May 2011
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Hike the High Life
If you like a view, you’ll love these hikes, which traverse long stretches of alpine terrain above treeline. From Utah’s ridge-hugging Highline Trail to a granite-top route in the Sierra Nevada, these are the trips you’ll want to savor one step—and vista—at a time. By Steve Howe
Get Trail Smart
Bone up on essential knots, backcountry first aid, and backpacking fundamentals with three new pocket-size, trail-ready guides that go wherever you do.
Are You Tough Enough
Every backpacker dreams of a glory job in the outdoors. And mountain guide is the most glorious of them all. So what does it take to become one? Here’s how one hiker turned fantasy into reality. Plus: Learn what it takes to become a backcountry ranger, raft guide, smokejumper, Navy SEAL, and more. By Shannon Davis
Going to Extremes
25 epic trips! Start your collection of backcountry superlatives with our blowout guide to the country’s biggest glacier, most massive tree, brightest stars, coldest mountain, highest waterfall, loneliest peak, deepest canyon (hint: it’s not the Grand), and more. From bears to berries, here are the hikes that are second to none. By Ted Alvarez
DESTINATIONS
WEST
Visit a string of alpine lakes in Oregon; traverse Mt. Rainier’s eastern flank.
MOUNTAIN WEST
Hike from mesa top to canyon bottom in New Mexico; find solitude in Glacier NP.
MIDWEST
Discover old-growth forest and prairie views in Dayton; spot rare lizards in Texas.
SOUTHEAST
Trek to the quiet side of the Shenandoahs; hear a gator bellow in the Everglades.
NORTHEAST
Explore 100-mile views outside NYC; see the hillsides pop with pink in Maryland.
SKILLS
THE MANUAL: How to Paddle Whitewater
Learn to run rivers with this primer on planning, a key stroke, and reading rapids.
DIRTBAG/GOURMET: Stews
Fill up with these belly warmers.
Rainier’s Reigning Champ
George Dunn has climbed the peak a record 501 times, so we trust his summit advice.
Cross a Moraine
Safely explore glaciers on these giant piles of rock and dirt.
GEAR SCHOOL: Headlamps
Choose the best torch for your needs. SURVIVAL
Rip & Live: Bears
Use this tear-out cheat sheet to learn critical beta on grizzlies and black bears—where to find them, how to protect your food, and what to do in a close encounter.
GEAR
Field Test: Weekend Packs
Five all-purpose load haulers
FIELD NOTES
A bargain two-person tent, a versatile puffy, grip-anything boots, and more
REVIEW: Fly-fishing Gear
Get a light and affordable system.