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 Ironwood Forest is a true redemption story. Home to arroyos, plains, foothills, and mountains, the monument’s coarse and well-aerated soil allows roots to dig deep.

Deepest Denali is big, bold, and sublime—for those willing to pay the price of admission.

Search for buried treasure on one of these gem-studded dayhikes, where gathering rocks is legal.

Go off-season hiking in the hottest, driest, lowest place in North America

See dense forest and prehistoric ferns on this 45.2-mile jaunt.

We've partnered with three great organizations to help you see the world, from Utah to Nepal.

Match a hard hike with the best cure for aching muscles on these essential trips.

Navigate this Rocky Mountain hideaway and beat the crowds to mountain adventure.

Discover pastoral views and rustic cabins in Massachusetts.

Last spring, BACKPACKER readers went to Nepal on a unique mission: volunteer on a post-earthquake recovery effort, then go on a life-list trek. Turns out, hiking and helping go together perfectly.

Hike, splash, paddle and stargaze your way to warm-weather bliss on these trips.

Some hikers grouse that blazing the CDT will ruin it—but that’s exactly the problem with doing nothing.

You don’t need us to sell you on this park’s glacier-gouged peaks, kaleidoscopic wildflower displays, and A-list megafauna. But secret trails and tips? We got those.

Score bird’s-eye views over valleys and mountains on these four treks to summit lookouts that can be done in a day.

After a decade of detours, the loop around Mt. Hood is complete and better than ever.

At these dark-sky destinations, the stars are out of this world.

From swimming holes to wild berries, it’s prime time for hikers. Tick off these 43 trips and experiences to make the most of the season.

They don’t call it Elephant Hill for nothing. Tackle a rugged, 11-mile day hike with some of East Africa’s most iconic fauna (if you’re lucky) and support clean water projects in the Kenyan mountains.

See more of the country when you upgrade your adventure ride.

The scenic 310+ mile trail is perfect for hikes of all lengths and adventures of all sizes.

Nestled in the Boundary Waters, Minnesota's highest point is a uniquely beautiful day hike.

Sweeping ridgetop views and dense coastal rainforest put the 34-mile Paparoa Track in good standing among New Zealand’s Great Walks

See historic bridges and wildlife on this 38.6-mile paddle through America's heartland.