Annika Ananias / "Ravenclaw"

I'm Annika, a German adventurer, mountain lover, and world traveler. I discovered my love for hiking during a semester abroad in New Zealand, a turning point that changed my life. To fulfill my strong desire for hiking and the mountains I moved to the German Alps and have traveled all around the world to experience the beautiful diversity of the great outdoors. On my thru-hikes on the Te Araroa in New Zealand, the PCT and the CDT in the USA, I found my calling in long-distance hiking. By now, I have covered over 8,700 miles on trails around the world and visited all seven continents. Come join me on my adventures! If you are German speaking, you can also check out my blog at www.weltwanderin.de and read about my other adventures.

Posts

CDT: The Last Steps

CDT: The Last Steps

After 5.5 months of challenges, triumphs, and the inevitable hardships of a long-distance trail, the final stretch of the CDT is in sight. Our walk

Dec 15, 2024 : Annika Ananias / "Ravenclaw"
The Gila River – The CDT’s Final Test of Grit

The Gila River – The CDT’s Final Test of Grit

What begins as a gusty, tumbleweed-chased departure from Pie Town soon plunges into a gauntlet of challenges — frozen mornings, lingering storms,

Dec 11, 2024 : Annika Ananias / "Ravenclaw"
CDT: From Lava Fields to Pie – Grants to Pie Town

CDT: From Lava Fields to Pie – Grants to Pie Town

Between Grants and Pie Town, the CDT turns into another “choose your own adventure.” We can endure long road walks, wrestle with scorching black lava

Dec 9, 2024 : Annika Ananias / "Ravenclaw"
CDT: Desert Magic and Tumbleweed Battles – Cuba to Grants

CDT: Desert Magic and Tumbleweed Battles – Cuba to Grants

This stretch of the CDT from Cuba to Grants throws lots of tumbleweed and sparse water sources at us. And, we find ourselves immersed in some of the

Dec 7, 2024 : Annika Ananias / "Ravenclaw"
CDT: Storms, Snow, and Salvation – Ghost Ranch to Cuba

CDT: Storms, Snow, and Salvation – Ghost Ranch to Cuba

After a much-needed zero at Ghost Ranch, we’re back on the trail, ready to reconnect with the redline and tackle the stunning, rugged terrain

Dec 4, 2024 : Annika Ananias / "Ravenclaw"
CDT: The Journey into New Mexico

CDT: The Journey into New Mexico

Crossing into New Mexico marks the final chapter of the CDT, but it’s clear this state isn’t about to let us off easy. This stretch from Chama to

Dec 2, 2024 : Annika Ananias / "Ravenclaw"
CDT: Thunder Snow – A Farewell to Colorado

CDT: Thunder Snow – A Farewell to Colorado

The stretch of trail between Pagosa Springs and Chama feels like a microcosm of the CDT experience — grueling challenges, awe-inspiring beauty,

Dec 2, 2024 : Annika Ananias / "Ravenclaw"
CDT: The San Juans are calling!

CDT: The San Juans are calling!

The San Juans are calling and we answered. They demand everything we have — and then some. They test our strength with relentless climbs, rugged

Dec 1, 2024 : Annika Ananias / "Ravenclaw"
CDT: A Cabin, Trail Magic, and Mountain Majesty – Salida to Creede

CDT: A Cabin, Trail Magic, and Mountain Majesty – Salida to Creede

The stretch from Salida to Creede offers a mix of exposed ridges and serene forest paths, leading us ever closer to the elusive San Juan Mountains.

Nov 30, 2024 : Annika Ananias / "Ravenclaw"
CDT: From Golden Aspens to the Fury of a Snowstorm – Leadville to Salida

CDT: From Golden Aspens to the Fury of a Snowstorm – Leadville to Salida

The few days between Leadville and Buena Vista have been a whirlwind of challenges and surprises. As we battle icy winds and face tough decisions on

Nov 26, 2024 : Annika Ananias / "Ravenclaw"