Dawn Patrol: Jackrabbit’s First 10 Days on the PCT
As his CYTC attempt ultimately comes to a close, Jackrabbit’s journey proves that life's most meaningful experiences come from taking the first step.
From the scorching desert to the snow-covered Sierra Nevada, Jackrabbit’s journey has been more than just a path through wilderness—it's been a journey of self-discovery, mental fortitude, and raw human endurance.
Immense physical demands, extreme temperatures, and beyond-challenging terrain hit Jackrabbit like a 200-ton steam train en route on the PCT. However, the most grueling challenge of them all has been managing the mental and emotional rollercoaster that is taking on a CYTC attempt.
“The Mental Challenge”
Jackrabbit confronted many moments of intense loneliness, particularly between miles 530 to 630. Maintaining motivation felt impossible at times, but even his low points have been balanced by incredible moments of trail magic, camaraderie, and personal triumph.
Unexpected encounters with trail angels—like a tour guide who offered cold drinks or hikers who shared (many) hot dogs—became lifelines of hope and human connection that Jackrabbit desperately craved on trail. Trail magic also included many visits and chats with Build A Pack co-founder, Squalo, who provided not just logistical help, but emotional support during the most difficult times on the trail.
STRUGGLE AT THE SIERRAS
Physically, Jackrabbit pushed incredible boundaries—maintaining an impressive 33-mile daily average in the first 600 miles of the PCT. Consistency was the drumbeat of his strategy on the trail, waking up most days between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. to start hiking. But the consistency of day-after-day momentum, and essentially no chance to rest, began to lead to an impasse.
“Just Getting it Done”
Upwards of a month in, Jackrabbit had stood at the precipice of quitting many times. The isolation of the trail weighed heavily, with long stretches of solitude testing his willpower to continue. He candidly shared his struggles, admitting to feeling disconnected and questioning his motivation.
I'mnotevenenjoyingitthatmuch.I’mjustgettingitdoneeveryday.
Nonetheless, he continued hiking.
“Sierras in Sight”
Understanding the Sierras would dramatically change his pace, he pushed forward with mental and physical preparation for the mountains ahead. Hiking at elevations around 11,000-12,000 feet, Jackrabbit found himself alone in breathtaking but unforgiving terrain. He even fell into freezing water, struggled as he trudged through snow fields, and felt utterly isolated nearly the entire time.
"I'm the only one out here," he recorded on day 26 of the trail.
“Companionship”
At the highest elevation of his hiking so far, Jackrabbit was hungry and burning thousands of calories a day. He struggled with maintaining enough food and energy, especially as he approached mile 750. The Sierra mountain passes presented an entirely new level of difficulty. Challenges included post-holing through over-knee-deep snow, navigating treacherous river crossings (one of which Jackrabbit actually fell into), and bone-chilling traverses at nearly 13,000 feet elevation. Jackrabbit himself questioned what in the hell he was doing up there, especially in the seasons when these passes can be deadly due to unpredictable weather and intense snow.
Yet despite the constant temptation to quit, Jackrabbit demonstrated remarkable resilience to reach the Sierras. Each time he approached the mental breaking point, he found a way to continue.
He’s living proof that the very challenges that can push you to your limits are also the reason to keep going—to test yourself, to grow, and to experience something extraordinary.
THE HARDEST DECISION OF ALL
“I Thought I Could Handle This”
Ultimately, at mile 789, just south of Glenn Pass on the PCT, Jackrabbit made the unbelievably hard decision that his journey had come to an end.
His internal dialogue revealed a complex emotional journey, and the constant wrestling with missing human connection and the struggle to find his purpose on the trail led to the decision to part ways with his CYTC attempt.
The decision was no loss, however. Jackrabbit walked into moments of immeasurable beauty on the trail—solo sunrises in the mountains, epic views of snow-covered peaks in complete solitude, and the raw experience of pushing beyond his perceived limits.
The trail became more than just a physical journey—it was a metaphorical exploration of personal boundaries, resilience, and the utter strength of the human spirit.
Jackrabbit's journey captures the authentic, unfiltered experience of long-distance hiking: the highs, the lows, the moments of doubt, and the occasional burst of pure joy and wonder.
Pushing forward, day by day, mile by mile, Jackrabbit embodied the true spirit of thru-hiking. It's not about perfection or constant enjoyment, but about persistence, adaptability, and the willingness to face challenges head-on.
“No Regrets”
Jackrabbit’s CYTC attempt reminds us that life's most meaningful experiences often come from embracing discomfort, pushing through seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and finding strength we didn't know we possessed.
Even if that means admitting when you know you’ve reached the end of a profound journey.
