We paid a visit to Nature’s climbing gym on the West side today. Outdoors. Free. Can’t beat it.

Waianae Valley

Thanks to Leander for dropping Marilyn, Quan and myself off in the valley of broken glass, stripped cars and running dogs.

Waianae Valley

We pounded the pavement for a thankfully short time before hitting the trail punctuated with ponds of taro and patches of the pungent bitter melon leaves.

Waianae Valley

Pushing up the short and steep firebreak trail.

Kawiwi Ridge

Standing at the foot of the spur ridge overlooking the coastal valleys. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Kawiwi Ridge

Making our way up the rock encrusted ridge smothered with dry grass and stunted trees.

Kawiwi Ridge

Climbing and contouring our way up. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Kawiwi Ridge

The breezy conditions made the stepping stones an exercise of balance and keeping ones center of gravity low.

Kawiwi Ridge

Start from the bottom …

Kawiwi Ridge

… and end up at the top. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Kawiwi Ridge

Which way to go? Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Kawiwi Ridge

Climbing our way to the top. Almost there!

Kawiwi Ridge

Are we climbing that? Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Kawiwi Ridge

Circumventing the crack.

Kawiwi Ridge

Group photo at the overgrown summit.

Ridge

Gateway to more climbing and views.

Ridge

Did I say more climbing?

Ridge

Narrow ridge ahead. Keep your hands inside at all times during the ride. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Ridge

Looking back as Quan and Marilyn made their way over the narrow ridge with steep drop offs.

Ridge

It was just a matter of time before we hit the fence line.

Ridge

Climbing, crawling and scooting their way over the jumbled rocks.

Ridge

Where’s the flag? Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Ridge

Contouring around the narrow ledge.

Ridge

Threading our way carefully through the cacti plants. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

No Name Summit

Group photo at the unclaimed peak.

Ridge

Printer cables have many uses, especially in the mountains. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Tiki Summit

Not to be confused with Kiki and a certain rapper.

Ridge

Multiple crossing overs as we followed the fence line to the terminus.

3 Poles

Leaving the ridge as we headed down into the valley.

Waianae Kaala Trail

The girls hanging out on the trail.

All pau

Speak softly and carry a pig poker. Just in case. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

GPS Tracks

Our climbing hike covered a little over five miles with good company. Thanks to Leander for picking us up again. Post hike meal at Outback where not all steakhouse franchises are the same. No clam chowder.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

The goal of the hike was to get a close shave on the mountains today as Jasmin dropped Ferlino and myself off in the valley of screaming peacocks. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Makaha Valley

We were pleasantly surprised to see Aida, Analyn, Anne and Art chasing the preening peacocks for their photographs and not their feathers. Photo by Anne Fai.

Makaha Valley

Crossing the bone dry stream bed.

Mohala I Ka Wai

We saw taro. Laulau poke. We saw papayas. Now all we needed were chickens.

Kane’aki Heiau

No walking tours today.

OCCC

This is what happens when you have an early release of inmates due to unfounded fears of COVID19. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Makaha Valley

Following the bottlecap breadcrumbs through the forest as we picked up the trail.

Makaha Valley

Going up the steep hill. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Knife Edge

Taking a shaded break before heading out onto the exposed ridge. Photo by Anne Fai.

Knife Edge

Hope everybody slathered sunscreen on their exposed epidermis. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Knife Edge

Ferlino holding up the side of the rocks so that we could safely pass through. Photo by Art Young.

Knife Edge

Panoramic view of Makaha Valley.

Knife Edge

A hole in her heart. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Knife Edge

Aida climbing up one of many rock faces. Photo by Art Young.

Knife Edge

Contouring and climbing over the rocks. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Knife Edge

The group climbing up against the backdrop of the fluted flanks flowing down from Ohikilolo Ridge.

Knife Edge

Gaining elevation as we climbed up the rocky ridge line. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Knife Edge

The group climbing over the serrated rock section. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Knife Edge

More climbing and contouring on the ridge line.

Knife Edge

Taking a well deserved break. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Knife Edge

Burrowing our way through the tree line. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Knife Edge

Anne sitting on her “chair.” It was much more comfortable sitting on a pile of rocks than a thorny cacti. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Knife Edge

Scrambling up the ridge line.

Knife Edge

Giving a helping hand. Photo by Art Young.

Knife Edge

Analyn lending a helping foot? Photo by Art Young.

Knife Edge

Short scramble up to the terminus. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Knife Edge

Analyn pushing her way through the clump of pine trees.

The Pause that Refreshes

It would help if you take off the bottle cap. Photo by Anne Fai.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Group photo left to right: Ferlino, Anne, Analyn, Aida, Art and myself.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

The scenic views were too much to pass up for the group. Let’s take a bazillion photos.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Leaving the photo shoot behind us as we left the terminus.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Working our way through the overgrowth. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Looking up at another scenic spot. Translation to mean more photo shoots.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Art perched on the spot overlooking the giant notch we had to climb down and up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Scrambling down to our lunch spot. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Let’s take a break. Any objections?

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Settling down amongst the rocks for lunch and a free show. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

The free show was over. Got a buck?

Kamaile’unu Ridge

The group contouring their way carefully around the boulders perched on the edge.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Scrambling our way towards the big climb of the day. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Everybody did a great job of climbing up the notch, but nobody collected ten points today.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Top down view of the group clustered at the notch.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Contouring around the awkward rock. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Shaka on the rocks.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Art and Ferlino giving Aida two pairs of helping hands. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Traversing the boulder capped ridge. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

The ridge was liberally sprinkled with just enough annoying overgrowth mixed in with odd sized rocks. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Art and Aida climbing over the smaller rocks to get to the bigger rocks. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Last climb. Going up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Shaka in the mountains. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Kamaile’unu Ridge

Aida threading her way through the tangled thicket of tree branches.

Kawiwi Summit

Meaningful and meaningless conversations over lunch. Are you paying attention Art?

Kawiwi Ridge

Leaving the summit behind us as it was all downhill from here.

Kawiwi Ridge

Art climbing his way down against the backdrop of the wide spread of the Waianae Mountains. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

Analyn climbing her way down from the tricky crack.

Kawiwi Ridge

Touch, but don’t look. Oh wait, was it the other way around? Photo by Art Young.

Kawiwi Ridge

Are you sure this is the right way down? Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

Descending down the rocky dike of a ridge. Photo by Art Young.

Kawiwi Ridge

Ferlino against the backdrop of the largest coastal valley on the island.

Kawiwi Ridge

Art wanted a piece of the action as well.

Kawiwi Ridge

It’s easier going up than coming down. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

The group climbing down the ridge, one foothold and handhold at a time. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

Anne emerging from the bushes.

Kawiwi Ridge

The group contouring around the ridge line as we dropped back down into the valley. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waianae Valley

Coming down the firebreak.

Farm to Table

What are you waiting for? An invitation? Hurry up and help us pick the parya leaves. Photo by Art Young.

All pau

Thanks to Jasmin for picking up our group with their freshly picked bitter melon leaves.

GPS Tracks

Our ridge to ridge hike covered 5.6 miles through sessions of rock climbing, scrambling and stunning valley views. Post hike meal at Jollibee where too many customers in the car made for a confused drive thru cashier. Thanks to the fun group that provided loud laughter outside and inside.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

I was still all wet from the soaking we had just had on the Ko’olau Mountains last weekend, so we headed off to the West side to enjoy a dry spell for a change. Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Aida, Analyn, Dale, Ferlino, Sally, Tessa and myself out to the valley.

Waianae Valley

Walking up the much deserved maligned service road. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waianae Valley

Trading in the blistering paved road for Mother Earth. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Bittermelon patch

We saw Aunty picking dahon ng ampalaya for her mungo beans. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Waianae Valley

Tessa crossing the flowing dam.

Waianae Valley

Going up the wide firebreak, which made it much easier to gain the spur ridge. Photo by Sally Chow.

Waianae Valley

Cardio puff up the short and steep hill. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waianae Valley

The girls resting at the top of the firebreak. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Kawiwi Ridge

Tessa contouring to gain the ridge line. Ranch workers down below were yelling at us but their words were lost in the elevation.

Kawiwi Ridge

Starting our rocky climb up the ridge. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kawiwi Ridge

Analyn making her way up. I think we lost Dale around this point as he was feeling fatigued and went back down.

Kawiwi Ridge

Tessa scampering up the rocks. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

Analyn pulling herself up.

Kawiwi Ridge

Going up the angled rocks. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kawiwi Ridge

Aida’s turn to go up. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kawiwi Ridge

Single file shuffling on the narrow ridge line. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

Stepping stones that kept us out of the brush. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kawiwi Ridge

Aida hugging the steep rock face as she climbs her way up. Photo by Sally Chow.

Kawiwi Ridge

Tessa climbing her way up. Photo by Sally Chow.

Kawiwi Ridge

Sally coming up the progressively steep climb. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

Tessa contouring around the rockface before climbing up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

Aida against the backdrop of Waianae and Lualualei Valleys. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kawiwi Ridge

Tessa working her way to the tricky crack. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kawiwi Ridge

Somebody take my picture! Ate! Kuya!

Kawiwi Summit

Group photo left to right: Analyn, Tessa, myself, Aida, Sally and Ferlino. When you don’t have a mask to cover your face, a t-shirt or banana will do.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Somebody was quite limber today.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Sally coming down from the 2,957′ summit.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Traversing the narrow spine of the rocky ridge line. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Spotting and safety go hand in hand. Photo by Sally Chow.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Sally taking the low road. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Just do it. Double reinforcement.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Our first contact with the fence line meant to keep out pigs and goats from chewing up the native plants. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Leaving the fence behind us as we traded it for more rock climbing. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Puki Rock

The girls breaking down the language barrier by visual illustration.

Broken Teeth

Making our way over and around the boulders seemingly thrown at random on the ridge line.

Ohikilolo

Looking yonder at the pyramidal peak framed by the drifting clouds.

Broken Teeth

Go big or go home. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Analyn passing through a patch of pine trees.

Kamaileunu Ridge

The group making the slow climb to the top. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

No Name Peak Summit

The girls taking a break from their derrieres.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Making our way down from the 2,950′ summit.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Heading down the ridge line that buffered the rolling clouds. Photo by Analyn Baliscao.

Kamaileunu Ridge

Climbing down the fence line. Photo by Sally Chow.

Tiki Summit

Posers amongst the towering rocks that interrupted the ridge line.

Tiki Ridge

Going down the old hunter trail that Waianae Steve found and cleared.

Tiki Ridge

Contact with the first tiki.

Tiki Ridge

Two heads are better than one. Photo by Sally Chow.

Tiki Ridge

Going down one of several rock climbs. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Tiki Ridge

Tessa practicing for the upcoming pole dancing competition as we followed the red/white bottle caps on our way down. Photo by Sally Chow.

Waianae Valley

Analyn passing through Hawaii’s version of Middle Earth.

Waianae Valley

Trail meets the road. Analyn and Tessa hurried down the road to finish the job of picking bitter melon leaves.

All pau

Thanks to Jasmin for picking us up from the valley of the howling dogs.

GPS Tracks

Our 5.23 mile loop hike started and ended in Waianae Valley that were filled with rock climbs, narrow ridge crossings and great company. Post hike meal consisted of carbonated colas and melting ice cream. Times are tough when you can’t eat in.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

Met up with Analyn, Chris, Cisco, Ferlino, Matt and Shirley on Veteran’s Day to hike on the West side. Some of us were still sleepy from last night’s Bruno Mars concert. Sleep walking in the mountains it is. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Trailhead

Thanks to Jasmin for dropping us off deep in the valley, where we saw C-Rider Falls slicing down the mountain. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waianae Valley

We left the road after a thankfully short walk and headed into the valley that was bouncing back nicely from the recent brush fires. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Feet wet

Ferlino crossing the fenced irrigation system. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Waianae Valley

Looking towards the sun rising through the clouds.

Waianae Valley

Heading deeper into the valley as the sun torched the tips of the mountains. Enjoying the shade while it lasted. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waianae Valley

The cow skull has apparently grown legs and migrated further up the fence line since my last visit.

Timber!

Crying wolf in the mountains. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kawiwi Ridge

Leaving the valley floor behind us as we began our climb up the windy ridge. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kawiwi Ridge

Ferlino and Cisco coming up the exposed ridge line that was pocketed with brittle branches and chlorophyll pigmented bushes. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kawiwi Ridge

Chris going up the ridge line that got progressively steeper and rockier.

Kawiwi Ridge

Scenic rock overlooking Waianae and Lualualei Valleys. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kawiwi Ridge

Stepping stones. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Kawiwi Ridge

Lining up as we approached the tricky crack. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kawiwi Ridge

Trying to look heroic, perhaps best to stick with the weight loss program.

Kawiwi Summit

Group photo left to right: Shirley, Analyn, Matt, Chris, myself, Ferlino and Cisco.

Ridge

Photoshoot in progress. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Ridge

Hiking in progress.

Ridge

It was only a matter of time before we ran into the fence line. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ridge

We had lots of rocks to climb down …

Ridge

… and over and under.

Ridge

Prickly pears for the picking. Watch the thorns. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Ridge

Looking over into Makaha Valley. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

No Name Peak

The Pepsi Challenge is alive and well in the mountains.

Ridge

Dropping down to the Tiki Rocks.

Hikers gone wild

Tiki, do you love me? Are you riding? Synchronized to music. Live entertainment. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mango Ridge

Where you guys came from and you seen my dog? That way and nope.

Three Poles

Some people drive themselves up the pole. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bolohead

Rain showers sweeping our planned route back down to the valley.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

To ladder or not to ladder. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Shelled gastropod

Indigenous or invasive? Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Mount Ka’ala

Lack of time and inclement weather pretty much dictated our route down, bottle cap notwithstanding. Photo by Shirley.

Mount Ka’ala

Approaching the socked in FAA tracking station.

Mount Ka’ala

Group photo by Matt Vidaurri at the highest point on the island.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Leaving the rain soaked summit for fenced ridge lines and clear skies. Never fails.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Sliding our way down into the valley. Photo by Cisco Quintanilla.

Waianae Ka’ala Trail

Chris heard waterfalls so most of the group followed the stream to find the source of the noise.

Waianae Waterfalls

Going with the flow.

Waianae Valley

Color coding the valley. What happens if you’re color blind?

All pau

Catching the sun going down as we exited the valley and finished our 7.5 mile hike. Mahalo to Jasmin for picking us up. Photo by Shirley.

GPS Tracks

Post hike meal at Coquito’s. We sat outside where it was warm. The conversation was even warmer as the table talk turned to kissing junior and tossing the vegetables. Hey, I only had two hours of sleep!

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

Bolohead or bust. Met up with Chris, Gen, Justin and Thessa deep in Waianae Valley. Try and try again.

Trailhead

Back on the road again.

Picnic shelter pull-ups

Snapchat what? Cat’s meow. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Bolohead ridge

The weather did not look promising. Bust.

Three Poles

The trail was teeming with hikers today. Mount Ka’ala loomed heavy with dark clouds and the pregnant possibility of rain showers, so we turned towards Kawiwi.

Waianae

Major swaths on both mountain ranges are being fenced to protect the native ecosystem from pigs and goats. The end is necessary but the means are less than visually aesthetic. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Future camp site

Group photo by Justin Hirako, left to right: Gen, Justin, Thessa, myself and Chris.

Waianae

Panoramic photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

What the heck? Ka’ala is clear. Let’s go back. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Ms. Pac-Man

Who’s the pellet? Who’s the ghost? Photo by Chris Bautista.

Tiki Summit

Group photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

Uphill, rocky climb. Photo by Justin Hirako.

No Name Peak

Happy Nuts.

No Name Peak

How much do you weigh? Photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

Panoramic photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

Back on the trail.

Waianae

Panoramic view.

Waianae

Rock climbing ahead. Choke.

Waianae

Sometimes you have to contour the ridge … Photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

… other times, you just pop up over the ridge.

Waianae

Hiking the dike.

Waianae

Chris and Thessa climbing their way up. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Waianae

Almost there.

Kawiwi Summit

Group photo by Justin Hirako on the rainy and overgrown summit.

Kawiwi Ridge

We caught this beautiful double rainbow on the way down. Group photo by Justin Hirako.

Kawiwi Ridge

All down climbing from here. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Kawiwi Ridge

Justin and Chris coming down by the tricky crack section.

Kawiwi Ridge

If it’s not yoga, it’s dancing.

Kawiwi Ridge

You go first? Photo by Justin Hirako.

Kawiwi Ridge

Ridge hiker.

Kawiwi Ridge

Chris, Justin and Thessa on their way down.

Kawiwi Ridge

Gen going down the ridge.

Kawiwi Ridge

Chris coming off the ridge.

Waianae Valley

Random sightings in the valley.

Waianae Valley

Follow the fence.

All pau

Eh brah, caught any pigs?

GPS Tracks

Our West side hike covered 5.9 miles through valleys and ridges and a mixture of hot and rainy weather. Great hike with a fun crew. Post hike meal at Outback’s. If your prime rib is not cooked to order, it’s on the house. Just got to ask.

Note: I have been made aware the some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.