BACKPACKER Editors & Contributors

Cutting off of a muddy trail may seem harmless, but it has real consequences.

Artist Dan Bell's dreamy maps show British and American national parks as landscapes from J.R.R. Tolkien's books. We asked him to draw a few of our favorites.

Trek Patagonia, see a grizzly, or hike the Grand Canyon in a single day: The choice is yours.

From strandings at sea to grizzly attacks, we collect our readers' favorite tales from the brink.

Before you let your dog roam free, you have some important questions to answer.

Get those noodles ready for hoisting heavy packs, hauling your body over boulders, and poling through tough terrain.

Sharing is caring—but not when it comes to your tunes.

Mix up your bear calls with our expert suggestions.

Being American makes you part owner of some of the finest terrain in the world. Better get a handle on your portfolio.

Though certain places are more famous for fall foliage, you can find fiery color all over the Lower 48. Use this map to see when each region typically peaks and what leaves you can expect.

Upgrade a cold campout with a recipe that warms the insides.

Add a bit of fresh flair to your camp meals with this healthy side.

This 3.6-mile route in Haleakala National Park leads through bamboo forests to a 400-foot spring-fed waterfall in a sheer-walled lava amphitheater.

Only have a day to see the North Cascades? Then, this should be at the top of your priority list. Hike to a base camp for climbers, at the base of Sahale Peak, in 5 ½ miles, and 3966ft of elevation gain, and marvel at the best view the North Cascades has to offer.

Scramble a sneak route to the highest mountain in the Enchantment Range on this challenging, 11.3-mile out-and-back in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

If you melt snow for drinking water in the winter, do you need to boil it for purification?