News

Will announce plans for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase, as five tribes pledge to sue.

Would more than double prime-time entrance costs, as administration seeks to cut National Park Service's budget.

Otis the bear is one glorious half-ton of fur and blubber, and for the second year in a row, he's the winner of Katmai National Park's Fat Bear Championship.

Christian "Buddy Backpacker" Thomas finished his hike of the CDT this month—making him the youngest person to finish America's three most famous long trails.

In leaked document, Zinke proposes shrinking Grand Staircase-Escalante, Cascade-Siskiyou, and others.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has bought land for national parks and long trails, and doesn't cost taxpayers a thing. So why does the White House want to cut it?

Dayhikers stuck overnight after blaze cut off route to trailhead.

But won't recommend that president revoke designations.

Lawyer-lobbyist with ties to bottled water manufacturer was confirmed as deputy interior secretary in July.

Vets, local leaders fighting for Southern New Mexico reserve ahead of August 24 deadline.

Malfunctioning SPOT device complicating confirmation

Geoffrey Glassner captured the experience on video.

Reintroducing the big bear to northern Washington makes more than just ecological sense: We should be freaked out in the woods sometimes.

Rising from $10 to $80

Conservation groups criticize decision, threaten lawsuit.

Submit your photo below for a chance to be on the BACKPACKER cover!

We all know that being in the backcountry is soothing for the soul. Author Florence Williams decided to find out why.

Don't worry: The bear is fine.

Secretary of the Interior recommends cutting down preserve, focusing on archeological sites over recreation in report.

We hope no one went to prom with this clown.

Rescued after trying to hike 9,301-foot peak in shorts and tank top during snowstorm.

When the owner of the Mount Washington Cog Railway announced plans to build a hotel near the summit of the Northeast’s highest peak, local hiking groups went to war.

The comment period for the Department of the Interior's review of Bears Ears and other national monuments is open—and the result could change America's public lands in a big way.

Executive order could be first step to undoing protections for Bears Ears, other sites.

Mexican gray wolves and other rare wildlife depend on a porous border for their long-term survival. Your dreams of seeing them may too.

California's monster blizzards were good news for skiers—but thru-hikers will need to be on their toes.

As attorney general of Oklahoma, Scott Pruitt sued the EPA over its rules. Now he’s in charge of the agency, and America’s national parks will likely have smoggier views and dirtier rivers to show for it.

The Mountain Valley Pipeline would run along the Appalachian Trail for almost 100 miles. Trail advocates say it’s a disaster in the making.

At Glacier and other national parks, tourist flights are drowning out the silence that some hikers look for. A 17-year-old law could change that—if it weren’t trapped in a bureaucratic spat.

The new Secretary of the Interior says he'll never sell America's public lands—but his record on wilderness, drilling, and "local control" has many advocates worried.

Authorities are investigating who hid 60 spikes in a North Carolina park.

A trio of riders in Colorado saw their day go from bad to worse when they survived a slide only to be charged by a moose.

A recently introduced bill would strip gray wolves of federal protection in four states. What comes next depends on who you ask.

In Instagram post, sponsor Jason Chaffetz says he'll withdraw bill.

Looking for proof of climate change? Just head up to America’s largest state, where park managers, scientists, and climbers say they’re already dealing with the effects of a warming Earth.

Animal appears to have been searching for food in deep snow.

A new class of autonomous aircraft could make wilderness search and rescue easier and cheaper than ever before.

Usually, the NPS stays out of the political crossfire. Not this week.

Giant sequoia falls in storm.

Hiker meets former presidential nominee in New York woods.

For nine days in 1939, the search for a nine-year-old New York boy captivated America.

Betters Scott Jurek's supported mark by 10 hours

New research—and an ancient Buddhist ritual—suggest that we could be making better use of our trail time.

Controversial new unit established on eve of NPS's 100th birthday.

It’s not all sunsets and s’mores. If the parks are going to last another century, we need to renew our effort to protect and preserve them. From garbage to global warming, here are the challenges—and solutions—ahead.

Stacey Kozel tackles the east's premiere long trail with an electric assist.

Five Native American tribes band together to protect ancestral lands in southern Utah.

A Cannes-winning film takes on the good and the bad of life off the grid.

The centuries-old petroglyphs date back to the island's earliest inhabitants.

Hungarian tour group rescued by emergency services

Rescued after dog heard him calling for help

Decision will reduce emissions in Utah, neighboring states.

Josh Reichert walked away from his ordeal with only a broken heel.

Covers 67 miles from L.A. to Ventura County

Animal was rejected by herd.

It's not all sun and sand, as our correspondent discovers.

Our correspondent takes her first steps down one of America's longest trails.

Our correspondent Amanda Jameson is about to live the dream.

Meticulous research, computer-generated effects, and a skilled stunt team were behind one of the most memorable animal encounters in cinema’s history.

Learn how a lawsuit could change the face of one of America's best-known national parks.

Halti would become Finland's new high point.

SkiTracks helps users identify risk and check conditions.

The North Face founder suffered severe hypothermia

Plan would bring high-speed connections to all parks by 2018.

NPS is on track to set new high mark.

Day-use permit and fee would aim to limit overcrowding.

“Keep Bears Wild” campaign bears fruit.

Turn Off This App Go Outside recommends bus and train routes to trailheads.

The state would set aside $230,000 for the plans.

Five California girls are pushing to become members of the all-male organization.

Forget standing in line at the store. Spend the 27th on the trail with free admission and other perks from these parks.

Washington parks encourage visitors to get outside instead of shopping

New hiking path to honor victims of 2010 mining disaster.

Officials seek to curb annual migration into Montana.

Initiative promotes training, education to limit fatalities

New stretch opens in Bear Mountain State Park

Two bears died in front of a webcam at Katmai National Park in October.

Oft-photographed cat was found dead in Point Mugu State Park.

The park protects over 3.3 million acres of rainforest.

The parks blame power plants for pollution.