all hikes

Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA: Sequoia Loop to Sempevirens Falls

Loop under giant redwoods, by a 25-foot waterfall, and past a 125-year-old cabin on this easy-going 4.2-miler in Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

Los Gatos, CA: Over the hills to Santa Cruz

Climb under the shade of redwoods on this challenging metric century from Los Gatos to Santa Cruz and back.

San Jose, CA: Big Basin-Davenport Century

This northern California century challenge gains over 15,000 feet of elevation on both redwood-shaded mountain roads and pristine coastal tarmac.

San Jose, CA: Los Gatos Hill Climbs with Mount Umunhum

This 43-mile loop tackles six climbs in the hills surrounding Los Gatos and rewards with overlooks of the Santa Cruz Mountains and blazing descents.

San Jose, CA: Quimby Hill Climb

San Jose cyclists measure their fitness on this 22-mile climbing loop. Ratchet down the intensity and this ride is still challenging, but more scenic.

San Jose, CA: Sierra Road

This quad-thumping, 15-mile loop charges up Sierra Road on winding country roads, revealing expansive views of Silicon Valley.

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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.

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.

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