Stephen Calkins

Hello! My name is Stephen, but if you find me on trail you can call me Turtle Trax! I hiked the AT NOBO in 2023 and went back in 2024 to finish after a 2nd bad ankle sprain going into the 100 mile Wilderness. This year I will hiking SOBO on the CDT. Feel free to follow my Instagram, where I post all the pictures of my journeys.

Posts

The Vortex At Looking Glass.

The Vortex At Looking Glass.

Usually on trail you spend a day or two in town and head out. Not hiking anywhere is what makes it a zero day. Occasionally a hiker might do a

Jul 27, 2026 : Stephen Calkins
Glacier National Park: The second part

Glacier National Park: The second part

If there is something to be said of Thruhiking culture, it must be mentioned how instantly bonded you become with everyone else. So few have attempted anything like this and because of that you take care of one another in a time of need. Piegan Pass 5AM I wake up for our 6:30 start. We have 15 miles to do and a big pass. The day starts pretty nice with very little elevation for the first 6 miles. …

Jul 20, 2026 : Stephen Calkins
Canada to Mexico

Canada to Mexico

Glacier national park is over a million acres wide and sits at the top of the American Rockies. Once home to over 80 named glaciers in 1850, that

Jul 13, 2026 : Stephen Calkins
Looking Glass.

Looking Glass.

Looking Glass is a hostel located in East Glacier. Run by Will and Luna out of their old restaurant it has everything a thruhiker needs. A short

Jul 6, 2026 : Stephen Calkins
Automobiles, Planes, and Trains!

Automobiles, Planes, and Trains!

East Glacier Montana, the staging ground for most South Bound hikers. The easiest way to arrive is by train, the Empire Builder. Next step is

Jun 29, 2026 : Stephen Calkins
Smokies Hike

Smokies Hike

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park. Settled in the border of North Carolina and Tennessee it is home to the

Jun 22, 2026 : Stephen Calkins
Pre-CDT: How we got to here

Pre-CDT: How we got to here

Hiking and camping are a great way to get active and outside. They are a wonderful way to bond with friends, and enjoy the beauty that is nature.

May 14, 2026 : Stephen Calkins