Houston: Four C Trail
Cross rolling hills and recovering woodlands on this 13.4-mile, one-way backpacking trip through a sweet slice of East Texas wilderness.
| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
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Appalachian Trail: Stony Man Overlook to Thornton GapTreat yourself to far-reaching panoramas from Marys Rock‰ÛÓarguably some of the best views in Shenandoah National Park‰ÛÓbefore a steady descent to Thornton Gap on this 6.9 miler. 
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Klondike TrailFollow this newly revealed 1-mile prospectors' route to a bonanza of slickrock panoramas. Camp near the rim to catch sunset over Navajo Mountain. 
Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to US 19ECross over several grassy balds and look for wild ponies on this 13.5-mile leg with three AT shelters. |
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Tucson, AZ: Gates PassSubmitted by:Feel the burn on this 35 mile loop that tours Tucson Mountain Park toward a killer climb up Gates Pass that definitely heats things up—a 2 miler that hits 13 percent. 
Mt Charleston - Mary Jane FallsSubmitted by:Hike around Mount Charleston, passing limestone cliffs and masssive pines on the way to Mary jane Falls on this moderate 2-miler. 
Mesa De AnguilaSubmitted by:This is a great hike with some awesome views of the Chihuahuan desert and the Rio Grande. It's |
From the Field — East — March 2013Our trail scouts' top local hikes, including fire tower views in New Jersey, a New York waterfall, and more. 
Trail Mix — Central — March 2013Your region's go-now guide: Explore ice caves on Wisconsin's Apostle Islands, overnight in peace in northern Missouri, and more. 
Rip & Go: Florida Trail, Big Cypress National Preserve, FLTraverse a primeval landscape of cypress swamp, hardwood hammocks, and pinelands. |
From the Field — East — March 2013Our trail scouts' top local hikes, including fire tower views in New Jersey, a New York waterfall, and more. 
Rip & Go: Jordan Hot Springs, Gila Wilderness, NMExplore a slot canyon and soak in a warm backcountry pool in the country's first designated wilderness. 
Trail Mix - West - March 2013Your region's go-now spring guide: Scramble to Salado Indian cliff dwellings in Arizona, spot bighorn sheep in Wyoming, and more. |
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
Make an Alcohol Stove
Learn how to create a lightweight, functional backcountry stove for less than a few dollars.
Ghost Bears
Tracking Grizzies in the North Cascades
Foraging 101
How to Find Food in the Wild
Fall/Winter Gear Guide
261 reviews and camping tips
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Carry the Best Maps
With BACKPACKER PRO Maps, get life-list destinations and local trips on adventure-ready waterproof myTopo paper.
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