Backpacker Magazine – June 2012

Trail Mix: West

Explore high points, see astronomical rarity and experience three perfect days, all this summer and all in the west.

by: Rachel Zurer

Tags:
• TrailMix
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• West
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• Destinations
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• June
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See This Now
Astronomical rarity: Transit of Venus
Don’t miss your chance to watch Venus pass between the Earth and the sun on June 5; it won’t happen again until December 2117. All you need is a pair of eclipse glasses ($1, rainbowsymphony .com) and the right view. To see the whole phenomenon, head to Hawaii’s 13,796-foot Mauna Kea via the six-mile Summit Trail. Mainlanders will only catch the transit’s start before the sun sets, but for the best chance of a cloudless view, head to Picacho Peak near Tucson (Trip ID 1624046) and return via the Sunset Vista Trail, or climb to any vantage point with an unobstructed view of western evening skies.



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