The United States has a long interest in trails, from exploration across the continent to recreation, as well as a history of usurping large swaths of indigenous land for recreational activities. In the late 1800s, social clubs became important, including the Appalachian Mountain Club, which was the first club to build trails and to admit women— a startling social reform of the day! Today we hike to maintain trails, advocate for public lands, enjoy social connection, and absorb the quiet… much like the Obsidians.

Join us as Obsidian member, poet, and wordsmith Brenda Kame’enui talks about trails of exploration, sorrow, and pleasure— from the Missouri to the Metolius and Tuolumne Meadows to Twin Peaks. She will touch on Native American trails, the National Parks, the Oregon Trail, and some of her favorite trails in this heartfelt photo essay.