The Ten Essentials: What are They and Why are they Important?
While every hiker will develop their own gear list, the ten essentials are considered the bare minimum that every hiker or backpacker should carry
Arctic Refuge, Boundary Waters Receive Conservation Alliance Funding
Conservation efforts to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness received a big boost from The Conservation Alliance, which awarded $75,000 in funding for each in 2021 and 2022. In all the Alliance awarded $1.11 million for conservation efforts, including funding for Indigenous-led conservation Read more…
Sierra High Route
The Sierra High Route is a 195-mile route through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, known for challenging off-trail travel, sweeping granite peaks, and stunning alpine lakes. It can be hiked in 14-21 days.
Old Mt. Baldy – Three T’s Loop
The Old Mt. Baldy to Three T’s Loop is a challenging 22-mile trail in Southern California that can be hiked in 2-3 days. The route offers expansive views and multiple peaks, but carrying enough water is a limiting factor.
What is Leave No Trace, and Why is it Important?
A refresher on the Leave No Trace principles, why they’re important, and suggestions on how to remind people to be better wilderness stewards
Centennial Trail
The Centennial Trail is a 123-mile point-to-point hike in the Black Hills of South Dakota, best hiked from late spring to fall. The trail is mostly well-marked and -graded and can be hiked in 5-10 days.
Backcountry Rescue Teams Put Their Lives on Hold When Accidents Happen
Search and rescue teams are the backbone of outdoor adventures across the US, taking injured hikers or skiers off mountains, searching for people lost in the mountains, recovering avalanche victims. The job is never-ending. SAR team members are on call all day, all week. They have jobs. They train continually Read more…
5 Pieces of Gear Maggie Started Using Over the Past Year and Really Liked
My gear switches a lot, but I do have a core setup that I typically don’t change. This year though, I discovered a new tent, sleeping pad, and favorite inexpensive, noise-cancelling earbuds that kick my AirPods’ butt.
Central Cascades Permits Needed for 2021; Applications Open April 6
The Deschutes and Willamette National Forests in Oregon will require permits for hiking this year from May 28 to Sept. 24, with an exception for Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers who have a long-distance permit. Day-use permits will be required for 19 of 79 trails in the Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington, Read more…
Death Valley Indian Pass Canyon
Death Valley Indian Pass Canyon is a 16-mile out-and-back cross-country hike in Death Valley National Park. This is a two-day hike with mild elevation gain into the canyon, and route-finding necessary. This is a perfect winter overnight backpacking trip for people exploring the Southern California desert.