Maria taking a break in front of Coffman's Crag on the Skyline Trail during the First Cactus to Clouds Challenge, 1993
Maria Keezer - 86 years old (just a few of her achievements after her retirement)
- Hiked Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim and back again the next day two different times in her late 60's and early 70's.
- A member of the original group of hikers that completed the first Cactus to Clouds Challenge (over 10,000 feet of elevation gain in one day from Palm Springs to summit of Mt. San Jacinto); she has completed this "ultimate challenge" 3 times.
- Summited Mt. Whitney (highest in contiguous U.S. states at 14,505 feet) twice.
- After retirement, hiked all Zion National Park trails and Crested Butte, Colorado trails.
- Maria has hiked most trails in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument multiple times and has led us on many hikes over the 28 years I have known her.
- Plays table tennis with a group twice a week.
- "What works for me is a positive attitude, every day. Have a routine and stick to it. Get up at the same time every day. Go walking for at least one hour. Although I might not always feel like it but I make myself do it. I feel so much better when I come home, like a victory. If I give in and stay home I am afraid that might become a habit and then I'd end up not walking at all. That would not be good, have to keep moving."
Roger and Maria Keezer - summit of Quail Mountain, Joshua Tree National Park
blog post - In Memory of Roger Keezer
blog post - In Memory of Roger Keezer
First Cactus to Clouds Challenge - 1993 - Summit of Mt. San Jacinto, CA
10,300-foot elevation gain in one day
Maria is second from the right
10,300-foot elevation gain in one day
Maria is second from the right
Maria, Sue Birnbaum, Vickie Kearney on summit of Murray Peak, Palm Springs, 3/2020.
Maria in Palm Springs, with Mt. San Jacinto behind her
Maria Keezer and Ray Wilson in Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
Maria and Vickie Kearney on Murray Peak's summit - Palm Springs. CA
Maria leading our hike in Palm Springs, CA
Maria (right) at weekly Table Tennis
One Solo Hike
The day dawns bright and early
With just a touch of cool
To stay inside
On a day like this
Would take a major fool.
The day is made for hiking
And a hike is on my mind
My pack is packed, my mind is set
And oh - my spirit primed.
I head on up the Shannon trail
Like so many times before
At the top, I absorb the view
It never gets old.
To the left, but a ways away
I can see Murray Hill
It seems to beckon; Come on up
But will save it for another day.
Meander down the Wild Horse trail
I am all alone
Not a soul in sight, just the birds in flight
And do my spirits soar.
I go on up the Vendeventner
Admire the fantastic sight
Snowcapped mountains in the distance
Sand and cactus on my left and right.
I see a pair of single hikers
Who pass with a gentle: HI
They seem to like the solitude
Just as much as I.
I stand above Palm Canyon Trail
Watch the palm trees waving in the breeze
Could stay and look forever
If it was up to me.
I hike along the Victor trail
And up towards Fern Canyon
Sit on our rock
I feel at peace
I want to kneel and pray
Give thanks for this wonderful day.
I go back home the way I came
Too bad the hike is done
Enjoyed every step and every minute
In fact; can't wait for the next one.
That is what my friends and hiking buddies
Absolutely love to do
We like what we do and do what we like
As long as it is another hike.
- Maria Keezer, 2/7/1999 - writing about the Coachella Valley
The day dawns bright and early
With just a touch of cool
To stay inside
On a day like this
Would take a major fool.
The day is made for hiking
And a hike is on my mind
My pack is packed, my mind is set
And oh - my spirit primed.
I head on up the Shannon trail
Like so many times before
At the top, I absorb the view
It never gets old.
To the left, but a ways away
I can see Murray Hill
It seems to beckon; Come on up
But will save it for another day.
Meander down the Wild Horse trail
I am all alone
Not a soul in sight, just the birds in flight
And do my spirits soar.
I go on up the Vendeventner
Admire the fantastic sight
Snowcapped mountains in the distance
Sand and cactus on my left and right.
I see a pair of single hikers
Who pass with a gentle: HI
They seem to like the solitude
Just as much as I.
I stand above Palm Canyon Trail
Watch the palm trees waving in the breeze
Could stay and look forever
If it was up to me.
I hike along the Victor trail
And up towards Fern Canyon
Sit on our rock
I feel at peace
I want to kneel and pray
Give thanks for this wonderful day.
I go back home the way I came
Too bad the hike is done
Enjoyed every step and every minute
In fact; can't wait for the next one.
That is what my friends and hiking buddies
Absolutely love to do
We like what we do and do what we like
As long as it is another hike.
- Maria Keezer, 2/7/1999 - writing about the Coachella Valley