Erick Andrade
Bio: : Born and raised in Southern California, I had a knack for getting “lost” at every family or church event that was located at a mountainside! During my time in Dallas, TX, I missed the mountains and the outdoors very much. I had a hard time adapting to the flat landscape and humidity. Once I arrived in Vegas, I was eager to get back into hiking. That's when I found the 52 Peak Club and discovered a different type of hiking that I didn't know existed, but I love!
Age: 43
Why did you joined: : Once I arrived in Vegas, I started hiking. But trail hiking wasn't giving me the satisfaction I was looking for. I also felt like I was missing the best of hikes. Searching, I found the 52 Peak Club. I will admit that I had more doubt about whether I could do this or not AFTER my first hike. Ultimately, the desire to get back out there after missing the mountains (and nature) for so long won out. And right off the bat you meet amazing people that will be on this journey with you - you for them and them for you! Just a great community!
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: Dec. 10, 2022
Toughest Peak: Rainbow Peak.
Favorite Hike: "Favorite?" questions are always hard to answer for me. Oak Creek Peak is really fun. Magic Mountain is short and fun. Mescalito direct is great. I really enjoy scrambling and bouldering, so I like most of the Red Rock hikes.
How did you feel once you became a 53er: Thankful! There is an aspect to being a part of the 52 Peak Club and collecting cards that is very individual, independent. Everyone is at different points, needing certain cards. No one's journey is the same as someone else's. Aside from that, I believe the journey is actually more community-centered than anything else. From the leaders that post the hikes to the fellow hikers who will assist, support, encourage, and be there for you. Yes, there are people that can reach the 52 peaks by themselves, but I am not one of them. So I am thankful to have completed the peaks with the support, advice, guidance, and encouragement of fellow hikers.
Advice for new hikers: Don't be too proud to listen to the advice of leaders and seasoned hikers! They know what they're talking about. Get a good pair of approach shoes for the Red Rock hikes and hiking boots (or shoes) for Charleston. Start with the lower cards and shorter hikes. Gain knowledge, skills, and strength in your abilities and NEVER stop. You'll get to the end and hopefully enjoy every step and peak of the journey! If nothing else, you'll get some great views and meet awesome people!
.
Age: 43
Why did you joined: : Once I arrived in Vegas, I started hiking. But trail hiking wasn't giving me the satisfaction I was looking for. I also felt like I was missing the best of hikes. Searching, I found the 52 Peak Club. I will admit that I had more doubt about whether I could do this or not AFTER my first hike. Ultimately, the desire to get back out there after missing the mountains (and nature) for so long won out. And right off the bat you meet amazing people that will be on this journey with you - you for them and them for you! Just a great community!
Date Completed all 52 Peaks: Dec. 10, 2022
Toughest Peak: Rainbow Peak.
Favorite Hike: "Favorite?" questions are always hard to answer for me. Oak Creek Peak is really fun. Magic Mountain is short and fun. Mescalito direct is great. I really enjoy scrambling and bouldering, so I like most of the Red Rock hikes.
How did you feel once you became a 53er: Thankful! There is an aspect to being a part of the 52 Peak Club and collecting cards that is very individual, independent. Everyone is at different points, needing certain cards. No one's journey is the same as someone else's. Aside from that, I believe the journey is actually more community-centered than anything else. From the leaders that post the hikes to the fellow hikers who will assist, support, encourage, and be there for you. Yes, there are people that can reach the 52 peaks by themselves, but I am not one of them. So I am thankful to have completed the peaks with the support, advice, guidance, and encouragement of fellow hikers.
Advice for new hikers: Don't be too proud to listen to the advice of leaders and seasoned hikers! They know what they're talking about. Get a good pair of approach shoes for the Red Rock hikes and hiking boots (or shoes) for Charleston. Start with the lower cards and shorter hikes. Gain knowledge, skills, and strength in your abilities and NEVER stop. You'll get to the end and hopefully enjoy every step and peak of the journey! If nothing else, you'll get some great views and meet awesome people!
.