Old Guy Hiking Reviews – Trail Talk cover art

Old Guy Hiking Reviews – Trail Talk

Old Guy Hiking Reviews – Trail Talk

By: Rocky Funk
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About this listen

Old Guy Hiking Reviews – Trail Talk is a down-to-earth hiking podcast focused on real trails, real people, and realistic expectations. Host Rocky shares his experiences hiking the American Southwest — with an emphasis on senior-friendly trail advice, mobility considerations, and practical gear tips. Each episode blends on-trail storytelling, commentary recorded in the studio, and condensed versions of Rocky’s popular YouTube reviews. Perfect for hikers aged 50+, new adventurers, and anyone who wants to enjoy outdoor recreation safely and confidently.

Episodes
  • Babylon Arch Trail: A Walk Through Stone and Time
    Dec 23 2025

    Step onto the Babylon Arch Trail, where every footfall moves through layers of time carved into desert stone.

    In this episode, we walk a quiet Arizona trail shaped by wind, water, and centuries of patient erosion. Babylon Arch rises from the landscape not as a monument built by hands—but as a reminder that the desert is always at work, always telling stories to those who slow down enough to listen.

    Along the way, we explore the trail’s terrain, scenery, and subtle challenges, while reflecting on the deeper sense of age and stillness that defines this place. This is a hike for thoughtful explorers—those who value pace over distance and awareness over speed.

    🎒 Trail notes, safety considerations, and senior-hiker awareness are woven naturally into the journey, making this episode both inspiring and practical.

    Whether you’ve hiked Babylon Arch before or are discovering it for the first time, this walk invites you to experience the desert not as a backdrop—but as a storyteller.

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    7 mins
  • Shaka Cave Trail – History, Legend, and a Quiet Hike into Arizona’s Superstition Wilderness
    Dec 16 2025

    Shaka Cave Trail – History, Legend, and a Quiet Hike into Arizona’s Superstition Wilderness

    Step into the rugged beauty of Arizona’s Superstition Wilderness as we hike the Shaka Cave Trail, a lesser-known route that blends Sonoran Desert scenery with deep historical roots.

    This episode explores the trail as it unfolds—rocky climbs, volcanic cliffs, and sweeping desert views—while reflecting on the people who traveled these canyons long before modern hikers arrived. From Indigenous use of natural shelters to the legends and hardships of 19th-century prospectors, Shaka Cave offers a quiet place to pause and consider the many layers of history etched into the landscape.

    Designed with a relaxed pace and thoughtful narration, this hike emphasizes awareness, preparation, and respect for the desert—especially important in the rugged terrain of the Superstitions.

    Whether you’re planning this hike yourself or simply enjoy armchair hiking from home, this episode offers a calm, immersive look at one of Arizona’s more contemplative desert trails.

    🥾 Trail Notes: • Rocky and uneven terrain • Moderate elevation gain • Trekking poles recommended • Best hiked in cooler months

    🎧 Subscribe for more trail-by-trail hiking stories, historical perspective, and senior-friendly outdoor insights from the desert Southwest.

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    5 mins
  • Massacre Grounds Trail – Senior-Friendly Deep Dive
    Dec 15 2025

    Join me on today’s trail adventure as we take on a moderately challenging 5-mile hike in the Superstition Wilderness. This route has its fair share of steep climbs, loose rock, and dusty sections—making trekking poles a smart addition to your gear pack. But the effort pays off with sweeping valley panoramas, classic Sonoran Desert views, and a level of solitude that’s getting harder to find on Arizona trails.

    In this episode, I break down the terrain, offer senior-friendly safety tips, and share on-trail impressions recorded in real time. You’ll hear about the rewards, the challenges, and why turning around every so often might just give you the best views of the day.

    If you’re looking for a trail that’s quiet, rugged, and filled with big desert scenery, this one might be perfect for your next outing.

    Tune in, lace up, and walk the trail with me.

    Follow the show for more trail reviews, and check out the video version on YouTube at Old Guy Hiking Reviews.

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    6 mins
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