Jeff Hester
Founder and Editor · SoCalHiker
Berkeley, CA
In My Own Words
"HYOH" (Hike Your Own Hike) - anonymous I am an author, speaker, community-builder and passionate collaborator. I am a thru-hiker that feels at home with dirt beneath my feet and stars above my head. I'm an unapologetic geek. I am a founder. I have a knack for listening and hearing what people are really saying. I believe in the power of online communities to unite people and affect positive change, and I've helped build and nurture such communities from scratch.
Work Experience
Founder and Editor
SoCalHiker2010 – Present
Writing detailed online guides for trails throughout the Western United States, covering both day hikes and backpacking routes. > Grown from zero to over 180k monthly pageviews > One of USA TODAY's 10 Best Hiking and Outdoor Blogs > Over 50,000 followers on social media > Featured in Men's Journal, The Los Angeles Times, New Yorker Magazine, BBC Travel Blog, Curbed LA and InsideHook.
Organizer
Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge™2015 – Present
Founder and organizer of the annual Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a self-paced hiking challenge. Oversee all aspects, from e-commerce, marketing, social media, and even planning. > Grown registration from 183 in 2015 to 1,273 in 2017 > Raised nearly $60,000 for the two non-profits we support: The Heroes Project and Big City Mountaineers. > Expanded to Colorado and Oregon in 2017, with additional regions planned for 2018.
