While some countries are still trying to get someone to be the first person from them to get to the top of Mount Everest, some people want to be the youngest ever to do so. Jordan Romero, 13, from Big Bear Lake, California, is set to become the youngest person to ever conquer Everest. That’s if he makes it of course.

The youngster already has a list of achievements that most outdoor enthusiasts can only dream of.

“He was the youngest American, at age 10, to summit Africa’s 19,340-foot Mount Kilimanjaro, that continent’s highest peak. The same year he added 7,310-foot Mount Kosciusko in Australia and Europe’s 18,510-foot Mount Elbrus to his summit accomplishments. At age 11 he set the age record for South America’s 22,834-foot Mount Aconcagua and bagged North America’s 20,320-foot Denali.”

More on this story.

The American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience. Together with outdoor enthusiasts across,  the country will celebrate the 17th annual National Trails Day (NTD) on June 6, 2009. It’s a long-standing celebration of America’s magnificient trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers.

On that day there will be about 1,500 events around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running and trail celebrations.

I like the theme for this year’s NTD. It’s “Take in the Outdoors”, an open invitation to all Americans to get outside, connect with local hiking clubs, outdoor retailers, local parks and recreation departments or federal land managing agancies to experience everything the great outdoors has to offer.

“American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day serves as a gateway to introduce youth and adults to the outdoors and an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to give back,” said Greg Miller, American Hiking Society president.

This year’s sponsors include Nature Valley, Backpacker Magazine, Merrell, Fetzer Vineyards, REI, YMCA, and American Park Network.

The first National Trails Day was in 1993 and since then has inspired thousands of people and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors.

To know more about National Trails Day and the American Hiking Society, go to www.AmericanHiking.org.

Any community organization that would like to host an even should contact Heather Sable, Trail Programs Manager through email at hsable@americanhiking.org or call (800) 972-8608 x.204.

This is the right time to buy camping gear.

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Mary McMullen, Town Trails and Outdoor Recreation Coordinator has scheduled three recreational opportunities that she says she will definitely accomplish.

The event, which would attract a lot of families and outdoor enthusiasts, includes and three-mile hike, urban biking and wildlife viewing.

Hiking Event

The hiking event will begin at 8:30 a.m. on January 24 at the Boulders Trailhead located 3.7 miles east of Highway 260 on Granite Dells Road.

The hike, which will be led by McMullen herself, is rated as moderate but there will be some slopes, loose granite and water that must be traversed.

You will enjoy the fantastic views along the trail, which are of Granite Dells and riparian areas.

It is advised that you bring you use good quality hiking boots, drinking water and walking sticks.

It will be a free hiking event and anyone can join but be sure to sign-up. It is recommended that you pre-register at the P&R offices even though sign-up can be completed prior to the event.

Urban Biking

Aspiring mountain bikers and those wanting to learn about the sport will appreciate the urban biking event. There will be a $15 charge for the event which includes a two-hour clinic and ride.

Participants are expected  to bring along their own mountain bikes, helmet, tire repair kit and pump.

The event will begin at 10 a.m., January 31st at Ramada No.1 in Rumsey Park.

The longtime local mountain hiking guru himself, Dan Basinski will conduct the event which will cover bike setup, maintenance and repair, and practice in mountain biking techniques.

The wrap-up will be a trail ride near Payson, which promises to be a fun and exciting event.

Wildlife Watching

The final event is  a  wildlife-watching seminar which be held from 6 to 7 p.m., February 18 at the Green Valley Park P&R office.

The main purpose of this event is to learn to view wildlife responsibly with minimum impact on the animals and habitat.“It will include a slide show and hints on where to go to get good views of wildlife,” McMullen said.

Arizona Game and Fish Urban and Watchable Wildlife Program Manager Joe Yarchin will host the clinic.

For more information about any of the three events, call McMullen at (928) 474-5242, ext. 7.