Andrew Skurka

About

Andrew Skurka (born January 3, 1980) is an American long-distance hiker, route developer, guide, and author who stands as one of the most influential figures in human-powered wilderness travel and a significant touchstone for trail runners drawn to remote routes and the fast-and-light philosophy. A Duke University graduate, he gained international recognition when National Geographic named him Adventurer of the Year in 2007 following his 4,700-mile Alaska-Yukon Expedition in 2006 — a self-supported traverse of some of the continent's most demanding terrain completed in 176 days. In 2007 he completed the Great Western Loop, a roughly 6,875-mile route linking the Pacific Crest Trail, the Sea-to-Sea corridor across Alaska, and the continental interior. He has developed several now-classic technical routes including the Wind Rivers High Route and the Sierra High Route, published The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide (National Geographic), and built a guiding business based in Salida, Colorado, running expeditions in Alaska, the Colorado Rockies, and Patagonia. Though Skurka's domain is multi-week self-supported travel rather than competitive racing, his rigorous approach to gear selection, navigation, and route-finding has shaped the broader fast-packing and trail-running community, and his route development work continues to attract elite runners seeking new FKT lines.

Notable Wins

• — National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2007
• — Alaska-Yukon Expedition 2006 (4
• — 700 miles / 176 days)
• — Great Western Loop 2007 (~6
• — 875 miles)
• — Wind Rivers High Route developer
• — Sierra High Route developer

Race History