Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Griffith.
Hi Chris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into the outdoors goes back to my childhood. I was born in Bakersfield, California, and my parents had a cabin in the Sequoia National Forest, about 1 ½ hours away. So many weekends and summers were spent there, hiking through the forests, fishing small mountain streams, riding motorcycles up logging roads, and more. The time at the cabin really did lay the foundation of my passion for outdoor adventures.
After graduating in 1991 from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Physics, I moved to San Diego, where my then-girlfriend and now-wife, Anita, was born. Although we did live briefly in Los Angeles and Atlanta, San Diego has been my home since then.
The intersection of technology and education fascinated me. I can still recall a Macintosh SE/30 driving a laser disc for an interactive program on the Vietnam War. This led me into the emerging field of multimedia, where I worked on a variety of CD-ROM titles, including my own that explored the history, science, and consequences of the Atomic Age. That award-winning project has since been transformed into atomicarchive.com and continues to be a project I work on. I eventually found myself working in User Experience, both as a prototype engineer and user experience designer for several companies in San Diego.
Throughout, my passion for the outdoors remained strong. While I was a competitive cyclist at UCSB, I eventually found myself in a sea kayak. For almost a decade, I paddled the coastline and bays of San Diego, eventually earning my British Canoe Union 3-Star paddler award. I loved my time on the water. I often equate it with hiking on the water for enjoying the coastal view, the wildlife, and the ocean’s peacefulness. However, paddling the same water over and over was starting to get boring, so I turned back to hiking. Living in Tierrasanta meant I had Mission Trails almost in my backyard, and I began hiking the miles and miles of trails that wander through it.
In 2017, I learned my friend Derek Loranger had created a 100 Peak Challenge for San Diego. He originally defined it as hiking a list of 100 peaks across the county in a calendar year. Since it was already April, I set a goal to do it within 12 months. I was progressing well, but developed plantar fasciitis, which meant that that goal wasn’t going to happen. Once I was able to hike again, I restarted the challenge in 2019. This time, I was able to conquer all 100 peaks, becoming the third finisher. This challenge ignited a passion for hiking that continues to burn to this day. Since then, I have finished the more difficult San Diego Sierra Club Peaks List in 2021, and numerous Six-Pack of Peaks Challenges in both California and Arizona. Currently, I am nearing completion of the 100 Peak Challenge and the San Diego Sierra Club Peaks List for a second time.
Beyond earning stickers, patches, or pins for completing various hiking challenges and being the third finisher of the 100 Peak Challenge, my good friend, Susie Kara Slater, and I have co-authored Urban Trails: San Diego. This is a collection of 52 hikes across San Diego, coming from Mountaineers Books in March. This book, encompassing almost two years of effort, has been one of passion for both of us. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we each turned to our local trails to find our connection to the outdoors and keep our health and sanity during those times.
2026 looks to be an exciting year for me, the new book, and all that comes with that. My plan is to continue to hike and summit the peaks around Southern California and beyond.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. I mentioned developing plantar fasciitis earlier; well, I developed it twice more, eventually to the point where I had to have surgery to address it. Thankfully, the surgery has worked, and I am no longer dealing with that issue, but that turned out to be the least of the challenges I had to face. Two discs in my neck herniated, and I had to undergo cervical fusion. That was another reason I stopped my ocean kayaking as it was too much risk for severe injury, dealing with launching and landing in the surf. That surgery has provided relief and the fusion has minimal impact on my life. However, both issues do serve as a reminder to be mindful of one’s health and to not put off things, as you never know what tomorrow will bring.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While I spent almost 30 years working in the field of user experience, I am now embarking on a new career in the outdoor industry. To prepare for this transformation, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Outdoor Recreation Economy from the University of Colorado, Boulder. I am in my second semester, and loving every minute of it. While I know Boulder is a lovely city, the program is remote, so I can still enjoy living in San Diego! While I am not sure where this new journey will take me, it is certainly closer to my passion and my north star.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Find your north star and work toward following it. Having that as a guide can really help you navigate through life. Remember, you are never too old to try something bold!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sdpeakbagger.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdpeakbagger/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdpeakbagger
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SDPeakbagger
- Other: https://urbantrails-sandiego.com/
Image Credits
003_49301339037_o.jpg : Ted Markus
172307213_795718961365919_5279993973876989179_n.jpeg : Anita Griffith
6388622119592866150.JPG: Becca Barr
IMG_5168.JPG: Chris Griffith
IMG_9919.jpeg: Ben Griffith
IMG_8492.jpeg: –
