A Fabulous Thru-Hike: 3,100 Miles on the Continental Divide Trail

by Derick Lugo

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.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published January 26, 2026

About the author

Derick Lugo is an accomplished storyteller, best known as the author of the captivating book The Unlikely Thru-Hiker. In this widely acclaimed memoir, he humorously recounts his remarkable six-month journey along the Appalachian Trail. With a knack for engaging narratives, Derick has contributed to various outdoor magazines and penned captivating short stories for several publications.

His second book, A Fabulous Thru-Hike—chronicling his thrilling five-month thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail—is now available for pre-order. He’s also working on a delightful children’s picture book.

Beyond his writing prowess, Derick Lugo is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, an intrepid adventurer, and the charismatic host of the popular Unlikely Stories Podcast.

Reviews

[Liralen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lugo set out on the Appalachian Trail, it changed his life—and a decade or so later, it was time for a new adventure.

A tiny fraction of the number of people who hike the Appalachian Trail hike the Continental Divide Trail. It's almost 50% longer than the AT; it's more rugged; trail signs are limited; and on it goes. Consequently, there are a lot fewer books about the CDT than books about the AT, so I was pretty pleased to pick this one up.

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) estimates that only 150 to 400 people attempt the trail each year, compared with about 3,000 for the AT. However, the CDT has a completion rate of around 80 percent, while on the AT it's closer to 25 percent. (loc. 111*)

What I loved: This felt like a lighthearted, good-natured romp. Lugo had strugglebus days on the CDT, but he knew what he was doing (see: why a higher proportion of starters on the CDT complete their hike than starters on the AT), and he seems like a pretty social guy who was just happy to meet new people, be out in nature, and hike hike hike. It also helps that Lugo's introductions of people are pretty positive-neutral—this is a low bar, but I've read far too many hiking memoirs by men that comment extensively (and subjectively, and sometimes lecherously) on women's appearances, and that is (yay) not the case here.

What surprised me: Lugo's journey on the CDT was way more social than I expected. I've read only two other CDT memoirs, and both of them took place well before Lugo's hike (and also, it's been a while since I read either of them!), so in retrospect I shouldn't have been surprised; there was of course also a time when a tiny number of people walked the AT, or the Camino, and so on. But I didn't expect Lugo's journey to so quickly turn to his trail family. That's neither a good thing nor a bad one, but I suppose it reflects the changing shape of thru-hiking.

What I wanted more of: Most of this book is about the external journey. As Lugo says, he had nothing to prove; he was doing the CDT for the joy of hiking (and also perhaps to write another book!). That's okay—not every hiking book needs a deep backstory—but I wouldn't have minded a bit more of the internal. Lugo also touches very briefly on some of what it's like to be hiking this sort of trail as a Black and Hispanic man; I imagine it's not what he wanted to focus on, and that's of course entirely his call, but it's an experience I haven't read much about, and it seems like an untapped opportunity. (Underrepresented hikers...I want to read your memoirs!)

I'd put this at 3.5 stars; it would have been higher with more internal journey, but I'm rounding up for the sake of more CDT-focused books.

*Quotes are from an ARC and may not be final.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

[Sharon Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful hike with Mr. FABULOUS! In his new book, it is evident that Lugo has worked and fine tuned his craft making this a book you don't want to miss. His inspiring journey on the Continental Divide Trail as with his last book, The Unlikely Thru Hiker, takes us on an adventure to experience the highs and lows and everything in between. Readers are introduced to a cast of loveable characters, some reminiscent of AT crew, and some new friends as well. Lugo's insight on life on the trail and life in general is truly moving. The Fabulous Thru Hike is a tale of courage self-discovery and just plain fun!
 
 FABULOUS AS Always! 

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love reading books of people's experiences thru-hiking some of the longest trails. I live vicariously through these books as I know I'll never be able to do any of these hikes due to medical reasons.
Derick has a great sense of humor and it really shows in his writing. He must have been a lot of fun to hike with.
I love that these hikes being people from all walks of life together for one common goal and the trail magic is awesome. I'm guessing from the end of this book that he has completed the PCT and will have a book out about that hike. If so, I definitely want to read it!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fabulous Thru-Hike: 3,100 Miles on the Continental Divide Trail by Derick Lugo
I love reading books about hiking, and this one is well written with a bit of humor sprinkle throughout.
This author already wrote a book about his journey on the Appalachian trail. I look forward to reading that one as well.
He is very honest about how he felt during the hike. He also had some great friends that he met on his journey.
I love the way they give each other trail names, and how they look after one another. If you love books about the outdoors and hiking this is a book you would really enjoy.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Mountaineers Boooks for a copy of this book.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book ! I think probably my favorite thru hiking memoir. Derrick is hilarious and positive . It iis refreshing reading a thru hiker tale that exudes peace, love and all that good stuff because thru hiking is a sufer fest . That is Derick’s mantra in times of challenges btw . Also you enjoy meeting all the friends he makes and hikes with on the trail . You want to meet them . Excited for his book talk at The Mountaineers March 5th . Can’t wait to hear him speak . Highly recommend this book .

Also I laughed out loud at the story of introverted Dan who tired to make friends at trivia night but cleared the room with his toxic fart . poor Dan .

[Maggie Unger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Fabulous did it again. This time it was the CDT. Written in warmth, humor, and positivity, he described his life and adventures on the trail and made it feel like I was with him. I loved his descriptions of the the beautiful places he saw and people he encountered along the way.
I'm so glad we got another book of his adventures. And I'm looking forward to his book on the PCT. ;)

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Derick Lugo! I highly recommend it!

[Ushani Nanayakkara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining read with fun anecdotes from the trail. I especially enjoyed the humorous characterizations of his fellow hikers.

[Renee Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about Mr. Fabolous's adventures on the trail. I thru-hiked the Continental Divide Trail 11 years ago, and his stories and descriptions took me right back to the sides of the mountains, in the trail towns, and melting under the desert sun. A writer who can evoke those memories is one I want to read again and again, even better for those who haven't been there yet!

[Collyn Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Masterclass in Trail Storytelling: Humor, Heart, and High Peaks

I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of "A Fabulous Thru Hike," and let me tell you, Derick "Fab" Lugo has done it again. If you thought his journey on the AT was a wild ride, his 2022 thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) takes things to a whole new level.

The Perfect Balance of Wit and Wisdom
What I love most about Fab’s writing is his ability to pivot on a dime from laugh-out-loud humor to deeply moving poignancy. He captures the absurdity of trail life (the dirt, the gear, the "fabulous" style) while grounding the story in the emotional reality of what it means to push your body across the spine of the continent.

Atmospheric and Authentic
Lugo’s descriptive language is stunning. He doesn’t just tell you the mountains are big; he makes you feel the thinning air and the vastness of the Western landscape. But he doesn’t skip over the gritty reality of the trail, either. From the brutal start in New Mexico to the mental toll of the 2022 season, this is an honest, unvarnished look at the toughest of the Big Three.

Why it’s a Must-Read:
• The Voice: Fab’s personality leaps off the page. It’s like hiking alongside a friend.
• The Growth: Seeing his evolution from a "city slicker" to a seasoned triple crowner is incredibly rewarding.
• The Spirit: It’s an uplifting reminder that even the hardest trails can be navigated with a bit of grace and a lot of humor.

Final Verdict: Whether you are a thru-hiker or a "couch-hiker," this memoir is a vibrant, soul-stirring adventure that you won’t want to put down. Highly recommended!

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

In A Fabulous Thru-Hike, Derick Lugo (AKA Mr. Fabulous / Fab) takes readers along on his trek of the ~3,100 mile Continental Divide Trail that extends from New Mexico through Montana. He shares episodes from his hike - packed full of humor, trials and triumphs – as he journeys along with hiking companions from town to town.

I am a fan of Fab, and have been following him on Instagram since before he started his CDT thru-hike. It is neat to see his journey on the page, and cool that you can see the images and videos that he posted from his hike on his socials. I appreciated getting to learn more about him, his upbringing, and what causes him to return to the trail time and time again through the book. He brings a unique perspective to the trail, and seems like a fun / relatable person to spend time with. If you are curious about the CDT and hiking culture, or just want a good book that will take you on an adventure, I think that you will thoroughly enjoy this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Mountaineers Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Kalman Tinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and well written follow up to his wonderful book “The Unlikely Thru-Hiker”. This book is a honest and humorous look at Lugo’s attempt to thru-hike the Continental Divide Trail. Despite his previously successful hike of the Appalachian Trail, Lugo speaks openly about his struggles with hiking in a vastly different environment with his trademark humor and relatable views of life on trail. Even though this is a follow up to his previous book 10 years ago, this book is easy to read without having read the first book.

I absolutely loved this book, possibly even more than his previous one. It’s very well written, honest account of a difficult hike is captivating from the start. You truly feel like you are joining him on the hot dusty trail in the desert of New Mexico, and through the beautiful mountains in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Lugo has a unique perspective of trail life that I think everyone should experience. Whether you are an inspiring hiker or have done the triple crown this book will definitely speak to you.

[Armelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free as a Goodreads giveaway.

The author- trail name “Mr. Fabulous,” or simply “Fab,” recounts his thru-hike on the Continental Divide trail. It’s his second major long-distance hike - and book.

I enjoyed reading about the trail. I’m more familiar with the Appalachian Trail - CDT sounds much harder, or at least much hotter! There were, however, a few too many digressions from the actual hike for my taste. The chapter on artistic perspective seemed particularly random. And perhaps a few too many anecdotes related to bowel function, but all-in-all, a well-written, interesting read.

[Nina Ashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an advance copy and all I can say is I feel sorry for those of you that have to wait! With the same humor, humility, and vivid details that Derick gave us with “An Unlikely Thru- Hiker”, he offers up his next adventure with this new memoir. Exploring new terrain, (both literally and figuratively), we follow Derick through his journey, meeting old and new trail buddies, (or as I like to think of them, “characters”), tackling challenges, and overcoming obstacles. We get all of the “Mr. Fabulous “ we love, through the lens of a now seasoned hiker.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

WA And
A book to inspire one to lace up the hiking boots and get back to the trail As a woman of 60 years of age it was a tale of a trek not for the faint of heart nor limbs. I couldn't put it down until the writer and his 63 year old female companion completed their journey to the Canadian border. My imagination was with the brave hikers and I followed with awe and open eyes. Fabulous descriptions of characters and natural landscapes. There was much to learn and more to admire.

[Alasdair Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title carries on from Derick’s first book with the same wit, detail and passion for hiking - highly recommend for those who love the outdoors!