Q: You've been sharing your nature experiences and tips with fellow explorers for a number of years now. How did you adapt your passion for the outdoors to inspire a younger audience? Q: You’re deeply passionate about the natural world and serve as an ambassador for Leave No Trace. How does your book aim to foster a meaningful connection between children and the outdoors? Q: You describe yourself as an inner peace tinkerer with a passion for taking care of both mind & body. What are your three hacks for a healthy and happy life? And as someone who is always on the move how do you blend travel and wellness? Q: Drawing from your own experiences, what advice would you offer to the hospitality industry as they seek to engage younger travelers with the landscapes that surround them? Q: In 2012 you sold everything and backpacked 2650 miles from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. Did you read during your travels? How do books contribute to and change your experience of a destination? Q: Are there three books that have inspired your own adventures and mindset? Trail Life The Four Agreements The War of Art Why do book collections matter? Book a consultation with a ~personal curator Contact Quick Links Follow us @ultimatelibrary Join our community
Connecting Kids to Nature: Award-Winning Author Iron Tazz on Hiking, Wellness, and Sustainable Travel
14 May 2025
When the world locked down, many of us found solace in nature—watching birds perch on balconies, savoring walks in local parks, or growing vegetables in gardens. Turning away from screens and tuning into the natural world has been scientifically proven to lower stress, elevate mood, and enhance overall well-being. This newfound appreciation led to a surge in nature-centric travel, an increased concerrn for environmental sustainability and three in four British people lacing up their walking shoes.~
We had the pleasure of speaking with
Iron Tazz
—author, hiker, artist, and Leave No Trace ambassador—whose recent book
Hike It
was awarded the Stanford Children’s Travel Book of the Year. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Iron Tazz draws daily inspiration from the wilderness. In our conversation, he shares insights into the journey of writing a book that encourages young readers to connect with nature, his top wellness tips, and the books that have shaped his own outdoor adventures.
I’ve always aimed to keep things simple, inspiring, and genuinely helpful—something that speaks to all ages. Hike It is technically a children’s book (ages 7+), but honestly, it’s just as valuable for adults. It’s packed with the practical tips I wish I’d known when I first started hiking. To me, the best way to teach is by breaking things down so even a kid can understand them. That mindset naturally shaped the book, so I didn’t have to adjust my writing style much at all.
I feel truly grateful to work with Leave No Trace and help inspire the next generation. The most powerful way to build a connection with nature is simply by spending time outside. I’ve never met a passionate hiker or backpacker who didn’t feel that deep bond in some way. It’s easy to forget just how impactful that first spark can be. Throughout Hike It, I tried to channel my own love for the outdoors in a way that encourages readers—especially younger ones—to take that first step.
Absolutely—this stuff is essential for me. If I don’t stay on top of it, I feel it fast. I’ve experimented a lot over the years, and while I haven’t found many shortcuts that truly move the needle, a few core practices have really stuck:
~
Hiking:
Nothing lifts my mood, energy, and mindset like time in nature. I think of it as a multivitamin—movement, fresh air, disconnection from tech, and mental clarity all in one.
~
Eating mostly whole foods:
This has a huge impact on everything—energy, mood, focus, even body composition.
~
Prioritizing quality sleep:
I used to be proud of surviving on four hours a night. Now, I see rest as non-negotiable. I track my sleep, heart rate, and HRV with a ring, and it’s been a game changer. I’ve improved those markers five years in a row.
~I also keep up with yoga, meditation, resistance training—and I gave up alcohol 14 months ago, which has had a positive ripple effect in nearly every area of my life.
~Travel definitely throws curveballs. I was just in Tibet and did my best to stick to the basics: stay active, sleep when I could, and avoid ultra-processed food. That’s usually my move—just hit the big three as best I can.~
Make it easy and inviting. Offer a range of outdoor activities. I may be biased, but accessible hikes are a great way to connect with nature—consider creating hiking guides that feature beautiful photography of nearby landscapes, and maybe even include some hiking snacks. What really stands out to me, though, is when I stay somewhere and meet someone with local knowledge who can share personal insights and tips about nearby trails!
Funny enough, a lot of hikers start the Pacific Crest Trail with books in their packs—but they usually end up in hiker boxes at resupply points. When you’re hiking 20+ miles a day, by the time you set up camp, you’re often too exhausted to read. When I hiked the PCT, I made a personal vow to disconnect completely—no social media, no media at all. I went rogue and just listened to nature. That said, before the hike, I pored over every book I could find about the trail. Back then, the internet wasn’t what it is now, so books were essential for figuring out how to prepare. I actually just had a Facebook memory pop up from 2011—a photo of my backpack with all my PCT books propped up on it. These days, I’m obsessed with the Olympic Mountains—that’s where I do most of my hiking. I’ve collected nearly every historical book written about the early explorers of that region. I love digging into that kind of stuff.
BY Ray Jardine
A thru-hiking classic and one of the first books that got me thinking differently about backpacking. Author Ray Jardine draws on his experience hiking over 2,500 miles along well-known trails to create an invaluable guide for those seeking solitude in the outdoors.
BY Don Miguel Ruiz
A simple but powerful guide to living with more intention and integrity. Drawing on Toltec wisdom, this New York Times bestseller reveals how self-limiting beliefs create needless suffering—and offers a transformative code of conduct for lasting change.
BY Steven Pressfield
An essential mindset shift for anyone pursuing creative or meaningful work. This book helps readers recognize the inner enemy we all face, break through dream-blocking barriers, and craft a clear plan of attack.
Thank you to Iron Tazz for discussing his adventures and book with us. For more on Iron Tazz's book and hikes, visit his
website.
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