In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget the power of a dream and the profound insights we can gain from chasing it. Welcome to the Radical Hospitality Podcast, where we typically dive into architecture and development, but today, we veer onto a different path with an extraordinary story of adventure. Our guest, Luke Pesce, a local 16-year-old adventurer, recently completed the Colorado Trail—a grueling 486-mile trek.
Luke’s story is one of inspiration and determination. The idea of hiking the Colorado Trail sparked from his fascination with long trails like the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Initially considering the John Muir Trail (JMT), Luke was eventually encouraged by his father, Tony, to tackle the Colorado Trail, embarking on a journey of dreams transformed into reality.
Planning is key to accomplishing any mammoth task, and Luke’s approach was meticulous. Utilizing spreadsheets, he broke down the Colorado Trail into 28 sections, averaging 18 miles per day with planned rest days. Each segment was detailed with mileage, elevation gains, and resupply points essential for maintaining his trail energy. This organized breakdown made the daunting endeavor achievable.
Luke’s commitment saw him tackle an average of 18 miles daily, often hauling a 20 to 28-pound backpack. His food supplies were pre-planned, aiming for about 3,500 calories a day—a mix of dehydrated meals complemented by snacks and Nature Valley biscuits to fuel his long walks.
No journey of this magnitude is completed in isolation. Luke acknowledges the essential role his support system played, from family to friends who ensured resupply boxes magically appeared along the trail, providing the sustenance necessary to continue forward. While the trail wasn’t marred by major calamities, certain challenges, such as an unexpected storm in the San Juans, tested Luke’s resolve. However, rewarding experiences like traversing the stunning above-treeline landscapes from Spring Creek Pass to Molas Pass made every hardship worthwhile.
What shines through Luke’s adventure is the clarity of purpose that comes from setting small goals and maintaining consistency—principles transferable to any life endeavor. He emphasizes having a well-thought-out plan and surrounding oneself with supportive people to achieve ambitious goals.
Spending 30 days immersed in nature also offered Luke moments of spiritual reflection. Hiking towards Durango, amidst breathtaking scenery, he felt a profound sense of connection with the divine—experiencing tranquility and deeper understanding.
Luke’s journey doesn’t end here. With ambitions of running a marathon and potentially pursuing more extensive trails or biking routes like the CDT mountain bike route, he’s set to continue exploring and pushing his limits. As a remarkable young achiever, Luke’s academic aspirations involve studying engineering at a community college followed by transferring to the School of Mines, aiming for a future bound by innovation and exploration.
Luke Pesce’s adventure is a testament to the power of dreams and the strength of human spirit. His story is not just about conquering a trail but about planning, perseverance, and the beauty of nature as a profound teacher. Whether it’s hiking, constructing a building, or embarking on a personal mission, we can all learn from Luke’s journey: break down big dreams into small steps, surround yourself with a supportive team, and savor the journey along the way.
Thank you for joining us on the Radical Hospitality Podcast. If you found Luke’s story inspiring, share this blog with others, and consider exploring new terrains—both literal and metaphorical—in your own life.