A Fabulous Thru-Hike

3,100 Miles on the Continental Divide Trail

240 pages
Publisher: Mountaineers Books
ISBN: 978-1-68051-829-0
Published: Jan 26, 2026

Description

New York City native Derick Lugo’s life changed in 2012 when he spontaneously decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. In the years that followed, he became an advocate for the outdoors and eventually set out on his second thru-hike--this time on the Continental Divide Trail, one of the most challenging long trails in the world.

A Fabulous Thru-Hike: 3,100 Miles on the Continental Divide Trail is the relatable, laugh-out-loud story of Derick Lugo’s six-month adventure. From the deserts of New Mexico to the rugged mountains of Montana, Derick confronts heat sickness, vertigo, and self-doubt--all with his trademark optimism. There are plenty of missteps and hard lessons, but also classic moments of trail magic, natural beauty, and deep friendships.

Capturing both the grueling reality and transformative beauty of life on the CDT, Lugo invites readers along for a journey that is both inspiring and entertaining. Whether he’s questioning his choices on a sun-scorched ridgeline or finding joy in a package of Oreos, A Fabulous Thru-Hike is a celebration of perseverance, self-discovery, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Contributors

Details

240 pages
Publisher: Mountaineers Books
ISBN: 978-1-68051-829-0
Published: Jan 26, 2026

Reviews

Aqui en la brega--‘here in the struggle’--is one of those phrases that exemplifies the Type-Two and Type-Three Fun Adventure that Derick Lugo artfully, thoughtfully, and comedically conveys in his remarkable second book. This story reminds us on every page of raw human capability, mental and physical tenacity, our deep connection to the earth beneath our feet and the stars above, and perhaps most strikingly, the kindness and generosity of our fellow indomitable human beings.
— Mirna Valerio, author of A Beautiful Work in Progress and National Geograp
Sometimes arduous (la brega is real), triumphant, and always entertaining, this adventure picks up where . . . The Unlikely Thru-Hiker leaves off.
— Eugene Ashe, Emmy-nominated writer and director of Sylvie’s Love
A Fabulous Thru-Hike gives you the feeling of traversing the Continental Divide Trail with a storyteller, comedian, and friend. It is a lighthearted and uplifting read from one of the most challenging trails in North America--a tale that instills the significance of adventure and human kindness.
— Jennifer Pharr Davis, speaker and National Geographic Adventurer, speaker and National Geographic Adventurer
Reading A Fabulous Thru-Hike feels like hiking the Continental Divide Trail with your funniest friend; every high, every low, and all the signature quirks of thru-hiking brought to life by Derick’s gift for storytelling.
— Zach Davis, founder at The Trek, founder at The Trek
A Fabulous Thru-Hike immerses you in a rugged journey along the Continental Divide Trail. From high altitude thunderstorms and bear encounters to sublime vistas and starry nights, Lugo's humor and adept wordsmithing brings the beauty and adventure of thru-hiking to life.
— Heather Anderson, author of Thirst and Farther, author of Thirst and Farther