Kate Riley

I'm Kate "Big Catt", a backpacker, runner, and writer. If the trail keeps going, I want to see what's next. That's what led me to hike southbound on the AT in 2022. For 2024, I'll be hiking northbound on the CDT. I currently enjoy working for a local running store in Western New York and writing about outdoor recreation. Other adventures include the Foothills Trail, sections of the Fingerlakes Trail, and the Northville-Placid Trail.

Posts

CDT Part 7: Creede to Leadville, The Colorado Deli Blaze

CDT Part 7: Creede to Leadville, The Colorado Deli Blaze

Creede to Leadville had the ‘deli blaze’ of Colorado (where frequent towns allow for short food carrys) while we followed the Colorado Trail and chose between the West or East Collegiate Trails. There were mining ghost towns, valleys, endless wilderness areas, mountain passes, swarms of mosquitoes, snow, wind, ridges, wonderful to questionable town accommodations, and fun visits from friends.

Jul 24, 2024 : Kate Riley
CDT Part 6: Chama to Creede, Where We Learn to Adapt

CDT Part 6: Chama to Creede, Where We Learn to Adapt

Southern Colorado on the CDT has had snow, zero days, community, altitude, alternates, independence, and recovery. I've been proud of the miles accomplished and struggled with the idea of needing to take alternates for my mental and physical well-being.

Jul 6, 2024 : Kate Riley
CDT Part 5: Cuba to Chama, Where Cacti Turns to Snow

CDT Part 5: Cuba to Chama, Where Cacti Turns to Snow

This short, yet memorable section of the CDT wraps up my experience thru-hiking in New Mexico. Road walking provides much time to think and write, and the last 150 miles of the southernmost state of the CDT had no lack of either. From firearms to fire closures, cacti to snow, there was much time to reflect on the trek thus far. 

Jun 11, 2024 : Kate Riley
CDT Part 4: Pie Town to Cuba, Where We Start to Slow Down

CDT Part 4: Pie Town to Cuba, Where We Start to Slow Down

The routine of a long-distance hike has once again started to feel normal(ish). My body accepts the miles under my feet and the pack on my back - with minor soreness. The climbs feel easier on the legs - not without some resistance.

Jun 8, 2024 : Kate Riley
CDT Part 3: Silver City to Pie Town, Where The Gila River Leads to Road

CDT Part 3: Silver City to Pie Town, Where The Gila River Leads to Road

Miles Hiked for Section: 175.1 Total Miles Hiked: 332.1 The hype for this next section was elevated, as we'd be headed into the Gila River with

May 24, 2024 : Kate Riley
CDT Part 2: Lordsburg to Silver City, Where Things Get Good

CDT Part 2: Lordsburg to Silver City, Where Things Get Good

Lordsburg  You'll hear CDT hikers talk about the small City of Lordsburg, New Mexico quite alot. It's an iconic town stop along the CDT where

May 17, 2024 : Kate Riley
CDT Part 1: Crazy Cook to Lordsburg, Where Everything Is New

CDT Part 1: Crazy Cook to Lordsburg, Where Everything Is New

I'll always remember the first four days northbound on the CDT as trail that breaks you down to rebuild you. As said by someone who knows this trail.

May 13, 2024 : Kate Riley
Getting to Lordsburg for the CDT

Getting to Lordsburg for the CDT

The adventure starts the moment you leave your house with a heavy pack and nervous energy for the journey ahead. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT)

May 4, 2024 : Kate Riley
Packing My Fears: Gear Updates for the CDT

Packing My Fears: Gear Updates for the CDT

Sunny days, cold nights, wildlife, and limited trail towns are just a few fears I’ll be packing to experience along the CDT. In this blog, I’ll be discussing the updates I’ve made since the AT to best prepare for the CDT. 

Apr 23, 2024 : Kate Riley
Headed to the CDT: Fears, Expectations, and Blogging

Headed to the CDT: Fears, Expectations, and Blogging

I'll soon be flying out to New Mexico to walk the Continental Divide from Mexico to Canada. With hiking plans set for the summer, I'm diving into why I chose this trail and how the CDT differs from the AT.

Mar 29, 2024 : Kate Riley