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Desolation Wilderness, CA: Wrights Lake to Clyde Lake
For my weekend solo hike I went to Desolation Wilderness. I took the RockBound Trailhead from Wrights Lake to Clyde Lake and back. On my return from Clyde Lake I "bushwacked" over the Crystal Range to Island Lake and then continued my journey back to my car at Wrights Lake.
Sacramento, CA: American River Bike Trail
This 33-mile ride on the American River Bike Trail escapes from downtown Sacramento, linking lush parks and scenic riverside views.
Sacramento, CA: Independence Trail
Hike, push a stroller, or even roll a wheelchair into a mining relic from 1859. This former aqueduct above the South Yuba River offers easy access to rugged wilderness and amazing mountain views.
Sacramento, CA: Michigan Bluff to Deadwood Trail
Follow a nineteenth-century toll road to an abandoned gold mining town on this 11.5-mile out-and-back.
Sacramento, CA: South Yuba River Trail
Dive into wild and scenic Gold Rush country on this 20-mile hike past mining relics in Tahoe National Forest.
Sacramento: Loon Lake to Spider Lake
Grab a quick overnight on this 8.8-miler past two lakes, where bald eagles soar the blue skies and dive for fish in Eldorado National Forest.
Sacramento: Pinecrest Lake Loop
Giant stands of ponderosa pine alternate with patches of wildflowers along the rugged shorelines of Pinecrest and Catfish lakes on this isolated 5.9-mile loop.
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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.
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Rise above the crowds and earn solo views of elk, wildflowers, and summit sunsets.
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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.
