Colorado Trail: It’s Go Time

I have decided to pursue a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail! Why? It is close to home and my gear bag is already packed for this adventure. I feel that I can safely take on this trail within COVID-19 regulations, and I am ready to live out my dream of becoming a full time hiker.

July 4, 2020

The day my husband and I were supposed to fly to Maine to begin our SOBO hike of the Appalachian Trail. We canceled our thru-hike for many reasons, and I’m honestly still a bit sad about it. Things have been so uncertain for everyone over the past few months, and postponing this dream (our thru-hike) just seemed to be the conscious thing to do.

Personally, I usually spend the warm months traveling around colorful Colorado, chasing 14er summits, and embarking on grueling weekend backpacking trips, but due to COVID-19, I’ve chosen to recreate closer to home this year.

We live in the High Rockies at around 9,000 feet. This summer, I’ve been staying active by hiking secluded trails closer to home, paddling on my new inflatable kayak, and trail running every chance I get.

Trading the AT for the CT

I met a CDT thru-hiker while at work last week and FOMO hit me like a freight train. He was glowing with that fresh backcountry dew, and we had a great conversation about thru-hiking during the pandemic. We exchanged Instagram handles and he was on his way just as quickly as he showed up. Almost immediately after talking to him and creeping on his social media, I had a revelation… I CAN TOTALLY HIKE THE COLORADO TRAIL THIS YEAR!

My husband has given me his full support and will be helping me along the way. On his days off, he intends to deliver my weekly resupply, bring my smelly ass out to dinner, and help me find a place to take a much-needed shower. I am so grateful that he’s willing to support me from afar while continuing to work a seasonal job, care for our dog and leopard gecko, and hold down the casa while I’m away. LADIES, GET YOU A MAN LIKE JOHNNY!

 

Why Am I Doing This?

Completing my first thru-hike is something that I feel incredibly called to do. Our paths in life aren’t always certain, and the future is never promised. Who knows where I’ll be next year so why not go for it now?

I plan to bring a mask, extra hand sanitizer, and baby wipes to stay as sanitary as possible. Being a local Coloradan who works in a tourist town, I feel that it is acceptable to hike this trial that is so close to home. Having my husband’s support will help me avoid having to hitchhike or shop for groceries in small trail towns.

Do I plan on showering, eating out at restaurants, and staying at the occasional hotel? Yes, but I plan to be as careful and as intentional as possible while doing so.

For safety purposes, I’m not telling you my start date, but I plan to hike the entire CT in five weeks. Being the crazy 14er/peakbagger that I am, I’m hoping to snag some high summits along the way.

Peace, love, and happy trails y’all! It may be short and sweet, but this girl is FINALLY embarking on her first thru-hike.

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