surprises ” when it comes to what the weather will be . If you are monitoring the weather , know the percentages for precipitation , temperatures , and wind speeds at what times and elevation so you will know what to prepare for .

4. Take a mountaineering course. If you plan on adventuring beyond the flat meadows and want to get up into some elevation , consider taking a mountaineering course to learn the skills necessary for the mountains in snow / ice . You will learn mountaineering skills such as how to use your ice axe and crampons including how to self - arrest and self - belay , basic rope skills , snow anchoring , how to move on different types of snow / ice , and proper equipment . We highly recommend Sierra Mountain Guides for their winter courses .

5. Invest in the right gear. That old saying “ you get what you pay for ” couldn ’ t be truer to buying winter gear . Why would you scrimp on gear that could potentially save your life in an emergency ?

6. Start early and finish early Your daylight is limited in winter months so you want to make sure you are off the mountain before dark .

7. Pack everything you need and then some. You will need a winter pack large enough to carry your winter gear . This includes the Ten Essentials plus winter gear such as crampons , ice axe , extra waterproof clothing , snow gaiters , helmet , extra wool socks , extra food , poles with snow baskets , etc . You will need to have enough gear to stay the night or sit / lay in the snow if something happens .

8. Know what gear is appropriate for what conditions. Micro spikes are not going to cut it when traveling over angled ice and crampons will be a pain in flat , powdery snow . Knowing what gear works for what conditions is key . It is also important to know you may need both crampons and snowshoes in the same day and be prepared to carry them both .

9. Invest in a really good pair of winter boots . They need to keep your feet warm and dry for many hours of being exposed to wet snow . If the conditions warrant crampons , you will need boots that are designed to work with them .

10. Hydration is also very important just like with any kind of hiking. The additional challenge when hiking in the snow is to keep your water from freezing . If using a bladder with a tube make sure to put an insulation sleeve on the tube and blow back your water each time you drink so it doesn ’ t freeze around the bite valve or in the tube .

We hope this will get you started to at least think about what is truly needed to venture out into the snow . As always , let someone you trust know where you are going and when to expect you back and most of all have fun !

WILD WOMEN IN HIKING

Photo: Lindsay Kay

Gale Straub- Founder of She-Explores

I first found She-Explores a couple years ago when I saw a post about it in a women's backpacking group I am in on Facebook. When I checked it out, I was instantly hooked. A podcast all about women in the outdoors? Genius. And the content? So amazingly everything that Gale is- supportive, exciting, riveting, raw, and emotional. I was so happy to be able to connect with Gale in between her travels and talk about her life, She-Explores, and get some inspiration!

Jaime: How did She Explores get started?

Gale: I started She Explores as a blog and social media platform in August 2014 when I left on a long road trip with my partner, Jon. I was transitioning away from my career in accounting and finance and had spent 15 months saving and planning for a year long road trip. I wanted to see the United States, but I also wanted to use the time to work on something I was passionate about. In 2014, there

I decided to use She Explores as a way to uplift the ways other women experience the outdoors, another. and also how it inspires them to create art, writing, and photography Over time, the stories being featured on She Explores grew more intimate. I was also listening to a lot of podcasts, but there were none featuring women in the outdoors At the same time, the number of blogs and social media platforms was making it difficult to distinguish one outdoorsy women ’ s handle from

from another I found that hopping on the phone and making personal connections with women was more life-giving than the emails that were crowding my inbox I decided to start She Explores as a podcast. It launched in June 2016. 140 or so episodes later and there are still countless subjects and women I’d like to feature Podcasting is a flexible medium. I’ ve found that I’ ve been able to grow with it and I’ m excited to continue into 2020.

Jaime: What has been the most eye-opening interview you have done to date? Why?

Gale: I’ ve learned so much from all the people who have been on the podcast - I’ m very intentional about bringing on women who have backgrounds and interests that are different than my own. A recent episode was particularly eye opening as it related to treatment of porters in the international trekking industry. Having never done any longer international hikes, I had no idea that local trekking companies in Peru aren ’t following the laws to create an equitable working enviroment for mostly indegnous porters

Another recent opening as well. I spent a few days backpacking in the Superstition Wilderness in Arizona with The Cairn Project, a nonprofit that uses adventure to help support nonprofits that get girls outside. I didn’t know a lot about outdoor education before the trip, or what it’ s like to start a nonprofit. I was deeply inspired by how driven the women on the trip were to share their love of the outdoors with others.

Jaime: What is your all-time favorite hiking trail?

Gale: This is a tough question! A few hikes came to mind for me. First, a short nature trail in South

Berwick, ME, near where I live in New Hampshire. The park is called Vaughan Woods and winds past a river and through an old growth pine forest. In less than a 15 minute drive, I feel deeply connected to nature. Second, I love the Cape Lookout Trail on the Oregon coast. It gets crowded, but if you can arrive early in the day or midweek, the views are surreal - all ocean and sky. If you want some elevation gain, start at the beach on the north side versus up on the cape. Third, the Franconia Ridge in the White Mountains is stunning

Jaime: How have the guests on your show inspired you?

The women on She Explores have made me a better person. They’ ve reminded me to step outside when I’ m feeling down, to continue being curious, and to be willing to try new things. I’d never backpacked solo before I started the podcast and knew I wanted to cover it for an episode. I solicited advice from listeners and incorporated both my experience and their advice into, “Alone on the Trail. ” In certain ways, their words carried me up the trail. I’ ve also had access to perspectives and friendships that I wouldn’t have had had I stayed in the finance world in Boston. I don’t think my life would have been worse, but it would have been smaller Jaime: What is the biggest break through you have had where you learned something about yourself through the She Explores journey? Gale: I’ ve learned a few things about myself: 1 - I don’t love being in the spotlight. I thrive when I’ m in the background, helping to shape other people’ s stories I get real satisfaction out of uplifting other people and singing a light on their strengths.

When the She Explores book came out in March 2019, I enjoyed sharing it with readers and listeners of the podcast, but the accompanying interviews and attention made me uneasy. And that’ s not something I would have found out without doing it.

2 - I can do work I find important and meaningful and still experience depression. This is something I probably knew all along but wanted to believe would be different. It’ s also a good lesson - not that things don’t improve or get better, but that something outside yourself won ’t change your brain chemistry. I have to do the work myself. 3 - I want to connect more with where I live She Explores has taken me all over the country, but I’ m lucky to live in New Hampshire with access to the ocean, lakes, rivers, and mountains. Many of the women I interview on She Explores have an intimate relationship with the outdoors close to home and I want to continue to foster that into the new year.

Jaime: Tell us about your beautiful book.

Gale: The She Explores book is a collection of first person narratives from adventurous women, as well as practical advice to get out yourself.

Both are there to inspire the reader to take chances in their lives. It’ s full of beautiful photographs and words from women who share perspectives from different sides of the outdoor and travel space. A hopeful takeaway for readers is to know that there’ s no right or wrong way to enjoy the outdoors. By sharing your story with others, you ’ re helping to invite others in, too. In many ways, it’ s the culmination of the last 5 years of work on the She Explores blog, as well as the last 3 years on the podcast. I’ m grateful to have it as a marker in time and I’ m proud to have such dynamic women within its pages.

Jaime: What is your advice for someone wanting to get out and explore on their own but might have some fears about doing it?

Gale: I think it can be really helpful to know that you ’ re not alone in your fear or in your need to get out there on your own. It can be even more helpful to know that it’ s possible despite initial reservations Seek out other women (in real life and online) who take to the trail solo and listen to, read, and live

vicariously through their stories.

Role models are important and motivating.It’ s also worth considering asking yourself why you ’ re afraid Is it because of stories you ’ ve heard from family members and friends? Fear is contagious, and it’ s not often grounded in reality or true, lived experience. It’ s also not usually malicious - they want the best for you, even if it’ s holding you back (and sometimes the product of internalized misogyny). Fear is a natural response to trying new things, but the more you break out of your comfort zone, the easier it will be And besides the benefits of getting outside and gaining a better understanding of what you ’ re capable of - you ’ll also deepen your relationship with yourself

Jaime: What is one thing not many people know about you?

Gale: I haven’t kept it a secret, but many are surprised to learn both that I’ m a twin and also that I used to work in finance. My twin Lora is my best friend and confidant. She’ s a talented writer who has always challenged me to think differently

We were on a recent episode of Un/rooted podcast which helps tell our story and our story of home. I think for some, it’ s challenging to reconcile finance and numbers with the creative work I do, but I love solving problems and learning new things so in many ways, little has changed as I’ ve pivoted careers.

Jaime: What does “Hike It Off” mean to you?“

Gale: Hike It Off” means that free feeling you get on the trail when your body is moving and you have nowhere else to be. For me, it’ s freedom of thought, unconstrained by anxiety and able to move from one idea to another without judgment It doesn’t always happen but when it does, I return from the trail a slightly different person, more equipped to take on challenges and less likely to engage in negative self-talk. I wish I could connect more with that in every day life I’ m working on it, though.

Jaime: What are your future goals for She-Explores? Anything new on the horizon?

Gale: In the new year, I hope to record more immersive, in person episodes. A few of my favorites of 2019 were done this way and there’ s a layer of intimacy and context that’ s added by doing so It also pushes me to be a better interviewer and podcaster I also hope to get better at public speaking (it’ s terrifying so I know I should do it more!). On the team level, we ’ re announcing our media company Ravel Media in the new year. It holds both She Explores and our sister show, Women on the Road. Our pie in the sky goals include creating media for brands within the outdoor industry. I’ m lucky to be on an amazing team that’ s equally passionate about uplifting others.

Check out Gale and all her

podcasts

at https://she-explores.com/.

You can also join the She-Explores Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/s heexplorespodcast/

Purchase the She-Explores book at https://she-explores.com/book/

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK'S BEST HIKES

ARTICLE

& PHOTOS

BY: SCOTT TURNER

With winter finally showing up in a big way to kick off the 2020 desert season, it’ s time to start planning your trip out to Joshua Tree National Park. If you ’ re looking at this sprawling, 790,000+ acre park and scratching your head at where to begin, here’ s a handy list describing seven of Joshua Tree’ s best hiking routes to jump-start your bucket listing and desert day-dreaming.

This list presents hikes in order of easiest to hardest, which ought to give you a nice array of experiences to choose from. Take note that a couple of these routes are challenging, cross-country treks suitable for experienced desert hikers And of course, any hiker visiting Joshua Tree should come prepared to face the numerous challenges presented by desert hiking: heat, sun exposure, tricky terrain, and of course, murder bushes (cholla!).

My new guide, Hike the Parks: Joshua Tree National Park, features descriptions on these seven hikes, along with an additional 31 of the best routes in Southern California’ s premier desert park.

This classic, family-friendly route showcases Joshua Tree’ s famous geology in the form of towering monzogranite formations encircling a beautiful valley. The route offers a bit of history as well, as this formerly verdant valley once attracted cattle ranchers who grazed their cattle on the once-abundant bunch grasses. Poke around a bit, and you might stumble across one of the “rock tanks” constructed to hold rain run-off to nourish the bovines. There aren ’t a lot of Joshua Trees in the valley itself; instead, look for numerous single-leaf pinyons and California junipers –signature species of the high desert. The valley is also a popular rock-climbing destination, and don’t be surprised to see climbers grunting their way up sheer granite cliffs.

Barker Dam

There are few desert experiences more sublime than finding a standing body of water in an arid place, and Barker Dam is the best place in Joshua Tree to get that experience. Constructed by cattle ranchers, the dam holds a large amount of runoff that flows south from the Wonderland of Rocks. The Wonderland’ s resident herd of bighorn sheep often stop by the dam early in the morning or late in the i f i ki thi d t f ildlif t hi A h t l l

Joshua Tree’ s oft-overlooked west corner features a dense network of hiking trails radiating outward from Black Rock Canyon Campground. The most satisfying of those trails climbs to a high point overlooking the Coachella Valley, where you get the panorama suggested by the name of the trail. Beyond the stellar views, which

Perhaps the most memorable hike in Joshua Tree - and perhaps any desert area in Southern California -this half-day odyssey leads you deep into the Wonderland of Rocks to a willow oasis that contains shallow pools of water during wet years. As you make your way toward the oasis via a narrow, winding wash, the surrounding rock piles become more and more impressive while taking on more fantastical shapes at every turn. Although you can ’t camp within the Wonderland of Rocks due to its importance as bighorn sheep habitat, you can backpack along the Boy Scout Trail (stay to the west side of the trail and at least a mile from the trailhead) if you want to turn this into an overnight hike.

Mastodon Peak & Lost Palms Oasis

Joshua Tree’ s low desert lacks the monzogranite and the Joshua trees, but in their place, you get the chance to visit sprawling oases featuring California’ s only native palm, the California fan palm. Subterranean water associated with seeps caused by the San Andreas Fault nurture these mis-placed tropical plants, creating a surprising sight for anybody expecting mile upon mile of cacti. A side trip to

Rattlesnake Canyon

I’ m getting into Joshua Tree’ s deep cuts with this short, but rugged route into a major drainage for the Wonderland of Rocks, but with good reason: every inch of this hike is gorgeous. Not only are there some really fun scrambling challenges just to get into Rattlesnake Canyon, but the canyon itself has a number of aqueous features given that it drains the entirety of the Wonderland of Rocks Several large pools provide habitat for amphibians while nourishing stately cottonwoods and sycamores, and the surrounding granite boulder piles invite endless hours of scrambling and exploring – just keep your eyes and ears out for danger noodles, a.k.a. rattlesnakes.

Pinto Mountain

Pinto Basin and the surrounding mountains are hot, dry, and desolate So why would I suggest you tackle this formidable summit ascent (assuming you have the desert navigation chops)? Well, the 360-degree views combined with the simplicity of solitude, fascinating geology, and a satisfying challenge make this one of the best hikes in the park. Wildflower fans who time their visit for March will also enjoy copious growths of sand verbena along the so-called Pinto Basin Sand Dunes (not true dunes, in case you ’ re wondering). Backpackers who don’t mind schlepping a lot of extra water can camp up top but hold onto your hats – the summit

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Purchase his books:

Hike the Parks: Joshua Tree

Hike the parks: Zion & Bryce canyon

Afoot & Afield san diego

SIX MUST HAVE GEAR ITEMS FOR BEGINNER SNOW HIKING

IN ORDER TO SAFELY AND COMFORTABLY HIKE IN THE SNOW YOU MUST HAVE THE PROPER GEAR. HERE ARE OUR RECOMMENDED MINIMUM SIX GEAR ITEMS YOU NEED TO START HIKING IN THE SNOW. *KEEP IN MIND, WE ARE RECOMMENDING THESE ITEMS FOR HIKING IN FLAT SNOW SUCH AS A MEADOW. HIKING IN SNOW ON A SURFACE THAT IS SLOPED AND/OR HAS EXPOSURE REQUIRES MUCH MORE GEAR AND SKILL THAN WHAT IS RECOMMENDED HERE.

Why Snowshoes?

Snowshoes are important for hiking in the snow as they give you the advantage of traction, floatation, and stability over regular hiking boots.

Traction: Snowshoes have "toothlike" crampons or cleats for greater traction in the snow. Depending on the use of the snowshoe, the more aggressive the traction.

Floatation: By spreading your weight over a larger, flat surface area, snowshoes provide "floatation" where you "float" on top of the snow.

Stability: Extra length and width provide stability over uneven surfaces hidden just beneath the snow. Make sure to put your snow baskets on your hiking poles for even more stability.

What are the different kinds of snowshoes?

Flat Terrain: Flat terrain snowshoes are used primarily for flat terrain only. They have the least aggressive traction of all of the types. We recommend the Atlas Elektra Rendezvous for a great beginer snowshoe designed for flat terrain.

Slight Incline: Snowshoes designed for slight incline have a bit more of an aggressive traction and more surface area than flat terrain snowshoes. These are perfect for rolling terrain: MSR Lightning Trail

Mountain: Snowshoes designed for mountains are the sturdiest, have the most aggressive traction, and can have additional features such as add on tails and heel lifts. Our favorite mountain snowshoes are the MSR Lightning Ascent.

Snow gaiters are designed to keep out snow where your pants, boots, and socks meet. For snowshoeing, gaiters must be waterproof and we strongly recommend they are made from GORE-TEX. We recommend the Black Diamond FrontPoint Gaiter. It is a mid priced, durable, gaiter made from GORE-TEX that is breathable and works well

SNOW GAITERS

Dressing in layers is a must for snowshoeing. You must be able to stay warm in the cold weather, yet be able to peel off unneeded layers if you start to warm up from physical exertion. You do not want to sweat and soak your layers as that can lead to hypothermia. All layers should be made from non cotton materials

Base Layer: Depending on the weather forecast, you will want to choose a light to mid weight shirt and pants for your base layer Choose a non cotton, moisturewicking base layer. Patagonia's Capilene Midweight base layer is a perfect, moisture-wicking base layer.

Mid Layer: Your mid layer needs to be the insulation piece of your layering system An insulated softshell or vest would be ideal since they are designed to breath, will keep you warm even if they get damp, and can block the wind. We love the Marmot ROM jacket for it's price, durability, and comfort.

LAYERS

Outer Layer: Choose a hard shell jacket and pants that are completely waterproof, breathable, and windproof. The jacket must have armpit vents for ventilation and a full hood. The North Face Tri Climate Mountain Light is our go-to and comes with a detachable mid layer.

Waterproof GORE-TEX gloves paired with synthetic fleece liners are a must to keep your hands warm and dry. if it is a mid day weather wise, you may not need to wear the waterproof gloves for the entire snow hike, but they are needed as a back up in case your liners get wet or conditions change. We

GLOVES

We could write an entire issue about boots. Everyone's feet are different and one boot that may fit us, may not fit you at all. The best advice we can give, is to go and have your feet properly fitted by a professional so you can find a boot that works well for your feet.

The one thing for sure, you will need your boots to be waterproof to hike in the snow Water resistant will not work, and again GORE-TEX will be your best option.

We have hiked in many different kinds of waterproof boots in the snow over the years and the pair we keep coming back to are Salomon's Quest 4D 3 GTX hiking boots. They are lightweight, comfortable out of the box, and have held up the best in the wettest snow conditions.

WATERPROOF BOOTS

S Y D N E Y

W I L L I A M S

H i k i n g M y F e e l i n g s

I’ m not the first person to find healing on the trail, but when I did, I felt so alone. I grew up in Kansas and my version of being outdoorsy was riding bikes around the neighborhood and occasional trips to the community pool My mom grew up in the hospital system, working her way up from volunteer to physician recruiter, and in our home, if it didn’t come out of the doctor’ s mouth, it wasn ’t medicine, and it wasn ’t healing. I didn’t come to understand the healing power of nature until we moved to Southern California in 2011.

You can imagine how it might have been difficult to understand that spending time in nature helped me heal my mind and body despite all of the evidence that was right in front of my eyes. After being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, I started walking 30-45 minutes around my neighborhood every morning. I also did a complete overhaul of the food I was eating. As the walks around my neighborhood got to be too “ easy ” - I graduated to local hiking trails and started doing longer distances

I noticed that losing weight (one of the goals of my diabetes management plan) was easier than ever before, and I couldn’t understand why As I looked back over my journal entries, I realized that every time I addressed an emotional wound, improving my mental health around a particular issue, my physical health followed.

Prior to diabetes, my coping mechanisms of choice were Ben & Jerry’ s for breakfast and a bottle of wine to myself at night - I was eating and drinking my feelings. If I was going to manage my disease effectively, the ice cream and wine had to go. In the weeks leading up to my second backpacking trip across Catalina Island, I realized that instead of eating and drinking my feelings, I was hiking my feelings. That shift in coping mechanisms felt revolutionary for me, but I wasn ’t satisfied. Why was I eating and drinking my feelings to begin with? On day five of our grand adventure on the TransCatalina Trail, I found my answer. I was able to connect the dots between trauma that occurred earlier in my life and how it had manifested in my mind and body.

When I didn’t get help after a sexual assault 14 years ago, all I could do was numb the pain. Ah, there it is, the root of the behaviors that led to my diagnosis.

It was in the back-country, completely disconnected from my distractions, that I was able to reconnect with myself. As my physical body exhausted itself each day on the trail, my mind was clear. In the process of hiking this difficult terrain, I’d hear my Inner critic nag at me about what my body was capable of, what it looked like, and how worthy I was in my own skin. I worked through decades of negative self-talk, as well as internalized beliefs from my family and society I released the stories that were no longer serving me and started to write my own.

container so I could turn my pain into power. I realized that I have been hiking through life with an invisible backpack on and it’ s full of my trauma. I lovingly call this my “trauma pack” and what happened over the course of that backpacking trip and every hike I’ ve done since was a massive unpacking. Inside this invisible backpack, I came face-to-face with my inner critic. I also realized that a lot of what was weighing me down wasn ’t mine. I’ ve been carrying stuff for other peopletheir fears, their insecurities, their projections. Once I saw that, I couldn’t unsee it.

These discoveries were not the answer to my problem or my painthey were a flashlight on the darkest parts of my life, the areas I hadn’t explored in decades With this single discovery - that the assault led to the coping mechanisms which led to the disease - I was able to create a

Over the course of 2019, I dumped out the backpack time and time again. I shared my story with 64 audiences around the United States, and led 69 hikes around the country to encourage folks to get off the couch and onto the trail. As I shared my story, people felt like they had permission to do the same. And in hearing the stories of what other people have survived, I knew this was bigger than my story, bigger than hiking

When we ’ re able to disconnect from our distractions and reconnect with ourselves, we can start to hear our inner voice. We can meet our inner child and give them what they need. So much of

my life after the assault was rooted in the desire to be seen, heard, and understood. I was being crushed under the weight of my secret, and the second I said it out loud for someone else to hear, I felt lighter. All around the country, we met survivors of some of the most terrible circumstances- sexual assault, domestic violence, terminal and chronic illness, gun violence, attempted murder The common theme in all of our healing? Getting the devices out of our faces and giving ourselves a chance to breathe. For me, it’ s hiking my feelings. We met folks who run their feelings, kayak their feelings, climb their feelings, yoga their feelings, bike their feelings, the list goes on and on. So if you have ever spent time outside and you come home and feel lighter - in mind, body or spirit - you ’ ve experienced the healing power of nature You are not alone Doctors and healers in Eastern cultures have been prescribing forest bathing and time in nature for thousands of years. This isn’t

new. That doesn’t mean your experience is silly, trivial, or unimportant, it means you ’ ve tapped into an activity that can truly change your life, if you allow it. Since I’ ve started hiking, I’ ve reversed my Type 2 Diabetes, wrote a book, and started a non-profit organization that is on a mission to improve community health by creating opportunities for folks from all walks of life to experience the healing power of nature for themselves. My life today looks completely different from my life before I prioritized time for hiking, healing, and spending time in nature.

Lollygagger

Dear Chief Lollygagger,

Do I really need trekking poles? They are so dorky. Sincerely, Pole Less in Arizona

Dear Pole Less in Arizona, No, you don’t need trekking poles. They are just tools to make your trek a little less stressful on your body They can help with lessening the impact on your knees and joints on descents and give you a little help from your upper body on ascents. They also help with not losing your balance on dicey terrain and are great for river crossings. On multi day backpacking trips with heavy packs they are a must have for me, but I don’t take them on short day hikes unless I’ m alone. If you roll an ankle or twist a knee and you ’ re by yourself you ’ll be glad you strapped them to you pack. Just make sure you keep the tips in good shape. As far as being dorky? Chances are you are already wearing convertible hiking pants so just own that shit.

Dear Chief Lollygagger, I can't afford all the expensive gear to start hiking. What is your advice?

Sincerely, Broke in California

Dear Broke in California,

You don’t need the expensive gear unless you do. Find a comfortable pair of hiking shoes or boots, a comfortable backpack that can hold the 10 essentials and anything else you think you ’ll need for the hike. Then just take mental notes as you hike of what is working for you and what you think could help. I like to learn the science behind the materials and designs of the gear so I know why something works for me or doesn’t. This will help immensely with your future gear choices I often find lesser known brands that have that same materials and similar designs for less money. That said, you ’ll find that sometimes the expensive gear is expensive for a reason. The biggest reasons being durability, functionality and most cases weight. When hiking in extreme conditions you don’t want to take a chance of equipment failure which could lead to an emergency situation. And as you ’ll soon figure out, weight is a thing in the hiking world too. In the end it comes down to what you ’ re comfortable with and what you plan on doing. I will

Lollygagger

sometimes hike with no shoes, running shorts, a t-shirt and a $30 pack. And other times during winter I’ll have $1000+ of gear on.

Dear Chief Lollygagger, Why must I get up so early to hike? Can't a sister sleep in? Sincerely, Sleep Deprived in Oregon

Dear Sleep Deprived in Oregon, What time you get up all depends on where you want to go and what time you want to be done. One factor to consider also is weather. In the summer I like to get up high in the mountains early in the morning before it gets warm and I don’t come back down until it has cooled down. Don’t be afraid to finish the hike in the dark either. Watching the sun go down from the trail and strapping on your head lamp really ups all the feels of being out in the woods One time Jaime and I didn’t start a 20 mile hike on Catalina Island until 2:00pm because we wanted to see the island at night and finish the hike looking down on the lights of Avalon.

Dear Chief Lollygagger, Can I drink water from streams without having to filter it?

Sincerely, Thirsty in California

Dear Thirsty in California, You sure can, but it comes with risks. One of the risk is Giardia which will show up weeks later. To make it easy for you to decide I’ll just list the symptoms. Diarrhea, server abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, dehydration, and headaches These symptoms can last weeks, just talk to someone who has had it. I hear it’ s life changing. Filter it every time.

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WHAT DOES HIKE IT OFF MEAN TO YOU?

We asked some of our followers what Hike It Off means to them. This is what they had to say.

“To me, hike it off reminds me that once I step foot on the trail, my day to day worries and the weight of responsibility are left behind at the trailhead. Hiking enables me to focus on the basics and allows me to just enjoy each step after the next out in nature”- Jana Roper

“"Hike it off" for me means getting away from the busyness and stresses of life, to enjoy the great outdoors, and to challenge myself both mentally and physically. I come back from my hikes with a sense of accomplishment, a refreshed state of mind and body, and a greater appreciation for nature."- Jason Sudo

Enjoy the view and the journey.- Cindy

It isn't a race to the top, the goal is to make it and enjoy it.- Dani Say hi to everyone.- Dave

Look behind you and be proud of how far you've come.- Mario Don't let others determine your limitations.- Amber

Love the solitude.- Tito

Don't pee upwind.- Gerardo

In order to lose, you must first have first gained in order to lose it.- Jon Don’t bring fear or negativity with you.- Dawn

Prep. Enjoy. Celebrate.- Will

Climbing a mountain takes more mental strength than physical strength.- Jaime

Your ego/pride is the biggest danger you face.- Bob Hiking and politics don’t mix.- Brenda

The more confident you are in your abilities, the more important it is to listen to warnings of trusted individuals.- Cathy

Coming up short can be the biggest lesson you can learn.- Kirk

What is a life lesson you learned from the trail?