This F*cking Trail

Episode 18 - Colorado 2025 Part 2

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:31:26 GMT

The Colorado mini series continues! In this episode Jon & Gabrielle discuss the back half of Gabrielle's most recent trip to Colorado. They discuss Gabrielle's quest to complete a misogi (& what the f*ck that even is), the "tethered" man she observed at Rifle Falls State Park, hiking a glacier, snow fields & bridges in July. They also discuss moose encounters & recent mountain lion interactions in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one you don't want to miss!

Michael Easter - https://eastermichael.com/

Find The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter - https://eastermichael.com/books-v2-wip/

An article on misogi - https://www.twopct.com/p/whats-your-misogi

Listen to a podcast devoted to discussing misogi & the 3 day effect with Michael Easter - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGLvZ4biIG8tybhL4ZHT2?si=lADEMHxgRQ-oHT-i1wMUVg

Support Jon & Gabrielle: This F*cking Trail | Substack

To hear more, go to: https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 17: Colorado 2025 Pt 1

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 08:50:00 GMT

Since Gabrielle doesn't want to fry to death in this Texas heat & just got back from traipsing all over Colorado, we're doing a Colorado mini series!

Today is the second installment in this series, in which we discuss the first part of Gabrielle's annual Colorado Trip. We discuss ultramarathons, finding the most incredibly blue lake Gabrielle has ever seen, training for mountain hiking when you like in a much flatter (and lower) area & Gabrielle almost moving to her favorite small town ever - Ouray.

Support Jon & Gabrielle: This F*cking Trail | Substack

To hear more, go to: https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/

To hear more, visit

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 16: Hiking My 1st 14er

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:28:00 GMT

Since Gabrielle doesn't want to fry to death in this Texas heat & just got back from traipsing all over Colorado, we're doing a Colorado mini series!

Today is the first of this series where Jon & Gabrielle take a trip down memory lane & recount the tale of Gabrielle's first 14er. If you want to hear about Gabrielle running a 40k obstacle course race 2 days prior to trying to ascend her first 14er, lightning fatalities in Colorado, flat lander considerations for hiking at elevation, shitting (or not) above treeline, stay tuned!

Correction: it turns out that Jon was very wrong about how many people have died in Colorado from lightning strikes. 1 person died in 2024 from lightning strike. Here’s the shitty news - more people in Texas have died from lightning strikes since 2006-2023 than people in Texas. See more at this article: Colorado has the third-most lightning deaths in the country. Here’s how to stay safe.

Electrolyte SR Tablets - Electrolyte SR

Support Jon & Gabrielle: This F*cking Trail | Substack

To hear more, go to: https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 15 - How Gabrielle Started Hiking

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 08:44:00 GMT

In today's jam-packed episode, Jon interviews Gabrielle on just how and why she started solo hiking. Did she always love hiking and intend to make it her whole personality? Find out all this and more in today's episode!

Support Jon & Gabrielle: https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/podcast

To hear more, go to: https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 14: Unique Facts about Hiking in Texas

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:37:00 GMT

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 13: Cattail Falls Trail Intel

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 08:21:00 GMT

In this week's episode, Gabrielle spills the beans on all things Cattail Falls Trail in Big Bend National Park. Never heard of it before? That's because it isn't on any official trail maps. Tune in to find out all the details of how you can hike Big Bend's secret hike.

Support Jon & Gabrielle: https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/podcast

To hear more, go to: https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/

Cattail Falls video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkseJhC8I_c

Pooping in desert environments - https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/p/why-are-there-so-many-rules-about-9c7

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/707030598468113

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 12: ACR Bivy Stick & Global Rescue

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:38:00 GMT

We've talked about it more than any other gadget on the show - our favorite toy! Jon & Gabrielle delve into all the details & considerations of using the ACR Bivy Stick & how its partnership with Global Rescue works.

Get real life insight from avid Bivy users on how this device helps keep Gabrielle safe in the wilds of Texas in this no b******t "s**t you should know" episode.

Support Jon & Gabrielle: https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/podcast

Creating an Effective Safety Plan Episode: https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/p/creating-an-effective-safety-plan-881

To hear more, go to: https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/

Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/707030598468113

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 11: Ably Apparel

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:04:00 GMT

Just how long can you go without washing a pair of Ably socks & why? In today's episode, Jon takes the spotlight to dazzle an unimpressed Gabrielle with the ins & outs of Filium technology & Ably Apparel. In this magical material, Jon claims to have discovered a (mostly) odor proof brand of clothing that can pass even Gabrielle's super sniffer. Such a product could be great for hiking, camping and backpacking but is it too good to be true? Is Ably Apparel really something you should buy? Find out all this and a lot more in the episode!

Support Jon & Gabrielle - https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com

Join the conversation on Facebook - / 707030598468113

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Get $20 off at Ably Apparel

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Beginner Backpacker Adventures: Caprock Trailway

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 08:53:00 GMT

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Horsetrap Trail Intel

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 30 May 2025 09:06:00 GMT

In this episode, Jon & Gabrielle dive into the down & dirty details of Big Bend Ranch State Park’s Horsetrap Trail. Is it worth your time? Where’s the trail head & how hard is the hike? Find out all this & more in this trail intel episode.

Support us on Substack - https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/

Join the conversation on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/707030598468113

Walking Guide to the Historic District Big Bend Ranch State Park -https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_br_p4501_0152k.pdf

Big Bend Ranch State Park brochure on the trail - https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_br_p4501_0152s.pdf

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

You Let Your Wife Solo Hike?!

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 23 May 2025 10:31:03 GMT

Join Jon & Gabrielle as they discuss the delicate topic of solo hiking as a woman in today's world. Jon opens up about his biggest fears while Gabrielle is exploring, tears down imagined threats and offers insight on how other partners can be supportive. Buckle up, this topic gets spicy!

Support Jon & Gabrielle - https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/podcast

Creating an Effective Safety Plan Episode - https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/p/creating-an-effective-safety-plan-881

Join the conversation on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/707030598468113

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Finegan Springs Trail Intel

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 16 May 2025 11:51:44 GMT

In this week's Trail Intel episode, Jon & Gabrielle discuss the most magical hike in Texas - Finegan Springs. They break down the nightmare that is the logistical details of getting into Devil's River State Natural Area. Gabrielle also gushes about the phenomenal beauty she discovered on this trail and, of course, gets up on a soapbox about Leave No Trace & Texas water conservation.

Support the pod! - https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/

Join the conversation on Facebook! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/707030598468113

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/devils-river - park info, camping & permits

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Big Bend Ranch State Park Trip Report

This Fucking Trail — Mon, 12 May 2025 10:40:35 GMT

In this week’s episode, Jon and Gabrielle discuss Gabrielle’s nerve wracking first solo trip into the interior of Big Bend Ranch State Park. From a ranger ruining Gabrielle’s meticulously laid backpacking plans right from the get go, this solo trip to Big Bend became a masterclass in adapting to unexpected changes.

Listen in as we discuss considerations for hiking the interior of Big Bend Ranch State Park (totally different from its civilized cousin, Big Bend National Park) and discuss the details of Mexicano Falls, Horsetrap and Cinco Tinaja Trails.

Ultimately, Gabrielle’s solo trip became an unexpected lesson in adapting to unforeseen challenges, highlighting that sometimes the wisest part of an adventure is recognizing one's limits and choosing to prioritize safety over unchecked exploration.

Support us on Substack: https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/

Join the fun on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/707030598468113

Want to know more about Big Bend Ranch State Park? Check out our episode on the River District of BBRSP! https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/p/big-bend-ranch-state-park-river-district-fe1

Cathy Frye’s story: https://bigbend.arkansasonline.com/

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Marufo Vega Trail Intel

This Fucking Trail — Thu, 01 May 2025 23:03:06 GMT

Join your hosts Jon and Gabrielle for a deep dive into the infamous Marufo Vega Trail in Big Bend National Park. Known as the deadliest trail in Texas, this episode uncovers the stark realities of this challenging hike, from its breathtaking vistas to the very real dangers it presents.

Gabrielle shares her personal experiences, including multiple attempts and her successful completion, offering brutally honest insights and essential safety advice for anyone considering this notorious trek.

https://thisfuckingtrail.com/the-illegal-horses-of-big-bend-national-park/

https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/p/creating-an-effective-safety-plan-881

NPS information on Marufo Vega - https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/bc_marufovega.htm

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Big Bend Ranch State Park River District Trip Report

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 02:28:49 GMT

Join Jon and Gabrielle for a hilariously honest trip report from Gabrielle's solo adventure to the River District of Big Bend Ranch State Park. The theme of this trip was Gabrielle’s brain frantically trying to calculate "What's the absolute worst that could happen?!" for the entire three days. This trip turned out to be less about scenic vistas and more about battling inner demons.

Expect last-minute planning woes, campground confusion, hygiene rituals in a composting toilet to ward off theoretical bears, a Good Samaritan detour involving a truck & lots of sand, losing the surprisingly well-marked Hoodoo's Trail, solo camping anxiety fueled by sleeping next to the Rio Grande, tent troubles, heart pounding wildlife run-ins and a pre-dawn hike on the challenging Rancherias Canyon Trail with mountain lion fears and satellite device limitations. It doesn’t get any more real and honest than this, folks.

Make reservations for the River District of Big Bend Ranch State Park - Barton Warnock Visitor Center, TX

Bivy Stick - Bivy Stick | ACR Bivy Stick

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Creating an Effective Safety Plan

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:44:48 GMT

Join base camp Jon and Gabrielle of This F*****g Trail for brutally honest takes on Texas trails and hiking adventures. This episode highlights the critical aspects of hiking safety planning. Gabrielle stresses the importance of communication with your “base camp” person. The episode also covers trip-specific risk mitigation, essential safety tips like identifying bailout points and using a pre-trip checklist, and crucial skills/supplies such as navigation, extra water, and a paper map. Ultimately, the discussion aims to equip hikers with an effective safety plan to handle potential trail challenges.

Death in Big Bend book

My favorite animal attack & survival podcast episodes

Why Are There So Many Rules About Pooping in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?

This Fucking Trail — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 01:48:51 GMT

In this episode, we discuss the unique and strict rules regarding human waste management in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. We explore the reasons behind these regulations, the differences between human and animal waste, and the environmental impact of improper waste disposal. The conversation emphasizes the importance of following park rules to preserve the natural beauty of the area for future generations.

WAG bag - https://www.rei.com/product/692303/cleanwaste-the-original-wag-bag-go-anywhere-toilet-kit-waste-bag?sku=6923030016&store=131&CAWELAID=120217890000759416&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=113279951513&CATCI=pla-366418484527&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_6923030016%7C366418484527%7CBA%7C71700000074422505&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwna6_BhCbARIsALId2Z1PaIWDvWgvWE50H56cc3M5kTO7uXe4Tz4TrqSg2bm7e2by9Ersx0AaAvmIEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

News release about these shitty rules - https://www.nps.gov/gumo/learn/news/guadalupe-mountains-national-park-to-require-toilet-bags-for-all-wilderness-use.htm

Park rules on pooping in the back country - https://www.nps.gov/gumo/learn/management/superintendents_compendium.htm

Dealing with human waste NPS guidelines - https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/gumo_human_waste_wilderness.htm#:~:text=Doing%20Your%20Business%20in%20the,safe%20commercial%20toilet%20bag%20system

My first backpacking trip in Guadalupe Mountains, in which I truly realize how strict these rules are. https://thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/p/beginner-backpacker-adventures

Article about these rules on the blog - https://thisfuckingtrail.com/dont-s**t-where-you-hike/

www.thisfuckingtrail.com

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe

Beginner Backpacker Adventures

This Fucking Trail — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 01:48:36 GMT

Bear bags, helicopters, and firefighters, oh my! Gabrielle’s first proper backpacking trip was far from uneventful.

WAG bags from REI: https://www.rei.com/product/692303/cleanwaste-the-original-wag-bag-go-anywhere-toilet-kit-waste-bag

Setting out on this grand adventure: https://youtu.be/em0xKaDfxpE?si=vTrbBpXHhx6YOEjV

Scared s**t less: https://youtu.be/em0xKaDfxpE?si=vTrbBpXHhx6YOEjV

Hanging my first bear bag: https://youtu.be/em0xKaDfxpE?si=vTrbBpXHhx6YOEjV

Backpacking rules and regulations from NPS: https://www.nps.gov/gumo/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm

Start writing today. Use the button below to create a Substack of your own

Get full access to This F*****g Trail at thisfuckingtrail.substack.com/subscribe