Skyscrapers remind me of mountains

summer vacation

Last summer, between my sophomore and junior years of college, I hiked the Long Trail. As a theater student, I spend my semesters writing musicals, acting, and exploring New York City. But over the summer I’ve been working out my trail legs. My name is Tess, my tour name is «Storyteller». I will soon begin my hike along the Colorado Trail, walking from Denver to Durango.

The hiking mistake

After completing the long road Last June, I knew I wanted to do another hike as soon as I could. I had heard about the beauty of the Colorado Trail and was excited for another challenge I could complete over summer break. While researching the Colorado Trail, I became fascinated by the history of the trail and the efforts of the volunteers.

Mountains and cities

Last semester, I was walking the streets of New York City and was in awe of the tall buildings and views around me in a way that strangely reminded me of being on the road. As I walked quickly, my calves burning for places to be, I looked at the world around me and found comfort in feeling so small. I thought there was some connection between my loves – the mountains and the city – that I needed to explore.

Why do we build hundred-story towers in the sky? Why do we climb to the top of a 14,000 foot peak? With an average elevation of over 10,000 feet, the Colorado Trail seemed like the perfect place to admire our natural skyscrapers. I started developing the next edition of my Field notes project to explore these questions, as well as themes of community, land and history.

tell stories

This is the second year that I have been able to work directly with a trail organizationaiming to support their awareness, fundraising and outreach goals through trail storytelling projects. I have been fortunate to receive another project grant from my school, as well as a scholarship. Thanks to these opportunities, I am grateful to be able to walk and create this project during my summer vacation. My dream is to live and tell stories of long-distance trails.

Getting ready for the road

Right now, I’m incredibly excited and a little nervous to start my hike. I’ve been trying to prepare as best I can, knowing that, like in life or on a hike, plans will inevitably change. On the project side, I’ve been testing recording strategies, researching everything, and creating content.

As for hiking, I’ve been weighing all my gear, reading all the ultralight threads online, and trying to get in some hikes before flying to Colorado. After the Long Trail, I decided I wanted to lighten my pack a bit, which will hopefully make the dry sections of the Colorado Trail a little more comfortable.

Part of me is afraid to face the discomforts that I know are inevitable along the way. But the love and joy I feel for the trail is far greater than any fear or doubt. I’m ready to put on my backpack and climb Colorado’s natural skyscrapers.

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