Adventurer | Traveler | Hiker
I have followed Anthony’s Instagram page for quite awhile now. He posts great content and really makes the most out of every day. I asked if he would like to be interviewed and he came back quickly with a big ‘YES’. I was so pumped to get his content out to everyone and his perspective on conservation. Anthony, take it away!
Quick Biography
Hello, fellow adventurers. My name is Anthony Hilario residing in the Central Valley of California, only a few hours away from awesome National Parks and the Eastern Sierras. I love traveling, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, skiing, and other things. I’m a visual story teller and love sharing pictures of the places I visit to inspire others to unplug and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.
What do you do for a living, how did you end up in that field?
I work in the healthcare industry that promotes preventative measures to tackle major health diseases (Diabetes, hypertension, and etc.) in the U.S. I have a background in Exercise Science and love to promote health and wellness to everyone.
When did you first start enjoying the outdoors?
My love for the outdoors started way back as kid, growing up in the Philippines. I move to the U.S. when I was 12 but did not get to do as much outdoorsy stuff where I lived. I found my love for the outdoors again during my college years and gained new adventures (backpacking and rock climbing).
What is your favorite place to explore?
Living only 4 hours away and definitely one of the best places to explore, I would say Yosemite. Although, Alaska is also an awesome place to explore—you’ll feel like you’re in a different country.
How many of the 50 United States have you visited? Favorite?
I’ve been to 12 of the Sates and I would say Alaska by far surprised me the most of its beauty. Adventuring most of my life and I don’t have to go away to some far-flung country. I can spend years exploring different experiences each time and the experiences I’ve had are definitely ones for the book.
How many countries, where?
I’ve only been to the Philippines, but have a trip booked to Greece for some Rock climbing in the island of Kos. We are also stopping in England. Since turning 30 and financially stable, I’ve decided that it is time to adventure outside the U.S. to immerse myself to other cultures.
Best hike you have ever had?
Mt. Whitney, hands down. It was such a great feeling knowing that I’ve accomplish something that not many have done. Hiking the tallest mountain in the lower 48th is definitely something I will never forget. Although, I will have to give a shoutout to Kenai Fjords National Park- Harding Icefield Trail. This was just a beautiful hike.
Essential items for summer hikes/winter hikes in your opinion.
Good trail shoes. Having comfortable shoes can make a world of a difference. Check out Salomon Speedcross.
Most comical hike/adventure story?
Backpacking trip in Denali National Park. My friends and I had our own bag to place our wipes after defecating and I had placed mine in the side pocket of my Backpack. It was our first day of the trek and while crossing the river, for some odd reason my plastic bag fell out of my bag pocket and I started to yell, “My poop bag is gone” and my friend laughed and said, “I’m not sharing.”
Scariest hike/adventure story?
Denali National Park. Riding the camper bus to our site area was pretty nerve wracking. We saw plenty of Black bears and a few Brown bears on the side of the road and the side of the mountains. As I was about to wake up from our first night of the hike, I felt my tent move and bent towards me. I kept pushing the tent back to it’s place but something kept pushing it back. My heart rate started to elevate and I woke up my friends. I told them, I think there is a bear outside of our tent, so we tried to be ready to either fight back or run. I opened the tent quickly, and to my surprised it was just the wind…a very strong wind at that. Phew, another good laugh , but definitely a frightening moment.
Upcoming trips planned?
I’ve put in my name in the lottery to hike around California. Planning on hiking Half-Dome in Yosemite and as well as Mt. Whitney. But the one I am most excited about is Greece in mid-October. I also go to Colorado every year on a road trip with my best friend, Lilly, my rescued Mixed German Shepherd to spend time rock climbing and hiking with my best friends who lived there.
Favorite outdoors gear/lifestyle companies? Any local?
I love my Salomon Speedcross 4 as my choice for great trail shoes (great for trail running and hiking). I always carry a pocket knife and a light/breathable long sleeve…I don’t like wearing sunscreens.
What does conservation mean to you?
Conservation to me means protecting the Earth, Wildlife, and Our Health. In order to preserve the earth for future generations, we need to reduce the harm of human activities and supporting the natural world as much as we can. Wildlife is important for biodiversity and the animals we love don’t become distant memories. For protecting our health…simply put, we cannot be healthy in an unhealthy environment.
What can we do to make sure our parks and wild lands stay clean and pure forever?
Always be an example to people of trail etiquette. Don’t be afraid to call out those who do not pay respect to such rules. If you see trash, pick it up, regardless if it is yours or not. We are lucky to have such beautiful places to explore around us, the one thing we can do is preserve its beauty and rawness to the next generations.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to answer these questions and share your perspective on the outdoors with us. I hope to meet up some day soon for an adventure!
Happy Trails!
Morggenfrisk 