National Parks Lifelist
The ultimate vacation in one of America's iconic parks requires the ultimate hiking plan: classic scenery, no crowds, and secret campsites. Here's how to spend a perfect week in Glacier, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Olympic, Denali, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
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Forget the pyramids: BACKPACKER’s greatest hits include 20,000-foot peaks, mile-deep canyons, million-acre wildlands, and a certain granite dome sliced clear in half. In our biggest parks guide yet, we detail seven must-do routes. And there’s more: vacation-planning guides stocked with insider beta on permits, gear, and the best places to pig out.
INTRO
GLACIER
Scramble high peaks and camp in remote valleys.
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YOSEMITE
Hike the Range of Light to high camps and Ansel’s favorite view.
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GRAND CANYON
Link five lush oases in the belly of the Big Ditch.
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GREAT SMOKY
Connect the South’s premier high-country swimming holes.
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OLYMPIC
Sample two wonders: rainforest and alpine wildflowers.
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YELLOWSTONE
Camp amid grizzlies, moose, wolves–and spouting thermals.
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DENALI
Follow wolf tracks in the legendary Toklat Valley.
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NATIONAL PARK SKILLS
How to Sleep Safely in Bear Country
How Your Kid can Save a Park
How to Light a Campfire in the Smokies
How to Score Denali’s Choice Permits
