San Francisco: Tolman Peak Loop
Climb to the site of a legendary plane crash on this 5.5-mile loop through the rolling hills of Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park.
| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
|
|
St. Louis, MO: Pickle SpringsHoodoos in Missouri? This 2-mile loop dips into a river valley jam-packed with sandstone formations and trickling cascades—-including the rocky, 50-foot face of Headwall Falls. Appalachian Trail: Lehigh Gap to Wind GapThis 19.4-miler is a test in balance and nerve as you pick routes through mind-numbing boulder fields. The payoffs are scenic ridges with 180-degree views and toned calf muscles. Appalachian Trail: Brooklyn Road to VT 140Trace the peaceful banks of Little Black Branch to White Rocks Mountain on this 8.5-mile dayhike. Other highlights: Swimming at Little Rock Pond and nice vista views. |
|
|
Phoenix: Piestewa PeakSubmitted by:Gain 1,200 feet in 2.4 miles on this lung-burner to the top of Piestewa Peak. Bozeman, MT: Churchill LoopSubmitted by:This 18.5-mile loop near Bozeman boasts smooth roads, light traffic, and a scenic spin through a historic farming community. Christopher Creek, AZ: See Canyon TrailSubmitted by:The See Canyon Trail is a gorgeous and adventurous hike from Christopher Creek to the top of the Mogollon Rim. This trail has a bit of everything for the outdoor adventurer: towering pines, beautiful flowers, fungi, creek crossings, wildlife, steep climbs, some trail finding, and the list goes on! |
International Adventure TravelFrom Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' backpacking trek abroad. 
Ansel Adams's Lost Photos?David Howard investigates the mystery of 61 black-and-white negatives that are stirring up a hornet's nest of accusations, threats, and lawsuits. 
Readers' Choice 2012: Reader Leader Contest WinnersMore than 150 of you entered our contest to become a BACKPACKER field scout. Meet the winners. |
Readers' Choice 2012: Reader Leader Contest WinnersMore than 150 of you entered our contest to become a BACKPACKER field scout. Meet the winners. 
Readers' Choice 2012: Your Neck of the Woods - Mountain West HikesScramble on red rock, camp at alpine lakes, cross a high pass, explore a trailless moonscape, and bushwhack to a peak. 
Readers' Choice 2012: Your Neck of the Woods - Northeast HikesSnag Big Apple skyline views, tackle four peaks in a day, rack up waterfalls, hike through history on the AT, and climb Vermont's highest peak. |
Share your tales of travel & adventure with our step-by-step guide. Upload trail descriptions, photos, video, and more.
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: Grand Canyon National Park
Surprise: This park's busy corridor trails offer a fast track to a private slice of heaven.
Secret Hikes: Grand Teton National Park
Rise above the crowds and earn solo views of elk, wildflowers, and summit sunsets.
MASTER YOUR OUTDOOR EXPERTISE WITH OUR TIPS
Go Higher with Tips from Senior Editor and Professional Mountain Guide Shannon Davis
Tackle that big mountain with tips from our in-house mountain guide
Skills 101: Bushwhacking
Navigate through unruly terrain with these helpful tips
Packing for a Backcountry Ski Day
Kristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing.
International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad.
Navigation Center
Learn how to orient a map, navigate any terrain, and the ins-and-outs of GPS devices.
BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App
Record and share you adventures with our new, free navigation app. Plus, discover thousands of GPS-enabled hikes in national parks and major cities.
Green Guide
A backpacker's guide to environmental issues and "green" gear.
