No Man’s Land: Unpacking One Woman’s Worth on the Colorado Trail
Available in Paperback and eBook
Audiobook coming November 2025
“A great adventure story … eye-opening. An engaging and uncommon account of self-discovery and pushing one’s limits.” — Kirkus Reviews
No Man’s Land is equal parts survival story, midlife reckoning, and lush nature writing. Perfect for readers who seek books written by women, about women. This female-forward memoir, set in the rugged mountains of Colorado, tackles themes of:
triumph over adversity
resilience and personal growth
self-worth and mental health
over-mothering and martyrdom
ageism and gender conditioning
the power of nature to heal, nature therapy
grief, loss and connection
women’s health and safety
female empowerment, finding your voice
women in the outdoors
"You don’t have to be a hiker to appreciate this memoir, only a human with a beating, capacious heart." — BERNADETTE MURPHY, New York Times bestselling author of Harley and Me: Embracing Risk on the Road to a More Authentic Life
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
“I read a lot of stories about thru-hikes, mountain ascents, exploration, and the outdoors. Some focus on the peril at hand. Others focus on the camaraderie of shared hardship. A few highlight what the adventurer is escaping from more than what they are running toward. Becky Jensen’s No Man’s Land tackles all three topics in an unputdownable hiking memoir. With jaw-dropping description, characters of depth, and a brisk “thru-hikers” pace, No Man’s Land is an inspiring 5-star read! ”
“This book is a page-turner! And you don’t have to be a hiker to appreciate Becky’s powerful story, which will stick with you long after you read the last page. More than a trail memoir, No Man’s Land is a powerful, heartfelt journey of reclaiming your voice, breaking free from expectations, and stepping into your true self. I can’t recommend it enough!”
“Becky Jensen’s memoir of her 2016 hike on the Colorado Trail is so much more than the usual reports of hikers who have experienced the clarifying insights a long solo walk often brings. She had to be incredibly brave to write this raw account of her life prior to and during the hike. She pulls no punches and she writes with a poet’s eye. As a hiker who has walked the entire trail eight times and interviewed hundreds of hikers to learn what motivates people to walk this trail, I can tell you the book is true to the Colorado Trail. And it is especially true to the motivations of women (as well as men) who have also found their trail experience transforming. This is an extraordinary book and the Real Deal about how walking a long trail can change a life. Highly recommended.”
“Wow. I wish I were eloquent enough to describe the beauty that is this book. While reading I would gasp, laugh, and cry. It’s been a while since I’ve ached like this at the end of a book. I loved it so much that I couldn’t bear the thought of it ending. Becky’s story is so relatable, raw, and beautiful in every way. Be ready for this book to change you.”
“To the other guys out there, buy this book and read it, you need it. This was a great story of an outer and inner journey, woven together in an engaging way that makes it hard to put down. I initially ordered a bunch to give to women friends, now I’m thinking I need to order more to give to guy friends.”
“Wow, wow, wow, I just finished reading your book! Truly such a beautiful story and so inspiring. It felt so meaningful to read your journey on such a special trail, thank you for writing this book!”
“This narrative of the author’s journey, both through the Colorado Trail and her personal transformation, is a well-crafted, descriptive tale of discovery and self-affirmation. No Man’s Land will resonate with anyone interested in the human condition and ability to trust our deepest instincts. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it!”
“This book was so captivating, I sought out every spare moment to read it, including while brushing my teeth. While not all of us who read this book will hike the CT, this story is for everyone, relatable and genuine. I would read anything by this author.”
“Thank You Becky so much for sharing your story with the world. There is so much in there that so many of us need to hear, and it’s a great adventure to boot!”
“Becky’s memoir is deeply inspiring. I think readers can approach this book from any angle: an exciting long trail adventure read that’s tough to put down AND/OR a much deeper, insightful read that pulls you in to think differently/more closely about broader issues relating to mental health and women’s experiences. This ranks very high in my collection of adventure memoirs.”
“I felt like I was there, watching each entire scene and feeling everything. When I finished reading the book, I felt thankful that she had sparked my own self inventory of outmoded ideas of self worth; as well as, the impact that can have on mental health. I highly recommend this read!!!”
“Wonderfully written, raw account of Becky’s trip of a lifetime. I enjoyed reading the book from cover to cover.”
“The writing and poetic voice that goes through the chapters/segments of the CT were so wonderful that it became a book I couldn’t put down.”
“This is a wonderfully written story about someone who saves herself from depression and suicidal thoughts by choosing to hike hard for 500 miles. There is action … alongside delightful descriptions of the Colorado Trail’s natural beauty and the hikers she meets on the way. She writes with her heart on her sleeve. Read this book.”
