It's possible, but it needs a lot of logistics. You need a top-noch ultralight pack and gear because it is going to be very heavy. The Colorado leg of the trip will probably be the easiest in that front because you can find water to purify in the Rockies and forests, but a lot of these legs seem over 50mi between cities with sparse water. This means you might need to carry >5l of water (haven't gone backpacking in deserts often, take this with a grain of salt) and a ton of food. You will need to hit every town you come across to restock and a ton of your equipment will break and it will be hard to replace high quality hiking equipment in Bumfuck, Nevada. I have no clue how you'd do the death valley leg safely and with enough water, food and shelter. The Rockies will rough you up a bit but at least there's water there, unlike the desert legs.

[–] Speaker@hexbear.net 3 points 12 hours ago (1 children)

haven't gone backpacking in deserts often, take this with a grain of salt

I feel like that would be counterproductive.

[–] gay_king_prince_charles@hexbear.net 2 points 12 hours ago

Oddly enough, you would want many, many grains of salt. Since you sweat so much in the desert you need to be fairly careful to replenish electrolytes to avoid an imbalance.

[–] FumpyAer@hexbear.net 6 points 19 hours ago

This really should not be your first hike, though. Maybe that goes without saying.

[–] LaughingLion@hexbear.net 3 points 18 hours ago

i might be mistaken but isnt it against the law not to stop and check on someone you see broke down or hiking or whatever in death valley? i think its one of the only places in america that has such a law