Evelynn Escobar’s Grand Vision for Hike Clerb

Through Hike Clerb, Escobar is rewriting that narrative. For her, the outdoors isn’t just about adventure—it’s about healing, community, and reclaiming space. Now, as a business owner and new mom, she continues to center this mission in her work. Staying true to Hike Clerb’s mission of inclusivity and empowerment in the outdoors, Hike Clerb partnered with The North Face to release a capsule collection of footwear and apparel last year.

[Ed Note: Discover more BIPOC focused outdoor organizations to support and get involved with here.]

To learn more about her vision for Hike Clerb we recently spoke with Escobar about how a small hike evolved into a movement, what it will take to make the outdoors truly inclusive, and how Hike Clerb has mobilized its community to respond to the recent fires in Los Angeles. An edited version of our conversation is below.

You are now eight years into Hike Clerb, at what point in your journey did you decide that this wasn’t simply about your mental health, a hobby, or a social activity, but a part of your life’s work?

When I moved to LA, I was working in social media management. I was working for fashion and beauty brands, but I was feeling unfulfilled. I knew I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to be doing. I knew that I was supposed to be working with people and being part of the community in some way. I didn’t necessarily know exactly what that looked like yet, but I just knew that this was not the right fit.

Back in 2019, we hit the two-year mark. I had just quit my full-time job working in social media management and gone freelance. I took the leap and was like, “I’ll figure it out.”

That same year, we hosted a hike in partnership with Hoka. One hundred people came to that hike, and we took over the Temescal Ridge Trail in LA. During the hike, we were met with microaggressions from the white people on the trail, but I really only remember the moment when we paused to do the simple Hike Clerb chant—one, two, three, Hike Clerb. It hit my soul. I really appreciated the solidarity and the way we were able to take up space on the trail. I will remember that feeling forever.

I never set out to be this movement leader, this community leader in this way, but now this is where I’m at, and this is the way that I’m showing up. I feel like that hike kind of marked my understanding that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Source: https://www.fieldmag.com/articles/hike-clerb-evelynn-escobar-interview-vision