Hiking for hope: Utahn treks 800 miles to support Trans rights

This spring, Millcreek resident Kyle Ricco took on an extraordinary challenge: hiking all 800 miles of the Arizona Trail from the Mexican border to the Utah line to raise funds and visibility for Utah’s trans community. In doing so, he became a moving testament to resilience, advocacy, and allyship.

Kyle’s mission sprang from a moment of frustration and concern shared with a close friend.

“In February, I was sitting with my friend, a trans man, discussing travel plans. He wanted to go to Portugal. But he was stressing as the State Department had been told to not issue new gender markers, and to even change gender markers if there was a record of a change in the past.”

“He hadn’t yet updated his birth certificate, either. We were seeing in real-time updates from other transgender folks in the media, such as Hunter Schafer, being issued the wrong markers. He now had to scramble to correct his documents and worry about what international travel might look like.”

“I was utterly frustrated, and pissed off for him, to be frank.” He continued, “He’s just another American, trying to enjoy his freedom to travel, and everyday life. I had to ask myself what gives these other people the power to control his life? And also ask myself, is there some way I can help the community?”

An avid backpacker, Kyle saw an opportunity to turn scenery into service.

“I knew that I had seen many sports raising money for charity in my time, and I thought, why not do the same with my thru-hike?”

He set an ambitious yet symbolic goal: $8,000, or $10 per mile. To keep donations accessible, he encouraged sponsors to give as little as one cent per mile, just $8. “This would show some support and visibility for the community, as well as have a direct impact on trans and gender-nonconforming folks in the local Utah community, who may be feeling discouraged.”

The 48-day trek brought camaraderie and hardship.

“A few days into my hike, I really got to know another hiker named Airheart. We found out that we had quite a bit in common, and conversations revolved around our gender identities and orientation, as well as standing for the trans community. It was so refreshing to meet completely at random, and find that we shared many of the same life views.”

In Patagonia, Ariz., Kyle felt a sense of welcome from total strangers.

“Arriving at the Terrasol hostel, we were welcomed by pride flags and inclusivity. I was touched by the generosity of one of the residents there, Linaea, who taught me how to sew, as my tent door zipper had broken. That fix lasted me to the end of the trail.”

High on Mt. Lemmon, Kyle encountered a trail icon.

“I got to meet ‘Sugar’ Lyla Harrod, who is the first trans woman to ‘triple crown,’ She is a huge inspiration to me. She advocates for visibility and mentoring for queer people on these large-scale hikes. I was gooning the small bit of time I got to be in her presence.”

But not all moments were uplifting. Kyle grappled with illness.

“I unfortunately came down with a head cold just before arriving at the Grand Canyon portion of my hike. We had experienced snow and freezing conditions the week before, so it just made for a lousy time,” he said. But even as the Grand Canyon’s grandeur tested him physically, it also rewarded him emotionally. “Seeing the Grand Canyon in person, for the first time ever, and by foot after nearly 700 miles on trail, was so surreal.”

Perseverance and Purpose

Despite fatigue, illness, and solitude, Kyle never considered quitting:

“After being so sick on the trail before the Grand Canyon, I really thought I might have to call it quits. Thankfully, the next day I was able to get into a town and shack up in a hotel for 24 hours,” he said. “But mentally, there was no way I was going to let myself quit. The Grand Canyon was just ahead, and finally getting to the Utah border and finishing all 800 miles was so important for my fundraiser. I kept thinking how sad it would be to let people know I didn’t make it. I was going to finish those last 100 miles no matter what. 800 miles, 8,000 dollars for Genderbands – that’s what kept me going.”

Kyle was buoyed by unexpected support:

“My good friend, and many trans colleagues, were SO supportive during my journey, and even contributed to my fundraiser. I was extremely touched,” he explained. “My friend Drew actually met me near Flagstaff to bring me some supplies and a surprise meal! To see a friend after so many weeks was so heartwarming, and a HUGE morale boost.”

A Message of Community and Hope

Kyle has clear intentions for the trans community in Utah:

“I hope they see that there are folks like me in the community who are willing to put in the work to support them. That amidst the current climate, there are so many of us who want to see them thrive and succeed. That we understand the importance of diversity and freedom. That if they feel discouraged, they have local resources for them. At the end of the day, we aren’t doing thoughts and prayers, we are getting to work.”

He calls on other LGBTQ people to support the transgender community during this time when politicians and their followers target them.

“We all have a part in standing up for our community and promoting the rights of our trans and gender-nonconforming family. And no part is too small. Set up your own fundraiser. What skills do you possess that would be valuable to have sponsored? Social media is an amazing tool for connecting and raising funds. Vote, contact your congresspeople, and make a donation. No amount is too small. Share fundraisers on social media. Raise a pride flag. Seek connections in the community. And never give up hope. We are a robust and resilient people.”

Continuing the Journey

Kyle concluded his trek on May 16, reaching the Utah border with the full 800 miles completed. Though tired, he’s not done. Genderbands is celebrating its 10th anniversary, aiming to raise $100,000 this year, and Kyle is turning his experience into future advocacy.

He invites LGBTQ+ outdoors lovers to connect with groups like Utah Rainbow Hikers. His message remains one of unity, action, and persistent hope.

Follow Kyle’s Journey on Instagram at @kyle_treks or TikTok @amateurbackpacker.

Kyle’s GoFundMe can be found at bit.ly/KyleTrek.