
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 9: Breckenridge to Grand Lake – Windy on Divide Ridges
Where it gets cold and windy, our days in North-Central Colorado are spent hiking high mountain ridgelines of the Continential Divide. With threats of hypothermia, trail magic, a moose sighting, and outrunning thunderclouds, I dreaded every day of hiking in this section yet fell in love with the scenery and small-town feel of this region.
CDT Part 8: Leadville to Breckenridge – End of The Colorado Deli Blaze
A bittersweet finale to my time on the Colorado Deli Blaze, where the CDT routes through Copper Mountain Ski Resort, Kokomo Pass, and Breckenridge. These shorter mileage days were our reward for the challenging Colorado terrain before and after.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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)