Backpacker Contributors

If hikers five decades ago could make their own gear, so can you.

A versatile backpack, a lightweight sleeping bag, and an all-purpose jacket ready for spring and summer storms: This is what our members are trying out right now.

There's plenty of options when summiting the highest point on the country's eastern seaboard, from multi-peak loops to quick out-and-backs.

Stay protected in deserts, soggy forests, and everything in between.

Embrace the exposure when you take your summer adventures to the crest of the high country.

The trails of Shenandoah National Park have it all, from mountain ridgelines to forested waterfalls to a whole range of thriving wildlife.

Summit peaks, swim lakes, and cross the Continental Divide on the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Head from sea level to a ridgeline stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail on the best hikes near San Diego.

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Become a trail botanist. Learn to identify ten of our country's most common wildflowers

Start your hiking season without waiting for summer weather on one of these five treks.

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Check out Backpacker Contributors's author page.

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Plague poses a risk to rabbits, rodents, squirrels--and people.

The new state park lodging options have special intro rates through October.

More moose means more stress on willows, which has big implications for the park ecosystem.

The big cat is just one of several sighted recently around town.

Some suspect the animals died of dehydration, and employees were disciplined over negligent care.

Young people are flocking to historic--and closed--Vance Creek Bridge for adrenaline-fueled selfies.

The "very high threat" volcano currently has only one seismometer.

After wildfire forced the closure of Yosemite Valley, tourists head to the adjoining national parks instead.

A 20-year-old man slipped and fell into a gorge last weekend.

In the '80s, fewer than 100 otters lived here; now, we have about 30,000. Here's a peek at what'd behind the conservation success.

A new history organization hosted a walk at Beaubien Woods.

The man slid about 100 feet in Larrabee State Park.

The 22-year-old was swept away in the West Fork of the White River.

Even with multiple heat-related rescue calls this summer, Parks and Recreation says hikers can keep hiking.

The new Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary could open as soon as February.

Politicians invite the agency to consider the Centennial State as it eyes a relocation to the West.

Rainfall and the upcoming monsoon season reduced fire danger across Arizona.

Someone spray-painted seven iconic cacti last week.

Lightning zapped them in the Central Cascades near Skykomish, Washington.

Popular destinations like Angel's Landing and Upper Emerald Pools are inaccessible due to mudslides and rockfall.

The man fell about 90 feet after reportedly climbing on the butte's lookout.

Crews rescued the woman with a helicopter after she climbed 30 feet to escape the wolves.

The Cook County officer was scheduled for a disciplinary hearing on his role in a racially charged harassment case that went viral.

Parts of the Coconino, Kaibab, and Tonto National Forests are now welcoming hikers and campers as wildfire threat eases.

Campers have fled Havasupai Campground and will be helicoptered out of the Grand Canyon, reports say.

Biologists aim for an accurate population estimate for California's cougars in a highly ambitious survey.

Extreme heat is interfering with search efforts for the missing woman, who disappeared in early June.

The case began when a woman shared a video of a man harassing her in a Cook County preserve while the officer looked on.

One goat in particular grew bold in its search for salt.