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