Joey Ferguson

Dramatic and unexpected life changes after my 2018 Appalachian Trail thru-hike freed me to become who I was always meant to be. So I built out a camper van to explore the country, hiking along the way. In 2023, I thru-hiked the epic Colorado Trail. I’m living proof you can walk through fire and find joy on the other side. Follow along here and on YouTube @JoyfulRambler.

Posts

I Fell Down a Mountain! Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 6

I Fell Down a Mountain! Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 6

Dusk was gathering as I wedged my tent between willow bushes next to a creek. It wasn’t the ideal spot to camp, right next to the trail, but it would

Sep 19, 2023 : Joey Ferguson
What a Crazy Day! Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 5

What a Crazy Day! Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 5

Crystal-clear bluebird skies heralded the start of another beautiful day on the Colorado Trail, perfect for crossing Cottonwood Pass. Monsoon

Sep 15, 2023 : Joey Ferguson
Is Hiking Alone a Mistake? Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 4

Is Hiking Alone a Mistake? Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 4

As I approach the 200-mile mark, my Colorado Trail thru-hike has become a more solitary adventure than I expected. While I always planned on hiking

Sep 12, 2023 : Joey Ferguson
This Trail Could Kill Me – Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 3

This Trail Could Kill Me – Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 3

Feeling invincible is a luxury for the young. I rarely feared for my life as a crazy teenager doing stupid things. When I married at 21 and settled

Sep 8, 2023 : Joey Ferguson
What’s Wrong with Me? Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 2

What’s Wrong with Me? Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 2

Oh no, not again! I just started the Colorado Trail (for the second time). How is it possible to have health issues so soon? Starting Strong My

Sep 5, 2023 : Joey Ferguson
I’ve Been Here Before! Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 1

I’ve Been Here Before! Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 1

Last year, I tried to thru-hike the Colorado Trail and had to end my hike early due to illness. As I prepared for my second CT thru-hike attempt, I

Sep 1, 2023 : Joey Ferguson
Hey Mountains, I’m Coming for You! (Colorado Trail: Take 2)

Hey Mountains, I’m Coming for You! (Colorado Trail: Take 2)

It's time to get back on the trail! Last year was not my year for backpacking long trails. I started the PCT in March, only to bail after a week

Jun 23, 2023 : Joey Ferguson
Plans Change: Life in a Boulder Field

Plans Change: Life in a Boulder Field

I was finally navigating the rocks of Pennsylvania with courage and confidence. After hiking in Maine and New Hampshire, I knew much better where to

Sep 9, 2019 : Joey Ferguson
Ready for Rugged: Thru-Hiking the Long Trail

Ready for Rugged: Thru-Hiking the Long Trail

“What a wonderful, once in a lifetime adventure!” That’s what I thought when I began planning my 2018 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. I had no clue

Aug 26, 2019 : Joey Ferguson
Beautifully Ruined: A Life Transformed by Time on the Trail

Beautifully Ruined: A Life Transformed by Time on the Trail

How do you go through a life-changing experience, then slip right back into the life you had before? That’s a confounding question for me. It’s

Aug 2, 2019 : Joey Ferguson