Into the Wild | Freshman JT Simmons poses with a “Lost creek Wilderness” sign on Jun. 20, Simmons was two days into his month long hike through the Colorado Trail. Photo courtesy of JT Simmons Cobe Williams Millie Williams Evelyn Williamson Faith Williamson Maysa Willis Heather Wilson Emma Winford Braden Wolfe Hannah Woodard Aidan Woodhouse Scott Young Emma Zaboronek Shiwei Zhai The Colorado Trail is one of the more tame trails to thruhike, Simmons explained. Even still, hikers don’t make it for a multitude of reasons including overuse injuries, running out of money, loneliness and other physical and mental impediments. “More people have successfully climbed Mount Everest than completed the Colorado Trail,” Simmons said. The month-long hike did not pass without its fair share of wildlife encounters. After a 25-mile day, Simmons and another hiker decided to set up camp two miles out from a town. While making dinner, a bear dropped out of a tree about 300 feet away from their camp and did not stay away, coming as close as 100 feet. The bear was acclimated to humans and knew they had food. The two hikers decided to make the two mile hike in the moonlight to the town to stay on the safe side. Simmons inspired people in his life to accomplish things they never thought possible. “Before I met JT, I knew almost nothing about long distance hiking or gear or mountain ranges, and through our friendship both of us have increased in knowledge about these things,” sophomore Mikayla Jones said. “He sparked my passion for hiking and running as well, and before we both move into separate stages of life I hope to complete the Continental Divide Trail with him.” Simmons was far from done with his thru-hiking journey. He hoped to tackle many more on his list, including parts of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Written by Randi Tubbs 207 Freshman
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