March 2010 Table of Contents

FEATURES

ALASKA!

The Hikes

Plan your perfect trip–from a budget-friendly weekend to an entry-level expedition–with field reports from Steve Howe.

The Mystery

Imagine an Alaska paradise with trout bigger than your leg, bears and caribou traipsing by camp, and no people–except your good friends. This place exists. Jonathan Dorn has photographic proof. He can’t tell you where it is, but he can tell you how to get there.

The Adventure

Forty years after his own adolescent ascent of the Arctic’s Mt. Chamberlin, John Harlin returns with his 13-year-old daughter. But can she overcome her fear of mountains? On this father-child epic, glaciers and grizzlies may be the least of the hazards.

Videos & Photo Slideshows

Go behind-the-scenes as our correspondents scour Alaska for the best trips available.

Ultimate Rockies

Disappear into Yellowstone’s forgotten peaks. Bag Colorado’s most exciting Fourteener. Hike Utah’s unknown long trail. Our field editors pick 24 epics for your Rockies life list. By Steve Howe

DESTINATIONS

TOP 3 LUXE HIKES

Explore trails by day, then kick back by night at these hiker-centric resorts.

NATURAL WONDERS

Death Valley’s blooms can blanket 100,00 acres. Plus: Colorado’s tallest ice waterfall and Florida’s tiny deer.

RIP & GO WEEKEND ADVENTURES

Load pack. Tear out page. Go. This month: Yosemite, Nebraska, and Maine.

THE PEAK MT. TAMALPAIS

Nice: wilderness solitude with Pacific views. Nicer: It’s 20 miles from San Francisco and comes with a beer garden.

SKILLS

SHOOT LIKE A PRO

Our top photographers share their secrets. Plus: 6 trail-friendly cameras

THE MANUAL: SPRING SNOWFIELD

Cross the steeps safely and avoid avalanches with these guide-approved tips.

HEALTH HIKE FAR, FEEL BETTER

Double your mileage with our training plan. Recover with four healthy snacks.

Dirtbag/Gourmet Recipes: Couscous

This satisfying whole grain is filling, fiber-rich, and ready in less than five minutes.

Scramble Safely

Add security on steep terrain with the simple hip belay.

See our step-by-step slideshow.

GEAR SCHOOL: INSULATION

Here’s how to choose, store, and maintain the right fill for your bag and parka.

GEAR

FIELD TEST: HEADLAMPS

From superbright to superlight, we review five great lamps that do it all.

REVIEWS: HYDRATION

Drink up with the best new bottles, packs, and more. Plus: go-fast shoes.

PEOPLE

The upside to getting downsized? More time to thru-hike! Plus: wilderness webcams and a record-setting paddler.