Jonathon Flores
Pronouns: he/him/his
Jonathon Flores | Founder of Outdoor Adventures+
Jonathon is a an outdoor guide and educator, and loves connecting people to nature with every adventure. There's only two things that bring him comfort - his family (his home) and nature (his therapist).
He believes that the natural world offers invaluable opportunities for learning, personal growth, and community-building. Through experiential education and hands-on activities, he strives to empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds to develop a deeper connection with the outdoors while instilling a sense of responsibility for environmental sustainability.
Jonathon's mission is to inspire others to explore, respect, and protect the natural world. By providing engaging and educational outdoor experiences, he aims to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for nature and empower individuals to become stewards of the environment.
The goal he's had from the beginning of creating Outdoor Adventures+ was to connect people to nature with every adventure, but with an emphasis on the BIPoC outdoor community. By centering BIPoC experiences, perspectives, and leadership, we aim to create a more equitable and representative outdoor culture that celebrates the contributions and voices of all people. Together, we can build a more just, equitable, and inclusive outdoor community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection to the natural world.
Collaborations with:
Just Trek
LA Trailkillers
Highlander USA
Merrell
Everyday Humans
AllTrails+
Podcast guest:
Just Trek Podcast
DEIB Outdoors
Hikes and Mics Podcast
Ambassador for:
AllTrails+
Athletic Brewing Co
Tanri Outdoors
Bigger Than The Trails
About Outdoor Adventures+
Outdoor Adventures+ is a BIPOC-led outdoors group, curating outdoor educational workshops: from land acknowledgements, introductory outdoor classes (hiking/backpacking/trail running), kids day camps (birding/junior ranger programs/nature walks/plant identification/etc.), as well as leave no trace principles (making sure that you recreate responsibly while exploring the great outdoors. We also bringing individuals together with curating outdoor experiences from day hikes, backpacking trips, trail runs and weekend long camping trips, visiting some of the most beautiful landscapes that the great outdoors has to offer. We strive to connect people to nature with every adventure. Cultivating the next generation to be stewards of our land.
Our Outdoor Coordinators are all working towards furthering their education, as well as becoming certified (or have been certified) in different areas to be able to provide the resources that would be needed while exploring the outdoors. Such as...
Jonathon Flores (Founder/Chief Trek Officer) - Wilderness First Aid, Canine Wilderness First Aid, *Leave No Trace Instructor, & Certified California Naturalist
Rudy Carrillo (Lead Outdoor Coordinator) - Wilderness First Aid
Grant Bartolo (Lead Outdoor Coordinator) - Wilderness First Aid
Patty Rodriguez (Lead Outdoor Coordinator) - Wilderness First Aid
*certifications are a work in progress.
We also host live online discussions throughout the year, focusing on the stories of individuals who are making strides at changing the narrative both in their communities and the outdoors (with the main focus on BIPoC community), along with educational series to teach people about the land we live on, and the importance of being stewards of it. We also host discussions about raising awareness on mental health and obtaining a better mental wellbeing through nature.
“Your dreams and aspirations are only as big as the box you keep them in, so store them outside the box and let them grow.”
What's the longest journey or expedition you've ever undertaken?
25 miles on the Lost Coast Trail back in November 2021. This area is rugged and undeveloped, from trekking on black sand beaches to bowling size boulders to cliffsides, dodging high tide zones, the moody weather, and wildlife in the middle of the night looking for food. It is beautiful and I'd love to go back and do it again during the spring or summer months, for a longer period of time.
What motivates you to keep exploring and seeking new adventures?
I feel that I'm always learning something new. Each region has its own biodiversity, not one is the same. From the Redwood trees on the North Coast; to the Joshua trees Inland Desert; the crystal blue beaches of the Central Coast; the granite peaks in the Sierra Nevada’s. Each has its own flora and fauna, weather, etc. There is always something new to learn and experience. California has a land area of 155,812.8 square miles and a water area of 7,837.9 square miles. You'll never run out of things to do. There's backpacking to be had, hikes to trek, rivers to white water raft, waves to surf, fauna to experience and flora to admire. What's not to explore?
Do you have a bucket list of adventures? If so, what's at the top?
My bucket list tends to grow as the days, months and years go by. But yes, I do have an ever growing list. Here are a few of those adventures I'd like to embark on:
1. The Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier NP in Washington
2. The Lost Coast Trail in the Sinkyone Wilderness in California (I've done this one once, would love to go back and spend a few more days there)
3. The Uinta Highline Trail in the Uinta Mountains in Utah
4. The Lake Tahoe Rim Trail in the Desolation Wilderness in California
5. Rim to Rim in Grand Canyon NP in Arizona
6. The Kumano Kodo Trail in Japan
7. The Wilderness Coast Trail in Olympic NP in Washington
What sparked your love for adventure?
Some friends had invited me to join them on a trip to Zion National Park to go hiking over a weekend. Upon arrival we headed to our first destination, Angel's Landing. Angel's Landing is known as one of the most dangerous hikes in the US because of certain sections on the trail. Need I remind you, I've never done anything this difficult leading up to this day. So off we went, from paved trail to sandstone rock. Waiting for people to ascend and descend, grabbing onto chains to pull yourself up, and letting go of chains to walk across a 2 ft wide piece of trail with drop off's on either side. You literally work for the view, but oh, the view just stops time and takes your breath away. From that moment on, I could never not experience nature the same way and I've been able to bring friends and family along for the adventure.
“There is no unity without community and there is no community without them.”
What role does nature play in your life?
Nature has reignited the kid in me. The kid who loved laying in the grass while cloud spotting, climbing trees so that you can get a better view of your surroundings, releasing your pretend boats (a twig off of a tree) down the stream to see which one makes it to the finish line first, listening to songs of birds while the wind chimes in as it passes through the leaves of a tree. In the moment, I'm allowed to not be an adult, but to be a kid. So whenever you get the chance just let it happen and see where he/she takes you.
What aspect of your adventure experience brings you the most pride?
It would have to be creating Outdoor Adventures+. It was an outdoor group that was started by a few friends, as church ministry. But then it slowly evolved into something else once the other three founders left the group in my hands and said, "Do with it what you will." I did just that. I moved it from the confinement of four walls and opened it up to the community. I didn't know what I was doing, but I gradually learned from observing other groups, asking questions, etc. Here we are now, a few years later having collaborated with key groups/brands such as: Just Trek, Sweatsoguud, LA Trailkillers, AllTrails+, Merrell, Athletic Brewing Co, and Everyday Humans. It has also opened up doors to be featured on some prominent outdoor podcasts, such as: the Just Trek Podcast, DEIB Outdoors, and the Hikes and Mic's Podcast. As well as giving me the opportunity to be an ambassador for a few brands: AllTrails+, Athletic Brewing Co, Tanri Outdoors, and Bigger Than The Trails.
I continue to search for ways that will elevate myself, the group and the community, through continued education such as obtaining my Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, Canine Wilderness First Aid, CPR/AED, Leave No Trace Awareness (still looking at becoming an instructor) and becoming a California Naturalist. Your dreams and aspirations are only as big as the box you keep them in, so store them outside the box and let them grow.
What role does solo adventuring play in your life?
I would have to say that solo adventuring should be at the top of everyone's list. Solo adventures are there to help us with our mental health. It allows you to reconnect with yourself while listening to the song that nature has composed for you in that moment. A better mental well-being is not only good for those around you, but more so for yourself.
How do you navigate setbacks or challenges during your adventures?
Sometimes you just have to take a step back, breathe, refocus, and push on.
How do you incorporate mindfulness or reflection into your adventures?
At the start of any adventure, I use the 54321 method, which is an exercise designed to manage acute stress and reduce anxiety. But I use this method as an opportunity for people to connect with nature. Use all of your five senses...
• Look around and notice five things you can see.
• Then place yourself fully inside your body and notice four things you can feel. Maybe it's touching a blade of grass, a leaf, the rough bark of a tree.
• Focus on three things you can hear.
• Then two things you can smell.
• One thing you can taste.
Use this method as a way of grounding yourself and immerse yourself in the experience.
Can you share a moment from an adventure that pushed your limits?
It was December 2020 and I decided to conquer the hardest day hike in Los Angeles, Iron Mountain via Heaton Flats Trail. Some might say, "it's only 8,020 ft of elevation what can be so hard about it?" Well ask any other person who has climbed this peak, and they will tell you one of two things, "I hate this mountain. I'll never do it again. It's a one and done type of hike." or "It's my favorite hike." Well let's just say I've done it not only once, but three times, with the third as a failed attempt because I rolled my ankle two miles in. The first time was the worst though, we started in the early morning hours, heard two mountain lions communicating with one another as to see what was for breakfast that morning, you gain 3,000 ft of elevation in the first 2 miles and if that's not enough you're exposed to the sun the whole time, you lose elevation to only gain it again, 4,500 ft in 2.5 miles at a fluctuating grade of 61% to 52%. Then you have to repeat everything again, this time going down. I ran out of water 4 miles from the trailhead, it was hot, my body was shutting down, there was no one else in sight. At one point I sat down one mile from the trailhead and wasn't sure if I'd make it back to my car, I closed my eyes and then I heard someone yelling, "hey do you have any water?" I guess I wasn't the only one. So me and this stranger and his dog walked back down together, tired, filthy and thirsty we made it back. It was as if we needed one another to push towards the finish. It took me 16 hrs to complete. I went back again in 2021 and did it in 12 hrs. Note to self, always carry the ten essentials, extra water, electrolytes, high calorie snacks/food. Who care if it weighs you down, you'll be grateful that you did.
What role does community play in your adventurous pursuits?
Community is a big factor, especially for outdoor guides/leads. Without the community, you have no one to lead but yourself. I've made so many friends, family even through the outdoor community. One of my main focuses on any adventure with a group is to be intentional with every conversation and interaction that is had with said individuals. You truly get into some deep conversations while in the backcountry, as there's nowhere to run off to and hide, no cell service to be browsing social media. It's just you, the people you're with, and nature. All you can do is get to know one another for who you/they are. There is no unity without community and there is no community without them.
Have you ever experienced a sense of awe or wonder during an adventure? If so, can you describe it?
In 2021, I wanted to visit Redwoods National and State Parks. I had never been and I figured while the world is still somewhat shut down and people aren't getting out much, why not go. So we made the 11-hour trip to the North Coast to see the world's tallest trees. The morning after we arrived, I wanted to go on a hike with my wife and daughter in Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park to see the area where they filmed E.T. It did not disappoint, to walk amongst giants made my 6'3" stature look like an ant and everytime I return, it still has me in awe.
How do you handle fear or uncertainty during your adventures?
Fear is false evidence appearing real. Everything around me I can see, hear, and touch. It's when I get into my head that it becomes a problem, but I work through it, whether I'm alone or not. You take a step at a time, reassess and keep pushing forward. That's what the outdoors are there for, for that one-on-one session. You work through it and not around it. It's better to face fear in the eyes and remind it who's the boss.
Do you have any rituals or traditions before or after your adventures?
After any outdoor adventure, everyone who has joined me knows there are two essential things we must have after: tacos and coffee. It's a must, one to replace all the calories that were lost and the other to fuel your brain for the trip home.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start embracing adventure in their life?
If you're looking to be adventurous, start by trying new things; whether it's food, activities, or hobbies. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and embrace uncertainty. Seek out experiences that challenge you mentally, physically, or emotionally. And most importantly, be open to spontaneity and embrace the unknown!
