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

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
My Secret to CDT Success? Eating a Whole Stick of Butter Every Day During My Thru-Hike

My Secret to CDT Success? Eating a Whole Stick of Butter Every Day During My Thru-Hike

Yes, really. I ate an entire stick of butter most days while hiking the CDT this year. In a world dominated by diet culture, healthy eating hacks,

Dec 24, 2024 : Katie Jackson
Congratulations to These 2024 CDT Finishers: Part 3

Congratulations to These 2024 CDT Finishers: Part 3

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 19, 2024 : Katie Jackson
Is This the Lightest Backpacking Shelter on the Market?

Is This the Lightest Backpacking Shelter on the Market?

This fall, I had the joy of testing out the Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp. The shelter is just about as ultralight as you can get without simply cowboy

Dec 18, 2024 : Katie Jackson
Congratulations to These PCT Thru-Hike Finishers: Part 8

Congratulations to These PCT Thru-Hike Finishers: Part 8

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

Dec 16, 2024 : Katie Jackson
Congratulations to These PCT Thru-Hike Finishers: Part 7

Congratulations to These PCT Thru-Hike Finishers: Part 7

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

Dec 11, 2024 : Katie Jackson
South Fork San Joaquin Bridge Fully Replaced, Restoring Safe Passage for PCT and JMT Thru-Hikers

South Fork San Joaquin Bridge Fully Replaced, Restoring Safe Passage for PCT and JMT Thru-Hikers

A footbridge over the South Fork San Joaquin River in Kings Canyon National Park, which provides a critical crossing for John Muir (JMT) and Pacific

Dec 10, 2024 : Katie Jackson