Since the inception of the LA Trail Hikers, a hike lead has always been at the forefront of each of our hikes. These leaders are the backbone of the group. They put in their time, commitment and heart into getting people out on nature park trails of Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. They look after hikers and guide them through trails as best they can. Their passion for hiking and leading makes each adventure safe and enjoyable. They come aboard knowing that they are participating on volunteer basis, and should something more important come along their own life’s path, it is understandable that they will make the right decision for their own lives.
This past season, the LA Trail Hikers saw the departure of 3 of its long-time, memorable hike leads : Lorena Rodriguez, Luis Salazar, Pattie Soltero.
Their hike lead retirement, in a sense, came during a time of change in their lives. For each one, a life path opened up which must have been one difficult decision of having to step down from their leadership role with the group to continue leading their themselves in the best direction. Whether it was for health, family or career changes, these three individuals followed their hike lead instinct to make the right choice in refocusing their time in much needed areas in their lives. It was important for us to support them in their decision which positively impacted them and their families. However, we wanted to honor them for what they have done for the LA Trail Hikers by remembering each one.
Lorena Rodriguez
Lorena Rodriguez
LATH Hike Lead: 2009 – 2012
Lorena was the first female hike lead for the LA Trail Hikers. She started with the group since its formation, and is credited with assisting in conceiving the group’s name. When she joined the group, she quickly found a love for the outdoors, which matched her lifestyle and personality, through hiking. Her warm personality and sensational smile always made new hikers feel welcomed to the group. She always played an encouraging role for others who wanted to get into hiking. As an active, high-stamina, hike lead, she took the group through many adventures online pokies on higher level hikes and participated in a high number of events hosted by the group.
Luis Salazar
Luis Salazar
LATH Hike Lead: 2010 – 2012
Luis entered the group a year after it officially opened the doors to the public. Under his leadership, our hikers were always under the best of care. With his strong stature, he was quite the helpful hike lead on hikes that required the help of another. His personality shined throughout the group as he provided helpful tips for attending hikers. He would take on longer hikes for the group and was the primary hike lead to head trips to the Bridge to Nowhere where a strong hike lead was needed. It was without a doubt that he was well versed with nature and had no problem sharing his experience with others in hopes that they would benefit from his advice.
Pattie Soltero
Pattie Soltero
LATH Hike Lead: 2011 – 2012
Pattie surely stands out among hike leads. Her natural leadership and personality has set a cornerstone for filling the hike lead role. Since 2011, she was quite an extraordinary hike lead and has really contributed greatly to the LA Trail Hikers in leading, guiding, and inspiring. Above all, Pattie has led they way for many beginners and first time hikers into sport that she admits falling in love with herself. She has surely touched the lives of many while leading them through many trails.
At the time when they stepped down, they mentioned that they would try to make it out to LATH hikes/events when ever they could. So, we haven’t seen the last of them just yet. However, we give them our kindest regards for all that they have done as hike leads and as fellow hikers. On behalf of the LA Trail Hikers, thank you, each one of you for being the best hike leads you could be and making our little group something we continue to enjoy hike after hike.
If you have ever hiked with Lorena, Luis, or Pattie, we’re sure may want to thank these fantastic hikers. Please feel free to leave a comment below:
