Santa Cruz, CA: Fall Creek to Lime Kilns
Hidden deep inside the Santa Cruz Mountains, this 2.4-mile out-and-back wanders through old-growth forests and past meandering creeks to century-old limestone kilns.
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Chicago, IL: Matthiessen State ParkA lush, green garden of waterfalls and giant pools awaits on the dells of Matthiessen State Park; this route tacks on a bluff-top viewpoint for 5.8-miles of prime Illinois day-hiking. 
St. Louis, MO: Taum Sauk MountainThis rugged 11.2-mile out-and-back on the Ozark Trail winds through the volcanic uplift of the St. Francois range to Missouri's highest peak and tallest waterfall. 
Appalachian Trail: VT 140 to Kent PondGo from muddy pastures to riverside views to rocky summits on this 26-mile segment. |
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Portland, OR: The Willamette River Urban RideSubmitted by:This urban ride along the Willamette River in downtown Portland offers a little bit of everything: Parks, bridges, wildlife reserves, museums, and an opera house--not to mention a great view of the skyline. |
Mountain Games Live Coverage brought to you by AdidasA team of BACKPACKER and CLIMBING staffers head to the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado June 6-9, 2013. 
Local Hikes in the EastPaddle an Outer Banks island, hit a new trail in Tennessee, stargaze in Pennsylvania, and grab nine more adventures. 
Local Hikes in the Central U.S.Sample a section of Missouri's Ozark Trail, harvest Minnesotan morels, see endangered sea turtles in coastal Texas, and more. |
ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONTCan you walk off a war? A veteran who served in Iraq embarks on a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail to find out. |
Life List Stillwater Canyon, UtahTravel rugged, red-rock backcountry in Canyonlands National Park the easy way--by boat. 
Glacier National Park by Chuck HaneyDramatic skies, blue lakes, mountain goats and more: Chuck Haney shares some of his most exciting photos from Glacier National Park. 
Grand Teton NP: Death Canyon Shelf and Alaska BasinSee the highlights of a classic, six-day trek in Grand Teton National Park. |
Grand Canyon Challenge: Rim-to-Rim-to-RimDon't try this at home: See BACKPACKER's editor-in-chief's gonzo 21-hour hike with a friend into the Grand Canyon, rim-to-rim-to-rim. 
Lost: A Survival Video Diary, Pt. 3On his third day lost in Idaho's Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness, BACKPACKER contributor Jim Thornton finally finds a potential way home. But fear, exhaustion, and an incoming winter snowstorm threaten to derail his progress. |
Lost: A Survival Video Diary, Pt. 2On his second day lost in Idaho's Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness, BACKPACKER contributor Jim Thornton battles cold temperatures, conflicting routes, and the onset of genuine fear. 
Lost: A Survival Video Diary, Pt. 1On his first day lost in Idaho's Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness, BACKPACKER contributor Jim Thornton confronts dwindling water supplies and the daunting task of getting un-lost. 
Editors' Choice 2010: Climbing the MonchBACKPACKER editors cap their Swiss gear-testing trip with a climb of the 13,474-foot Monch. |
Grand Canyon Adventure Guide (2012 National Parks Series: Part 6 of 6)
Find world-class scenery and challenges (no passport required) with our scouts' top day, weekend, and weeklong routes in the Big Ditch. Whether you're a canyon-country pro or a first-timer, we guarantee you'll find terrain that tests your boundaries.
Life's Short, Hike More!
What makes a backpacker a backpacker? It's not the garage full of gear or piles of guidebooks--it's the experiences, from thru-hiking a long trail to pushing your personal envelope to inspiring a child's love of wilderness. Here we present BACKPACKER's new Life List: 10 experiences to add to your tick-listnow--and the key skills you need to nail them.
Secret Hikes: Appalachian Trail
The last lonely stretch of the AT beckons from the mountains of western Maine.
Secret Hikes: Glacier National Park
Score wildlife sightings daily, choice views hourly--and at least one juicy burger--on this weeklong circuit.
Secret Hikes: Hiking Grand Canyon National Park
Surprise: This park's busy corridor trails offer a fast track to a private slice of heaven.
MASTER YOUR OUTDOOR EXPERTISE WITH OUR TIPS
Gear Review: The North Face Summit Series Anti-Matter Softshell
This softshell packs a double punch with waterproofing and breathability.
Gear Review: Big Sky Soul Tent
Go lightweight with this freestanding solo tent.
Gear Review: GoLite Z10 Sleeping Bag
This down bag delivers on warmth and packability.
Editors' Choice 2013
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