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Track Caribou in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness
Glimpse these rare mammals in Idaho's Salmo-Priest Wilderness.
3 Poached Treasures
Backcountry crooks ransack public lands, stealing the natural prizes most coveted by collectors–and vulnerable species and hikers alike suffer when these icons vanish from the trails to resurface on the black market.
Phenomenon: Glacial Relics
The Ice Age left its mark from Acadia to Yosemite. Here's scenic evidence.
Boulder's Gregory Canyon Trail
Take an abandoned wagon road near Boulder's Flatirons with Backpacker editors Jon Dorn and Anthony Cerretani in this trail profile.
Climbing Longs Peak
Join the Backpacker staff as they bag Longs Peak in this exclusive on-the-scene video.
FEATURES, ADVICE, AND PROFILES
Environment
Phenomenon: Glacial Relics
The Ice Age left its mark from Acadia to Yosemite. Here's scenic evidence.
Road Warriors: Hikers Versus ATVs
Hikers and ATV riders hit the ground in a new battle over trail access.Plants
3 Poached Treasures
Backcountry crooks ransack public lands, stealing the natural prizes most coveted by collectors–and vulnerable species and hikers alike suffer when these icons vanish from the trails to resurface on the black market.
Danger Signs: Painful Plants
Sure, you know the mantra "leaves of three, let it be." But that warning alone doesn't help you detect those irritating plants that change colors, grow as vines, or mimic harmless species. Heed these tips to keep your summer itch-free.Threats
Danger Signs: Bear Country
Hiking where bears are present (that's more than 40 states) always requires precautions, like hanging food. But these three signals demand extra vigilance.
Danger Signs: Painful Plants
Sure, you know the mantra "leaves of three, let it be." But that warning alone doesn't help you detect those irritating plants that change colors, grow as vines, or mimic harmless species. Heed these tips to keep your summer itch-free.Weather
Cascades Meltdown
The Lower 48's most glaciated region is losing its ice at an astonishing rate.
How to Survive Winter Storms
New Hampshire's Mt. Washington is know for its evil weather. Learn how to survive a winter storm from one of the peak's experts.Wildlife
Track Caribou in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness
Glimpse these rare mammals in Idaho's Salmo-Priest Wilderness.
Danger Signs: Bear Country
Hiking where bears are present (that's more than 40 states) always requires precautions, like hanging food. But these three signals demand extra vigilance.
Phenomenon: Glacial Relics
The Ice Age left its mark from Acadia to Yosemite. Here's scenic evidence.
Road Warriors: Hikers Versus ATVs
Hikers and ATV riders hit the ground in a new battle over trail access.
Packing Out Waste: You Can Take It With You
Hikers learn to leave (absolutely) no trace on high-traffic peaks and trails.
Phenomenon: Microbursts
These vertical hurricanes are rare–but deadly.
Danger Signs: Burn Zones
Here are the top three wildfire dangers and how to avoid them.
Phenomenon: Northern Lights
The science behind the sky's natural fireworks display–and how to see it.
Does Geocaching Violate Leave No Trace?
Are these hidden containers harmless, or do they flout low-impact ethics?
Green Guide
In honor of Earth Day, we bring you the first industry-wide survey on which gear manufacturers are positively impacting the environment, plus much more.
Minnesota's Boundary Waters Face Extermination By Climate Change
As temperatures rise, Minnesota's North Woods will likely go up in smoke.
Is Heli-Hiking Bad for the Wilderness?
A for and against look at heli-hiking
3 Poached Treasures
Backcountry crooks ransack public lands, stealing the natural prizes most coveted by collectors–and vulnerable species and hikers alike suffer when these icons vanish from the trails to resurface on the black market.
Danger Signs: Painful Plants
Sure, you know the mantra "leaves of three, let it be." But that warning alone doesn't help you detect those irritating plants that change colors, grow as vines, or mimic harmless species. Heed these tips to keep your summer itch-free.
Super Poison Ivy is Coming
More potent poison ivy is on the way, plus fast-growing weeds that will change the face of Eastern forests.
How to Treat Poison Ivy
Beat the itchy stuff with creams or homeopathic measures.
Powerful Plants and Animals In Your Backyard
The wooly bear caterpillar, wild leek, and yew have "magical" qualities, but live in your backyard.Backpacker Interview: The Trail Bandit
Rangers despise him. The law is after him. Yet in chopping down trees in an overgrown national park, Bob Garrison has become a hero to some hikers.Blueberry Magic
Berries Prove Balance Can Be SweetProud Lake Recreation Area
Michigan's Proud Lake has many flavors of wilderness to offer.Massachusetts, High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary
Beantowners love the sights the High Ledges area has to offer.Ricketts Glen State Park
This favorite Pennsylvania destination of our editors is filled with old trees, shale cliffs, wildlife and stunning wildflowers.
Danger Signs: Bear Country
Hiking where bears are present (that's more than 40 states) always requires precautions, like hanging food. But these three signals demand extra vigilance.
Danger Signs: Painful Plants
Sure, you know the mantra "leaves of three, let it be." But that warning alone doesn't help you detect those irritating plants that change colors, grow as vines, or mimic harmless species. Heed these tips to keep your summer itch-free.
Nuclear-Free Hiking
How Cold War weapons sites are becoming America's most unusual new preserves.
Danger Signs: Burn Zones
Here are the top three wildfire dangers and how to avoid them.
Danger Signs: Trail Confusion
Don't want to get lost? Heed this advice on four trail situations that routinely cause problems.
What Will Alaska's Future Look Like?
Alaska is the last frontier, but energy development and climate change promise to change the face of our wildest state in your lifetime. Here's how.
How to Hang a Bear Bag
Learn the easiest way to hang a bear bag and keep your camping snacks safe from rummaging paws.Trip Doctor: Theft-Proofing Your Car
Clear out your car before heading into the woods.Where Am I Lowest On The Food Chain?
Want to hike where the most predators exist? Pack your courage and follow these directions.Rising Tides Threaten Classic Trails
Headed for the coasts? Keep those Tevas handy. Swelling oceans are threatening to submerge classic trails.
Cascades Meltdown
The Lower 48's most glaciated region is losing its ice at an astonishing rate.
How to Survive Winter Storms
New Hampshire's Mt. Washington is know for its evil weather. Learn how to survive a winter storm from one of the peak's experts.
Phenomenon: What are Sky Islands?
To see how animals stay cool in a hot climate, just look up.Phenomenon: Snowmelt
Rising alpine temperatures and polluted snow are threatening snowpack–and the water it generates.How to Avoid Sudden Thaws
Warming temps can wreak havoc on snow-packed adventures. Learn the conditions and warning signs that can cause a dangerous, sudden thaw.Danger Signs: How to Detect a Winter Storm
Learning to determine winter weather signs depends on where you are.Happy Go Wet: Backpacker's Rain Quiz
Can you handle a rainy outing? Take our fun quiz to see how you'd fare under a sky of liquid sunshine.Cold Sleepers vs. Hot Sleepers
One camper sweats and another shivers. What's the deal?How Pete Stays Dry
3 waterproof secrets from veteran mountaineer Pete TakedaDevil's Thumb: It Can't Be Climbed
Will anyone ever climb the dangerous northwest face of Alaska's Devil's Thumb? Maybe they shouldn't.
Track Caribou in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness
Glimpse these rare mammals in Idaho's Salmo-Priest Wilderness.
Danger Signs: Bear Country
Hiking where bears are present (that's more than 40 states) always requires precautions, like hanging food. But these three signals demand extra vigilance.
Phenomenon: Wildlife Crossings
How did the bear cross the road? See a few ways engineers are helping wildlife go over, under, and around traffic.
See More: Great Blue Herons
This dignified giant stands four feet tall, making it North America's largest heron.
Where Have the Animals Gone?
Scientists hike deep into California's wild high country to probe for answers.
The World's Smartest Bears
Welcome to Yosemite, iconic American landscape, hikers' paradise, and all-you-can-eat home of the wiliest bruins on earth.
Where to See More Desert Wildlife
Spot lizards, wrens, and javelinas in the desert Southwest with these tips.See More Vultures
Learn the secrets of nature's greatest recyclersHow to Sleep Safely in Bear Country
Seeing a bruin up close is a Yosemite highlight. Unless it's too close.Where Am I Lowest On The Food Chain?
Want to hike where the most predators exist? Pack your courage and follow these directions.
Tools & Experts
Medicine Man
Our wilderness medicine guru talks first-aid, health, and emergency management.
Get Schooled
Survival Blog
Go deep into the backcountry with Rocky Mountain Editor Steve Howe and get an unfiltered dose dose of all things survival.
Are you tough enough?
Menu Maker
Get ready to head into the wild with our complete menus and shopping lists for your perfect outing.
Find Your Perfect Meal
Backpacking 101
Trip-planning tips, gear lists, safety advice, and other essential wisdom every hiker ought to know.
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Trailhead Register
Favorite Outdoor Related Songs
Posted On: Sep 06, 2008
Submitted By: The Nature Boy
Submitted By: The Nature Boy
MASTER YOUR OUTDOOR EXPERTISE WITH OUR TIPS
Boulder's Gregory Canyon Trail
Take an abandoned wagon road near Boulder's Flatirons with Backpacker editors Jon Dorn and Anthony Cerretani in this trail profile.
Climbing Longs Peak
Join the Backpacker staff as they bag Longs Peak in this exclusive on-the-scene video.
Calculate Your V02 Max
Think you can give Lance a run for his money?
Find the Outdoor Equipment You Need
TIP 26: Prevent Altitude Sickness
Help prevent altitude sickness by getting at least two 8-hour nights of sleep and making sure you're well-hydrated before you start.
Get Fit for Any Hike
No gyms, no weights–and, with our
easy-to-follow plan–no bonking on the trail.
Backpacker's Ultimate Fix-It Guide
Learn how to make your gear last forever with our guide to the 55 most
common repairs and maintenance musts.
Sleeping Bag Center
Our guide to sleeping bags fit for all occasions and sleep tips guaranteed
to give you a good night's rest. 
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