Trail Tales

“The outdoors has a unique way of bringing people together, of healing, and of reminding us what we are truly capable of. I could share my own unique experiences in the outdoors, but what truly inspires me are the stories of the people I’ve hiked with and how outdoors have transformed their lives. Leading hikes has shown me just how powerful these moments can be”

A Hike That Gave Someone Their Life Back

“One morning, I was leading a group hike in Cupertino, California. As we made our way through the trail, one of the hikers suddenly stopped, turned to me, and hugged me tightly. With tears in her eyes, she said, ‘I don’t think you realize what this means to me.’

She had spent years in an abusive relationship—isolated, disconnected from the world outside. Stepping onto this trail, surrounded by people who accepted her without judgment, was the first time she felt like she could breathe again. That moment humbled me. It made me realize that these hikes are not just about fitness, they are about reclaiming parts of ourselves we thought were lost.”

A Hike That Changed a Life Path

“Another time, a fellow hiker shared how being part of hiking community gave her the push to build better habits. She was never a morning person—waking up early felt impossible to her. But something about the motivation and the energy of the community inspired her to try. Week after week, she committed to early morning hikes, and it started to shift her mindset.

That one habit change opened doors for her—literally. It gave her the confidence to explore professional opportunities that required an early start, and soon, she landed a job she never thought she could take. All because she started waking up for a hike. This is a validation of what James Clear shared in his book Atomic habbits "The most effective way to change your habits is to join a culture where your desired behavior is the normal behavior"

The Power of Chai and Connection

“Chai is a huge part of South Asian culture—it’s not just tea; it’s a way we bond, share stories, and connect. I always carry chai on the hikes I lead, and there’s something special about sitting at the summit, sipping from warm cups, catching breath & simply being present in that moment.

Recently, on a freezing morning at Mission Peak in Fremont, California(the most popular trail), 40 of us decided to take this tradition a step further. Along with my hiking community, we prepared chai for everyone on the trail. We came together and served chai to over 200+ hikers. Seeing strangers pause, take a sip, and smile in that shared moment of warmth—it was incredible. That morning, the trail wasn’t just a path; it was a space of kindness, culture, and connection.”

“These moments remind me why I do what I do. Being outdoors isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about who we become along the way. It’s about lifting each other up, finding strength in community, and realizing that no matter where we come from, the outdoors welcomes us all.”

This is the why behind MyTrailPals—to scale this vision beyond a single community. To empower more people to discover, build, and lead outdoor communities that reflect their values, their culture, and their definition of adventure. Because the outdoors isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal. It’s what you make of it. And when you find the right people to explore with, it transforms from just a place to a way of life.”