San Diego’s hiking scene goes far beyond beaches and popular summit trails.

In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, Jeff Hester talks with Chris Griffith and Susie Kara Slater, two hikers who have explored nearly every corner of San Diego County. Both are finishers of the demanding San Diego 100 Peaks Challenge and the Sierra Club 100 Peaks List, and they’re the co-authors of the upcoming guidebook Urban Trails: San Diego.

We dive into what it takes to complete 100 peaks in a single year, how trail-less navigation builds confidence, and why urban hiking is one of the most powerful—and overlooked—ways to connect with the outdoors. Chris and Susie also share underrated trails, lessons learned from years of peak bagging, and how San Diego’s hiking culture has evolved over the past decade.

If you’re curious about urban trails, hidden canyons, desert peaks, or finding adventure close to home, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe

💬 Share your story or apply to be a guest: https://socialhiker.net/podcast

👉 Learn more about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge: https://sixpackofpeaks.com/

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/track/roo-walker/f...License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

Trail magic is one of hiking’s most powerful traditions — unexpected kindness when you need it most.

In this roundtable episode, Jeff Hester is joined by Derek Loranger, Curt Cragg, and Neenah Spellman to tell the story of the legendary Muir Taco Hut — a multi-year trail magic tradition serving fresh tacos and cold beer deep in the Sierra Nevada.

They share origin stories, logistics, mishaps, emotional moments, and how trail magic turns tough days into unforgettable ones — plus how anyone can pay it forward on the trail.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe

💬 Share your story or apply to be a guest: https://socialhiker.net/podcast

👉 Learn more about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge: https://sixpackofpeaks.com/

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/fligh...

License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B

On this episode, we head deep into Patagonia with longtime friends and Social Hikers community members Carisa and Janice—two hikers whose chemistry, courage, and curiosity made this adventure unforgettable.

Together we relive our week in El Chaltén, exploring world-class trails, tackling a Via Ferrata for the first time, braving late-summer snowfall, walking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, and sharing trail-magic moments with a group of 18 hikers who quickly bonded like family.

This episode is about more than mountains—it’s about saying yes to adventure, embracing the unknown, and discovering what’s possible when you surround yourself with people who lift you up along the way.

⛰️ What We Talk About

• Why Patagonia is a bucket-list destination
• How a simple “yes” turned into a life-changing adventure
• Condors, snowstorms, glacier hikes & unforgettable views
• The challenge and thrill of a first-time Via Ferrata
• How traveling with a group deepens connection and community
• The beauty of stepping outside your comfort zone

🎒 Sponsored by the 2026 Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series

One membership. Access to all 17 regional challenges—with more on the way.
Commit to adventure. Join the community.
Learn more at SocialHikers.com

🌏 Join Me on an International Adventure

I’m leading two incredible group trips in 2026:

🇳🇿 New Zealand Adventure – Deadline to join: December 20
🇵🇪 Peru: Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu – October 2026

Trip details:
https://trovatrip.com/host/profiles/jeff-yreee
Prefer personal follow-up? Reach out—I’d love to connect.

📌 Stay Connected

Follow the podcast for more stories about hiking, travel, and finding meaning in the mountains.

If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend who loves adventure.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/fligh...
License code: 3EVZHM9WW6NBQH9B