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Katie Jackson

I'm Katie, a thru-hiker and ultrarunner based in Colorado. After thru-hiking the Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, and Continental Divide Trail in back-to-back years, I'm looking forward to a little time of rest, relaxation, and writing. Or, who knows, maybe the AT. No one has ever accused me of being good at sitting still. Follow along on my journey with the articles below, or through my photography on Instagram (@k80.trail).

Posts

Kennedy Meadows Among 4,000 Campsites That Might Close This Summer as Budget Cuts, Layoffs Threaten California National Forests

Kennedy Meadows Among 4,000 Campsites That Might Close This Summer as Budget Cuts, Layoffs Threaten California National Forests

Thru-hikers and backpackers planning to traverse California's iconic trails this summer may find their journeys disrupted, as nearly 4,000 campsites

Mar 6, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Fastest Known Human: This Woman Just Beat the Men’s Speed Record on the Florida Trail

Fastest Known Human: This Woman Just Beat the Men’s Speed Record on the Florida Trail

Twenty-six-year-old Forida native Deanna Doane rewrote the record books on the 1,100-mile Florida Trail this week, setting a new overall supported

Mar 6, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Don’t Let an Injury Derail Your Thru-Hike: These 18 Simple Exercises Can Make You a Better Hiker

Don’t Let an Injury Derail Your Thru-Hike: These 18 Simple Exercises Can Make You a Better Hiker

I've been asked countless times how I've trained in preparation for my thru-hikes. The answer is a little complicated — I've never created a routine

Mar 3, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Best Backpacking Gear Deals of the Week (2.28.25)

Best Backpacking Gear Deals of the Week (2.28.25)

Happy Friday! I'm back with another round of killer deals for backpackers, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're gearing up for a

Feb 28, 2025 : Katie Jackson
An Inside Look at One of the First PCT Thru-Hikes in History: Stolen Packs, Near-Death Experiences, and Life-changing Adventure

An Inside Look at One of the First PCT Thru-Hikes in History: Stolen Packs, Near-Death Experiences, and Life-changing Adventure

Today’s PCT thru-hikers have a wealth of resources at their disposal — trail towns that cater to long-distance hikers, dedicated trail angels, GPS

Feb 26, 2025 : Katie Jackson
7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

7 Safer Smartwater Bottle Alternatives That Are Actually Practical for Thru-Hikers

Over the past few years, we've all been forced to slowly confront the fact that our Smartwater bottles — while the perfect size, weight, and rigidity

Feb 24, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Trump Administration Partially Reverses National Park Layoff Decision

Trump Administration Partially Reverses National Park Layoff Decision

Days after enacting mass layoffs that alarmed conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts, the Trump administration has reversed course, reinstating

Feb 21, 2025 : Katie Jackson
The Most Important Day for Hikers You’ve Never Heard Of Is Coming Up

The Most Important Day for Hikers You’ve Never Heard Of Is Coming Up

Usually, the only time people think about Washington D.C. on a thru-hike is if they're trying to plan a fun side quest from the Appalachian Trail.

Feb 20, 2025 : Katie Jackson
114 Miles of the Appalachian Trail Reopen Following Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

114 Miles of the Appalachian Trail Reopen Following Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

The U.S. Forest Service has officially reopened a majority of trails and roads within the Pisgah National Forest's Appalachian Ranger District,

Feb 19, 2025 : Katie Jackson
Mass Layoffs of National Park and Forest Workers Threaten the Future of America’s Trails

Mass Layoffs of National Park and Forest Workers Threaten the Future of America’s Trails

Thousands of national park and forest workers have been laid off due to sweeping budget cuts and shifting federal priorities, sending shockwaves

Feb 18, 2025 : Katie Jackson