For award-winning author, artist, and Leave No Trace Ambassador Iron Tazz, protecting nature starts with a spark of wonder, often ignited during childhood.
His book Hike It, winner of the Stanford Children’s Travel Book of the Year, is more than just a guide to the outdoors. It’s a heartfelt invitation to explore, connect, and care—especially for young readers. As Tazz puts it, “The most powerful way to build a connection with nature is simply by spending time outside.”
A Trail Guide for All Ages
Blending colorful illustrations with practical advice, Hike It is written for ages 7+, but its message resonates across generations. It distills years of trail wisdom into simple, accessible tips that empower readers to take their first steps outdoors—and to do it with care and curiosity.
“I kept asking myself, ‘What do I wish I’d known when I started hiking?’” Tazz says. “And how can I pass that on in a way that makes people want to take care of the places they visit?”
As a Leave No Trace Ambassador, that sense of responsibility is woven throughout his storytelling. Hike It gently introduces outdoor ethics, including packing out trash, respecting wildlife, and planning ahead; core principles that form the foundation of Leave No Trace.
“It’s Not About Rules—It’s About Respect”
Tazz describes Leave No Trace as a lasting framework that guides his own adventures.
“Leave No Trace is a framework that sticks with you,” he explains. “It’s not about rules—it’s about respect. When I’m teaching or writing, I try to show how every little choice, from packing snacks to choosing your route, can make a big difference.”
That mindset—accessible, personal, and deeply respectful—infuses both his book and his broader work. Whether speaking to school groups or trekking remote trails, Tazz champions the idea that meaningful stewardship starts with meaningful experiences.
A Life Rooted in Nature and Wellness
Having thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada, and now based in the Pacific Northwest, Tazz draws inspiration from landscapes both near and far. His own wellness philosophy is grounded in simplicity and balance, which is something he brings to every page of Hike It.
“I think of hiking as a reset button,” he says. “It clears my mind, lifts my energy, and reminds me what really matters.” He pairs time outdoors with whole foods, quality sleep, and mindful movement: “Hiking is my multivitamin. Movement, fresh air, disconnection from tech—it’s all in one package.”
Inspiring Young Explorers to Leave a Positive Mark
From his art and writing to his advocacy work, Iron Tazz is driven by one mission: to help others fall in love with nature and understand their role in protecting it.
“Every trail tells a story,” he says. “And we each get to decide what kind of mark we leave behind.”
Learn more about his work as a Leave No Trace Ambassador, find Hike It at your local bookstore, and discover how you can also help protect the places you love for generations to come by visiting his website.