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Slippery granite rock and snowed-in trails were no match for the gear we used this June
Thirty years ago, a fire blew up on Colorado's Storm King Mountain, causing one of the worst wildland-firefighting tragedies in U.S. history. The trail honors those who died in the line of duty and the work of all firefighters.
Our gear columnist was never a fan of wind jackets until he tried this one
Your pup only asks for your love (and maybe a few treats). But that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be spoiled.
Spectacular mountains and deep fjords, powder-blue lakes and sea stacks: here’s your bucket list of national parks to visit up north
From bucket hats to visors, headgear blocks out the sun and helps define your trail persona. Our hiking columnist helps you choose which hat is best for you.
This beautiful 469-mile route connects Great Smoky Mountain and Shenandoah National Parks. Our local writer knows just where to stop for hikes, camping, and the best views.
Springtime corn ski sessions and hikes in the Rockies were just a few of the adventures we went on. This is the gear we used to get out there.
I like the mountains, not boats, which make me sick. Then came a chance to see the beautiful landscapes of California’s Channel Island National Park.
From our favorite hikes in national parks and every state to the most beautiful trails in the world, here’s what to put on your trekking bucket list. Plus, maps, beta, and more to get 'er done.
Hiking shoes, tents, swimwear, and more to help you kick off summer in style
We love national parks, but they can get packed. These national monuments have the same spectacular landscapes, hikes, and adventures, without the crowds.
From western landscapes to the Blue Ridge Parkway, our national park expert maps out five beautiful road trips—all doable in a week
We took our newfound favorite pieces to sunny spring crags, soggy campsites, and slushy ski runs
Every great adventure needs a staging area. Here they are, from simple and affordable to dreamy and luxe, in unbelievable locations, with endless terrain to explore and a warm bed to return to at night.
A Canadian study found that chemicals excreted by ants keep ticks at bay. Researchers hope the discovery leads to new ways to ward off the Lyme Disease-spreading insects.
We didn’t let this weird winter stop us from getting outdoors. Here’s the gear that helped us ski, run, hike, and get outside this season.
After a half-century of market-leading innovation, the storied pack maker kicks off the next 50 years with models that raise the bar on performance, sustainability, and fit
She seems too busy to hike right now, and I’m not sure whether to let our relationship fizzle out
According to new NPS data, visitation is up at the country’s most popular national parks. But at these under-the-radar gems, the scenery is equally spectacular and you’ll have plenty of room to explore.
Tropical atolls, distant hikes and hot springs, and wild jungles and mountaintops lure adventurous travelers to these beautiful far flung spots
After 25 years of hiking in his hometown of Boulder, guidebook author James Dziezynski reveals his all-time favorite treks in the area. Plus, he’s included downloadable GPX files, parking intel, trail beta, gear and weather tips, and more.
On April 8, the nation will experience a dramatic total eclipse. If you want fun ways to see it, check out our recommendations, from skiing to hiking to paddling.
Here’s the gear that helped us start 2024 off right
Train travel is back and better than ever, with upgrades and expanded service hitting iconic destinations across North America. Sit back, look out the window, and wake up to new sights and adventures.
Paired with a convertible dumbbell/barbell, I have all the weights I need
What’s one more vehicle at a bustling trailhead? Our columnist weighs in.
The sound and the fury of winter weather lure travelers to the west side of Vancouver Island and The Nami Project, where storm-watching, surfing, and rainforest hiking await
As people get called back to the office in cities, now might be a good time to chase the mountain-living dream, especially in these lesser-known areas
Time is of the essence if you're looking to score a camping reservation for summer. Here are the most coveted national park campgrounds and how to reserve sites there.
The gear that made our days in the transition season seamless
Forget the gorp and stay for lunch. In Spain, the peak is at the table.
Is that $39 roundtrip ticket to Denver worth it? Our travel expert weighs in—and uncovers the best deals and destinations to travel to.
These are some of our favorite gear brands led by badass women in the industry
Rich Moore and his dog Finney disappeared on a hike in Colorado in August. Ten weeks later, crews found the dog alive. Now, friends and family are trying to understand what happened.
The annual challenge has become a competitive—and borderline obsessive—endeavor for runners and hikers
A hiking snack packed with fiber, carbs, and spice
With charging stations increasing and battery life improving all the time, the Great American Road Trip is more EV-friendly than ever. These are the most beautiful trips.
Does the clip really show bigfoot, or just a practical joker wearing a costume? It’s kicked up Sasquatch chatter across southwestern Colorado.
Veteran hikers call it the “Middle Blues.” You have already hiked an impossibly long distance, and somehow still have an impossibly long distance to go.
Learn from the mistakes of our hiking columnist, who suffered a painful accident while traversing the Continental Divide Trail
Why even bag it if you’re not going to carry it out?
Call him crazy, but our hiking columnist loves climbing hills. A fifth of the way into the epic Continental Divide Trail, he’s got some ways to improve your form, function, and mental performance on the ascents.
Backpacker editor Zoe Gates sets off to discover if chatbots are the solution to our trip-planning woes
The nonagenarian proved that age truly is just a number
The Thelma Hut at Campfire Ranch Red Mountain Pass is surrounded by crowd-free hiking trails (and skin-up ski slopes come winter) and has a hutmaster who will cook for you while you’re adventuring outdoors
Reservations are hard to come by but this hundred-year-old lodge is worth the wait. In the meantime, you can hike five miles to see it.
Walk among deep river gorges, glacial mountains, alpine lakes, and vast deserts, all on beautiful under-the-radar public lands
A lot of what thru-hikers eat on the trail is far from good for you. But some nutrition-minded backpackers are trying to buck the trend.
The CDT’s traffic is ballooning. In Montana, the National Park Service isn’t facing what that means for Glacier.
After seeing more and more people join in on this outdoor fitness craze, I decided to try it for 30 days
How hikers on a mission to mark an (un)official nude-friendly trail system can help you navigate the world of naked hiking
A stripped-back list of do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when hiking in the buff
Most of this year’s PCT class is skipping the snowbound Sierra. A small group of adventurers is pushing straight through.
For climbers and hikers who strive for higher peaks, these exercises may help prepare your lungs for thin air
Four years ago, our hiking columnist didn’t know the triple crown of hiking existed. Now he’s on the verge of completing it—or at least trying to.
Sands, 65, never returned from a hike on Southern California’s Mount Baldy in January
Plus, what to do if your off-leash dog is making someone anxious
The former Navy SEAL faced deep snow, gusting winds, and sheer ice on North America’s highest peak. But he still smashed the previous records set by Karl Egloff and Killian Jornet.
Over 7,000 miles on trail, our hiking columnist has tried coffee and caffeine in most every form imaginable. But the humblest one of all taught him something about himself.
I’ve lived in the state for 35 years. It pains me to be disloyal to my own little hamlet, but I am compelled to say it: another town in the Rockies takes the cake.
We’ve done the impossible and made a list of best hikes in our national parks. Now’s a perfect time to start checking them off, from Acadia to Yosemite.
Who knew a spicy sushi roll could be the ideal lunch on the trail?
The features include new metrics for cyclists, improved cellular access data for hikers, and mood tracking for wellness enthusiasts
The writer learned to have patience with himself after a catastrophic first day as an amateur sheepherder
Our national parks are celebrating the season (aren’t we all?) with fun and immersive special events. We've mapped out our favorites, from photo classes to great music to getting dirty helping on a trail day.
A group of young hikers used Apple’s Emergency SOS system to trigger a rescue
Our hiking columnist went to the AT’s legendary Trail Days this year with one mission—to figure out what hikers were and weren’t putting on their feet
Six testers tried out 8 trekking poles. These ones came out on top.
Twelve testers ran, trekked, and squatted in 45 products to find this summer’s best new hiking pants and shorts.
Eight testers tried seven new car-camping tents. These three came out on top.
36 testers tried 40 jackets. These are the crème de la crème.
Twelve testers donned 36 tops to find this summer’s best new shirts, midlayers, and baselayers.
14 testers zipped, cinched, and buckled 18 pants and shorts. These five are the very best.
The days of broken tines and stomach aches are over
15 testers tried 12 of the season’s top packs. These rose above the rest.
Lots of people struggle to find new friends for outdoor activities. But taking initiative (and acknowledging your awkwardness) goes a long way.
Officials say evidence suggests the men were caught by a flash flood. This is the second double tragedy in the famous slot canyon this year.