Halle Homel

Hi, I'm Halle! My first thru hike was a lesser-known long distance trail in Southern California called the Backbone Trail. I've been solo hiking for about 5 years now across 50 states and 51 national parks. Other than a hiker, I'm a rock climber, dog mom, vanlifer, wilderness guide, outdoor educator, and more than anything, a leave no trace advocate. Give me ponderosa pine trees, wildflowers, sunrises, and mountain peaks and I'll be a happy hiker! You can follow me at @halletreks on all social media.

Posts

Oregon Coast Trail Shakedown on the Timberline Trail

Oregon Coast Trail Shakedown on the Timberline Trail

And just like that, I've blinked and I'm less than a couple weeks from trail again. I will be starting my thru-hike of the Oregon Coast Tail in

Aug 10, 2023 : Halle Homel
Hiker Re-Intro: Meet Halle, Future Oregon Coast Trail Thru Hiker

Hiker Re-Intro: Meet Halle, Future Oregon Coast Trail Thru Hiker

Hey hikertrash community, I'm back! Or, I will be soon. My name is Halle (I'm still sans trail name), and earlier this year I documented my thru

Jul 22, 2023 : Halle Homel
I’ve Finished the Backbone Trail… What’s Next?

I’ve Finished the Backbone Trail… What’s Next?

Last month, I completed my solo thru hike of California's Backbone Trail. This ~70 mile trek was my first thru hike, and it was a challenge to

Mar 13, 2023 : Halle Homel
Why You Should Thru Hike the Backbone Trail Westbound

Why You Should Thru Hike the Backbone Trail Westbound

When I was planning my Backbone Trail thru-hike, I had a lot of trouble finding resources and guides on how to actually complete this trail. There is

Mar 3, 2023 : Halle Homel
Backbone Trail Thru Hike: A Wilderness Finish

Backbone Trail Thru Hike: A Wilderness Finish

I completed the Backbone Trail on February 11, 2023, greeted by family, friends, and my dog at the Ray Miller Trailhead in Point Mugu State

Feb 28, 2023 : Halle Homel
Backbone Trail Thru Hike Day 5: Finally Cruising

Backbone Trail Thru Hike Day 5: Finally Cruising

I was supposed to be finishing the trail on this day. It's hard to get that out of your head once you realize it, that if you hadn't taken a zero

Feb 23, 2023 : Halle Homel
Backbone Trail Thru Hike: A Morning Climb and Wildflowers

Backbone Trail Thru Hike: A Morning Climb and Wildflowers

Day four on the Backbone Trail will always be remembered by me as my easiest day on trail. I was fresh off a zero-day and my feet were feeling better

Feb 21, 2023 : Halle Homel
Backbone Trail Thru Hike Day Two: Sketchy Terrain and a Long Climb

Backbone Trail Thru Hike Day Two: Sketchy Terrain and a Long Climb

Day two of my Backbone Trail (BBT) thru-hike started at Musch Camp. Spirits were high, I was excited to get on trail for my second day moving toward

Feb 14, 2023 : Halle Homel
Backbone Trail Thru Hike Day One: What Did I Get Myself Into?

Backbone Trail Thru Hike Day One: What Did I Get Myself Into?

On February 6, I set out to start my 70-mile thru-hike of Southern California's Backbone Trail (BBT). I grew up in the Santa Monica Mountains, so

Feb 12, 2023 : Halle Homel
My Backbone Trail Ultralight (ish) Gear List

My Backbone Trail Ultralight (ish) Gear List

In early February, I'll be setting out on my first thru hike attempt. I'm going to be hiking the Backbone Trail (BBT), a long distance trail in

Feb 4, 2023 : Halle Homel