Robot Helicopters Could Rescue You From the Backcountry Soon
A new class of autonomous aircraft could make wilderness search and rescue easier and cheaper than ever before.
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Inside the National Park Service’s Twitter Rebellion
Usually, the NPS stays out of the political crossfire. Not this week.
Pioneer Cabin Tree Collapses
Giant sequoia falls in storm.
Hillary Clinton Spotted on Hiking Trail
Hiker meets former presidential nominee in New York woods.
Remembering Donn Fendler, the Boy Who Survived 'A Mountain in Maine'
For nine days in 1939, the search for a nine-year-old New York boy captivated America.
Karl Meltzer Breaks Appalachian Trail Speed Record
Betters Scott Jurek's supported mark by 10 hours
The Joy—and Struggle—of Mindful Hiking
New research—and an ancient Buddhist ritual—suggest that we could be making better use of our trail time.
Obama Declares New Katahdin Woods and Water National Monument
Controversial new unit established on eve of NPS's 100th birthday.
Protecting the Future of Our National Parks
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.
Paralyzed Hiker Tackles the Appalachian Trail
Stacey Kozel tackles the east's premiere long trail with an electric assist.
The Fight for Bears Ears National Monument
Five Native American tribes band together to protect ancestral lands in southern Utah.
Captain Fantastic Director Matt Ross on the Power of Wilderness and Gardening With Viggo
A Cannes-winning film takes on the good and the bad of life off the grid.
Hikers Discover Ancient Petroglyphs in Montserrat
The centuries-old petroglyphs date back to the island's earliest inhabitants.
Allegedly Drunk Guide Loses 60 Hikers in Austrian Alps
Hungarian tour group rescued by emergency services
Hiker Trapped Under 700-Pound Boulder in Phoenix
Rescued after dog heard him calling for help
EPA Power Plant Ruling Could Cut Haze at National Parks
Decision will reduce emissions in Utah, neighboring states.
Watch: Man Survives Plunge Over Three Waterfalls in Olympic National Park
Josh Reichert walked away from his ordeal with only a broken heel.
New Backbone Trail Will Let Backpackers Thru-Hike Los Angeles
Covers 67 miles from L.A. to Ventura County
Yellowstone Bison Calf Euthanized After Tourists Put it in Car
Animal was rejected by herd.
Breaking Desert Stereotypes on the Pacific Crest
It's not all sun and sand, as our correspondent discovers.
Mile Zero: Starting the Pacific Crest Trail
Our correspondent takes her first steps down one of America's longest trails.
Meet Backpacker's 2016 PCT Thru-Hiker
Our correspondent Amanda Jameson is about to live the dream.
How The Revenant Got its Bear Attack Scene Right
Meticulous research, computer-generated effects, and a skilled stunt team were behind one of the most memorable animal encounters in cinema’s history.
Why Is Yosemite Changing its Landmarks' Names?
Learn how a lawsuit could change the face of one of America's best-known national parks.
A Norwegian Group Wants to Give Finland a Mountain
Halti would become Finland's new high point.
New App Aims to Help Backcountry Skiiers Avoid Avalanches
SkiTracks helps users identify risk and check conditions.
Doug Tompkins Dead in Kayak Accident
The North Face founder suffered severe hypothermia
NPS Plans to Increase Cell Service in Parks
Plan would bring high-speed connections to all parks by 2018.
Glacier National Park Sets Visitation Record
NPS is on track to set new high mark.
Grand Canyon Considers Changes to Backcountry Rules
Day-use permit and fee would aim to limit overcrowding.
Yosemite Human-Bear Encounters Hit 40-Year Low
“Keep Bears Wild” campaign bears fruit.
New App Helps Hikers Use Public Transportation
Turn Off This App Go Outside recommends bus and train routes to trailheads.
Florida Governor Proposes Bear-Proofing Measures
The state would set aside $230,000 for the plans.
Meet the Girls Who Want to Join the Boy Scouts
Five California girls are pushing to become members of the all-male organization.
Where to Hike for Free on Black Friday
Forget standing in line at the store. Spend the 27th on the trail with free admission and other perks from these parks.
Olympic, Rainier National Parks to Offer Free Admission on Black Friday
Washington parks encourage visitors to get outside instead of shopping
New Zealand Announces Pike29 Memorial Track
New hiking path to honor victims of 2010 mining disaster.
Yellowstone Proposes Culling 1,000 Bison
Officials seek to curb annual migration into Montana.
“Backcountry Zero” Aims to Reduce Deaths in Tetons
Initiative promotes training, education to limit fatalities
Appalachian Trail Gets New Section
New stretch opens in Bear Mountain State Park
NPS Investigates Bear Deaths Caught on Camera
Two bears died in front of a webcam at Katmai National Park in October.
Mountain Lion P-34 Dead From Rat Poison
Oft-photographed cat was found dead in Point Mugu State Park.
Peru Creates New National Park in Amazon
The park protects over 3.3 million acres of rainforest.
26 National Parks Fall Below Ozone Standards
The parks blame power plants for pollution.
Oregon's Wild Rogue Backpacking Route Restored
Mountain club rebuilds 25-mile loop in Oregon.
Google Releases Street View of Mount Kinabalu
The mountain is Malaysia’s highest peak.
Huge Gash Appears in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains
It is believed to be a slow-moving landslide.
Hawaii’s “Stairway to Heaven” Could Reopen
Potential hiker fee revenue would reopen trail.
Should Grizzlies Be Removed From the Endangered Species List?
Grizzly population rising in Yellowstone according to new study
Warrior Hike's Sean Gobin Nominated for CNN “Hero”
Network to announce winner on December 6
'Wild' Stars to Reunite in New Cheryl Strayed Series
HBO developing new show based on advice columns.
REI to Close on Black Friday
Will forgo holiday shopping bonanza for #OptOutside project.
NPS Proposes New Fracking Rules
Following BLM court defeat
Meet the NPS100 Road Team: Aidan & Madison
Check out jsrashkin's author page.
Hiker in Norway Finds Ancient Viking Sword
The sword is thought to be 1,200 years old.
Floods Trap Death Valley Visitors, Rangers in Crater
Visitor center, roads closed.
Google Expands Yosemite Street View
Follows release of El Capitan tour
Teen Hikers Rescued After Losing Way With App
Found Sunday night.
Arizon Rep Introduces Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument Act
The bill would declare 1.7 million acres of land a national monument
Congress Moves to Open Up Paddling in National Parks
A bill advances that would allow paddlers, kayakers, and other hand-propelled watercraft on 450 miles of rivers and streams in Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
Yellowstone Sets New Visitation Record
Previous record was 3.6 million in 2010
Three Hikers Rescued from Appalachian Trail
Trapped by flooding
Yellowstone to Yukon Announces New President
Jodi Hilty was on board for five years
National Park Fees Increase
Around 100 areas bump the price of entry
National Park Service Takes Over Valles Caldera
New Mexican preserve will be dedicated on October 10
Zion Reevaluates Permit System After Canyon Deaths
Flash floods claimed seven hikers' lives on September 14.
PCT Week 12: South Lake Tahoe
Our correspondent takes a break on the shores of America's largest alpine lake.
Anish Breaks Appalachian Trail Unsupported Speed Record
Finishes hike in less than 55 days
Man Survives Four Days in Idaho Wilderness with Broken Leg
John Sain was rescued by two motorcyclists on Sunday.
Police: $8.7M Embezzlement Suspect Hid on Appalachian Trail
Kentucky man evades recognition for six years
Michigan Man Fights Off Bear
Officials searching for wounded animal
Appalachian Trail Braces for Increasing Number of Hikers
The ATC predicts an increasing number of hikers will hit the trail after the movie "A Walk in the Woods" premieres, and they're shoring up their defenses.
National Parks face growing crowds, dwindling number of rangers
A recent PEER report highlights the contrast between record-breaking crowds visiting National Parks and the dwindling numbers of rangers defending them.
Boy Scouts Allow Gay Troop Leaders
As of a vote on July 27, the Boy Scouts allow gay troop leaders and employees, with support from the organization's president.
Watch: Grizzly Bear Versus a Cooler
Watch a 700-pound grizzly bear take on a cooler in this intense video via the Memphis Zoo.
Q & A with the creator of "The Pacific Crest Trail in Three Minutes"
Tyler Fox, the creator of "The Pacific Crest Trail in Three Minutes," tells BACKPACKER about the video, its success, and his next adventure.
Sri Lankan National Park Bans Cell Phones To Protect Wildlife
Yala, a Sri Lankan National Park, bans cell phones to minimize car collisions with leopards, elephants, bears, and deer.
Obama Designates Three New National Monuments
Explore Berryessa Snow Mountain, Waco Mammoth, and Basin and Range, the three newest national monuments.
Scott Jurek Sets Appalachian Trail Speed Record
The vegan ultra-runner completed the 2,189.2-mile Appalachian Trail in just 46 days, 8 hours, and 7 minutes, beating the previous record by 3 hours.
Wifi Comes to Mt. Fuji Summit
Japan's highest peak will soon have enough wireless internet. Wifi on Mt. Fuji will support both summit selfies and real-time weather updates, officials say.