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Katie Jackson

I'm Katie, a thru-hiker and ultrarunner based in Colorado. After thru-hiking the Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, and Continental Divide Trail in back-to-back years, I'm looking forward to a little time of rest, relaxation, and writing. Or, who knows, maybe the AT. No one has ever accused me of being good at sitting still. Follow along on my journey with the articles below, or through my photography on Instagram (@k80.trail).

Posts

Appalachian Trail Damaged, Standing Bear Hostel Evacuated Amid Flash Flooding

Appalachian Trail Damaged, Standing Bear Hostel Evacuated Amid Flash Flooding

Thru-hikers navigating the Tennessee/North Carolina state line section of the Appalachian Trail are facing hazardous conditions due to a recent

Jun 20, 2025 : Katie Jackson
HMG CrossPeak 2 Freestanding Single-Wall Tent Review

HMG CrossPeak 2 Freestanding Single-Wall Tent Review

The newly released Hyperlite Mountain Gear CrossPeak 2 tent enters the ultralight arena with the promise to maximize weight savings without

Jun 20, 2025 : Katie Jackson
They Trusted ChatGPT To Plan Their Hike — And Ended Up Calling for Rescue

They Trusted ChatGPT To Plan Their Hike — And Ended Up Calling for Rescue

Two hikers were rescued this spring from the fittingly named Unnecessary Mountain near Vancouver, Canada after using ChatGPT and Google Maps to plan

Jun 19, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Proposed 2026 Budget Would Redirect Conservation Funding to Maintenance Backlog

Proposed 2026 Budget Would Redirect Conservation Funding to Maintenance Backlog

Released information on the FY26 budget shows plans to change the overwhelmingly bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act and divert nearly half of the

Jun 18, 2025 : Katie Jackson
63 of the Best Day Hikes in the Mountain West

63 of the Best Day Hikes in the Mountain West

The 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail travels the spine of the Rocky Mountains through five stunning states: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho,

Jun 17, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Most Hikers Miss This Easy Way To Save Time and Money on the Appalachian Trail

Most Hikers Miss This Easy Way To Save Time and Money on the Appalachian Trail

Thru-hiking is a fascinating and lofty goal that challenges you mentally and physically. It is also quite expensive. Hikers are increasingly

Jun 11, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Pacific Crest Trail Section and Enchantments Closed Amid Triple Murder Manhunt

Pacific Crest Trail Section and Enchantments Closed Amid Triple Murder Manhunt

Update (June 8, 2025): Per the National Park Service, "Park officials have opened Stehekin area roads, areas, and trails for day use in

Jun 5, 2025 : Katie Jackson
No, Cutting the NPS Budget Won’t Fix the Deficit. Here’s Why

No, Cutting the NPS Budget Won’t Fix the Deficit. Here’s Why

Imagine standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, feeling the spray of a waterfall in Yosemite, or walking among the towering, ancient trees of

Jun 4, 2025 : Katie Jackson
15 Amazing Hikes Within 1 Hour of a Major US Airport

15 Amazing Hikes Within 1 Hour of a Major US Airport

Looking for a quick escape into nature without straying far from the city or an airport terminal? Across the country, surprising pockets of

Jun 2, 2025 : Katie Jackson
US Army’s Seizure of New Mexico Border Land Leaves Fate of CDT Southern Terminus Uncertain

US Army’s Seizure of New Mexico Border Land Leaves Fate of CDT Southern Terminus Uncertain

Roughly 110,000 acres of federal land along the US-Mexico border in New Mexico, previously managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), was

May 29, 2025 : Katie Jackson