9 Incredible Night Sky Hikes to Do This Year
At these dark-sky destinations, the stars are out of this world.
Trips Roundups
The 22 Best Hard Hikes in America
Whether it’s big elevation changes, big miles, or big moves, these 23 routes prove that the best hikes are often the hardest. There’s a world of adventure out there—if you’re strong enough to seize it.
15 Ledge Hikes That Will Make Your Palms Sweat
Get on a high ledge, a crumbly cliff, or a knife-edge ridge and your body will recognize the feeling before your brain catches on.
12 Endangered Trails to Hike Before They’re Gone
From climate change to drilling and mining, various threats promise to wipe out what’s best about America’s 12 most endangered trails. Hike them now to admire ancient glacial ice, hear howling wolves, splash at pristine beaches, and admire ancient art galleries.
Test Your Toughness on These 9 Astonishingly Hard Hikes
These difficult hikes will challenge you no matter who you are.
The 10 Most Memorable 10-Mile Hikes in North America
Ten trails. Ten unmatched miles each. Get maximum bang for each boot step on hikes that our most-traveled contributors call their all-time favorites.
Killer Trips: Weather
Heading out on one of these hikes? Keep an eye on the forecast.
Killer Trips: Gravity
You'd better not be afraid of heights if you're going to tackle one of these airy trails.
Finish Your First Thru-Hike On These 50-Mile Trails
These ten point-to-point treks pack the payoffs of a thru-hike, but they're hikeable in a week.
Map: 16 Backyard Epics That Prove Everywhere is Hiking Country
You don't always need to go far to go big. Case in point: these stunning hikes, all within a day trip of a major metropolitan area.
The Best Dayhikes in Death Valley National Park
Explore the desert with our favorite hikes, short and long.
5 Essential Sierra Hot Springs Every Hiker Should Visit
Match a hard hike with the best cure for aching muscles on these essential trips.
Find True Solitude on These 12 Perfect Hikes
Want a true wilderness experience? Head west and trek endless empty miles on the BLM's best terrain.
The 10 Rules of Solitude
Use these tips and trips to find backcountry peace and quiet, no matter where you live.
The 20 Best Waterfall Hikes in the United States
No two waterfalls are exactly alike, but these will always capture our imagination.
BACKPACKER's 5 Favorite Hikes of 2018
From Catalonia to California, our staff picks their top trails of the year.
See a Sacred Mountain on These 4 Hikes
Make a modern-day pilgrimage to one of these sacred sites.
8 Classic National Park Hikes Every Backpacker Should Do
It's hard to find an ugly spot in the national parks. But these eight hikes take it to the next level, with gorgeous scenery and wildlife. Go for a walk.
3 Urban Hiking Trails for City Dwellers
Redefine “close to home” on these three trails within city limits.
National Scenic Trails: The Best 50 Miles
On its 50th birthday, the National Scenic Trails system boasts nearly 19,000 miles. Not sure where to start? We’ve scoured the whole network to bring you the best 50 miles.