Skip to main content
Carson to Canada

Find Your True North Out West

Journey 1,600 Miles along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail starting in Carson City

The Journey of a Lifetime

Carson City, Nevada is Where The Adventure Begins

In March, the Carson City to Canada Quest was unveiled, giving two individuals a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to break in the newly minted Capital to Tahoe Trail and take it straight up to Canada. They’ll start at the steps of the Carson City capitol and hike along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) to reach Canada.

Meet Our Hiker

Julianne Mahoney

Growing up in a family that preferred museums over mountains, Julianne didn’t discover hiking until she was 18, and once she did, her life completely changed. Through this hobby, she has discovered a sense of adventure and inner strength that only comes with carrying everything you need on your back. 

Solo hiking is Julianne’s jam; she thrives in the quiet magic of the trail, where chance wildlife encounters (she swears moose can sense she’s vegan!) make every moment special. As a lactose-intolerant vegan, food planning can be tricky, but she’s committed to staying fueled on this trek.

Julianne applied for the Carson City to Canada Quest as a challenge herself: not just to push big miles, but to slow down and connect with the landscapes she moves through. She’s excited to share her experience with the world.

Learn More
Meet Our Hiker

Audrey Payne

Audrey has spent her entire life on the trail, hiking state parks with her family throughout her youth. She eventually took on the Appalachian Trail after a serious back injury and documented the experience in her memoir, Where the Rhododendrons Bloom. The book explores the deep friendships formed on the trail, something Audrey cherishes whether she’s hiking solo or sharing camp with fellow adventurers. 

The Carson City to Canada Quest will be her longest expedition yet. A storyteller at heart, Audrey plans to share journey through daily vlogs on YouTube. Though rattlesnakes and desert privacy are on her mind, she knows the key to a successful trek is balancing preparation with presence. She’ll stay flexible and remember to appreciate the experience with every mile.

Learn More
TRACK THE QUEST

Two Hikers. One Epic Quest.

Follow along as Audrey and Julianne take on the epic Carson City to Canada Quest. Starting in Carson City, Nevada and journeying and hiking 1,600 miles north along the Pacific Crest Trail to the U.S.–Canada border. Watch their progress unfold, and get inspired to find your own True North out West.

Follow Along
hiker has reached carson-city

Top Questions About the Quest


Where will this quest take the two hikers?

  • This 1,600-mile journey starts at the steps of the Carson City Capitol, through the Capital to Tahoe trail, all the way up to Canada, using the PCT.

What do participants get?

  • On top of experiencing the adventure of a lifetime, Visit Carson City will provide $5,000 to each solo hiker completing this challenge.

What do participants get?

  • On top of experiencing the adventure of a lifetime, Visit Carson City will provide $5,000 each to the two selected solo hikers completing this challenge.

When will the participants be selected?

  • The application period has closed. Applications are being reviewed and finalists will be contacted in late summer 2024.

When will the quest take place?

  • Our hikers will set off in June 2025.

How were these participants selected?

  • After a 4-month long application process and over 350 outdoor enthusiasts applying, our committee narrowed it down to two female hikers based on their extensive trail experience, passion for the outdoors, and ability to authentically connect with and inspire national hiking communities.

How long will the Carson City to Canada Quest take?

  • We expect this journey to take two to three months to complete, depending on weather, terrain conditions, and the hikers’ pace.

Will we be able to follow the hikers’ progress?

  • Yes! The hikers will capture their treks via social media and tag/collaborate with Visit Carson City. Followers will get regular updates, content, and personal reflections straight from the trail.

For media interested in learning more, who should you contact?

  • We'd love to share even more about the Carson City to Canada Quest! Interested media are invited to reach out to [email protected] for questions and comments.

Keep Exploring In Carson City

The options are endless for history buffs and outdoor adventurers. From the Kit Carson Trail to the dirt trails all over our city there's something for every visitor in our capital city.

Sign Up For Our Newsletter