Emily Pennington

Whether you’d prefer to summit a craggy peak or go for a riverside ramble, these are the most stunning trails in the National Park System.

On a backpacking trip in Alaska’s ultra-remote Gates of the Arctic, one writer learns to embrace discomfort, even if it means soggy feet for eight straight days.

Emily Pennington traveled around the U.S. and visited all seven continents, primarily by herself. But the frigid nights and unforgiving high altitude of Bhutan’s Druk Path Trek might have put her off solo backpacking for good.

Hike the Lost Coast Trail safely with this complete guide to permits, tides, gear, and a three-day itinerary through coastal wilderness.

You won't have to sacrifice beauty for solitude on these crowd-free national park hikes.

Looking for luxe hot springs, private via ferratas, and backcountry mountaineering? Find them at the eight best wilderness retreats in North America.

Solitude is nice, but let's face it: Often the best part of a long trail is the company. Meet a new group of hiking pals and explore your new favorite landscapes on these guided hikes.

After a devastating breakup, one writer returns to Alaska to challenge herself and get closure.

These are the creatures that keep our national parks expert up at night.

Our writer dove into the inner workings of the Backpacker’s Pantry factory to learn the tricks of the trade.

From Chamonix to New Zealand, this expert hiker reveals the most beautiful hut-to-hut hikes on the planet

Creaky joints? Learn how to strengthen your knees with these supine leg lifts, best performed with 3- to 5-pound ankle weights.

It's been six months since the first NPS director in five years stepped into office facing $22 billion in deferred maintenance. This is what he's accomplished so far—and what's still coming.

Rattlesnakes bite 150,000 pets each year in the U.S. These innovative rattlesnake training courses could save you and your canine companion.

Our national parks are overcrowded, especially in summer. One solution is to create more of them. Here are the regions that get our votes.

Four more parks have begun or expanded their ticketing systems, and many have renewed what was already in place

Stunning and easy-to-access vistas to bookmark for your next road trip