I am a long distance hiker who was bestowed the trail name of “The Animal” while hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) in 2004. I received this trail name from my hiking partner Garlic Man, because I speed up on loose rock and snow.

I loved the experience of living freely out in the open for six months while walking more than 20 miles a day. With daily images of the CDT filtering through my mind two dear friends asked me to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2014. I accepted their invitation with an immediate “yes,” because I missed the long days on trail.

The PCT was a walking party compared to the CDT. I experienced a hiking community that warms the heart, and scenic beauty that can only curve up your cheeks resulting in a smile you want to share

It was late 2017, I was at work looking at a topographical poster with my hand drawn lines marking my CDT and PCT through hikes.

I noticed a circle of mountains perfectly centered around the four corners where the states of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado join on indigenous Navajo land. I wondered if anyone had hiked this clearly visible circle.

After some internet research proved fruitless, I said to myself, “Well, it will have to be me. I will hike this circle of mountains.”

Immediately I started to plan the Four Corners Loop, which would end up following a 2,485-mile route along mountain ranges, down slot canyons, across arroyos and into resupply towns necessary for the human connection.

I knew that all I had to do was walk and enjoy the beauty of the Southwest while following my imaginary line. I knew I could make it real for others to follow. I wanted to see what was there and experience it at a slower pace so I chose walking as my speed of exploration. I wanted to determine if the scenery and solitude was worthy of becoming a new National Scenic Trail.

I can testify with a resounding “YES.” It is worthy, very worthy.

I am not the most accomplished long distance hiker, only walking more than 8,000 miles, and I know there are places on this world many rave about that I have never seen. But I know that nature created many natural wonders to view and experience and some may choose to move their bodies through these mountains in a large circle like I did in 2021.

I created and walked a route I call the Four Corners Loop for others to follow and improve. I know more crazy hikers with wonderful trail names will repeat my feat.

With a following and community engagement, it will become the Four Corners Loop National Scenic Trail the circular natural wonder of the southwest.

Fund our more about the Four Corners Loop at fclta.org.

About the presenter

I am Kevin Koski, and I live in Bremerton with Colorado roots. I love mountaineering, long distance hiking, biking and sea kayaking. I volunteer with Olympic Mountain Rescue and Washington Trails Association. I consider myself a local traveler exploring the wonders of my back yard Washington State. I hiked the Continental Divide Trail in 2004, the Pacific Crest Trail in 2014 and accomplished the first through hike of the Four Corners Loop in 2021.

About the series

Traveler’s Journal, a presentation of the Peninsula Trails Coalition, raises funds to buy project supplies and food for volunteers working on Olympic Discovery Trail projects. Shows start at 7 p.m. at the Dungeness River Nature Center, 1943 W. Hendrickson Road.

Admission is a suggested donation is $5 for adults. Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to wear mask.

For more information, email Arvo Johnson at amjcgj@gmail.com.

2023 Traveler’s Journal Series

When: 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9 (door opens at 6:30 p.m.)

Presenter: Kevin Koski

Presentation: “The Four Corners Loop, America’s next National Scenic Trail”

Where: Dungeness River Nature Center, 1943 W. Hendrickson Road

Cost: Suggested $5 donation (adults)

Coming up: “Tour Du Mont Blanc: A 100 mile trek through France, Italy and Switzerland” with Kevin Frosse and Heidi Kanning, Feb. 16

Photo courtesy of Kevin Koski Shadows loom as Kevin Koski hikes in Capital Reef National Park’s Spring Canyon.

Photos courtesy of Kevin Koski The view looking North across the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument (Colorado).

Photo courtesy of Kevin Koski / Kevin Koski hikes near Trailriders Wall in the Pecos Wilderness, New Mexico.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Koski / The upper Paria River, northern Arizona.