June 2016 Table of Contents
Experience and appreciate a century of parks in our National Park Service special Centennial issue
News and Events
News and Events
Stay up to date on the latest outdoor news, events, and trail and conservation updates, thoroughly researched for you by the experts at Backpacker Magazine.
Stay up to date on the latest outdoor news, events, and trail and conservation updates, thoroughly researched for you by the experts at Backpacker Magazine.
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.
Experts Urge Awareness After Bees Kill Arizona Hiker
Alex Bestler was stung over 1,000 times.
New Backbone Trail Will Let Backpackers Thru-Hike Los Angeles
Covers 67 miles from L.A. to Ventura County
Presenting the Colorado Trail Fest
We’re throwing a backpacking bash in the Rockies and you’re invited.
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.
Meet Randy Propster
Randy Propster is hitting the road and traveling throughout the country for Get Out More.
Colorado Trail Fest 2016
Discover the famous Colorado Trail this Fall during a trail-based celebration bringing together outdoor enthusiasts to hike and camp approximately a 25-mile stretch of the Colorado Trail.
May 2016 Table of Contents
Learn to control your mind, explore the Gates of the Arctic, survive with tent poles, and more in this issue.
Why the 2016 Day Zero PCT Kick Off Was Canceled
Permitting delays forced one of the trail's institutions to take a break.
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.
March 2016 Table of Contents
Explore the best jobs in the outdoors, hike Dominica, learn to make your own jerky, and more in our March issue.
White House Designates Three New National Monuments
Nearly 1.8 million acres in California to receive protection.
January 2016 Table of Contents
From the ultimate gift guide for hikers to an off-the-cuff visit to Greece, here's what's inside our January issue.
Inside the AMC's Controversial Plan to Build a New Hut
Sparkling Cascade would be the Appalachian Mountain Club's first new hut in fifty years. But some locals — and a state agency — are coming out against it.
Why Is Yosemite Changing its Landmarks' Names?
Learn how a lawsuit could change the face of one of America's best-known national parks.
The Top 9 Survival Stories of 2015
As the curtain closes on 2015, we reflect on another year of human strength, resourcefulness, and courage.
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.
10 NPS Rangers We Love
They make the parks more accessible, more safe, and more fun. Meet 10 rangers who make the park system what it is—then hike to the places they love.
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.
November 2015 Table of Contents
Your complete winter skills guide; Editors' Choice Snow Awards; cold-season trips, and more from the November 2015 issue of Backpacker Magazine.
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
How Backpacking Made CamelBak's CEO a Better Leader
We talked to CamelBak CEO Sally McCoy, who’s been backpacking since she was 5, about how her wilderness experiences have shaped her leadership and career.
Get Out More Tour 2015
Check out Katie Herrel's author page.
Study: Bears Are Scared of Drones
But they rarely show it.
October 2015 Table of Contents
Learn backpacking skills every woman needs to know, check out fall colors, or get survival advice from a rescue ranger in our latest print issue.
Two Bear Videos You Need to Watch
Got a case of the Mondays? Let these bears teach you how to unwind.
Gray Wolves Return To California
Pack caught on camera near Mt. Shasta
September 2015 Table of Contents
How to find solitude, the best ultralight tents, and more from the September 2015 print issue of BACKPACKER magazine
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.
Q&A: Scott Jurek on Support, Suffering, and What's Next
Scott Jurek talks about what it took to set a new Appalachian Trail record and how to enjoy wild places on the run
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.