About RJ Byrd

Meet RJ, Founder of Purpose Driven Hikers

Hey, I’m RJ—founder of Purpose Driven Hikers. This community didn’t start in a boardroom. It started on a trail. It started in pain. And it started with a prayer.

After I left the military, everything changed. Injuries stacked up. The weight came on. I lost confidence and purpose. Even walking became a struggle. I had gone from leading soldiers to struggling with basic movement. But I refused to let that be the end of my story.

I took it one step at a time—literally. I started hiking. First by myself, then with my daughter. Hiking became therapy. It became our time to connect, breathe, and heal. Soon, friends started joining us. Then families. Around that same time, someone close to me saw something in me and encouraged me to lead a workout class in the park. That single moment—showing up in that park—lit the spark that became Purpose Driven Hikers.

What started as a walk with my daughter and a one-off workout turned into a movement.

Purpose Driven Hikers is now a growing, purpose-filled community built on connection, growth, and healing through movement. This is more than fitness. It’s about building confidence, clarity, and community on and off the trail. It’s about showing up for yourself and others. It’s about choosing purpose over perfection.

We believe in leading with love and creating a space where every voice is heard. Every step we take is rooted in community, encouragement, and action.

Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey, returning after a hard season, or looking for people who get it—this is your space.

Come hike with us. Come heal with us. Come grow with us.

Welcome to Purpose Driven Hikers.

Movement is a movement.