Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the 71-year-old environmental attorney and prominent vaccine skeptic, recently made headlines after embarking on a hiking expedition in Phoenix, Arizona, during the sweltering heat of July. Known for his contrarian views on public health issues, Kennedy’s choice of attire for the hike—dark blue jeans—has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about his adventurous spirit and unique approach to outdoor activities.
On a day when temperatures soared above 90°F (32°C), Kennedy hiked up Camelback Mountain, a popular destination known for its challenging trails and breathtaking views. Kennedy sported a sweat-soaked, emerald green T-shirt as she fielded a flurry of photo requests. She appeared to be at no risk at all from the sweltering heat.
Kennedy’s hallmark aesthetic speech involves rocking denim while doing lunges. This decision has understandably raised the eyebrows of many observers and Twitter users. One user expressed disbelief over his choice, stating, “Bro is out here hiking that damn mountain in jeans and 110+ weather!?” Others noted the generational differences in outdoor apparel choices, with Matt Larson commenting, “That wouldn’t be my choice of hiking apparel in this weather, but you know, kinda a generational thing.”
Kennedy’s bohemian lifestyle, as well as their long history of conservation activism, has historically drawn media attention. He’s developed a bit of a cult following thanks to his unique outdoor adventures. From tying an expired whale carcass to his car’s roof for proper disposal, to mis-firing and killing a baby bear, stuffing its body inside Central Park, his stunts are always captivating. In May, he waded into a contaminated creek in Washington without a shirt, further demonstrating his unconventional approach to outdoor activities.
This latest hike up Camelback Mountain will be familiar territory to those who have read Kennedy’s candid disclosures about his ongoing health struggle. He has openly shared that a parasitic worm had “got into my brain and ate a portion of it,” providing insight into his unusual lifestyle choices. He instills a passion for the outdoors in his students all while overcoming immense adversity himself. He happily cavorts with whimsical sculptural birds in his grandchildren’s playground at Rock Creek.
As Kennedy climbs up the rocky slopes of Camelback Mountain, many have commended his grit and perseverance. Matt Larson remarked, “It was about 92F, I think, temperature-wise, at that point, so very impressive for him to have done that at his age.” His incredible hike is an inspiring reminder of what it means to commit to living an active life, no matter the weather.
Phoenix’s notorious summer heat has broken records in recent years, making Kennedy’s choice of activity particularly striking. The city suffers from regular extreme heat temperatures that can be life-threatening, particularly for someone of Kennedy’s advanced age. With his trademark adventurous spirit, he keeps going where no one expects him to.