National Trails Guide

Having completed the Triple Crown and most recently the Arizona National Scenic Trail, Fred Gaudet has been given a unique moniker on behalf of his accomplishments: “Triple Crown with a Desert Jewel!”

Fred persevered through plenty of physical and natural challenges until he reached his goals. We interviewed him on behalf of our National Trails Guide fans as part of our ongoing thru-hiker blog series.

How/when did you develop your passion for hiking?

I started hiking with my oldest son to help us connect on a different level. I continued with all six children, including hikes into the Grand Canyon over Christmas break. Once the kids left home, I started solo hiking in Arizona and southern Utah during long weekends or on vacations trying to see as much rock art as possible. Two weeks after I retired I starting hiking the Arizona Trail and became hooked on long distance hiking.

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