Kinsleigh Sawatsky

Hey! My name's Kinsleigh! I'm 25, I'm from Dallas, and I like long walks from Mexico to Canada. In 2020 I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, and this summer I'm taking on the Continental Divide Trail. Stay tuned for lots of ups and downs, and I don't mean just the mountains...

Posts

The Continental Divide Trail: Colorado

The Continental Divide Trail: Colorado

Finally! We made it to Colorado. After the fire closures in Carson and Santa Fe National Forests, lots of hikers were forced to skip up to Chama,

Jul 2, 2022 : Kinsleigh Sawatsky
Out of the Desert, Into the Mountains

Out of the Desert, Into the Mountains

The end of New Mexico. Goodbye desert, hello mountains.

May 24, 2022 : Kinsleigh Sawatsky
The First 300(ish) Miles: New Mexico Desert

The First 300(ish) Miles: New Mexico Desert

New Mexico has been testing me, but I've got some great friends and memories already!

May 6, 2022 : Kinsleigh Sawatsky
The Last Shakedown: Eagle Rock Loop, Arkansas

The Last Shakedown: Eagle Rock Loop, Arkansas

For my last shakedown, I chose Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas. It was the perfect practice for my upcoming Continental Divide Trail thru-hike!

Apr 3, 2022 : Kinsleigh Sawatsky
From Human to Hikertrash

From Human to Hikertrash

Transitioning from "normal life" in Dallas to life on a thru-hike is weird. I've noticed that I am slowly changing back into hikertrash as my start date approaches...

Mar 16, 2022 : Kinsleigh Sawatsky
New Gear: What I’m Upgrading for the Continental Divide Trail in 2022

New Gear: What I’m Upgrading for the Continental Divide Trail in 2022

I'm trying out some new gear on this hike. Here are a few things I'm excited about and why I chose them!

Mar 6, 2022 : Kinsleigh Sawatsky
5 Lessons I’m Taking with Me on the Continental Divide Trail

5 Lessons I’m Taking with Me on the Continental Divide Trail

Thru-hiking is a whole new world. Here are some things I picked up along the way.

Feb 23, 2022 : Kinsleigh Sawatsky
Here We Go Again: Hiking from Mexico to Canada on the Continental Divide Trail

Here We Go Again: Hiking from Mexico to Canada on the Continental Divide Trail

After hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2020, and some time back in normal life, I decided to hike the Continental Divide Trail in 2022!

Feb 23, 2022 : Kinsleigh Sawatsky