Send us Fan Mail

🎙️ Three years since his first episode, Justin "JustRoc" Rimon is back on Hikes and Mics. Host of the Just Trek Podcast, founder of the Just Trek Crew, and the guy whose Star Wars-themed group hike helped inspire Yakima Valley Trekkers — he returns to catch us up on the biggest chapters of the last three years.

Justin revisits Sandstone Peak, the accidental April 2017 sunset hike that pulled him off the dance floor and onto the trail, and how one mountain keeps generating the friendships and moments that built his community. We get into Guatemala — the four-year dream of Acatenango and the Fuego Ridge that finally clicked after a random trail conversation — including the overnight climb, the 13,000-foot summit push, and the moment the overcast skies opened up right as the guides said it was time to turn back. He also shares the story behind recording his most stunning video episode yet with crewmate Francis Ngo, live at Mount Rainier National Park during golden hour.

Then there's the Fool's Traverse: the 11-peak, 26-mile, 18-hour endurance challenge in the Mount Baldy area that Justin calls his toxic ex. Three attempts, three unfinished routes, and one philosophy that keeps winning out — people over peaks. Out of that weekend came an impromptu campground group pod at Manker Flats, proof of what "stay ready, rock steady" actually looks like in practice.

We close out with the launch of his Trails and Tribulations survival-story series, the growing pains of moving from audio-only to in-person video episodes, and his full naturalist era — corvid identification, spark birds, Nocs binoculars, and co-hosting birding events with the Bird Homies and LA Trail Killers.

A sequel episode packed with epic treks, hard-earned lessons, and a whole lot of community.

Episode Links:
Just Trek on Instagram
Just Trek Website

Follow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics

This episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic

AllTrails+
I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier.

Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership!

Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app)

Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists

Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.