E82: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail & Colorado Trail for Older Backpackers

from El Podcast · host Joyful Rambler, Jesse Wright, El Podcast, El Podcast Media

Joey "The Joyful Rambler" shares her transformative experience hiking the Appalachian Trail at 52, offering insight for older adults considering long-distance backpacking.Guest bio: Joey, known online as The Joyful Rambler, is a YouTuber, hiker, and vanlifer who began backpacking in her 50s. She completed a nontraditional thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail and now documents her travels, hikes, and minimalist lifestyle on her YouTube channel.Topics discussed:Planning and budgeting for the Appalachian TrailGear selection and ultralight backpackingHiking as a retiree or older adultTrail life, zero days, and town strategiesSafety concerns and solo female hikingPhysical preparation and recovery at older agesComparisons between the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, and other thru-hikesTrail culture, community, and common challengesTop quote:"I just encourage people to, you know, if you're dreaming about something, figure out how to make it happen." 🎙 The Pod is hosted by Jesse Wright💬 For guest suggestions, questions, or media inquiries, reach out at https://elpodcast.media/📬 Never miss an episode – subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts.⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show. It helps others find us. Thanks for listening!

What this episode covers

Joey, a YouTuber @JoyfulRambler, shares her 2018 Appalachian Trail (AT) hiking experience. She discusses her motivation, planning process, and the challenges she faced. Joey highlights the importance of physical and mental preparation, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness on the trail. She compares hiking solo versus with a partner, addressing safety considerations. Joey offers tips on carrying water and food and her approach to hitchhiking. The discussion covers various hiking topics, including the average age of hikers on the AT and Colorado Trail, strategies for older hikers, elevation differences, budgeting for gear and expenses, and the overall hiking experience. She also emphasizes the importance of choosing the right gear and listening to your body while hiking.

NOW PLAYING

E82: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail & Colorado Trail for Older Backpackers

0:00 43:37

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

I'm ok

Mar 26, 2026 ·1m

REMIX: Why we over-shop and compulsively acquire, and how to stop, with Dr Jan Eppingstall

Jan 9, 2026 ·61m

REMIX: OCD and hoarding disorder with Jenna Overbaugh

Jan 2, 2026 ·47m

REMIX: Therapy and hoarding disorder - what are the options? With Dr Jan Eppingstall

Dec 26, 2025 ·78m

REMIX: ADHD and hoarding disorder with Professor Sharon Morein

Dec 21, 2025 ·46m

#207 13 actionable pieces of mental health advice from six former podcast guests

Dec 12, 2025 ·53m

Similar Podcasts

That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding That Hoarder Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder speaks about her experiences living with compulsive hoarding, she interviews therapists, academics, researchers, children of hoarders, professional organisers and influencers, and she shares insight and tips for others with the problem. Listened to by people who hoard as well as those who love them and those who work with them, Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder aims to shatter the stigma, share the truth and speak openly and honestly to improve lives. The Small Business Startup School – Business Notes | Financial Literacy | Retail Psychology – For Professionals & Entrepreneurs The Small Business Startup School Inc. Starting or buying a small business? While personal circumstances may vary, business patterns remain timeless. On The Small Business Startup School, we explore strategies, insights, and practical solutions to help entrepreneurs confidently navigate their journey.Hosted by Ola Williams—a retail entrepreneur, fintech founder, and financial coach with over two decades of experience—this podcast marries financial awareness and retail psychology with optimism to deliver actionable takeaways.Join us to learn, grow, and connect as we uncover the keys to business success.Let’s continue to learn together and be encouraged to keep on connecting! DIOSA. Carolina Sanper This podcast is a sacred space created by Carolina Sanper where you connect with your inner wisdom and embody your magnetic feminine power.It is the realization that the mystical realm is where you plant the seeds of your desired reality.It is a portal to your true essence: awareness, presence, and receiving with ease. Welcome home, DIOSA. 🖤 XXX Tech by SOVRYN Dr. Brian Sovryn The crossroads between technology, sensuality, and metaphysics - and the longest running anarchist podcast in the world! Brought to you by Dr. Brian Sovryn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of El Podcast?

This episode is 43 minutes long.

When was this El Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on June 18, 2024.

What is this episode about?

Can I download this El Podcast episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!