Maps: If National Parks Were Middle Earth
Artist Dan Bell's dreamy maps show British and American national parks as landscapes from J.R.R. Tolkien's books. We asked him to draw six of our favorites.
Yosemite National Park
A cloud-veiled dome in Yosemite Valley
Looking for the best hikes in Yosemite National Park? You've come to the right place. Beloved for its natural beauty and stunning trails, Yosemite ranks among the top hiking destinations in the United States. The park is America's second oldest, and its many miles of trails, spread over one thousand miles of California wild, makes backpacking Yosemite a treat for hikers of every stripe.
Millions of tourists flock to Yosemite every year, eager to discover the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains' natural beauty for themselves. But most Yosemite hikers venture no further than Yosemite Valley, home to iconic sites like El Capitan, Sentinel Dome and Half Dome. Beyond the valley floor lies a wilderness wonderland jam-packed with hundreds of lesser-known trails perfect for more adventurous backpackers. Even so, if you're looking to hike the world-famous Yosemite Valley, plan your trip for the off-season to avoid long lines and packed trails.
8 Classic National Park Hikes Ever 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.
25 National Park Adventures You Need to Have
For more than 100 years, our national parks have provided life-list experiences, adventures, and stop-in-your-tracks views. But not all parks—or hikes—are equal. Start with these 25 trips, the new classics of the system.
Animal Refuge Takes in Orphaned Yosemite Bear Cubs
Mother was fifth bear killed by a car in the park this year.
How Yosemite National Park is Working to Welcome Disabled Visitors
When the Americans with Disabilities Act required better trail access for all, Yosemite saw an opportunity.
The Story of Enid Michael, Yosemite's First Female Naturalist
In the early days of Yosemite, a woman could be anything—including herself
A Youth Spent Dirtbagging in Yosemite
Some people fall for the parks so hard, they can’t bring themselves to leave.
The Best National Park Campsites: Snow Creek Camp
Yosemite National Park, California
People Have Been Doing Stupid Things in the National Parks for 100 Years
Don't blame the selfie sticks: Tourists have been making poor choices in our wild spaces since long before smartphones.
Hike Yosemite in a Week
For backpackers, there’s nothing better in the entire park system. How much of it can one hiker see in a week?
Why National Parks Are the Ultimate Family Vacation
If you want a predictable family trip, go to Disneyland. Who knows what'll happen on a National Park adventure?
Best 100 Miles: Cathedral Lakes to Happy Isles via Clouds Rest, Yosemite NP, CA
These 21 miles of Yosemite highlights are among the best 100 miles of trail in the whole national park system.
Life List: Yosemite's Secret Hut
Why visit iconic Glacier Point with the rest of the tourists when you can ski there—and have it all to yourself?
Readers' Best Sunrise and Sunset Photos
One great thing about being out on the trail is allowing your schedule to be ruled by the rising and setting sun. Here are the best sunrises and sunsets you photographed and submitted to our photo contest this year.
Yosemite National Park: Breeze Lake Backpacking Loop
Camp under sharp peaks and sharper stars on this 4-day, 20-mile tour along the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park. Summits, swimming holes, and trout abound.
Yosemite National Park: Hetch Hetchy-Vernon Lake Loop
Enjoy the quiet trails and scenic views of Yosemite Valley's less-traveled twin on this 28.7-mile overnighter. Early season is marked by waterfalls surging with spring meltoff.
Yosemite National Park: Sentinel Dome Loop
Hike 5.5 miles into Ansel Adams country to the top of Sentinel Dome and around to Taft Point for fisheye panoramas of Yosemite Valley.
Mammoth Lakes, CA: Sadler Lake
Escape Yosemite Valley crowds on this 21.2-mile, multiday trek to glacial cirques and turquoise lakes deep in the wilds of the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
Live from the Sierra High Route
Welcome to the map portion of Steve Howe's solo thru-hike of the Sierra High Route. Steve is BACKPACKER's Rocky Mountain editor, and he started this 37-day, 280-mile route on Saturday, August 26, 2006. He's podcasting once a day from his evening camp, and we'll be updating this map daily with a new waypoint showing where he's pitching his tent.
Yosemite National Park: Nevada Falls Loop
This 6.2-mile loop leads into a land of rainbows and big waterfalls among the granite faces of Yosemite Valley.
Pacific Crest Trail: CA Section 21
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS to SONORA PASS: This 65.8-mile section travels the remote regions of Yosemite. Our advice: Pack a good camera (the scenery is five stars), extra sunscreen (it's the High Sierra), and water shoes (swift rivers).
Pacific Crest Trail: CA Section 20
KENNEDY MEADOWS to TUOLUMNE MEADOWS: The highlight reel of this 209-mile section includes three national parks, several high passes with heavenly views, two stunning wilderness areas, and not a single road. Option: Detour up Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the Lower 48.
