Grief has a way of pulling you into a whirlwind of emotions that can feel impossible to navigate. But healing doesn’t have to mean isolating yourself or seeking temporary distractions. Often, the most powerful step forward is right outside.
Roland “Bones” Jimenez, the founder of Come and Hike It, knows this firsthand. After experiencing the loss of family members and friends over the years, he found comfort in the great outdoors. He discovered that hiking, reflection, and community could provide a path to healing.
One of Roland’s most inspiring trips was in 2017 to Big Bend alongside his sister, in tribute to their eldest brother, Art, who had passed months prior. Guided by old photos, he retraced the steps they once took together in the mid-’90s. Another challenging, impactful trip came right before this, when a friend bought him a plane ticket to Colorado and encouraged him to embrace living in the moment.
“Reaching the summit, honoring my brother with a cross he gave me before he passed away, and standing at the peak lifted a weight from my chest, shoulders, and mind,” says Roland. “It’s something I hadn’t felt since before he passed. It was special. Something about that moment felt right. And that’s when it all made even more sense.”
Upon losing his mother in January 2024, Roland found refuge in midday hikes on neighborhood trails. Eventually, it clicked—helping others gain solace in nature just like he did was his calling.
When Roland shared his ideas for creating a nonprofit with his family, they offered their full support without hesitation. And so, on June 6th, Art’s birthday, he launched a Kickstarter campaign and began raising initial funds.
“During this time, I also formed a board of directors to bring in extra help and financial support, connecting with some amazing people who expressed similar experiences and passion for the mission,” says Roland. “Within a few months, we met our fundraising campaign goals which allowed us to proceed and also host our inaugural ‘test’ trip. It was a success, but I wasn’t surprised. I knew it would work—it did for me.”
In a world that often glorifies the pursuit of more—more money, more success—we can lose sight of what truly matters: our mental and physical health. Children exemplify this balance, living in the present, free from the weight of tomorrow’s worries. That’s the spirit Roland advocates for others to tap into.
Now, with his flagship program, Hike to Honor, he offers groups a chance to embark on a multi-day hike to a beautiful destination, complete with gear, guidance, food, and transportation. The aim is to carry the memory of their loved ones forward with renewed strength and purpose.
But it isn’t stopping there. As Come and Hike It continues to expand, Roland plans to provide meet-up-style day hikes and more retreats, along with access to community and resources.
“The most fulfilling part of this work is knowing that I’m helping others process their grief and giving them hope,” says Roland. “Seeing a smile return to someone’s face upon reaching a summit, witnessing that moment of peace as they watch the sunset, or watching them embrace a new friend—that means everything.”
Sometimes, it only takes carving out a few moments to pause, breathe, and discover the inner peace that lightens your burdens and fosters a more harmonious life.
“I’ve been there, more times than I ever imagined. But I also understand that there is hope—hope in nature, hope in connection, and hope in healing,” says Roland. “My goal is to help as many people as I can find that hope in the years to come.”
Discover upcoming opportunities and how to show your support to Come and Hike It when you visit: comeandhikeit.org
“We don’t want anyone to worry about anything but themselves. Each program varies, but it’s all about hiking in nature and, during our hikes, finding time to reflect, reset, and rejoice with like-minded people.”