Wayne's Adventure (In Motion)

The section between Pie Town, NM and Grants, NM regularly gets voted one of the worst sections on the CDT.

Not for any lack of beauty. For 30 miles out of Pie Town is a deep, sandy dirt road walk that it’s a lot like carrying someone on your back over a loose sand beach. It’s exhausting, grinding and tedious as hell.

Then you suddenly get 15 miles of prime inspired beautiful “real trail” to hike. Which I think exists only to get your hopes up and keep you from quitting right there. Because the real fun is about to begin.

A 40 mile two-lane blacktop Highway walk into Grants, NM. Now walking in 95° plus heat on or beside a broiling highway with semi trucks whizzing by your head is bad enough. No shade also. No water as well. But what walking on hot pavement with a pack does to your feet is indescribable. Two 15 hour days of it. Stepping off the side of the road every minute to avoid becoming a hood ornament on an 18 wheeler.

I will say the view is absolutely incredible. Especially the view of the raging wildfire I find myself walking directly into…