EPISODE 9: Why I Climb – Brandi Rubin on Resilience, Recovery, and Returning to the Trail
Since 2018, Brandi Rubin has been a familiar and inspiring presence in the Six-Pack of Peaks community. What began as a leap outside her comfort zone—facing big mountains, exposure, and a fear of heights—has grown into a deeply personal practice rooted in curiosity, resilience, and self-trust.
In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, Jeff sits down with Brandi to explore her journey through hiking, challenge-stacking, injury, and recovery—and the deeper why that keeps her coming back to the trail.
🌄 From First Peaks to Lasting Confidence
Brandi officially joined the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge in 2018 while leading an all-female hiking group. At the time, she’d never tackled major peaks like Mt. Wilson or Cucamonga—and wasn’t sure she could. What she discovered instead was a powerful shift in confidence.
“Back then, it was about figuring out how strong my mind was. I knew my body could do it—but I had to prove it to myself.”
That first summit unlocked something lasting: a desire to see more, go higher, and experience landscapes firsthand—not through photos, but by standing there herself.
🗺️ A Big Year: Four Challenges, One Season
In 2025, Brandi set out to complete five regional Six-Pack challenges in a single calendar year. She completed four:
- Northern California
- Central Coast
- San Francisco Bay Area
- San Diego
Traveling with her trailer, rotating between solo hikes and trips with friends, Brandi carefully planned logistics, recovery days, and which peaks she’d rather not face alone due to exposure and terrain.
The standout? Northern California and the Mt. Shasta region, which left a lasting impression with its remoteness, pristine trails, and quiet beauty.
🦶 When Life Interrupts the Plan
Just as Brandi was preparing to finish her final challenge, a household accident changed everything. A fall from a step stool resulted in a ruptured Achilles tendon—followed by surgery and months off the trail.
Rather than spiraling into frustration, Brandi leaned into rest, patience, and gratitude for her community. One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when she shares how friends even offered to push and pull her up a mountain using an all-terrain wheelchair—simply so she could be outside again.
“The mountains aren’t going anywhere. Take the time to heal properly. Everything will still be there when you’re ready.”
🔁 Redefining “Why I Climb”
As she prepares for a return to hiking—and eyes the Utah Six-Pack of Peaks later this year—Brandi reflects on how her motivation has shifted.
When asked to finish the sentence “I climb because…”, her answer is simple and profound:
“I climb because I want to see this beautiful, amazing world for myself—not through pictures.”
She also shares one of the most resonant insights of the episode:
“The mountains taught me that I’m strong alone.”
💬 Advice for the Community
Brandi offers encouragement for hikers at every stage:
- You don’t need to be an athlete—just curious and willing
- Train enough to be safe, but don’t over-research the magic away
- Walk one foot in front of the other
- Be patient with injuries—nothing is being taken from you
⚡ Lightning Round Highlights
- Favorite peak: Mount Tamalpais
- Most surprising region: Northern California
- Always in her pack: A very big knife
- Sunrise or sunset: Sunset
- Solo or group hikes: Solo
🎧 Final Takeaway
Brandi’s story is a reminder that hiking isn’t about speed, stats, or perfection—it’s about wonder, courage, and showing up for yourself, even when plans change.
If you’ve ever questioned your own “why,” this episode will help you find it again.
Responses