all hikes

Austin, TX: South Bull Creek

Explore Austin's very own all-natural waterworld on this 4.4-mile out-and-back to refreshing swimming holes and three waterfalls. Located just minutes from downtown.

Boundary Waters: Eagle Mountain

Tag the highest peak in Minnesota on this 6.6-mile hike, which courses under a coniferous forest and past a glacial lake with nice backcountry campsites.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Big Creek Loop

Climb Mt. Sterling and hike through history on this 16.9-mile loop through the eastern Smokies.

Kauai, HI: Wailua River Paddle

Paddle 7 miles up the Wailua River to secret waterfalls, hidden swimming holes, and one of Kauai's best rope swings.

Lassen Volcanic National Park: Twin Lakes

Ramble 8 miles out-and-back along a chain of shimmering lakes and enjoy a refreshing midsummer swim beneath the park's centerpiece, Lassen Peak.

Minneapolis, MN: Afton State Park

From bluffs to beaches to a bluebird trail, this 3.5-mile lollipop loop samples Afton State Park and the shores of the federally-designated wild and scenic St. Croix River.

Oregon Coast Trail: South Jetty to Gearhart (Section 1)

This 14.7-mile section hike of the Oregon Coast Trail starts at the mouth of the Columbia River and explores sandy beaches and the remains of a 100-year-old shipwreck.

Ouachita National Forest, AR: Eagle Rock Loop

Combining rugged hill climbs through pine and hardwood, with a leisurely stroll along the Little Missouri River, this 26.4-mile loop may be the best in the Ouachita Mountains.

Ouachita National Forest, AR: Eagle Rock Loop

Combining rugged hill climbs through pine and hardwood, with a leisurely stroll along the Little Missouri River, this 26.4-mile loop may be the best in the Ouachita Mountains.

Reno: Penner Lake

This 5.4-mile out-and-back has it all: 5-star camping, superlative swimming, and picture-postcard scenery along a patchwork of lakes in Tahoe National Forest.

Rocky Mountain National Park: Sandbeach Lake Loop

Follow this 9.9-mile loop through vibrant wildflower displays and past snow-fed streams to a huge alpine lake with unbeatable campsite views of Mount Meeker.

Salem, OR: Little North Santiam Trail

Grab your hiking boots and a swimsuit for this 7.4-mile hike along the Little North Santiam River that tours a string of crystal clear swimming holes.

Salt Lake City, UT: Twin Peaks via White Pine Canyon

This 14.6-mile dayhike serves up two Wasatch summits, some off-trail scrambles above an emerald-colored lake, and top-notch views.

San Antonio, TX: Lost Maples State Park

Hold onto your pennies! This 4.8-mile loop passes a wishing well en route to a set of refreshing swimming holes in Lost Maples State Park.

San Francisco, CA: Chewing Gum Lake/Emigrant Wilderness

Discover wildflower-filled meadows, swimmable subalpine lakes, and Sierra Nevada vistas on this 9-mile out-and-back through Stanislaus National Forest’s Emigrant Wilderness.

Seattle, WA: The Enchantments

Trek through a glacier-carved basin filled with turquoise lakes and jagged peaks on this challenging, 22.2-mile backpacking trip in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Sedona, AZ: West Clear Creek

Immerse yourself (literally) in the crystal clear waters of the Coconino National Forest on this multi-day amphibious trek that features classic—and unavoidable—canyon swims.

Shenandoah National Park: Riprap Trail

Gurgling mountain streams and peaceful vistas line this 9-mile loop in southern Shenandoah National Park

Yellowstone National Park: Agate Creek via Specimen Ridge Trail

This 13.3-mile backcountry trek in Yellowstone National Park travels to a rocky beach (and campsites) in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

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Photos + Videos

Packing for a Backcountry Ski Day Kristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing.	Adjust Your Pack Straps on the Trail Maximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments.

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.