| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
all hikes
Colorado 14ers: Kit Carson Peak
Knock off two thrilling 14ers on this strenuous 11.2-mile, out-and-back adventure in Colorado's rugged Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Also makes a great overnight.
Colorado Springs, CO: Air Force Academy Falcon Trail
Recently renovated, the Falcon Trail is great for beginner riders looking to learn the skills to fly through obstacles like an Air Force Cadet.
Colorado Springs, CO: Blodgett Peak
This popular, and moderately challenging, 4.7-miler climbs through mixed forest and over talus fields to lofty views of Colorado Springs, the eastern plains, and Pikes Peak.
Colorado Springs, CO: Cheyenne Mountain
This newly opened trail system on the south side of Colorado Springs has something for newbies and old hats alike.
Colorado Springs, CO: Cooldown
This hilly tour of Colorado Springs features some great cooldown spots along the way.
Colorado Springs, CO: Garden of the Gods
Tour a rock garden of giant proportions on this 4.8-mile loop, passing towering redrock monoliths, golden hillsides, and views of Pikes Peak.
Colorado Springs: Mosca Pass
This 6.8-mile hike leads through old Indian country and past views of Great Sand Dunes and a sacred Navajo peak to a historic pass traveled by settlers.
Colorado Springs: Palmer Lake to Cap Rock
Quiet rules on this mostly off-trail, 5.1-mile scramble up a boulder strewn canyon to a gnarly rocky crown with panoramic mountain views in Pike National Forest.
Salida, CO: Monarch Crest Trail
Hydrate, breathe, pedal, repeat. This lung-busting, 34-mile point-to-point offers stellar panoramas and blasting singletrack downhills—all above 7,500 feet.
Santa Fe, NM: Valle Vidal
Explore the "Yellowstone of the Southwest" on this 28.4-mile loop that links a series of meadows, creek crossings, and a canyon in New Mexico's Valle Vidal.
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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.
