Outdoors with Hiking Bob

Hiking Bob Falcone

Bob Falcone shares tips and news about outdoor recreation in the Pikes Peak region. Bob covers trails, clothing, equipment, volunteerism, tourism, politics, photography, destinations and preparedness. (new episode every Wednesday) read less

Our Editor's Take

Outdoors with Hiking Bob is a podcast about hiking in the Pike's Peak region of Colorado. The hosts are Bob Falcone and Kevin "Wild" Westendorf.

Podcast host Bob is a retired firefighter and a US Air Force veteran. He has made a second career out of his love of hiking. He is a nature photographer. He also writes a column on the outdoors for the Colorado Springs Independent. The host volunteers with local organizations to build and maintain trails. Bob's friend and cohost Kevin discovered hiking in 2013. He blogs about his hikes around the American West.

Together, Bob and Kevin discuss issues relevant to any hiker. They start each episode of Outdoors with Hiking Bob with a recap of that week's hikes. Listeners hoping to hike the area may find this segment an invaluable source of up-to-date information. After the recap, they focus on the week's topic. They report recent wild animal attacks and review what to do when encountering wildlife. They promote initiatives like the El Paso County Parks Trailability Program. It provides trail-ready wheelchairs for people with mobility issues. They praise the Teller County Regional Animal Shelter for its new program. They provide tips for getting a pet trail ready. Bob has advice for outdoor photographers.

Bob and Kevin sometimes invite guests to the show. A US Forest Service law enforcement officer talks about his responsibilities. A Pike's Peak park ranger provides tips on backpacking preparedness.

The Outdoors with Hiking Bob podcast is also a place for parks advocacy. Bob and Kevin are vocal about making parks accessible to everyone. They are also staunch conservationists. In this spirit, they oppose the National Park Service's advance reservations system. They promote local initiatives to fund outdoor recreation for everyone. They teach listeners how to engage in volunteerism.

Bob and Kevin sound like they'd be great to go on a hike with. Their podcast contains a great deal of information for hikers of all levels. New episodes of Outdoors with Hiking Bob debut each week.

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403 Want to hike to Hanging Lake? Plan ahead.

403 Want to hike to Hanging Lake? Plan ahead.

On this week's podcast, Bob is joined by co-host Kevin "Wild" Westendorf and they catch up on what Kevin has been doing since he was last on the show. They also discuss people behaving badly on trails, a rescue due to people being woefully underprepared, and if you want to hike to the popular Hanging Lake, you will need to prepare carefully and far in advance. Hanging Lake info: https://tinyurl.com/2s4zn8vv Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

Episodes

403 Want to hike to Hanging Lake? Plan ahead.

403 Want to hike to Hanging Lake? Plan ahead.

On this week's podcast, Bob is joined by co-host Kevin "Wild" Westendorf and they catch up on what Kevin has been doing since he was last on the show. They also discuss people behaving badly on trails, a rescue due to people being woefully underprepared, and if you want to hike to the popular Hanging Lake, you will need to prepare carefully and far in advance. Hanging Lake info: https://tinyurl.com/2s4zn8vv Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

402 Rocky Mountain Field Institute's Jolie NeSmith

402 Rocky Mountain Field Institute's Jolie NeSmith

On this week's podcast, Bob interviews Jolie NeSmith, the Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI). They talk about her first year at the helm, including challenges and accomplishments, and then move on to discuss the 2024 work season. The review the projects RMFI will be working on, with an update on the multi-year Devils Playground Trail project. Also, how people can support RMFI, including volunteer opportunities, both in the field and administrative help. RMFI website: https://www.rmfi.org/ Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

401 Luis Benitez and How Outdoor Recreation can Save the World

401 Luis Benitez and How Outdoor Recreation can Save the World

Bob chats with Luis Benitez, the author of "Higher Ground: How The Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save The World". The first head of Colorado's Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, and a leader in the outdoor recreation industry, he talks with Bob about the need to change how outdoor recreation in the United States is funded and managed, and how he believes that doing so could have an impact on much more than recreation. Order the book here: https://tinyurl.com/2uemmpkk Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

400 The Healthy Hiker talks about taking care of our feet

400 The Healthy Hiker talks about taking care of our feet

This week's podcast is all about feet and how to take care of them. Bob is joined by frequent guest Physical Therapist and "Healthy Hiker" Alicia Filley, for an enlightening talk about feet. From common injuries, to how to decipher pain, to socks and shoes, they cover almost anything you'd want to know about feet and hiking. The Healthy Hiker website: https://www.thehealthyhiker.com/ Due to a series of technical challenges while recording this podcast, there is some extraneous noise present. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

399 Terrain Hoppers come to Cheyenne Mountain SP

399 Terrain Hoppers come to Cheyenne Mountain SP

On this week's podcast, Bob and Kevin discuss trail projects at two of Colorado Springs' most popular parks; one master plan is being finalized while another is starting. Also Cheyenne Mountain State Park has new Terrain Hoppers for visitors with accessiblity issues; will you able to see the April solar eclipse from Colorado? And finally, in the aftermath of Kevins recent medical emergency, he's asking for your help. Kevin's GoFundMe Campaign: https://bitly.ws/3gM3L Trail projects in North Cheyenne Canon Park: https://bitly.ws/3gM4C Trail project in the Garden of the Gods Park: https://bitly.ws/3gM5g April solar eclipse information: https://bitly.ws/3gMhr How to safely take photos of a solar eclipse: https://bitly.ws/3gMhC Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

398 CPW update. Also winter driving, choosing footwear and more

398 CPW update. Also winter driving, choosing footwear and more

On this week's podcast, Bob and co-host Wild Westendorf discuss the latest developments with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission. Also, winter driving, choosing the right hiking footwear and Kevin has another medical scare. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

397 What's going on with the CPW Commission?

397 What's going on with the CPW Commission?

On this week's podcast, Bob and Kevin talk about Daylight Saving Time, the hubbub over some appointments to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, and why are some hikers and cyclists harrassing construction workers? Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

396 Where are the best behaved hikers?

396 Where are the best behaved hikers?

On this week's podcast, Bob flies solo! He discusses his next major "bucket list" trip, hiking in the desert, where are the best behaved hikers and cyclists. Also, the master plan process is ending for one Colorado Springs park and starting for another one, controversy with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission and more. Fishers Canyon Master Plan survey: https://coloradosprings.gov/fisherscanyon Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

395 Meet a US Forest Service Tribal Liaison

395 Meet a US Forest Service Tribal Liaison

On this week's podcast, Bob talks with Dr. Jason Herbert, the Tribal Liaison with the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC). Dr. Herbert, the first person to hold this position with the PSICC, talks about his previous experiences working with Native American tribes in the southern U.S. prior to working with the USFS, and now his position in the PSICC. He discusses why a "Tribal Liaison" is important, what his mission is, and how it may affect the operations of the Forest Service and the user experiences of the public in general. Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands: https://www.fs.usda.gov/psicc Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

394: Bob tries out Cross-Country skiing

394: Bob tries out Cross-Country skiing

This week's podcast goes back out into the field, as Bob tries out cross-country skiing for the first time. Michael Brothers from the Woodmoor Nordic Cross-Country skiing center gives Bob a quick lesson on how to ski and afterwards, they talk about how well Bob did - or didn't - do. They also discuss the history of the skiing center, and what is available there. Woodmoor Nordic Cross-Country skiing: https://www.woodmoornordicnonprofit.org/ Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

393 Winter hiking etiquette, avalanches, mountain lions, and more

393 Winter hiking etiquette, avalanches, mountain lions, and more

Co-host Kevin returns for this week's podcast, and he and Bob catch up on recent events. They also discuss winter hiking etiquette, and avalanche danger, mountain lion management, a new El Paso County nature center, movie suggestions and more. CPW SE Region Mountain Lion Management meetings: http://tinyurl.com/mr3wbfpc CAIC: https://avalanche.state.co.us/ Fox Run Nature Center Public Meetings: https://www.tdg-frnc.com/events/ Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

392 El Paso County Parks 2023 Review, a look at 2024

392 El Paso County Parks 2023 Review, a look at 2024

On this week's podcast, Bob chats with El Paso County Parks Department Director Todd Marts. They discuss the accomplishments of the department in 2023, and what's ahead for 2024 and beyond. Items discussed include the success of the departments "Trailability" program, Paint Mines Park, the proposed Fox Run Park Nature Center, how the parks are recovering from last years bad weather, and also funding, to include whether a special county-wide program, similar to Colorado Springs' TOPS Program, is a possibility. El Paso County Trailability Program podcast: http://tinyurl.com/yck8kxkk Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

391 Colorado Springs Parks 2023 Recap & What's Ahead in 2024

391 Colorado Springs Parks 2023 Recap & What's Ahead in 2024

On this week's podcast, Bob chats with Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department Director Britt Haley. They discuss the signifcant accomplishments of the department in 2023, and what's ahead for 2024, including e-bikes, Blodgett and Fishers Canyon master plans, and more. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

390 Get to Know Fremont Adventure Recreation

390 Get to Know Fremont Adventure Recreation

On this week's podcast, Bob interviews Ashlee Sack from Fremont Adventure Recreation (FAR), based in Canon City, CO. The discuss the short history of FAR, and their work to build new trails in the Canon City area, and also build awareness of the outdoor recreation opportunities in the Fremont County. FAR website: http://www.joinfar.org/ Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

389 Can You Violate Air Space While Hiking?

389 Can You Violate Air Space While Hiking?

On this week's podcast, Bob and co-host Kevin talk about why it was more than 20 degrees warmer 4,000' higher in elevation; new trail map for the Town of Green Mountain Falls; and how is it possible to violate someone's "air space" while hiking (someone is literally making a Federal case out of it). "air space" amicus brief: https://bitly.ws/39U3J Green Mountain Falls trail map: https://bitly.ws/39U6c Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

388 Winter Hiking

388 Winter Hiking

On this week's podcast, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss winter hiking, including how to prepare and where to go. Also, why now is the time to buy gear for next winter, the podcast's return to the Studio 809 group, why a road in a popular local park is closed, how many miles Bob hikes in 2023 and much more. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

387 Welcome to 2024

387 Welcome to 2024

It's the New Year, and Bob and Kevin look back at 2023 and forward to 2024. What did they do (or didn't do) last year, and what is ahead for them this year? Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

386 Bob and Kevin catch up

386 Bob and Kevin catch up

After a long break while Bob was doing interviews, Kevin returns to the podcast. He and Bob discuss the holidays, winter gear and when is the best time to buy, donating to the Give Campaign and other organizations, how to recycle your Christmas tree, first day hikes, and more. Give campaign: https://givepikespeak.org/ Care and Share: https://careandshare.org/ Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park: https://friendsofcmsp.org/ First Day hikes: https://bitly.ws/37mQY Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

385 Give Pikes Peak Participant Catamount Institute

385 Give Pikes Peak Participant Catamount Institute

In the last of a series with groups particpating in the 2023 Give Pikes Peak campaign, Bob talks with Heather Graves, the Executive Director of the Catamount Institute They discuss the work the Catamount Institute does to introduce school age children to the outdoors, and how the can also prepare them for outdoor-related careers. They discuss how the institute works with schools, social organizations and home schooled children and parents, from kindergarten through to high school, and why donations through the Give campaign are so important. Give campaign: https://givepikespeak.org/ Catamount Institute: https://www.catamountinstitute.org/ Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

384 Give Pikes Peak Participant Friends of Monument Valley Park

384 Give Pikes Peak Participant Friends of Monument Valley Park

It's time for the annual Give Pikes Peak campaign, and on this week's episode, Bob talks with Teri Peisner from the Friends of Monument Valley Park They discuss the work the group has done over the years to protect and restore the many old stone structures in Monument Valley Park, many of which go back to Colorado Springs' founder, General Palmer. They also discuss what projects are still ahead, and how support from Give donors will help them match grants and extend their resources. Give campaign: https://givepikespeak.org/ Friends of Monument Valley Park: https://www.fmvp.net/ Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.wordpress.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob