Hilary Coolidge grew up hiking with her family on the East Coast, did an Outward Bound course in her teens, and her love of hiking has led her to many other places in the U.S. and abroad. While hiking the JMT she was inspired by the Sierra light, alpine regions, and general lack of bugs (well, compared to New England) to continue exploring the area. Having been a Sierra Club member for many years, she took a trip to explore the Sierras off-trail environment and wanted to give back by becoming a leader. If you're out on the trail, she'll be the one with a sun umbrella and rainskirt, asking if you want some dehydrated banana or crystallized ginger. When not hiking to get her daily dose of nature, she can be found trail running or getting out on her gravel bike to explore dirt roads.
