Continental Divide Trail Hikers Now Need U.S. Citizenship, Background Check to Access Southern Terminus
The first 1.1 miles of the CDT are now only available to US citizens who apply for permission to enter the National Defense Area.
Don't miss new adventures
Get all the latest delivered to your feed.
Latest
How Will the Government Shutdown Impact America’s Long Trails?
The Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails will stay open, but permits, maintenance, and facilities could all take a hit.
These 5 Backcountry Huts Have The Best Leaf Peeping You Can Get
Fall is here. Watch the leaves transform from the comfort of these backcountry huts.
Paddling the ‘Dangerous River’ Is a Deep Backcountry Adventure You’ll Remember Forever
The Nahanni is a spectacular northern river with a dark history. Getting there isn't easy—but it's worth the trouble.
Colorado’s Famous ‘4-in-1’ 14er Hike Is a Step Closer to Being Permanently Saved
The Conservation Fund announced this week that it had purchased 480 acres of formerly private land on Mount Bross—including a key portion of one of Colorado's most popular high-alpine trails.
Grand Canyon To Partially Reopen North Rim Following Dragon Bravo Fire
The lightning-sparked Dragon Bravo fire has devastated the Grand Canyon since July. Starting October 1, the North Rim will partially reopen to the public.
10 Things Your Hiking Partner Hates About You
We polled hundreds of hikers about their partner pet peeves. Do you have any of these habits?
I Used To Avoid Group Hikes. Here’s Why I Joined A Hiking Club Anyway.
What happens when a lifelong solo backpacker decides to try sharing the trail?
It’s Been A Year Since Hurricane Helene. Here’s How the Appalachian Trail Is Faring Now.
After a category 4 hurricane tore through the southeast, a third of the Appalachian Trail faced significant damage. Volunteers are bringing it back to life.
3 ‘Useless’ Backpacking Luxuries That Are Actually Worth the Weight
A backcountry cocktail kit in a box, a 5-ounce library, and a cornhole set you can fit in a daypack: This is the gear our editors absolutely don't need to pack, but keep bringing anyway.
‘It’s a Return to Where I Started’: Lyla Harrod on Becoming the First Trans Woman to Hold an Appalachian Trail FKT
Harrod hiked an average of 41 miles per day for nearly two months to break the 10-year-old record.
Wildlife
The Cocaine Bear Trailer Is Wild. The Real Story Is Weirder and Sadder.
Cocaine Bear's first trailer shows a bloodthirsty, intoxicated bruin rampaging through the forest. But how much of the based-on-a-true-story movie is real?
Fitness
The Best Hiking Workouts for Every Fitness Level
Reality check: Hitting the gym is the quickest way to hike farther, easier, faster, and pain-free. Get into a routine—or take yours to the next level—with these smart workouts for three different levels.
The Best Hikes
The Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
Full of rock scrambles, cactus clusters, and desert views for days, Joshua Tree National Park is the southwest at its finest.
Backpacking Skills
Why You Should Use Trekking Poles
Ending too many hikes with sore, wobbly legs? Trekking poles can help you make it that extra mile.
Gear Round-Ups
Trail Guides
The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows
The Narrows at Zion National Park offers an incredible adventure in America's most amazing slot canyons. Here's how to safely explore them.
Survival Skills
How to Remove and Treat Thorns, Splinters, and Other Prick Wounds
Nature can be brutal. Learn how to to deal with wounds from all kinds of thorns, spines, splinters, shards, quills, needles, and anything else that might get under your skin when you’re on the trail.
Classic Destinations
Hike Mauna Kea: The Expert Guide to Hiking Hawaii’s Highest Point
Ready to hike to the highest point in Hawaii? Ascend Mauna Kea's volcanic slopes to a summit high above the clouds. This challenging day hike is among the most spectacular on the planet.
Backpacking Gear
10 Backpacking Gear Tips We Learned the Hard Way
Get the most out of your backpacking equipment with this sage advice.
Long Trails
100 Years Ago, the Appalachian Trail Was One Man’s Dream. Now, It’s Everyone’s.
Benton MacKaye's original proposal for the Appalachian Trail came out 100 years ago. While the trail may have changed, the appeal hasn't.
Listen
Out Alive
Real people who survived the unsurvivable
Listen
Impossible Odds
Two friends, 8,000 trail miles, one year
Featured Story
The Best Places to Hike in 2023
This is the year to dream big. With the world's last destinations finally reopening to visitors, now's the time to plan a life-list hike that you'll never forget. Even better: Backpacker's done the work for you.
Latest Issue
