Backpacker Magazine – June 2009

Hike It, Save It

It's never been easier to help save the wilderness–no donations, no petitions, no pulaski swinging required. The only thing you have to do is go backpacking.

by: Charlie Wood

Tags:
• Destinations
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• Environment
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• Wildlife
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• Plants
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• Threats
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Woody Allen famously said that 80 percent of success in life is just showing up. turns out he was right when it comes to wilderness.

Conservation groups say that by getting boots on the trail in the nation's most threatened wilderness areas–swaying politicians and land managers with our numbers–hikers can help protect critical landscapes. Call it voting with your feet. And call it effective: 2009 has already been a banner year for wild America. In March, Congress passed a bill preserving 2 million acres. We found 10 stellar hikes in proposed–and at-risk–wilderness areas. Now do your part: Get out and explore.

Otero Mesa, NM
Maine's Grafton Loop
Chestnut Ridge and Tracy Ridge, PA
Scotchman Peaks, MT/ID
Utukok Uplands, AK
Upper Desolation Canyon, UT
Handies Peak, CO
Seneca Creek, WV
Tumacacori Highlands, AZ
Red Buttes, OR/CA

Next Steps
Feeling inspired by your hike? Here's how to protect more land.

America's Newest Wilderness
A quick guide to the best acres, trails, and views

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