Brian Cornell

Greetings everybody! My name is Brian and I am addicted to mountains. On the trail I go by “Knots” and come April 30th, I will be starting my thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail alongside my brother, Nick (Top Nach). Originally from Front Royal, VA but I have been residing in Mammoth Lakes, CA for the past few years. Will do anything outside, including but not limited to, hiking, running, skiing, biking, writing, reading and sitting. Favorite writers include Abbey, Thoreau, Kerouac and Hoff. Hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2014, excited to get back on the path!

Posts

Long Days Taking in the Enchantment of the Basin

Long Days Taking in the Enchantment of the Basin

The Great Divide Basin in Wyoming is a section of trail road that not too many hikers speak highly of.  This is due to the heat, exposure, and lack

Jul 29, 2018 : Brian Cornell
Restin’ in Rawlins with a Welcome Zero

Restin’ in Rawlins with a Welcome Zero

Wyoming has been changing every day as I walk farther away from Colorado.  The state border may be a mere line in the dirt but it builds the spirit. 

Jul 24, 2018 : Brian Cornell
Cold Soaking: A Day in the Life

Cold Soaking: A Day in the Life

Cold soaking is the culinary art of backpacking without a stove (see also, stoveless).  While most hikers choose to carry a device with which they

Jul 19, 2018 : Brian Cornell
A Long Goodbye to Colorado, and Wyoming Looms

A Long Goodbye to Colorado, and Wyoming Looms

The first 70ish days of this journey are behind me and the only thing standing between me and Canada is another 1,000+ miles of trail.  Halfway

Jul 14, 2018 : Brian Cornell
Two  Months Walkin’ the Continental Divide

Two Months Walkin’ the Continental Divide

Over two months on the Continental Divide Trail and I just seem to be hitting my stride.  These legs have carried me over 1,000 miles and have become

Jul 1, 2018 : Brian Cornell
All Aboard the Colorado Trail

All Aboard the Colorado Trail

Good morning and welcome to the Colorado Trail section of the Continental Divide Trail.  For the next 400 miles, these two wondrous trails become one

Jun 26, 2018 : Brian Cornell
The Colorful Personality of Colorado

The Colorful Personality of Colorado

There were fires to the west and the San Juan National Forest was elevated to Stage Three fire restriction; no access.  With these developments

Jun 20, 2018 : Brian Cornell
Trailcation in Durango: A Mental and Physical Reset

Trailcation in Durango: A Mental and Physical Reset

After seven zeroes in the lovely, nearly engulfed in smoke, town of Durango I am ready to get back out on that dirt path.  While my shin does not

Jun 13, 2018 : Brian Cornell
A Challenging First Week in Colorful Colorado

A Challenging First Week in Colorful Colorado

At the border of New Mexico and Colorado there was a barbed wire fence that was bent over, touching the ground.  It was easily stepped over as I

Jun 8, 2018 : Brian Cornell
And Then It All Turned Green

And Then It All Turned Green

The trail out of Cuba, New Mexico was eight miles of road walk, the last five of which were on dirt and gravel.  The forest roads slowly climbed the

Jun 1, 2018 : Brian Cornell