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For María Zambrano—an elementary school therapist who explores nature in her spare time—the outdoors is where she feels most herself. With its endless inspiration and adventure, it offers an escape from daily life. This Southern Californian Mexican-American has built a community where people discover the mental health benefits of nature, from mindfulness to the simple joy of experiencing a sunset and gentle breeze. Through hiking challenges, Zambrano helps Latines make the extraordinary accessible—a mission she shares with the all-new Honda Passport TrailSport.
Presented by Honda, “Touring Home” is a Remezcla editorial series that explores towns, cities, and off-the-beaten-path destinations through the eyes of local Latine key figures. “Touring Home” offers an authentic perspective on these places and showcases their most memorable and incredible spots.
There’s always a way to find balance, taking you from the city to the outdoors and back. Learn more about the all-new 2026 Honda Passport, the perfect balance of rugged capability and comfort.
When not working in Santa Ana or commuting, Zambrano spends most of her time in the town of Homeland. Yet her heart belongs to Idyllwild-Pine Cove—a small town nestled in the closest national forest to her home. “I go year-round,” she says. “We’ve done group hikes in the snow and during the summertime; I’m always there. Even if it’s just me hiking alone, I have a special connection to Idyllwild. I love it!”
Zambrano’s connection to the outdoors began in childhood. Growing up on a farm in Southern California, she was, in her own words, “an outdoorsy kid”—spending her days with horses and creating games among the plants around her house.
As a first-generation college graduate, Zambrano temporarily left nature behind to pursue her education and career in the city. However, she reconnected with the outdoors during college when visiting a national park with friends, which ignited her passion. “I was like, ‘Wow, this is amazing,’” she says. I didn’t know that national parks were that awesome. Once I saw the world out there, I wanted to keep exploring it.”
Her passion led her to seek new challenges in nature. Testing her capabilities both outdoors and as a community builder, Zambrano took action. “And that’s where I started the group and started promoting it on social media, and it grew fast,” she says, referring to Mochilita Mix Hiking Group, an inclusive space to explore nature.
“Nature brings this sense of mindfulness,” Zambrano says, emphasizing its vital therapeutic value. “Even a simple walk in the park engages all five senses—you notice the different colors, listen to the sounds around you, catch various scents, feel the breeze and sunlight, and sense how your body temperature shifts. It naturally becomes a mindfulness practice.”
Mochilita Mix has flourished. “We have a core group of people who come every single month. They’ve formed a wonderful community—it’s truly become a sisterhood,” Zambrano says.
Connecting with the outdoors is vital for Zambrano. Her current job demands a two-hour daily commute, limiting her time in nature. “I leave before sunrise and miss the sunset,” she says. During the week, I miss out on so much sunlight and outdoor time. Finding that balance is a challenge.”
Seeking to restore this balance, Zambrano describes Idyllwild as a magical place—a peaceful town whose hiking trails offer fresh experiences and exciting, rugged challenges with every visit. During the drive up, she recommends a scenic lookout perfect for an in-car picnic. “It’s pretty high up, so it’s a nice view of the National Forest,” she tells us. “You can see houses stretching to the mountain ranges in Southern California.”
During the drive up, she recommends a scenic lookout perfect for an in-car picnic. “It’s pretty high up, so it’s a nice view of the National Forest,” she tells us. “You can see houses stretching to the mountain ranges in Southern California.”
Among Idyllwild’s notable features is Lily Rock, a rounded granite formation reminiscent of Yosemite’s Half Dome. “There’s a lot of trees, maybe some redwoods, a lot of different pine trees, a lot of nice grass, wildflowers,” she says.
The town charms visitors with its unique character. “I don’t think there are any chains there,” Zambrano says. It’s all local restaurants, thrift shops, and little grocery stores. It all looks like it’s family-owned or small businesses.” At the heart of the town stand three magnificent pine trees, a distinctive local landmark.
She notes that in Idyllwild, trails often weave between residential areas. “When driving to a trailhead, you’ll pass through neighborhoods and small schools. It’s charming,” Zambrano says.
As she settles down in the future, she plans to get closer to nature, like what you can find in Idyllwild. As someone who spends her workdays in the city and free time outdoors, Zambrano embodies the balance we should all strive for in our lives, bringing forth the best of both worlds.
Looking ahead, she hopes to live closer to nature—finding an environment as immersive as Idyllwild. As someone who balances city work with outdoor adventures, Zambrano exemplifies how to embrace the best of both worlds.
Learn more about a rugged and exciting lifestyle with the all-new Honda Passport Trailsport, and prepare for your next adventure.
