Snow, Solitude, and Gratitude: My 2023 PCT Thru-Hike in Review
Our Pacific Crest Trail correspondent has finally reached the northern terminus. Here are his final thoughts from his time on the trail.
Stories From the Trail
Latest
Bear Euthanized After Human Garbage Caused Intestinal Blockage
"When you have a very fat 400-pound bear, it will take it ages to starve to death. That’s a horrific way to die, decaying from the inside out."
Sponsored Content
Vote Now on the 2023 Defender Service Awards Finalists
The top nonprofits win a customized Land Rover Defender 130 and a pile of cash. Cast your vote starting on September 15 to help choose this year’s winners.
A Grand Canyon Hiker Died While Attempting a Rim-to-Rim Trek
Late season snow damaged trails and delayed start to the season, pushing hikers into hotter summer conditions
As an Unusual PCT Season Wraps Up, One Hiker Tells All
We sat down with this year’s PCT correspondent to learn about the highlights (and lowlights) of his hiking season.
The National Park Service Warns Visitors to Stay Away from Elk
As rutting season begins, officials warn hikers to take extra caution around the wildlife.
Are the Animals Sick of Us?
During a summer of unnerving animal encounters making headlines, we dive in with bear experts Dr. Tom Smith and Wes Larson and explore this wild narrative.
An Ode to My Summit Sandwich (and How to Make Your Own)
Nothing powers me up the trail like the promise of lunch with a view.
This Instagram Account Uses the Outdoors to Fight the Gay Loneliness Epidemic
Dr. Hitesh Tolani created Gays of National Parks to create community, but it’s become so much more than that.
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How to Start Planning Your Next Thru-Hike
From choosing the right water filter to evaluating your gear list, AT hiker Michael Perry shares his advice for getting trail-ready
Microdose Adventure With These 10 Tiny Urban Trails
Find adventure out your own back door. Here are 10 urban hiking trails—each under 2 miles—worth exploring.
Member Exclusives
Stories, gear reviews, hiking guides, and more just for Outside+ members.
Join Outside+ See AllWildlife
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
The Ultimate Smokeless Fire Pit Showdown
Which of these popular aprés accessories burns brighter?
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
The Easiest 14ers in Colorado
If you're new to Colorado's 14ers or simply looking for a day hike into the clouds, try these (relatively) easy adventures on Colorado's tallest mountains.
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.
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Out Alive
Real people who survived the unsurvivable
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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.
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