CARSON CITY, Nev. — August 27, 2025 — The steps of Nevada’s State Capitol turned into a stage of celebration yesterday morning as family, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts gathered to welcome Julianne Mahoney home. After 59 days and 1,600 miles, Mahoney became the first hiker to complete the Capital to Canada Quest, averaging 27 miles a day on her remarkable journey. Three Pairs of shoes, one lost InReach and plenty of Hiccups, however Julianne spirits soared as she reached the steps with a large supporting crowd cheering here on the final stage of her quest.
More than 30 people greeted her with handmade signs, laughter, and applause. Some displayed the names of trails she conquered, others featured her trail name “Hiccup” or her beloved dog. One fan-favorite sign read: “$5,000 Blister Bonus” — a playful nod to the reward waiting at the finish.
Mahoney was presented with a $5,000 check by Mayor Lori Bagwell and Visit Carson City, honoring her historic achievement.
A Journey of Grit and Reflection
Mahoney’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. She lost her InReach device just three days into the trek near Truckee, pushed through sweltering Northern California heat, and fought the daily grind of long mileage. But as she reached Washington, she chose to intentionally slow down — not out of fatigue, but to soak in the landscapes and the experience of a lifetime.
“It was about soaking it in,” Mahoney shared, reflecting on those final days.
Her accomplishment is the culmination of a challenge launched in 2024 to celebrate the Capital to Tahoe Trail, a 16-mile route that connects Carson City directly into the Tahoe Rim Trail and then the Pacific Crest Trail. Out of 350 applicants, Mahoney was one of two chosen to attempt the full Quest.
Beyond her mileage and grit, Mahoney has also become a bit of a trail icon for her pink-purple backpack. Crafted by her own hand with the help of a friend, the pack turned heads among PCT hikers, who were surprised to learn it wasn’t store-bought. Today, that original creation has blossomed into her own line of packs — a symbol of both her ingenuity and independence on the trail.
Carson City’s Outdoor Legacy
For Carson City, Mahoney’s feat isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s a statement about the city’s role as a true trailhead to adventure. The Capital to Tahoe Trail now serves as the starting line for journeys that can extend hundreds or even thousands of miles into some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the West.
What’s Next
Mahoney will join us on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast in the coming weeks to dive deeper into her story — from her toughest trail days to the moments that fueled her spirit. For now, Carson City beams with pride, knowing that one of its own carried its trail legacy all the way to Canada, and back again to the Capitol steps where it began. The other Quest challenger Audrey Payne is approx.. 500 miles out on her trip and will be in Carson City Later in September.
