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No Man's Land: Unpacking One Woman's Worth on the Colorado Trail
A great adventure story … eye-opening. An engaging and uncommon account of self-discovery and pushing one’s limits. — Kirkus Reviews
At forty-five, Becky Jensen was raising two sons, engaged to be married, living the dream in Colorado. She was also suicidal and had no idea why. What did she have to be depressed about?
The question haunted Jensen, leading her to take a bold to hike the five-hundred-mile Colorado Trail in search of answers. Leaving responsibility behind, Jensen shouldered a backpack loaded with camping gear, her father’s ashes, and the inherited burdens of womanhood—trudging off alone into no man’s land.
In this unflinchingly honest memoir, Jensen confronts dangers lurking in the wilderness, including her own internalized misogyny, repressed memories, and suppressed outrage about her undervalued gender. With each mile, she sheds the weight of female conditioning and begins to carry herself differently, finding the strength and clarity to determine not just if she wants to live, but how.
Raw and relatable, No Man’s Land will resonate with readers who habitually put their own needs last, crave change in their lives, and seek nature as medicine.
No Man’s Land is equal parts survival story, midlife reckoning, and lush nature writing. Perfect for readers who seek memoirs written by women about women, and who are eager for more books like Cheryl Strayed’s Wild.
No Man’s Land is a female-forward memoir set in the rugged mountains of Colorado. It tackles themes over adversityresilience and personal growthself-worth and mental healthover-mothering and martyrdomageism and gender role conditioningthe power of nature to heal, nature therapygrief, loss and connectionwomen’s health and safetyfemale empowerment, finding your voicewomen in the outdoors
"This lion-hearted narrative is more than a journey into the wild; it's a powerful plunge into what it means to be human." — Bernadette Murphy, author of Harley and Embracing Risk on the Road to a More Authentic Life
At forty-five, Becky Jensen was raising two sons, engaged to be married, living the dream in Colorado. She was also suicidal and had no idea why. What did she have to be depressed about?
The question haunted Jensen, leading her to take a bold to hike the five-hundred-mile Colorado Trail in search of answers. Leaving responsibility behind, Jensen shouldered a backpack loaded with camping gear, her father’s ashes, and the inherited burdens of womanhood—trudging off alone into no man’s land.
In this unflinchingly honest memoir, Jensen confronts dangers lurking in the wilderness, including her own internalized misogyny, repressed memories, and suppressed outrage about her undervalued gender. With each mile, she sheds the weight of female conditioning and begins to carry herself differently, finding the strength and clarity to determine not just if she wants to live, but how.
Raw and relatable, No Man’s Land will resonate with readers who habitually put their own needs last, crave change in their lives, and seek nature as medicine.
No Man’s Land is equal parts survival story, midlife reckoning, and lush nature writing. Perfect for readers who seek memoirs written by women about women, and who are eager for more books like Cheryl Strayed’s Wild.
No Man’s Land is a female-forward memoir set in the rugged mountains of Colorado. It tackles themes over adversityresilience and personal growthself-worth and mental healthover-mothering and martyrdomageism and gender role conditioningthe power of nature to heal, nature therapygrief, loss and connectionwomen’s health and safetyfemale empowerment, finding your voicewomen in the outdoors
"This lion-hearted narrative is more than a journey into the wild; it's a powerful plunge into what it means to be human." — Bernadette Murphy, author of Harley and Embracing Risk on the Road to a More Authentic Life
350 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2025
9 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 17, 2025
Because I know the author, it felt a little strange at first reading such personal and vulnerable moments from someone I thought I knew so well. I didn’t quite know how to process it. So many times I wanted to reach out and say, “I had no idea,” or “I wish you would’ve talked to me.” But pretty quickly, I got pulled into her story and the journey she shared.
I related to so much of what Becky wrote, her inner thoughts, the self-doubt, being way too hard on herself. I saw myself in her over and over again. I cried so many times while reading this book—sad tears and happy ones.
This is such a beautiful, healing book. I can’t recommend it enough. You should absolutely read it.
I related to so much of what Becky wrote, her inner thoughts, the self-doubt, being way too hard on herself. I saw myself in her over and over again. I cried so many times while reading this book—sad tears and happy ones.
This is such a beautiful, healing book. I can’t recommend it enough. You should absolutely read it.
September 27, 2025
Wow. I wish I were eloquent enough to describe the beauty that is this book. While reading I would gasp, laugh, and cry. Its been awhile since I’ve ached like this at the end of a book. I loved it so much that I couldn’t bear the thought of it ending. Becky’s story is so relatable, raw, and beautiful in every way. Be ready for this book to change you.
October 7, 2025
On the one hand, as an older guy, I'm probably not the target audience for this book. But to the other guys out there, buy this book and read it, you need it. Sure, it's about women and struggles some of which are unique to them; but as men we have a piece of that, and we have our own issues. This was a great story of an outer and inner journey, woven together in an engaging way that makes it hard to put down. It had me remembering many things I had long forgotten in my own life.
October 29, 2025
As an author, I don’t typically write book reviews—but this one demanded it. I first connected with Becky Jensen through social media, and I knew she was pouring herself into this project. Having personally through-hiked the Colorado Trail multiple times, I was eager to see how she captured the experience—and she did not disappoint.
Becky’s memoir is a powerful testament to resilience. Confronting depression and the challenges of mid-life, she made the bold decision to hike the 486-mile Colorado Trail solo. What unfolds is a deeply emotional and courageous journey, both on the trail and within herself. Her writing is raw and honest, and her determination shines through every page.
What struck me most was how vividly she described each segment of the trail. Her reflections brought my own memories rushing back—I could see what she saw, hear what she heard, and feel the weight of each step. But this book goes far beyond the physical hike. It’s about self-discovery, facing your inner battles, and finding the strength to move forward.
Initially, the title might suggest this is a book for women—and yes, it speaks powerfully to female experiences. But as a man, I found it eye-opening and deeply moving. It gave me a greater appreciation for the emotional terrain women navigate and reinforced my respect for their strength and resilience.
Becky’s writing flows effortlessly. If a paragraph leaves you wondering, she’ll clarify it in the next. I’m not a fast reader—it usually takes me a week or two to finish a book. But I read this one in just two days and wished there was more.
“Raw, emotional, honest, relatable”—those words only begin to describe this book. That Becky self-published it speaks volumes about her grit and commitment. I wholeheartedly recommend No Man’s Land and give it a well-deserved 5-star rating.
Bill Watts
Author of Running for the Average Joe
October, 2025
Becky’s memoir is a powerful testament to resilience. Confronting depression and the challenges of mid-life, she made the bold decision to hike the 486-mile Colorado Trail solo. What unfolds is a deeply emotional and courageous journey, both on the trail and within herself. Her writing is raw and honest, and her determination shines through every page.
What struck me most was how vividly she described each segment of the trail. Her reflections brought my own memories rushing back—I could see what she saw, hear what she heard, and feel the weight of each step. But this book goes far beyond the physical hike. It’s about self-discovery, facing your inner battles, and finding the strength to move forward.
Initially, the title might suggest this is a book for women—and yes, it speaks powerfully to female experiences. But as a man, I found it eye-opening and deeply moving. It gave me a greater appreciation for the emotional terrain women navigate and reinforced my respect for their strength and resilience.
Becky’s writing flows effortlessly. If a paragraph leaves you wondering, she’ll clarify it in the next. I’m not a fast reader—it usually takes me a week or two to finish a book. But I read this one in just two days and wished there was more.
“Raw, emotional, honest, relatable”—those words only begin to describe this book. That Becky self-published it speaks volumes about her grit and commitment. I wholeheartedly recommend No Man’s Land and give it a well-deserved 5-star rating.
Bill Watts
Author of Running for the Average Joe
October, 2025
September 27, 2025
I read a lot of stories about thru-hikes, mountain ascents, exploration, and the outdoors. Some focus on the peril at hand. Others focus on the camaraderie of shared hardship. A few highlight what the adventurer is escaping from more than what they are running toward.
Becky Jensen’s No Man’s Land tackles all three topics in an unputdownable hiking memoir. Before she even takes the first step on the 486-mile Colorado Trail, Jensen is already shouldering the heavy weight of parental loss, a stagnant relationship, and crippling depression. Most people wouldn’t opt for the highest altitude thru-hike in the United States to resolve these issues. Jensen does, and against all odds, she discovers both kindred souls and miles of solitude to help her unpack the darkness that threatens her life.
No Man’s Land is no “happily ever after” fairy tale. Instead, it’s a true story about the courage to take one step. And then another. And another. It’s about the adrenaline of completing a physical and mental goal while recognizing that, even though the most difficult work lies ahead, you are now armed with the confidence to accomplish it.
With jaw-dropping description, characters of depth, and a brisk “thru-hikers” pace, No Man’s Land is an inspiring 5-star read! --Cam Torrens, AT thru-hiker NOBO 2018, best-selling author of the Tyler Zahn mystery suspense novels
Becky Jensen’s No Man’s Land tackles all three topics in an unputdownable hiking memoir. Before she even takes the first step on the 486-mile Colorado Trail, Jensen is already shouldering the heavy weight of parental loss, a stagnant relationship, and crippling depression. Most people wouldn’t opt for the highest altitude thru-hike in the United States to resolve these issues. Jensen does, and against all odds, she discovers both kindred souls and miles of solitude to help her unpack the darkness that threatens her life.
No Man’s Land is no “happily ever after” fairy tale. Instead, it’s a true story about the courage to take one step. And then another. And another. It’s about the adrenaline of completing a physical and mental goal while recognizing that, even though the most difficult work lies ahead, you are now armed with the confidence to accomplish it.
With jaw-dropping description, characters of depth, and a brisk “thru-hikers” pace, No Man’s Land is an inspiring 5-star read! --Cam Torrens, AT thru-hiker NOBO 2018, best-selling author of the Tyler Zahn mystery suspense novels
November 19, 2025
The back of Becky Jensen’s No Man’s Land says she ‘left responsibility behind’ to solo walk the nearly 500-mile Colorado Trail. I disagree. I’d say she left domestic martyrdom behind to take on the greater responsibility (ability to respond) for reclaiming her soul. This book is a courageously written tale of a woman’s inner unfolding that occurs in the hardship and awe of the Rocky Mountains – from Denver to Durango. It is a reckoning with depression, a confrontation with gender expectations, a wise and ever-evolving understanding of the literal and inner journeys we can choose to walk. Thank you, Becky, for giving voice to the cry of the heart and pointing us in the direction of our spiritual home.
November 7, 2025
This book showed up in my life right when I needed it most. I was in a really dark place, trying to figure out how to keep going, and a friend handed me No Man’s Land .... it was exactly what my heart needed.
Becky is incredibly brave. She shares her story with such honesty and vulnerability that it made me feel seen in a way I didn’t expect. There were moments that broke me and others that reminded me how strong we can be when we let light back in. I read the whole thing in a day because I just had to know what happened next.
This book is powerful. It’s raw, hopeful, and real. I truly believe it has the power to save lives. THANK YOU BECKY!
Becky is incredibly brave. She shares her story with such honesty and vulnerability that it made me feel seen in a way I didn’t expect. There were moments that broke me and others that reminded me how strong we can be when we let light back in. I read the whole thing in a day because I just had to know what happened next.
This book is powerful. It’s raw, hopeful, and real. I truly believe it has the power to save lives. THANK YOU BECKY!
November 14, 2025
A beautifully written memoir. Heartbreaking, funny, sweet, lovely and incredibly relatable and inspiring in so many ways. Having grown up in Colorado, lived in Durango, Fort Collins and currently Buena Vista and knowing many of the areas and even a few of the people mentioned, Becky’s writing conjured vivid imagery for me. Having never thru hiked the CT myself, but having been on day hikes in many of the segments, I felt like I was along for the adventure.
December 1, 2025
Great job, Becky! I really enjoyed the inside look along the trail interwoven with all that comes with self discovery and self worth! You’re a great human and I loved being able to read your story! 🩷
December 12, 2025
Beautifully brave and raw. Becky's story can resonate with many people. Her story entertains, teaches truth, and offers help. I highly recommend!
December 24, 2025
I've read a lot of trail memoirs, and in my--dare I say--expert opinion this one is next-level.
October 21, 2025
I’m am not a hiker but live in Colorado so I greatly appreciated the wonderful descriptions of our awesome state. I am in awe of what Becky accomplished! I loved this book! I read and listen to about 100 books a year and I would read this again. Despite not being a hiker I could relate so much to Becky’s personal struggles. I also have struggled with depression, trying to please everyone in my life, the changes that come with menopause, loosing a parent, parenting teenagers and feeling like I didn’t know who I was. I wish I had this book in 2021 when I hit my rock bottom. It would have helped to know I am not alone. I think this book definitely has something for everyone. I have always wanted to write a book. Becky showed me that it is possible.
October 17, 2025
Outstanding book about the perils and what goes into a thru-hike. I didn't like Andy much from the beginning and when he would meet up with Becky, and then finishing the hike with her for the last 10 days, he was very irritating and I knew that she really needed to dump him.
I comprehend her depression and wanting to get away from it all by doing a thru-hike, whether it be the PCT, AT, CT, or CDT, and being alone to process her thoughts. I admire her for doing so, and for coming to grips with her dad's attempted suicide when she was younger and her own thoughts of suicide.
I admire how she raised her boys to be fine young educated men who, after the hike, began taking on more responsibilities around the house instead of being mothered by herself.
This book was really great to read, and I was sorry when I was done reading it.
I comprehend her depression and wanting to get away from it all by doing a thru-hike, whether it be the PCT, AT, CT, or CDT, and being alone to process her thoughts. I admire her for doing so, and for coming to grips with her dad's attempted suicide when she was younger and her own thoughts of suicide.
I admire how she raised her boys to be fine young educated men who, after the hike, began taking on more responsibilities around the house instead of being mothered by herself.
This book was really great to read, and I was sorry when I was done reading it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews