Great Western Loop

Great Western Loop
Length	6,875 miles
Location	California, Oregon, Washington, Canada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona
Use	Hiking

The Great Western Loop is a hiking route that loops around the western United States.

It links together five long-distance hiking trails including the Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail and Arizona Trail. It passes through the Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert, 12 National Parks and 75 wilderness areas.

Andrew Skurka, a professional backpacker, was the first to attempt the entire hike. On April 9, 2007, Skurka began the route from the Grand Canyon. Averaging 33 miles per day, Skurka arrived back at the Grand Canyon on November 7, 2007, 208 days since he began. He remains the only known person to complete the hike.

References

1. Duane, Daniel. "2007 Adventurer of the Year: The Walking Man". National Geographic Adventure. Retrieved 2012-02-10.
2. Skurka, Andrew. "Great Western Loop Overview". Andrew Skurka Official Website. Retrieved 2012-02-10.