| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
all hikes
Boulder, CO: Taylor Mountain Pond
A picture-perfect pond at the end of this mellow 0.8-mile hike makes this trip in the Roosevelt National Forest an easy overnight option for families—and the faint-of-heart.
Colorado 14ers: Longs Peak via Keyhole Route
This stiff but non-technical ascent leads to the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park with unrivaled postcard views.
Rocky Mountain National Park - Loch Vale: Glacier Gorge to Sky Pond
Out and back day trip in RNMP, traveling up Loch Vale. Begins at Glacier Gorge parking lot, then proceeds to Alberta Falls, The Loch, Glass Lake, and Sky Pond. Amazing views!
Rocky Mountain National Park: Longs Peak via Clark's Arrow and the Keyhole
Climb this iconic summit on an uncrowded sneak route.
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Photos + Videos
Packing for a Backcountry Ski DayKristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing. |
Adjust Your Pack Straps on the TrailMaximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments. |
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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.
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.
