JT Simmons

Heyo! My name is JT, and I thru-hiked the Colorado Trail in early summer 2023! I'm a current college student with a heart for nature, environmental issues, and good town food :) In the summers, I am a mountain guide for a nonprofit out of Twin Lakes, CO. I hope this record of my journey brings you joy and inspiration as you plan your own adventures. Have fun out there!

Posts

The Ultimate Guide to Making Coffee on Trail

The Ultimate Guide to Making Coffee on Trail

Are you struggling to wake up on the trail? Do you miss your coffee from back home? Thru-hiking is a minimalist activity, but that doesn't mean you

Feb 5, 2025 : JT Simmons
The Four Pass Loop: 26 Miles of High Mountain Colorado Paradise

The Four Pass Loop: 26 Miles of High Mountain Colorado Paradise

The renowned Four Pass Loop is perhaps the best-known hiking loop in all of North America. Located on the doorstep of Aspen, Colorado, and winding

Jan 6, 2025 : JT Simmons
Ozark Highlands Trail: 254+ Miles Through the Arkansas Wilderness

Ozark Highlands Trail: 254+ Miles Through the Arkansas Wilderness

The Ozark Highlands Trail winds through the highest peaks of the most extensive highland area between the Rockies and the Appalachians. It is a full

Oct 10, 2024 : JT Simmons
Why YOU Should Hike the Colorado Trail Early Season

Why YOU Should Hike the Colorado Trail Early Season

First, A Prelude Climbing the Tenmile in snow (segment 7) I hiked the Colorado Trail from June 18-July 18, 2023, as an 18 year old, first time

May 27, 2024 : JT Simmons
Every Pizza on the Colorado Trail, Ranked

Every Pizza on the Colorado Trail, Ranked

EDIT: The summer of 2024, I worked in Twin Lakes as a 14er and backpacking guide. Being so close to both HMP, Crave, and Moonlight, I have adjusted

May 27, 2024 : JT Simmons
At The End of it All?

At The End of it All?

Note: this is a very late update from my thru hike of the CT, June 18 to July 18, 2023. This is not intended to reflect current conditions for the

May 16, 2024 : JT Simmons
Note: This Landscape Isn’t Real

Note: This Landscape Isn’t Real

Note: this is a very late update from my thru hike of the CT, June 18 to July 18, 2023. This is not intended to reflect current conditions for the

May 13, 2024 : JT Simmons
The day I Became a Thru-Hiker

The day I Became a Thru-Hiker

Note: this is a very late update from my thru hike of the CT, June 18 to July 18, 2023. This is not intended to reflect current conditions for the

May 12, 2024 : JT Simmons
Getting Swept Away on the Colorado Trail

Getting Swept Away on the Colorado Trail

The morning sun rose to find me crouched next to a river, wet and cold. Hours before, me and Phoenix broke down camp in the Cochetopa Creek valley, and set off up the trail in the middle of the night. Our target for the day: San Luis Peak, a 14er. It was time to take on the San Juan Mountains.

Aug 2, 2023 : JT Simmons
Around and Around, with No Exit in Sight

Around and Around, with No Exit in Sight

After a long ride from a kind local, I stepped out on the top of the world: Monarch Crest. The summit of the pass was absolutely freezing cold and

Aug 1, 2023 : JT Simmons