Thruhike: Continental Divide Trail

Brooke Osborne

2019

Moab, Utah

Cairn Project Ambassador Brooke Osborne smiles big wearing sunglasses with mountains behind her

About Brooke Osborne

Brooke is a PhD scientist studying tropical biogeochemistry. Before moving to Moab, UT for her next big career adventure, Brooke is gearing up for a thru-hike on the Continental Divide Trail.

1,200+ Miles of The Continental Divide

In late June, Brooke will set off to hike a section of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), starting in New Mexico and hiking north to Wyoming. After hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail, Brooke has her sights set on eventually finishing the Triple Crown. This time, Brooke is hiking with an added purpose: to support opportunities for more women to connect with and feel welcome in the outdoors. Fundraising goal: $3,000.

In its entirety, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail follows the spine of the North American Continental Divide – 3,100 miles of the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Canada. Passing through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, the CDT is considered the most rugged of the U.S.’s long distance hiking trails. To date, approximately 76% of the trail has been completed and designated for non-motorized travel. The trail is protected and maintained through the work of The Continental Divide Trail Coalition.

Map showing Brooke's route from New Mexico to Wyoming on the CDT
Brooke holding a fish on a boat in a lake

Why Get Out and Give Back?

“Backpacking and biking and fishing are what make me feel most like myself. They have also brought me some of the greatest experiences and friendships of my life. I was fortunate to find a community that made me feel welcome in the outdoors and love to pass that gift on to others. I believe in the types of programs that The Cairn Project supports, and wish that they had been more common when I was a kid!”

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