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

Hike the Continental Divide Trail Through Photos

Hike the Continental Divide Trail Through Photos

The Continental Divide trail spans 3,100 miles — far too long to fully articulate how it feels to walk that distance from Mexico to Canada. Through

Jan 14, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Origin of the Palisades Fire May Be Linked to Popular Hiking Trail

Origin of the Palisades Fire May Be Linked to Popular Hiking Trail

The Palisades Fire, Los Angeles’ largest and most destructive wildfire in recent history, has left an indelible mark on the community. As of Monday

Jan 13, 2025 : Katie Jackson
REI Announces Mass Layoffs and an End to a Beloved Program

REI Announces Mass Layoffs and an End to a Beloved Program

After almost 40 years of offering adventure travel, day tours, and classes, REI Co-op is shutting down its Experiences business. The move, announced

Jan 10, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Missing Hiker Found Dead on Mount Whitney

Missing Hiker Found Dead on Mount Whitney

Many have closely followed the search and rescue mission for Taylor Rodriguez, a 29-year-old hiker from San Antonio, Texas who went missing on Mount

Jan 9, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Congratulations to These 2024 PCT Thru-Hike Finishers: Part 9

Congratulations to These 2024 PCT Thru-Hike Finishers: Part 9

The Pacific Crest Trail is often regarded as one of North America's most beautiful and iconic thru-hikes, stretching 2,650 miles from the Mexican

Jan 9, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Could This 2-Ounce Device Replace Your Garmin inReach?

Could This 2-Ounce Device Replace Your Garmin inReach?

Staying connected while venturing into the backcountry has long been a challenge for outdoor enthusiasts, especially thru-hikers navigating remote

Jan 8, 2025 : Katie Jackson
8 Reasons the CDT Is Better Than the AT and PCT

8 Reasons the CDT Is Better Than the AT and PCT

All three of the Triple Crown trails (Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail) are incredible in their own ways. The

Jan 8, 2025 : Katie Jackson
The EXPLORE Act Has Passed in Congress: What It Means for Backpackers

The EXPLORE Act Has Passed in Congress: What It Means for Backpackers

The EXPLORE Act, a landmark piece of legislation that outdoor lovers across the country should be excited about, has recently passed both houses of

Dec 31, 2024 : Katie Jackson
Congratulations to These 2024 CDT Thru-Hike Finishers: Part 5

Congratulations to These 2024 CDT Thru-Hike Finishers: Part 5

The Continental Divide Trail is one of the most challenging, remote, and rewarding thru-hikes in North America, spanning roughly 3,100 miles from the

Dec 30, 2024 : Katie Jackson
Congratulations to These 2024 CDT Thru-Hike Finishers: Part 4

Congratulations to These 2024 CDT Thru-Hike Finishers: Part 4

The Continental Divide Trail stands as one of the most challenging, remote, and rewarding thru-hikes in North America, spanning roughly 3,100 miles

Dec 25, 2024 : Katie Jackson