Colleen Goldhorn

Hi! My name is Colleen, but I'm better known on the trail as Spot. I am a PA native who now calls the mountains of Colorado her home. My days are spent as a graphic designer and photographer, but I spend every available minute of my free time outside. A few years back, I discovered the AT and since then it has been the #1 thing on my mind. Since 2016 I have hiked over 1,000 miles of the trail, with plans to some day stand on top of Katahdin with all 2,200 miles under my belt. You can usually find me somewhere in the mountains either hiking, skiing, or rock climbing. Happy trails!

Posts

Trail Etiquette 101

Trail Etiquette 101

Since basic trail etiquette is oftentimes different from what’s generally accepted in “normal” society, many hikers are unaware of how their actions

Jul 29, 2021 : Colleen Goldhorn
Weighing The Potential Health Risks Of Thru Hiking

Weighing The Potential Health Risks Of Thru Hiking

Doing almost 12 hours of cardio each day paired with endless time in fresh mountain air makes for a pretty healthy lifestyle, right? Unfortunately,

Jul 28, 2021 : Colleen Goldhorn
Alaskan Man Found After Days-Long Battle With Grizzly Bear

Alaskan Man Found After Days-Long Battle With Grizzly Bear

A coast guard helicopter was on its way to a mission in west central Alaska when weather forced them to change their planned route by about a mile.

Jul 26, 2021 : Colleen Goldhorn
Common Leave No Trace Mistakes Made By Thru Hikers, and How To Avoid Them

Common Leave No Trace Mistakes Made By Thru Hikers, and How To Avoid Them

It’s time to have an honest talk about Leave No Trace and thru hikers. Yes, most of us know the principles, and what it takes to accurately follow

Jul 22, 2021 : Colleen Goldhorn
How to Stay Safe While Hiking During Wildfire Season

How to Stay Safe While Hiking During Wildfire Season

Wildfire season in the West is unfortunately back with a vengeance, which means smoke filled forests and closures across many long trails throughout

Jul 21, 2021 : Colleen Goldhorn
The Beginner’s Guide To Desert Hiking

The Beginner’s Guide To Desert Hiking

Hooray! Your first desert vacation is booked and on the calendar. As you begin prepping your boots and letting dreams of red rocks fill your head,

Jul 20, 2021 : Colleen Goldhorn
ATC Announces New Visitor Experience Updates

ATC Announces New Visitor Experience Updates

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has announced plans to restructure their visitor experience in the form of updated visitor centers and hiker

Jul 19, 2021 : Colleen Goldhorn
How To Stay Safe While Hiking at High Elevation

How To Stay Safe While Hiking at High Elevation

Planning to trade green tunnels for alpine views this summer? High elevation hiking can lead you to pristine and breathtaking scenes that feel like

May 3, 2021 : Colleen Goldhorn
Outdoor Research MicroGravity AscentShell Jacket Review

Outdoor Research MicroGravity AscentShell Jacket Review

If you’re looking for a versatile jacket that can be used for any activity you had planned this winter, then we may have just found the perfect

Dec 29, 2020 : Colleen Goldhorn
Grayl Geopress and Ultralight Compact Water Filters Review

Grayl Geopress and Ultralight Compact Water Filters Review

Having a solid water filtration system can make or break your next backpacking trip. Pack an easy and reliable filter, and you’ll stay hydrated and

Oct 29, 2020 : Colleen Goldhorn