We had the good fortune of connecting with Cris Hazzard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cris, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I first started the business, it was a hobby. I shared my hiking guides with friends and made them public online. My intention was to help people navigate the trails and buy hiking gear as if a friend were advising them. My intention wasn’t to make a business out of it; it was more of a hobby.

But the website and guides just took off. People found my guides helpful, and it was hard to ignore that I could make a living doing something I loved: sharing trails and outdoor guides.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I try to give outdoor advice as a friend would, not as someone trying to sell something or as someone trying to get people to consume my media. I try to keep it simple and down to earth. I think that’s what sets me apart from some others. I want people to have fun, be safe, and feel confident in the outdoors.

And it’s always a challenge as a single creator. I’ve had to learn everything from PHP coding to video color correction. And as technology advances, I have to evolve my skills continually. The benefit is that I know I’m putting my best foot forward and making the best outdoors guides possible. The downside is that it’s very time-consuming. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Most people don’t know that Southern California offers some of the best outdoor experiences in the world. At least a day would be spent in Angeles National Forest, hiking Mt Baldy (popular but a must-do), and then camping at Guffy Campground, with views of the high peaks of the San Gabriels.

From there, we’d swing over to San Bernardino National Forest to hike the highest point in SoCal, San Gorgonio Mountain, high above the treeline. Then we could head south, maybe do some hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, and then perhaps do the epic Cactus to Clouds hike, conditions permitting.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shout-out to everyone who uses my guides and spreads the word. As an online creator, being disconnected from your audience is easy. All the love when I meet folks out on the trail blows my mind. I get honest feedback from humans who tell me the difference I’ve made. And that’s what keeps me going and inspired. So, a big, big thank you to everyone who uses my guides. I couldn’t do it without you.

Website: https://hikingguy.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/HikingGuy_com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crishazzard/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Hikingguy

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.