How to Read a Topo Map
Dotted, dashed, and curvy. Red, blue, and brown. All these colors and styles criss-cross a topo map. Here's what they mean.
Author
Morgan McFall-Johnsen
Morgan writes about all things space, climate, and infectious disease. Her work also extends into climate change and extreme weather. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University, where she also studied environmental policy and French.
My Stories
Hiking the Billy Goat Trail
Make like a goat and hoof it to the trail: just a hop, skip, and a jump from D.C.
Hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park: Everything You Need to Know
It's one of the classic day hikes of the United States—and with views like this, it's easy to see why.
Sleepwalking Into the Wilderness
In October 2018, Rob Lundgren, 66, woke from a dream to find himself in a nightmare—lost in Idaho’s Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness
The 10 Best Hikes in Sedona
Glory in Arizona's red rock country on these perfect Sedona hikes.
Hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail: Gear, Planning Tips, and Knowledge for a Successful Thru-Hike
The loop around Lake Tahoe is a classic adventure—and one of the best moderate long trails in the world. Tackle it with our guide.
Map: Beat the Crowds in the National Parks
Hundreds of millions of people visit the national parks every year. Lucky for backpackers, you just have to know where they go to avoid them.
4 Incredible Kaua’i Hikes That Aren’t the Kalalau Trail
There’s more to this Hawaiian island than its most famous trail—and with Na Pali Coast State Park closed indefinitely, there’s never been a better time to sample the best hikes Kaua’i has to offer.