Praying in the Desert: Jackson on Faith, the PCT & Why Backpacking Is a Spiritual Experience
Praying in the Desert: Jackson on Faith, the PCT & Why Backpacking Is a Spiritual Experience  
Podcast: Hikes and Mics Podcast
Published On: Mon Sep 22 2025
Description: Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Season 12 kicks off with a story that spans deserts, snowfields, and summits. 🥾✨We're catching up with Jackson — trail name Gospel — just over a month removed from finishing the PCT and diving straight into a PhD program in New Testament studies. His 2025 thru-hike started with a bold call: entering the Sierra on May 7th, more than a month earlier than typically recommended, into deep snow, brutal cold, and a version of Mount Whitney that required an ice axe and spikes.Jackson talks through the mental game of thru-hiking, the misconception that you need advanced experience before tackling the PCT, and how his faith shaped the journey — from praying alone in the desert while deciding on grad school, to drawing parallels between backpacking and the biblical image of going into the wilderness. We also get into his time living in Israel, his favorite national parks (Yosemite, Glacier, and an underrated pick in Death Valley), the origin story behind his trail name, and a full round of season "this or that" questions — trail runners or boots, switchbacks or straight up, sunrise or sunset.A raw, reflective conversation about grit, faith, and finding your footing both on trail and off.Episode Links:Jackson on InstagramSummiting Whitney PostJackson on The Trek.CoThis episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier.Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership!Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app)Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.