Celebrate Our Trail Community - John B.
John B., originally from San Diego, California, is part of our trail community and now calls Rapid City, South Dakota home. A sales manager by day, he enjoys spending time exploring the Black Hills with his 14-year-old son, Alex.
How long have you been hiking?
I did some hiking when I was a teen. More of some local areas around Custer. However it wasn’t until this year that I found a passion for it.
Why do you hike?
It’s my church. I enjoy being outside, and being connected to nature. The fresh air, the smell of the surroundings and the amazing sites. It’s quiet, and away from the busy-ness that is life.
What are your favorite trails?
My favorite area is the Black Elk Wilderness. Little Devil’s Tower via Cathedral Spires trailhead has been my favorite in the area.
What is your favorite hiking weather/season?
Late spring or early fall.
What is your best hiking memory?
My best hiking memory was during the 7 peak challenge. It was time to go up Bear Butte, to which I wasn’t too excited about. Typically when you go for higher elevations, it’s the view from the top that is your prize. I’ve always retained that Bear Butte itself was the view. Not much to see from the top except Sturgis and rolling hills. The day I took on the hike, it was 38 degrees, a light rain and howling winds. The entire Butte was enveloped in a heavy cloud. I couldn’t see much past maybe 100ft in front of me. It gave the entire hike a very fairy tale type feel to it. They say Bear Butte is a spiritual place, and it was as if it knew exactly what I needed it to be.
What is in your backpack?
I use a 2-liter CamelBak. I carry first aid, extra cloth, baby powder, granola bars, yak traks, toilet paper, head lamps, 2 hiking sticks, and a knife with paracord.
Who is your favorite hiking buddy?
Alex, my son is by far my favorite. Although I think that he may not like it as much as I do. But definitely supportive of it. Kid has done some challenging hikes with me thoughout the summer, and gets a ton of credit. During the months that we are apart I bring my dog, Ace, along with me. Even being a corgi with little legs, he can still make it up to the tallest peaks.
What type of hike do you prefer?
I prefer going on longer hikes with a good elevation gain. I enjoy taking in the scenery around me and seeing the view from the top. If I can lose signal in the process, even better. Water is Usually preferred but not absolutely necessary.
What is the longest hike you have done?
The longest hike I have done is one I created on my own. I started off on Little Devil’s Tower trail (trail #4) and headed up to Poet’s Table. After coming back to the trail I went up to Little Devil’s Tower, then to the end of trail sign at Cathedral Spires, and finally up to Black Elk Peak. I came down trail 9 to Sylvan lake and took the extra mile to get back to trail 4. All together it was about a 12 mile trek.
What is your favorite place to hike (other than the Black Hills)?
I haven’t had much chance to explore beyond the Black Hills as of yet. I do have plans on doing the Georgia AT hike this coming spring.
Favorite inspirational/nature quote?
I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.
Do you have any tips/tricks for a new hiker?
Plan ahead! Know your route. Different hikes will require different gear. It’s important to know what you are getting yourself in for.
Anything else you want us to know?
Too often during a hike we are so focused on the destination. It’s important, I feel, to stop once in a while. Take a look back from where you came. Take a moment to see where you came from, from a different perspective. And as always….pack it in, pack it out! Take care of our surroundings, as we should each other.
Nominate Someone from Our Trail Community
Do you know someone who loves spending time on local trails? Nominate a friend, family member, or fellow trail-goer who enjoys hiking, biking, riding, or simply being outside, and help us celebrate the people who make our trail community special. Send us an email letting us know who you’d like to celebrate info@trailaddict.com.
