Longtime outdoorsman and historian Dave Lotz, fondly known as the “Godfather of Hiking,” completed his 1,000th recorded hike with the Guam Boonie Stompers Saturday.
Lotz, a Guam resident for more than 50 years, became the first president of Guam Boonie Stompers when the organization formally incorporated as a nonprofit in 2002.
However, the roots of the group trace back even further, to 1970 at the old United Service Organization in Piti, where weekly hikes first began before eventually evolving into the structured organization it is today.
Over the decades, Lotz has helped guide thousands of hikers across Guam’s diverse landscapes. From ancient CHamoru village sites and remote southern mountains to World War II landmarks, caves and isolated beaches.
He is also the author of the Best Tracks on Guam, a widely used hiking guidebook on the island.
Last weekend’s milestone hike took participants to Pagat, known for its underground swimming pool and coastal arch. Despite light rain, 64 hikers joined the trek. Fellow leaders marked the occasion with a commemorative T-shirt, posters and photos to honor Lotz’s achievement.
For Lotz, hiking has always been about more than reaching a destination.
He said exploring Guam’s trails offers both cultural insight and personal well-being.
“It’s great for your physical and mental health,” Lotz said. “We have such a diverse island of places to visit to illustrate what we need to preserve of our heritage, both culturally and naturally. These are ancient CHamoru villages and just a lot of locations that we can go to and truly learn about the island.”
Throughout his career, Lotz has also worked with the Guam Department of Parks and Recreation, Andersen Air Force Base and the National Park Service, contributing to preservation efforts and public access to historic and natural sites.
As Guam Boonie Stompers continues its tradition of weekly Saturday hikes, Lotz’s 1,000th trek stands as a testament to conservation, education, and community connection, one trail at a time.
You can find more information on Guam Boonie Stomper’s Facebook page.
