JT Simmons

Heyo! My name is JT, and I'm thru-hiking the Colorado Trail this year in June and July! I'm an incoming college student with a heart for nature, environmental issues, and good town food :) I have done tons of hiking in my home state, Arkansas, including sections of our long trails here. I'm looking forward to getting outside of my comfort zone on the CT! Come adventure with me!

Posts

Around and Around, with No Exit in Sight

Around and Around, with No Exit in Sight

After a long ride from a kind local, I stepped out on the top of the world: Monarch Crest. The summit of the pass was absolutely freezing cold and

Mar 6, 2024 : JT Simmons
My Head’s Not In It

My Head’s Not In It

It’s time to go again… Time to leave Twin Lakes... I’m learning that town is turning out to be unhelpful. Though it’s really fun to go into town

Jul 17, 2023 : JT Simmons
My First Bear Encounter on the CT

My First Bear Encounter on the CT

Being Vortexed Sucks (Day 10) I woke up the next day, the tenth wake-up on this crazy trail. I had a splitting headache and my skin was on fire from

Jul 16, 2023 : JT Simmons
The Struggle is Real

The Struggle is Real

"Is this really such a struggle?" I wondered as I hiked the next morning out of Copper Mountain. There was still frost on the ground, glittering like a thousand little snowflakes under each step, but I was warm and excited as I raced up the valley towards the mountains. Each bend in the trail held a new scene, a new wonder... I was headed to Searle Pass, and everything was awesome.

Jul 14, 2023 : JT Simmons
Climbing for Pizza

Climbing for Pizza

After such a wonderful time in Breckenridge, it was hard to get back on trail. All the more so because of the formidable challenges ahead: the

Jul 9, 2023 : JT Simmons
Snowstorms in June?? (plus street tacos)

Snowstorms in June?? (plus street tacos)

It's time for the first real challenge in my Colorado Trail journey... Georgia Pass. How difficult will it be in June of a high snow year? Read on to find out! (plus, Breckenridge street tacos!)

Jul 7, 2023 : JT Simmons
The Mountain is Burning Down!

The Mountain is Burning Down!

A Mini Update Since it’s the 4th of July, most cars going by aren’t locals, and so aren’t going to pick up the dirty, smelly hikers they see on the side of the road. I can’t say I blame them. But, I was hungry, and eager for town.

Jul 5, 2023 : JT Simmons
Lost Creek High Route: A Lesson in Restraint

Lost Creek High Route: A Lesson in Restraint

I was itching for some above treeline adventure. The first break above treeline. I knew that it wouldn’t be too long before the trail brought me

Jul 5, 2023 : JT Simmons
Learning to Walk

Learning to Walk

It’s time to get going! This article details my first days on the trail, from Denver to Lost Creek Wilderness.

Jul 5, 2023 : JT Simmons
Colorado Trail, Here We Go!

Colorado Trail, Here We Go!

Let’s Get Out There!   It’s time to get out on the trail. Months of planning and years of dreaming have led me to this point, and I’m

Jun 25, 2023 : JT Simmons