Hiking guides:
skills & gear from the trail.
Field-tested how-tos written between trips. Pole technique to packing diagrams to altitude prep, only what we've actually used.
Editors' pickgear·How to Lace Hiking Shoes for Comfort, Grip
The way you lace low-cut hiking shoes decides whether your heel slips, your toenails survive the descent, and whether hot spots become blisters. Six techniques, step by step.
Family6 minBest Family Vacations Out West: Five National Park Trips Built for Kids
The best family vacations out west, compared: Utah's Mighty Five, the Olympic Peninsula, Rocky Mountain, Yosemite and Sequoia, and Yellowstone, with 2026 entry rules.
Family·Utah
road trip7 minEast to West Coast Road Trip: Three Routes Across the Country Compared
Three ways to drive coast to coast: I-90 past the Badlands and Yellowstone, I-70 and I-80 past the Utah parks, or I-40 past the Smokies and the Grand Canyon.
road trip
Glacier5 minFamily Trip to Glacier National Park: Where to Stay, Easy Hikes and the 2026 Rules
How to plan a family trip to Glacier National Park: where to base, the easiest kid-friendly trails, Logan Pass rules for 2026, bears and fuel.
Glacier·Montana
Lake Tahoe5 minLake Tahoe With Kids in Summer: Beaches, Easy Trails and Where to Stay
A summer family trip to Lake Tahoe: Sand Harbor reservations, the walk to Vikingsholm, Balancing Rock, Taylor Creek, where to base, and a four day plan.
Lake Tahoe·California
Great Smoky Mountains5 minGreat Smoky Mountains With Kids: A 3 Day Family Trip Plan
A family trip to the Smoky Mountains: no entrance fee but a parking tag, where to stay, the best easy hikes for kids, Cades Cove, and the Laurel Falls closure.
Great Smoky Mountains·Tennessee
California7 minFamily Trips in Northern California: Redwoods, Yosemite Waterfalls and Lassen’s Mudpots
Yosemite’s valley waterfalls, Lassen’s boiling mudpots, the coast redwoods and Muir Woods: five Northern California family trips, with the easiest walk at each.
family·California
Washington7 minFamily Trips in Washington State: Rain Forest, Glaciers and an Island by Ferry
Four family trips in Washington: the Olympic Peninsula rain forest and beaches, Mount Rainier’s Paradise, Orcas Island by ferry, and Mount Baker’s Heather Meadows.
family·Washington
Grand Canyon5 minGrand Canyon Family Road Trip: A Las Vegas Loop Through the South Rim and Zion
A Grand Canyon family road trip from Las Vegas: the South Rim, the Desert View exit, Zion and back, with drive times, shuttle rules and the 2026 North Rim status.
Grand Canyon·Arizona
road trip5 minHow to Plan Gas Stops on a Road Trip: Range Math, Remote Stretches and Park Fuel
A practical method for planning gas stops on a road trip: work out your real range, find the remote stretches, check fuel inside national parks, and plan offline.
road trip
Midwest7 minMidwest Road Trip: Four Routes Through the Great Lakes and the Plains
Four Midwest road trips: the Great Lakes loop, Michigan’s two peninsulas, Wisconsin’s Northwoods, and the Badlands and Black Hills, with the best months for each.
road trip·Midwest
Family5 minFun States to Visit With Kids: 8 Outdoor Family Trips, State by State
Unique family vacations in the US, state by state: car-free Mackinac Island, the free Smokies, Utah’s five parks, a Washington rain forest, the biggest tree on earth and more.
Family·Michigan
Washington DC5 minWeekend Trips From DC for Families: Mountains, Waterfalls and Wild Horses Within 3 Hours
Six outdoor weekend trips from DC for families, from Shenandoah and Harpers Ferry at 1.5 hours to Assateague, Blackwater Falls and Ohiopyle at 3 to 4.
Washington DC·Virginia
utah4 minClosest Airport to Zion National Park: St. George, Las Vegas, Cedar City or SLC
St. George Regional Airport is the closest to Zion National Park at 49 miles, but Las Vegas has far more flight options. Here is how all four nearby airports compare.
zion·utah
shenandoah4 minAirports Near Shenandoah National Park: Dulles, Charlottesville and the Rest
Washington Dulles is about an hour from Shenandoah's north entrance, and Charlottesville is 30 minutes from the south entrance. Here is how all four nearby airports compare.
shenandoah·virginia
channel-islands6 minCamping on Anacapa Island: How to Book, the 157 Stairs and What to Bring
Anacapa Island has 7 campsites, no water, and 157 stairs from the boat landing. Here is how to book through recreation.gov and what to carry up with you.
channel-islands·california
canyonlands5 minBest Canyonlands Hikes: Island in the Sky and Needles, Ranked
The best Canyonlands hikes split across two districts that do not connect by road. Mesa Arch and Grand View Point in Island in the Sky, Chesler Park and Druid Arch in the Needles.
canyonlands·utah
washington7 minBest Hikes in Olympic National Park: 12 Trails Across Ridge, Rainforest and Coast
Olympic National Park has no single best hike, because it is really three parks in one. Here are 12 trails across the alpine ridge, the rain forest, and the coast, ranked by region and difficulty.
olympic-national-park·washington
big-bend4 minBig Bend Outer Mountain Loop: The 30-Mile Chisos Circuit, Planned
The Outer Mountain Loop in Big Bend is a backcountry circuit of about 30 miles around the Chisos Mountains, usually done in 2 to 4 days. It needs a paid backcountry permit and careful water planning, since there is no reliable water on the route.
big-bend·texas
alaska5 minBrooks Lodge Lottery 2027: Dates, Odds and What to Do if You Lose
The 2027 Brooks Lodge lottery has already closed. Here is how the lottery works, when the 2028 window opens, and what to do at Katmai if you don't get a room.
katmai·alaska
utah4 minBryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park: 124 Miles on Scenic Byway 12
Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park is 124 miles on Scenic Byway 12, about 3 hours without stops. Here is the route, the Kodachrome Basin detour, and where to sleep in Torrey.
road-trip·utah
channel-islands4 minChannel Islands Day Trip: Which Island to Pick, the Boat and a Plan for the Day
Island Packers runs day trips to the Channel Islands from Ventura and Oxnard. Anacapa is the short, simple outing; Santa Cruz is bigger and adds the Painted Cave sea caves by kayak.
channel-islands·california
yellowstone6 minChicago to Yellowstone Road Trip: 1,450 Miles, Two Routes
A Chicago to Yellowstone road trip runs about 1,450 miles one way, on either an I-90 route past the Badlands and Black Hills or an I-80 route through Jackson Hole.
yellowstone·wyoming
great-smoky-mountains4 minClosest Airport to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Knoxville and the Alternatives
Knoxville McGhee Tyson (TYS) is the closest airport to the Smoky Mountains at about 49 miles from Gatlinburg. Here is how it compares to Asheville, Charlotte and Atlanta.
great-smoky-mountains·tennessee
arizona4 minNearest City to the Grand Canyon: Tusayan, Williams, Flagstaff, Page and Las Vegas
Tusayan, Arizona is the closest city to the Grand Canyon South Rim at about 6 miles. Here is how it compares to Williams, Flagstaff, Page and Las Vegas as a base.
grand-canyon·arizona
crater-lake4 minCrater Lake Scuba Diving: What Is Allowed, How Cold It Is and How to Get In
Scuba diving and snorkeling are banned everywhere in Crater Lake. Swimming is allowed near Cleetwood Cove and Wizard Island, and the water runs about 57 degrees in summer.
crater-lake·oregon
glacier-national-park5 minGlacier National Park Backcountry Map: Campgrounds, Passes and Routes
Glacier's backcountry map covers 65 designated campgrounds reached by permit. Here is how the permit and lottery system works, plus what you will find at Lake Ellen Wilson, Cracker Lake, Cosley Lake, Boulder Pass and Dawson Pass.
glacier-national-park
glacier-national-park5 minGlacier National Park Colored Rocks: Where to See Them and Why They Glow
The red and green rocks in Glacier National Park are argillite colored by iron: oxidized in one layer, untouched by oxygen in the other. Here is where to see them and how to get the color to show in a photo.
glacier-national-park
glacier-national-park4 minFall Colors in Glacier National Park: Larches, Aspens and Timing
Glacier's fall color comes in two waves: aspens and cottonwoods in mid to late September, then western larch turning gold in the last two to three weeks of October, usually after Going-to-the-Sun Road's alpine section has already closed.
glacier-national-park
glacier-national-park4 minGlacier National Park Packing List: What to Bring by Season
Glacier sits above 3,000 feet and the high trails hold snow into July most years, so the packing list is closer to a mountain range than a summer park. Layers, bear spray you cannot fly with, and what changes by season.
glacier-national-park
glacier-national-park5 minGlacier National Park Photographs: The Best Spots and When to Shoot Them
The best Glacier National Park photographs come from a handful of repeat spots: Wild Goose Island, Swiftcurrent Lake, Logan Pass and Lake McDonald at sunset. Here is when to be at each one.
glacier-national-park
glacier-national-park4 minGlacier National Park Vacation Packages: What They Include and What to Book Yourself
Vacation packages to Glacier National Park usually mean a lodge room from one of two concessioners plus a Red Bus or boat tour, not a single all-inclusive deal. Here is what each piece actually is.
glacier-national-park
redwood-national-park4 minGlamping in the Redwoods: Cabins, Yurts and Tents Near Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park has no lodging of its own. Klamath, Trinidad and Crescent City each have a real cabin, cottage or yurt stay nearby, all within about an hour of the park's main visitor center.
redwood-national-park·california
rocky-mountain-national-park5 minGlamping Near Rocky Mountain National Park: Estes Park and Grand Lake Options
There is no glamping inside Rocky Mountain National Park, but Estes Park and Grand Lake both have yurts, safari tents and cabins just outside the entrances.
rocky-mountain-national-park·colorado
grand-teton3 minGrand Teton Glamping: Every Real Option Near the Park, Compared
There is no Under Canvas property at Grand Teton, despite what some lists say. The real glamping options are Colter Bay's canvas tent cabins inside the park, Fireside Resort's cabins near Jackson, and Teton Peaks Resort's tents on the Idaho side.
grand-teton
grand-teton6 minGrand Teton One Day Itinerary, With a Second Day if You Have It
A grand teton one day itinerary that runs sunrise to sunset: a photo stop at first light, the Jenny Lake boat shuttle, Signal Mountain, and dinner in Jackson. Add Cascade Canyon and Oxbow Bend if you have a second day.
grand-teton·wyoming
glacier-national-park5 minGrand Teton to Glacier National Park: Distance, Route and the Three-Park Loop
Grand Teton to Glacier National Park is about 530 miles, roughly 8 hours 30 minutes on the fastest route through Teton Pass and Idaho, or about 533 miles and 9 hours 30 minutes through Yellowstone and Bozeman. Both routes, plus a 7 to 10 day outline for driving all three parks as one loop.
glacier-national-park
grand-teton4 minWaterfalls in Grand Teton National Park: Hidden Falls to Granite Canyon
Hidden Falls, a 100-foot cascade reachable by a 1-mile round trip once you take the Jenny Lake boat shuttle, is Grand Teton's easiest waterfall. Cascade Canyon and the trail to Lake Solitude add more. One canyon on the plan, Death Canyon, was closed as of September 2026.
grand-teton
great-smoky-mountains4 minGreat Smoky Mountains in March: Weather, What Is Open and the Best Hikes
March in the Smokies runs a mean high near 61 degrees in the valleys with snow still possible up high. Cades Cove stays open year round, and Kuwohi Road needs a road status check.
great-smoky-mountains·tennessee
haleakala4 minHaleakala Sunset: No Reservation Needed, Times, Parking and What to Wear
Sunrise at Haleakala needs a timed reservation. Sunset, as of 2026, does not. Here is when to arrive, how cold the summit gets, and what to do after dark.
haleakala·hawaii
hawaii5 minHaleakala Animals and Plants: Nene, Silverswords and What You Actually See
Haleakala animals mostly mean one bird: the nene, Hawaii's state goose, which walks right through the summit parking lots. The park's real signature is a plant, the ahinahina silversword.
haleakala·hawaii
utah4 minPinto Arch and Magic Theater Arch: Two Hidden Arches Near Moab
Pinto Arch and Magic Theater Arch are real, unmarked arches on BLM land south of Moab. Two other names in the same search cluster, Stimper Arch and Protractor Arch, are not actually near Moab at all.
moab·utah
glacier-national-park4 minHot Springs Near Glacier National Park: Where to Soak and How Far
Glacier National Park has no hot springs of its own. The closest real ones run from Symes at about 2 hours to Radium across the Canadian border at about 4 hours 15 minutes, and how far each one is from West Glacier. One of them, Lussier, was closed as of September 2026.
glacier-national-park·montana
death-valley4 minHow Many Days Do You Need in Death Valley National Park?
One day covers the main overlooks and Badwater Basin. Two days adds a hike and the dunes at the right light. Three or more lets you reach Racetrack Playa if your vehicle can handle the road.
death-valley·california
grand-teton3 minHow Many Days Do You Need in Grand Teton National Park?
One day covers the highlights, three days lets you actually hike. What fits in one, two and three days in Grand Teton, and which guide to use for each.
grand-teton·wyoming
joshua-tree5 minIron Door Cave in Joshua Tree: How to Find It, Plus Chasm of Doom and Maze Loop
Iron Door Cave, Chasm of Doom and the Maze Loop are not official trails. They are unmarked boulder scrambles near Hidden Valley, popular on social media and easy to get turned around in. Here is what to know before you go looking.
joshua-tree·california
grand-teton5 minHow Far Is Jackson Hole From Grand Teton National Park? Plus Victor, Cody and Bozeman
Jackson Hole is the valley, not a single point, so the honest answer depends on where in it you mean. Here is the difference between the town of Jackson, the valley, and the park, plus every gateway drivers ask about.
grand-teton·wyoming
biscayne-national-park4 minKayaking in Biscayne National Park: Routes, Rentals and Guided Trips
Biscayne National Park is 95 percent water. Launch a kayak free at Convoy Point, paddle Jones Lagoon or Hurricane Creek, and book a guided boat day if you do not have your own gear.
biscayne-national-park·florida
arches4 minLas Vegas to Arches National Park: Under 7 Hours, and Where to Break the Drive
Las Vegas to Arches National Park is about 453 miles and 6 hours 45 minutes on the fast route via I-15 and I-70. Here is that route, the scenic alternative through Zion, and where to sleep.
arches·utah
joshua-tree4 minLas Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park: About 3.5 Hours, Two Routes
Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park is about 215 miles, roughly 3 hours 30 minutes by car once you're off the interstate. There are two ways in: the fast route, and a slower one through Mojave National Preserve.
joshua-tree·california
death-valley3 minHow Far Is Death Valley From Los Angeles? Plus Palm Springs and Las Vegas
Death Valley is about 266 miles and 4 hours 45 minutes from Los Angeles to Furnace Creek. From Palm Springs it is about 5 hours, and from Las Vegas the drive is under 3 hours.
death-valley·california
big-bend4 minMarfa to Big Bend National Park: About 2.5 Hours, Two Routes
Marfa to Big Bend National Park is about 126 miles and 2.5 hours via Alpine, or a longer, slower drive via Presidio and the River Road. Here is both routes and where to stop.
big-bend·texas
oregon4 minMedford to Crater Lake: 80 Miles via Highway 62
Medford to Crater Lake is about 80 miles on Highway 62, about 1 hour 45 minutes without stops. It is the closest full-size airport to the park and the year-round route in.
crater-lake·oregon
mesa-verde4 minMesa Verde National Park in Winter: What Is Open and Which Tours Run
Mesa Verde stays open all winter, but the cliff dwelling tours stop and Wetherill Mesa closes. Here is exactly what you can still see, and how to see it.
mesa-verde·colorado
everglades5 minHow Far Are the Everglades From Miami? Drive Times to All Three Entrances
The Everglades are about 40 minutes to an hour and a half from Miami, depending on which of the park's three entrances you drive to. Here is the distance to each, plus the drive from Naples and Marco Island.
everglades·florida
washington4 minMount Rainier in Fall: October Colors, Road Closures and the Best Hikes
Mount Rainier in fall means huckleberry-red meadows at Paradise and Sunrise, thinner crowds, and a hard deadline: the Sunrise Road closes for the season by early October.
mount-rainier·washington
mount-rainier4 minMt Rainier Photography: Best Spots, Light and the Wildflower Window
Reflection Lakes and Tipsoo Lake give Mount Rainier its classic reflection shot, Sunrise puts you closest to the Emmons Glacier, and the wildflower meadows peak from mid-July into August.
mount-rainier·washington
rocky-mountain-national-park5 minMt Wuh and Five Quiet Peaks in and Around Rocky Mountain National Park
Mt Wuh is a rounded, off-trail summit near Bear Lake with almost no traffic. Here is where it sits alongside Joe Mills Mountain, Snowdrift Peak and Isolation Peak, and why Mount Trelease and Old Man Mountain do not belong on the same list.
rocky-mountain-national-park
new-river-gorge6 minBest Hikes in New River Gorge National Park: Endless Wall, Long Point and More
The best hikes in New River Gorge National Park run from an easy cliff-edge walk on Endless Wall to a strenuous 821-step drop to an old coal mine. Here is where each one goes and how to park for it.
new-river-gorge
new-river-gorge5 minNew River Gorge in Winter, Fall and Early Spring: What Is Open
New River Gorge stays open all winter, with both main visitor centers running daily, but the whitewater outfitters close for the season. Here is what is actually open from November through March.
new-river-gorge
glacier-national-park5 minNorthern Lights in Glacier National Park: Where, When and the Odds
Glacier sits close enough to the Canadian border that the northern lights show up more often than at most US parks. Here is the Kp threshold, the best months and the darkest spots to stand.
glacier-national-park
washington5 minOlympic National Park Packing List: What to Bring for Rain, Ridge and Coast
Olympic National Park packs three climates into one trip: cold, windy alpine at Hurricane Ridge, wet rain forest at the Hoh, and tide-dependent beach hiking on the coast. Here is what to bring for each.
olympic-national-park·washington
arches6 minOne Day in Arches National Park: A Timed-Entry Plan From Sunrise to Delicate Arch
Arches National Park in one day means an early Windows and Devils Garden loop, then Delicate Arch in the evening. Here is the hour-by-hour plan, and what a second day adds.
arches·utah
zion5 minOne Day in Zion National Park: A Shuttle-Timed Plan That Works
One day in Zion National Park means picking two or three shuttle stops and committing, not chasing every trail. Here is an hour-by-hour plan built around the shuttle schedule, with a version for Angels Landing and one without it.
zion·utah
joshua-tree4 minHow Far Is Palm Springs From Joshua Tree? About 45 Minutes, Two Ways In
Palm Springs to Joshua Tree is about 34 miles and about 45 minutes to the west entrance. The south (Cottonwood) entrance off I-10 covers more ground, about 54 miles, but takes about the same, close to an hour.
joshua-tree·california
sequoia3 minPear Lake in Sequoia National Park: The Lakes Trail and the Winter Hut
Pear Lake sits at 9,200 feet on the Lakes Trail above Wolverton in Sequoia National Park, a wilderness destination that needs a permit in summer and turns into a reservable winter hut in the cold months.
sequoia
yosemite5 minPlants of Yosemite National Park: What Grows at Each Elevation
Yosemite's plants sort themselves by elevation, from chaparral and blue oak near 2,000 feet to alpine cushion plants above 9,500. Here is what grows in each zone, and where to see it.
yosemite
sequoia-national-park5 minRafting Near Sequoia National Park: Kaweah and Kings River Trips
There is no rafting inside Sequoia National Park itself. The closest whitewater is the Kaweah River at Three Rivers, right at the park entrance, and the Kings River near Kings Canyon, about 90 minutes from Fresno.
sequoia-national-park
utah4 minRing Arch in Arches National Park: Finding the Arch Few People Visit
Ring Arch is a real, rarely visited arch along lower Courthouse Wash near Moab, with no maintained trail. Here is where it sits, why the route is off-trail, and what to check before you go.
arches-national-park·utah
rocky-mountain-national-park5 min25 Fun Facts About Rocky Mountain National Park
From a 14,259 foot summit to the highest paved through-road in the country, here are 25 real, sourced facts about Rocky Mountain National Park.
rocky-mountain-national-park·colorado
joshua-tree4 minSan Diego to Joshua Tree: About 2 Hours 30 Minutes, and Whether a Day Trip Works
San Diego to Joshua Tree is about 143 miles, roughly 2 hours 30 minutes to the West Entrance via I-15 and I-10. A day trip works if you leave early, but one night nearby makes for a much better visit.
joshua-tree·california
redwood-national-park4 minSan Francisco to Redwood National Park: About 6 Hours, and the Redwoods Closer to the City
San Francisco to Redwood National Park is about 312 miles and about 6 hours up US-101. Muir Woods, Armstrong Redwoods and Big Basin put old growth redwoods much closer to the city.
redwood-national-park·california
washington4 minSeattle to Crater Lake: About 7.5 Hours on I-5, With the Stops Worth Making
Seattle to Crater Lake is about 420 miles, about 7 hours 30 minutes of driving without stops, mostly on I-5. It is a full day behind the wheel, so most people split it with a night in Oregon.
crater-lake·washington
shenandoah5 minSunset and Sunrise in Shenandoah National Park: The Overlooks That Face the Right Way
Skyline Drive's overlooks face either the valley or the Piedmont. Here is which ones catch sunset, which catch sunrise, and where to find both by mile marker.
shenandoah·virginia
great-smoky-mountains6 min50 Fun Facts About the Great Smoky Mountains
Real, sourced facts about Great Smoky Mountains National Park: visitor numbers, the parking tag rule, species counts, and why the tallest peak is now called Kuwohi.
great-smoky-mountains·tennessee
escalante5 minStevens Arch: The Giant Arch at the Mouth of Coyote Gulch
Stevens Arch is not in Arches National Park. It sits above the Escalante River in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and reaching it is a real backcountry trip, not a roadside stop.
escalante·utah
alaska5 minTalkeetna to Denali National Park: Drive Time, the Train and Flightseeing
Talkeetna to Denali National Park is about 155 miles by road, a drive of roughly 2 hours 45 minutes. The Alaska Railroad and flightseeing planes cover the same ground without a car.
denali·alaska
rocky-mountain-national-park5 minThe Pool in Rocky Mountain National Park: An Easy Fern Lake Trail Hike
The Pool is a 3.4 mile round trip hike on the Fern Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, reaching a bend of the Big Thompson River in 1.7 easy miles from Moraine Park.
rocky-mountain-national-park·colorado
black-hills6 minWhat to Do in the Black Hills of South Dakota: 15 Picks Beyond Rushmore
Mount Rushmore draws people to the Black Hills, but Custer State Park's bison, Wind Cave, Spearfish Canyon and Deadwood are why they stay longer. Fifteen picks with drive times from Rapid City.
black-hills
death-valley6 minThings to Do in Death Valley National Park: 15 Places Worth the Drive
Death Valley places to visit range from Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level, to the moving rocks of Racetrack Playa. Here are 15 stops, grouped by how far they are from Furnace Creek.
death-valley·california
oakhurst4 minThings to Do in Oakhurst, CA: Bass Lake, Sugar Pine Railroad and the South Gate
Oakhurst, California sits about 16 miles and 25 minutes south of Yosemite's South Entrance on Highway 41, with Bass Lake, a steam railroad and a pioneer village of its own worth a stop.
oakhurst·california
mammoth-cave7 minThe 10 Best Things to Do at Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system on earth, and most of a visit here is picking the right tour. Here are the top 10 things to do, above and below ground, with what to book ahead.
mammoth-cave·kentucky
oregon6 minThings to Do Near Crater Lake: Waterfalls, the Rogue River and Nearby Towns
Toketee and Watson Falls, the Rogue Gorge, Umpqua Hot Springs and Klamath Falls all sit within an hour or two of Crater Lake, and they turn a one-day visit into a real road trip.
crater-lake·oregon
mesa-verde5 minThings to Do Near Mesa Verde National Park: Cortez, Durango and the Four Corners
Mesa Verde is only a day of your trip. Around it are two more sets of cliff dwellings, a historic train, the actual Four Corners, and Great Sand Dunes if you have another day to spend.
mesa-verde·colorado
new-river-gorge6 minThings to Do in New River Gorge National Park: The Bridge, Rafting, Climbing and Hikes
New River Gorge National Park centers on one bridge and three activities: whitewater rafting April through October, rock climbing on over 1,400 routes, and close to 100 miles of trails.
new-river-gorge
petrified-forest6 minThings to Do in Petrified Forest National Park: 10 Stops Along the Park Road
Petrified Forest National Park is one 28-mile road with ten stops on it, from rainbow-colored badlands to logs of solid quartz. Here is the order to drive them in and how long to give each one.
petrified-forest·arizona
white-sands6 minThings to Do in White Sands National Park: Sledding, Sunset and 8 More
White Sands National Park is built around one surreal fact: the dunes are gypsum, not quartz, so they stay cool underfoot and slide like snow. Here are the 10 things worth your time, from sledding to a sunset stroll, and the missile-range closures to check before you drive out.
white-sands
big-bend4 minTowns Near Big Bend National Park: Terlingua, Lajitas, Marathon, Alpine and Marfa
The towns near Big Bend National Park are Terlingua and Study Butte at the west entrance, Marathon near the north entrance, and Alpine and Marfa further out on US-90. Here is what each offers and how far it is from the park.
big-bend·texas
bryce-canyon5 minNearest Town to Bryce Canyon: Bryce Canyon City, Tropic, Panguitch and More
Bryce Canyon City sits right at the park entrance, but it is mostly hotels. Here is every real base nearby, with drive time, lodging type and food, so you can pick the right one.
bryce-canyon·utah
sequoia-national-park4 minTowns Near Sequoia National Park: Three Rivers, Visalia, Fresno and the Airport
Three Rivers sits right at Sequoia's Ash Mountain entrance, Visalia is about an hour out on Highway 198, and Fresno Yosemite International is the nearest airport at roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
sequoia-national-park·california
shenandoah5 minTowns Near Shenandoah National Park: Luray, Front Royal, Waynesboro and More
Where to base for Shenandoah National Park: Front Royal, Luray, Elkton and Waynesboro, matched to the park's four entrance stations, plus the Luray Caverns drive time.
shenandoah·virginia
rocky-mountain-national-park5 minWest Side of Rocky Mountain National Park: Grand Lake Hikes, Lakes and Hot Springs
The west side of Rocky Mountain National Park is the Kawuneeche Valley, entered from Grand Lake rather than Estes Park. Fewer crowds, moose instead of elk, and a different set of backcountry lakes.
rocky-mountain-national-park
st-john5 minWhere Is St John Island? Map, Size and Getting to Virgin Islands National Park
St John is one of the US Virgin Islands, about 3 to 4 miles east of St Thomas across Pillsbury Sound. It covers about 20 square miles, and roughly 60 percent of the island is Virgin Islands National Park.
st-john
capitol-reef4 minWhere to Stay Near Capitol Reef National Park: Torrey, Fruita and the Alternatives
Capitol Reef has no lodge or restaurant inside it. Torrey, 8 miles west of the park, has most of the area's hotels and restaurants; Fruita has the only in-park campground. Here is how the towns compare.
capitol-reef·utah
white-sands5 minWhite Sands Photoshoot Guide: Permits, Best Light and Where to Shoot
A White Sands photoshoot works best in the hour around sunrise or sunset, when the dunes cast long shadows instead of flattening into white glare. Personal photos need no permit; a paid or professional shoot does.
white-sands
white-sands4 minWhite Sands to Carlsbad Caverns: About 3.5 Hours, With Guadalupe Mountains on the Way
White Sands National Park to Carlsbad Caverns is about 190 miles, roughly 3 hours 30 minutes, via US-82 over the Sacramento Mountains through Cloudcroft and Artesia. Guadalupe Mountains National Park sits right on the same route.
white-sands
arizona5 minWind Caves in Arizona: The Usery Mountain Trail and the Sedona Caves
Wind caves az mostly means the Wind Cave Trail at Usery Mountain Regional Park near Mesa, a short hike to a rock alcove, not Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. Here is what it actually is, plus what Sedona hikers mean by the same name.
sedona·arizona
yellowstone4 minElevation at Old Faithful, and Altitude Sickness in Yellowstone
Old Faithful sits at 7,349 feet, low enough that altitude sickness is uncommon in Yellowstone, but the park still climbs past 10,000 feet at Mount Washburn and Dunraven Pass. Here is the elevation table and who actually needs to worry.
yellowstone
yellowstone8 minYellowstone National Park Top Sights, Ranked by a Guide
Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone are the obvious three. Here are the 12 Yellowstone national park top sights, ranked, with the loop and the time each one actually takes.
yellowstone
yosemite6 minYosemite National Park Best Views: 12 Viewpoints and Where the Photos Are Taken
Tunnel View and Glacier Point are the two viewpoints behind most Yosemite photos you have seen. Here are 12 spots, how to reach each one, and when the light is best.
yosemite·california
yosemite6 minEasy Hikes in Yosemite National Park: 10 Short Trails Ranked by Distance
The easiest hikes in Yosemite National Park run from a flat, 0.3-mile loop among the giant sequoias to a 5-mile lake loop with almost no elevation gain. Here are 10, ranked shortest to longest, across the Valley, Glacier Point Road and Tuolumne Meadows.
yosemite·california
yosemite4 minFall Colors in Yosemite National Park: Peak Weeks and Best Spots
Fall colors in Yosemite National Park peak around mid-October, mostly black oaks, dogwoods and bigleaf maples on the Valley floor. It is not a big foliage park, and the waterfalls are low by then.
yosemite·california
yosemite4 minYosemite to Sequoia National Park: Distance, Route and the Kings Canyon Add-On
Sequoia National Park to Yosemite is about 175 miles and 4 to 5 hours by car, because no road crosses the Sierra between them. Here are the two ways around, and where Kings Canyon fits in.
yosemite
yosemite6 minYosemite vs Sequoia National Park: Which One Fits Your Trip
Yosemite has the granite cliffs, the waterfalls and four times the crowds. Sequoia has the giant sequoias, an easier Giant Forest and far fewer people. Here is which one fits your trip, or how to do both.
yosemite
zion5 minZion National Park Hiking Gear: What to Pack and What to Rent in Springdale
Zion National Park hiking gear splits into two lists: what you need for a dry trail like Angels Landing, and what you need for a wet one like the Narrows. Here is both, plus what to rent in Springdale instead of buying.
zion·utah
zion5 minZion National Park Photography: Best Spots, Light and Seasons
Zion National Park photography comes down to timing more than gear: the canyon walls catch the best light at Canyon Junction Bridge and Canyon Overlook at sunset, and the Narrows in soft midday light with no direct sun in the slot.
zion·utah
utah4 minSpring Break in Zion National Park: What March Is Really Like
Spring break in Zion means cold Narrows water, a real chance the shuttle is not running yet, and some of the heaviest crowds of the year. Here is what to actually expect and how to get an Angels Landing permit in time.
zion·utah
zion4 minZion National Park to Antelope Canyon: Route, Drive Time and Booking the Tour
Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon is about 120 miles, about 2 hours 30 minutes, via Kanab and Page. Antelope Canyon is on Navajo Nation land and only open by guided tour, so book that before you drive.
zion·utah
utah4 minZion to the Grand Canyon: Drive Time and Route to the South Rim and North Rim
Zion to the Grand Canyon South Rim is about 260 miles, roughly 4.5 to 5 hours. The North Rim is closer at about 125 miles, but it is only open part of the year. Here is the route and what to check first.
road-trip·utah
Utah9 min7-Day Colorado River Rafting Trips: What Actually Exists
A week on the Colorado means one of three rivers, and they are not interchangeable. The Cataract Canyon arithmetic, the Grand Canyon lottery, and which one a seven-day trip really is.
Rafting·Utah
appalachian trail9 minWhere the Appalachian Trail Ends: Katahdin and the Northern Terminus
The Appalachian Trail ends on Baxter Peak, at the top of Katahdin, and Baxter State Park runs the last ten miles on its own terms. What the terminus actually is, and what the park asks of you before you can stand on it.
appalachian trail·maine
camping10 minFree Camping in Maine: What Is Actually Free, and What Only Looks It
Maine has genuinely free camping, and it is not where most people look for it. Public Reserved Lands, the Appalachian Trail lean-tos, and the large private forest where free is exactly what it is not.
camping·maine
Yellowstone9 minSnowmobiling in Yellowstone: The Guide Rule, the Lottery and the Free Alternative
Inside the park you need a commercial guide or a lottery permit. Outside it, on the national forest at West Yellowstone, you need neither. The difference is worth understanding before you book.
Yellowstone
Montana7 minTwo Top Snowmobile Trail, West Yellowstone: The Ride to the Snow Ghosts
A 28-mile loop from town to the Continental Divide, no guide and no park permit needed. What the snow ghosts are, when they form, and how Two Top differs from riding inside Yellowstone.
Yellowstone·Montana
Yellowstone8 minYellowstone Snowcoach Tours: What They Are and Why You Need One
A snowcoach is a bus on tracks, and between mid-December and mid-March it is one of only four ways to reach Old Faithful. Routes, season, and what the day is actually like.
Yellowstone
permits9 minConundrum Hot Springs Permits
Conundrum permits do not run on a lottery. They drop on three fixed dates a year and disappear in minutes, which makes this one of the few permits where preparation beats luck.
permits·Colorado
Montana9 minSperry and Granite Park Chalets
Glacier has two backcountry chalets with no road to either, a season of about ten weeks, and a handful of rooms between them. Both are piloting a lottery for 2027. Here is how it works and which one suits which kind of trip.
national parks·Montana
permits10 minKalalau Trail Permits
Kauai’s state parks are closed after Hurricane Lowell and nothing can be booked today. Here is how the permit works for when it reopens, and the two-mile version that needs no camping permit at all.
permits·Hawaii
permits9 minClimbing Mount St. Helens
St. Helens permits are not a lottery, they are a race, and knowing the exact release mechanic is most of the battle. Here is how to book one, what the climb involves, and the months when you need no permit at all.
permits·Washington
permits10 minThe Wave Permit Lottery
The Wave is the hardest permit in the American Southwest to draw, and most people apply for it the wrong way. Here is how the two lotteries work, what your odds actually are, and the backup that makes the trip worth booking anyway.
permits·Arizona
permits11 minWonderland Trail Permits
The Wonderland Trail lottery awards a single-figure percentage of entries, and almost everyone who walks it got on some other way. Here is the full set of routes to a permit, including the one most people ignore.
permits·Washington
permits10 minThe Subway, Zion: Permits and Routes
The Subway is two completely different trips sharing one permit, and picking the wrong one is how people end up at the top of a rappel they cannot reverse. Here is how the lottery works and which route you actually want.
permits·Utah
banff11 minGlacier National Park to Banff (and Banff to Glacier)
How to drive from Glacier National Park to Banff and back: about 325 miles and 6 to 7 hours, two countries, three routes. Distances by entrance, the border, and the best stops.
banff·alberta
Mackinac Island8 minThe Best Time to Visit Mackinac Island
When to visit car-free Mackinac Island for lilacs, fudge, fall color, and quiet shoulder-season hikes around the island's perimeter.
Mackinac Island·Michigan
sustainability7 minHiking Sustainability: How to Plan a Sustainable Hiking Trip
Reduce your trail impact, protect the places you love, and enjoy responsible outdoor adventures.
sustainability
Mariposa Grove9 minMariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
How to visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite with kids: the shuttle, the four trails, the Grizzly Giant, winter access, and the best season.
Mariposa Grove·California
Ruby Beach8 minRuby Beach Tide Pools
How to time the tides and explore the sea stacks and tide pools at Ruby Beach and nearby beaches along the wild Olympic National Park coast.
Ruby Beach·Washington
Yellowstone5 minBest Airport to Fly Into for Yellowstone: All Seven Compared
Bozeman for flights, Salt Lake City for price, Jackson for the Tetons, West Yellowstone for proximity. Seven airports compared on distance, cost and season.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone5 minBig Sky to Yellowstone: Drive Time, Route and Whether to Stay There
Big Sky, Montana is 50 miles and about an hour from the West Entrance down the Gallatin Canyon. Real drive times to Old Faithful and Lamar Valley, and whether Big Sky is the right base.
Yellowstone·Montana
Yellowstone7 minWhere to Stay Near Yellowstone: The Gateway Towns at Every Entrance
West Yellowstone and Gardiner sit at the gates, Bozeman is the closest real city, and five more towns are worth a night. Distances, sizes and which base suits which trip.
Yellowstone·Montana
Yellowstone7 minHow to Get to Yellowstone: Airports, Roads and Drive Times
Real drive times to all five Yellowstone entrances from Bozeman, Cody, Jackson, Red Lodge and beyond, which gates open when, and which approach suits your trip.
Yellowstone·Wyoming
Yellowstone5 minHow Many Days in Yellowstone Is Enough? A Plan for Every Trip Length
Three days is the minimum, five is the sweet spot and seven adds Grand Teton. What each trip length actually buys you, and why the 142 mile loop road decides everything.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone6 minIsland Park to Yellowstone: Drive Time, Route and What to Do
Island Park, Idaho is 28 miles and about 30 minutes from the West Entrance, the closest and usually cheapest base outside the gateway towns. Drive times, what to do, and the truth about hot springs.
Yellowstone·Idaho
Yellowstone6 minJackson Hole to Yellowstone: Drive Time, Route and Winter Closures
Jackson to the South Entrance is 57 miles and about 1 hour 15 minutes through Grand Teton. Drive times to Old Faithful, the winter detour over Teton Pass, and lower loop tours.
Yellowstone·Wyoming
Yellowstone6 minSeattle to Yellowstone Road Trip: Route, Stops and How Long It Takes
Seattle to Yellowstone is about 760 miles and 12 hours on I-90. The two day and three day versions, where to overnight, and the detours worth taking.
Yellowstone·Washington
Yellowstone7 minYellowstone in Winter: Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing and What Is Open
Only one Yellowstone road stays open to cars in winter. What that means, West Yellowstone’s 400 miles of groomed snowmobile trail, the in-park guiding rules, and where to snowshoe.
Yellowstone·Montana
Yellowstone8 min5-Day Yellowstone Itinerary: The Whole Park Without Rushing
A five day Yellowstone plan with one base change and no wasted driving. Both loops, two dawn wildlife sessions, two hikes, and where to sleep each night.
Yellowstone·Wyoming
Yellowstone8 min7-Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary
Five days in Yellowstone and two in Grand Teton, entering west and leaving south so you never drive the same road twice. Day by day, with where to sleep.
Yellowstone·Wyoming
Yellowstone6 minYellowstone Upper and Lower Loop: Maps, Miles and Scenic Drives
The Grand Loop is a 142 mile figure eight. Here is what the upper and lower loops cover, how long each really takes, and the five side drives worth the detour.
Yellowstone·Wyoming
Yellowstone6 minNorthern Lights in Yellowstone: Odds, Locations and When to Try
Yellowstone is far south for aurora, so it takes a strong geomagnetic storm. The honest odds, the four best north facing spots, and how to be ready when one arrives.
Yellowstone·Wyoming
Yellowstone5 minWhat to Pack for Yellowstone: A Season-by-Season List
Yellowstone sits near 8,000 feet, so July nights hit freezing. The clothing, the park specific gear including bear spray you cannot fly with, and what to leave at home.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone4 minHow Much It Costs to Enter Yellowstone: Park Fees and Passes
A vehicle is $35 for seven days, a motorcycle $30, a person $20. When the $80 America the Beautiful pass is cheaper, and what the entrance fee does not cover.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone6 minYellowstone Photography: The Shots, the Light and the Workshops
Where to stand for Grand Prismatic and the Lower Falls, why midday beats sunrise for one of them, the lens you need for wolves, and why the serious workshops run in winter.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone7 minBackpacking the Yellowstone River Trail Through the Black Canyon
Eighteen miles through the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone, the lowest and earliest ground in the park. Route, Knowles Falls, permits, and the rattlesnakes nobody expects.
Yellowstone·Wyoming
Yellowstone6 minYellowstone Rules and Park Facts Every Visitor Should Know
Hunting is illegal and has been since 1894. Climbing is legal but the rock is bad. Old Faithful sits at 7,349 feet. The rules, the elevations and the facts that matter.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone6 minYellowstone to Mount Rushmore: Distance, Route and the Two Day Plan
Mount Rushmore is about 400 miles and 7 hours from Yellowstone’s East Entrance. The route over the Bighorns, the two day version with Devils Tower, and why it is not a day trip.
Yellowstone·South Dakota
olympic-national-park6 minThe Rainforests of Olympic National Park: All Four, Not Just the Hoh
Olympic has four temperate rainforest valleys: the Hoh, the Quinault, the Queets and the Bogachiel. Where each one starts, which walks are worth it, and which two you will have to yourself.
olympic-national-park·washington
alaska7 minResurrection Pass Trail Cabins: All Eight, and How to Book Them
The eight Forest Service cabins on the Resurrection Pass Trail, the four that fit a five-day Hope to Cooper Landing traverse, the six-month recreation.gov booking window, and the 19 campsites to fall back on.
kenai-peninsula·alaska
shenandoah6 minShenandoah in May: Waterfalls, Wildflowers and an Empty Skyline Drive
May is the month Shenandoah’s waterfalls actually run. What Skyline Drive is like in spring, how Old Rag differs from autumn, and the fog that catches people out.
shenandoah·virginia
zion-national-park6 minSpringdale, Utah: The Gateway Town to Zion National Park
Springdale sits at Zion’s South Entrance. The two separate shuttles, the parking deadline that decides your morning, where to rent Narrows gear, and how to use the town as a base.
zion-national-park·utah
alaska5 minAlaska Itinerary: 7 Days From Anchorage
Seven days in Alaska is enough for two regions, not five. Here are the three versions that work from Anchorage, with drive times, the train, and the glacier days worth the money.
itinerary·alaska
banff5 minBanff Itinerary: 3, 5 and 7 Days
Banff rewards a plan because two of its best lakes can no longer be driven to. Here are three, five and seven day itineraries built around the shuttles.
banff·canada
big-bend5 minBig Bend National Park Road Trip: Getting There and Getting Around
Big Bend is the most remote national park in the lower 48 and the driving is the trip. Here are the routes in, the distances inside, and the season that makes it work.
big-bend·texas
boundary-waters5 minBoundary Waters Guided Trips: Full, Partial and Fully Guided
In the Boundary Waters the choice is not guide or no guide. It is how much of the outfitting you hand over. Here is what each level buys and what it costs.
boundary-waters·minnesota
california5 minCalifornia National Parks Road Trip: 9 Parks, 3 Routes
California has nine national parks, more than any other state. They split into a Sierra group, a desert group and a northern group, and the calendar decides which ones belong on the same trip.
road-trip·california
colorado5 minColorado National Parks Road Trip: All Four in Nine Days
Colorado has four national parks and they sit at the four corners of the state. Here is the 1,000 mile loop from Denver that links them, plus the season each one needs.
road-trip·colorado
costa-rica5 minCosta Rica in One Week: The Three Stop Itinerary
One week in Costa Rica means three stops, not five. Volcano, cloud forest and coast, with the drive times that decide how much of the week you spend on the road.
costa-rica
death-valley5 minDeath Valley National Park Day Trip: The Best Six Stops
Death Valley is two hours from Las Vegas and everything worth seeing on a first visit sits within 40 miles of Furnace Creek. Here is the one day route, and the months it is safe to drive it.
death-valley·california
dolomites5 minDolomites Itinerary: 7 Days Between Val Gardena and Cortina
The Dolomites reward staying in two places rather than five. Here is a seven day itinerary split between Val Gardena and Cortina, with the road and parking rules that decide your mornings.
dolomites
dry-tortugas5 minDry Tortugas National Park Trip: Ferry, Fort and Camping
Dry Tortugas is 70 miles west of Key West and reachable only by boat or seaplane. Here is how the ferry works, what the four hours on the island buy you, and why camping is the better trip.
dry-tortugas·florida
east-coast5 minBest National Parks on the East Coast, and the Road Trip That Links Them
Eight national parks sit on the Atlantic side of the country, from Acadia in Maine to Dry Tortugas 70 miles past Key West. Here is what each one is for, and the road trip that links them.
east-coast
backpacking5 minGuided Backpacking Trips for Beginners: What You Get and What to Ask
A first backpacking trip with a guide removes the two things that go wrong: gear you chose badly and a route you could not judge. Here is what to expect and what to ask.
backpacking
half-dome5 minHalf Dome Guided Backpacking Trip: Permits, Route and Guides
Splitting Half Dome across two days with a night at Little Yosemite Valley turns a brutal 16 mile day into a manageable trip. Here is how the permits work.
half-dome
iceland5 minIceland 5 Day Itinerary: Two Routes That Actually Fit
Five days is not enough for the Ring Road, and plenty for two thirds of the best of Iceland. Here are the two routes that work, and the one that ruins trips.
itinerary·iceland
minnesota5 minItasca State Park Day Trip: Walk Across the Mississippi
At Itasca you can step across the Mississippi River on stones. Here is the day trip that covers the headwaters, the old growth pines and the ten mile Wilderness Drive.
day-trip·minnesota
joshua-tree5 minJoshua Tree National Park Day Trip From Los Angeles
Joshua Tree is 135 miles from downtown Los Angeles and the best day trip in Southern California between October and April. Here is the loop that fits a single day.
joshua-tree·california
las-vegas5 minLas Vegas National Parks Road Trip: Five Parks Within a Day of the Strip
Las Vegas is the cheapest gateway to the Colorado Plateau. Here are the real drive times to five national parks, which of them work as a day trip, and the five day loop that links the best three.
las-vegas
new-york5 minLetchworth State Park Day Trip: Three Waterfalls and a Gorge
Letchworth is the Grand Canyon of the East, a 17 mile gorge with three big waterfalls and cliffs up to 550 feet. Here is the day trip that covers it.
new-york
maui5 minMaui Trip Guide: A Week Without Wasting Days
Maui has three full day trips and a lot of coast. Here is how to fit them into a week without spending it in the car, and which reservations to book before you fly.
maui·hawaii
moab5 minMoab Itinerary: 3 Days, 5 Days and What to Skip
Moab sits between two national parks and a state park with a better view than either. Here is how to spend three or five days there, and which of the famous stops are worth the heat.
moab·utah
morocco5 minMorocco Atlas Mountains and Merzouga Desert: A 6 Day Itinerary
Six days is enough to cross the High Atlas, walk in the Toubkal valleys, drive the gorges and sleep in the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here is the route, with honest drive times.
morocco
accessible5 minMost Accessible National Parks: Where Wheelchairs Actually Work
Accessible does not mean one paved viewpoint. These are the parks where you can spend a full day on surfaces that work, named trail by trail.
accessible
national-parks5 minThe Most Beautiful US National Parks, Ranked by What You See
Ranking beauty is subjective, so this list names the specific thing you stand in front of in each park. Ten parks, one defining view each, and the month to see it.
national-parks
national-parks5 minWhat Is the Most Popular National Park? The Numbers and the Reasons
Great Smoky Mountains takes about 12 million visits a year, roughly three times the Grand Canyon. Here is the top ten, why the ranking is not a quality ranking, and the quiet parks worth your week.
national-parks
kayaking5 minMulti Day Kayak Trips: How to Plan Your First One
A multi day kayak trip carries your camp for you, which is why it is easier than backpacking and harder to plan. Here are the distances, skills and routes that work.
kayaking
family5 minNational Park Vacations for Families: Which Parks, Which Ages
The best family national park is the one where the good stuff is short. Here are the parks that pay off in under two miles, sorted by the ages they suit, with the trips to book.
family
road-trip6 minNational Parks Road Trip Map: The Five Classic Loops
Pins on a map do not tell you whether a route is drivable. Here are the five classic national park loops with real mileage, the number of days each needs, and the season that makes each one work.
road-trip
summer5 minNational Parks to Visit in Summer, and Four to Avoid
Summer is the only season half the country's best parks are open, and the wrong season for the other half. Here is which is which.
summer
oahu5 minOahu Itinerary: 5 Days, Hikes First
Oahu is a hiking island with a city attached. Here is a five day itinerary that puts the ridges and the coast first, and the three reservations you have to book ahead.
oahu·hawaii
olympic5 minOlympic National Park Day Trip From Seattle: Pick One Side
There is no road across Olympic National Park, so a day trip means choosing one corner. Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent fit. The Hoh Rain Forest and the coast do not.
olympic·washington
pacific-northwest5 minPacific Northwest National Parks Road Trip: Four Parks From Seattle
Four national parks sit within a day of Seattle: Olympic, Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Crater Lake. The whole loop is 1,300 miles and the mountain roads only all open for about ten weeks a year.
pacific-northwest·washington
maui5 minRoad to Hana Itinerary: Which Stops Are Worth It
The Road to Hana is 64 miles, 620 curves and 59 bridges, and you cannot stop everywhere. Here are the stops worth the time, in order, with the reservation you must book first.
maui·hawaii
rocky-mountain5 minRocky Mountain National Park Itinerary: 1, 2 and 3 Days
A day by day Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary for one, two or three days, built around the timed entry windows, the Bear Lake corridor and Trail Ridge Road.
rocky-mountain·colorado
yosemite5 minSan Francisco to Yosemite National Park Road Trip: The Routes
San Francisco to Yosemite Valley is 195 miles and four hours, and which of the three entrances you use changes the drive completely, especially in winter.
yosemite·california
sequoia5 minSequoia National Park Day Trip: What Fits in One Day
One day in Sequoia is enough for the Giant Forest, Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow, provided you know how slow the Generals Highway is and where to start.
sequoia·california
illinois5 minStarved Rock State Park Day Trip From Chicago
Starved Rock is 95 miles from Chicago and holds 18 sandstone canyons with waterfalls that only run part of the year. Here is the day that works, and the timing that decides it.
day-trip·illinois
west-coast6 minWest Coast National Parks Road Trip: All 13 Parks
The West Coast holds 13 national parks across Washington, Oregon and California. Here is the Seattle to Los Angeles route that strings them together, with drive times, a 7 day version and the reservations to sort first.
west-coast
yellowstone5 min4-Day Yellowstone Itinerary: The Grand Loop in Four Days
Yellowstone is 142 miles of Grand Loop road and the whole trick is not repeating a leg. Here is a 4 day plan, with the wildlife timing and where to sleep each night.
yellowstone·wyoming
yosemite5 minYosemite Itinerary: 1, 2 and 3 Days in the Park
One day in Yosemite is the valley floor. Two adds Glacier Point. Three gets you above the rim on Tioga Road. Here is each version, with the seasonal closures that decide which one you can actually do.
yosemite·california
zion5 minZion National Park Road Trip: Routes, Drive Times and What to Add
Zion is a two and a half hour drive from Las Vegas and the cheapest national park in Utah to reach. Here are the routes in from every nearby city, the shuttle and permit rules, and the parks worth adding.
zion·utah
Appalachian Trail10 minAppalachian Trail Maps and Apps: What Hikers Actually Carry
Two thousand one hundred and ninety miles, blazed every few hundred yards, and almost nobody carries a map. Here is what they carry instead and when that stops being enough.
Appalachian Trail
national parks9 minBest Maps for a National Park Road Trip: The Four You Need
The park hands you a free map at the gate that is better than anything you can buy, and it is useless for the 300 miles between parks. Four maps cover the whole trip.
national parks
road trips10 minBest Road Trip Planning Apps: What Each One Is Actually For
No single app plans a road trip. Routing, discovery, lodging and offline navigation are four different jobs, and the apps that claim all four are usually weakest at the one you need.
road trips
Colorado9 minDenver to Great Sand Dunes: Drive Time, Route and What to Do There
Four hours south of Denver, the tallest dunes in North America sit against a 14,000-foot wall. Two routes get you there and one of them is far better.
Great Sand Dunes·Colorado
Colorado9 minDenver to Telluride: The Drive, the Two Routes and the Passes
Six and a half hours and two mountain passes, or seven hours and none. Telluride sits at the end of a box canyon, and every route to it is a commitment.
Telluride·Colorado
California10 minHidden Beaches in California: 12 Coves Worth the Scramble
Purple sand, stone spheres that only appear at low tide, and a black beach at the end of a road that dead-ends into wilderness. Twelve California beaches that take some work.
beaches·California
Missouri10 minHiking Trails in Missouri: 12 Trails That Justify the Drive
Missouri hides 1.5-billion-year-old rock, a 132-foot waterfall and a 400-mile trail behind a reputation for being flat. Twelve routes and when to walk them.
Ozarks·Missouri
Arizona9 minLas Vegas to Sedona: How Far It Is and Which Route to Drive
About 280 miles and four and a half hours, past Hoover Dam and Route 66. The last thirty minutes decide whether this is a good drive or a great one.
road trips·Arizona
navigation9 minOffline Maps for Hiking: How to Not Lose the Map When You Lose Signal
Your phone knows where it is with no signal at all. What it loses is the picture underneath the blue dot, and the download that fixes it has to happen before you leave the car park.
navigation
Washington10 minSeattle to Olympic National Park: Ferry, Drive Time and Route
Two and a half hours to Port Angeles with a good ferry connection, four to the Hoh. The park is a ring of dead-end spur roads, and knowing that changes how you plan the trip.
Olympic National Park·Washington
California11 minSierra High Route Maps and Navigation: What You Actually Need
One hundred and ninety-five miles, thirty-three passes, and roughly two thirds of it with no trail under your feet. The route exists on your map or it does not exist at all.
High Sierra·California
Washington9 minThings to Do on Bainbridge Island: The Best Day Trip From Seattle
Thirty-five minutes from downtown Seattle by ferry, and the return leg is free if you walk on. Forest loops, a 276-foot memorial wall, four public beaches and a main street you can cover on foot.
Puget Sound·Washington
British Columbia11 minVancouver Island Trip: A 7-Day Itinerary and How to Get There
Two hundred and eighty-five miles of island with one road across the middle of it. Seven days from Victoria to the surf coast, and the ferry booking that decides the whole trip.
road trips·British Columbia
Banff9 minBanff in October: Golden Larches, First Snow, Fewer People
What the temperature in Banff actually does through October, when the larches peak, the date Moraine Lake closes for the year, and what is still worth doing once the snow arrives.
Banff·Alberta
Colorado9 minBackpacking in Colorado: The Best Loops, by Permit Difficulty
Sorted by the thing that actually decides your summer: whether you can get a permit. From free self-issue routes to the ones you plan six months out.
backpacking·Colorado
Colorado7 minBears in Rocky Mountain National Park: What Actually Lives There
Black bears yes, grizzlies no, and the animal most likely to hurt you is neither of them. What the park actually holds and how to behave around it.
Rocky Mountain National Park·Colorado
Colorado6 minThe Closest Airport to Rocky Mountain National Park
Denver is the answer for almost everyone, but it is not the nearest. The drive times, the smaller alternatives, and whether you can do it without a car.
Rocky Mountain National Park·Colorado
Colorado6 minFour Pass Loop Permits: How the Booking Actually Works
Two separate systems, and people book one and turn up without the other. What you need, when it releases, and the direction most parties get wrong.
Maroon Bells·Colorado
Colorado7 minHow Many Days Do You Need in Rocky Mountain National Park?
One day gets you Trail Ridge Road or Bear Lake, not both. What each length of stay realistically buys, and the permit rule that decides it.
Rocky Mountain National Park·Colorado
Colorado7 minWaterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park, Ranked by Effort
Sorted by how far you actually have to walk, from a half mile stroll to a four mile climb, plus the six week window when they are all at full volume.
Rocky Mountain National Park·Colorado
Colorado8 minSky Pond: The Best Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
Nine and a half miles, three waterfalls, four lakes and a scramble up a waterfall to finish. The one hike in Rocky Mountain that is worth the permit hassle.
Rocky Mountain National Park·Colorado
Colorado7 minBlue Lakes and Mount Sneffels: The Northern Approach
The turquoise lakes on the north side of Sneffels, the mileage to each one, and how the pass links through to the summit route.
Mount Sneffels·Colorado
Colorado7 minMount Sneffels Deaths: What Actually Goes Wrong
People search this before they climb, and they deserve a straight answer. What kills people on Sneffels, where it happens, and how to not be one of them.
Mount Sneffels·Colorado
Colorado6 minMount Sneffels Southwest Ridge: The Harder Line
Better rock, more exposure and far fewer people than the standard gully. What the Southwest Ridge involves and who should be on it.
Mount Sneffels·Colorado
Colorado5 minThe V-Notch on Mount Sneffels: The Class 3 Crux
A few moves near the top of the Lavender Col decide whether Sneffels is a hike or a scramble. Here is exactly what the V-Notch involves.
Mount Sneffels·Colorado
Colorado7 minMount Sneffels Weather: What to Expect by Month
The forecast for Ouray is not the forecast for 14,155 feet. What the weather actually does on Sneffels, month by month, and the turnaround rule that matters.
Mount Sneffels·Colorado
Colorado6 minMt. Sneffels Half Marathon: Ouray to Ridgway
It does not climb the mountain. A net downhill half on Ouray County dirt roads, capped at 500 runners, with the Sneffels Range in view the whole way.
Mount Sneffels·Colorado
Colorado7 minSneffels Highline Trail: Telluride's Big Loop
A 12 to 14 mile loop straight out of Telluride with about 4,000 feet of climbing, and one of the best days you can have without a car.
Telluride·Colorado
Colorado8 minThe Sneffels Traverse: Hut to Hut in the San Juans
A 34-mile hut-to-hut traverse beneath the Sneffels Range, four huts, no tent, and the option to climb a 14er on the way through.
San Juan Mountains·Colorado
National Parks5 minBest National Parks to Visit in August
Six parks worth the heat in August, chosen for high ground, cold water and the far north rather than the queue.
National Parks
National Parks5 minBest National Parks to Visit in February
Six parks at their best in February, when the desert is cool, the crowds are gone, and the north is still shut.
National Parks
National Parks5 minBest National Parks to Visit in July
Six parks that are only fully open in July, when the snow finally clears the high passes and the north comes into season.
National Parks
National Parks5 minBest National Parks to Visit in March
Six parks that peak in March, as the desert warms, the south greens up, and the high country stays closed.
National Parks
National Parks5 minBest National Parks to Visit in November
Six parks that come into season in November, when the desert cools, the crowds vanish, and the north closes.
National Parks
National Parks5 minBest National Parks to Visit in October
Six parks that peak in October, when the eastern forests turn and the desert becomes walkable again.
National Parks
National Parks5 minBest National Parks to Visit in September
Six parks at their best in September, the month the crowds leave, the weather holds, and the colour starts.
National Parks
Tour du Mont Blanc5 minTour du Mont Blanc Cost: What the Trek Actually Costs
A realistic Tour du Mont Blanc budget, from refuge half board to the hidden costs, and what self guided saves against a package.
Tour du Mont Blanc
Tour du Mont Blanc5 minTour du Mont Blanc Hut to Hut: How the Refuges Work
What a night in a TMB refuge is actually like, how half board works, and why hut to hut is the reason you do not need a tent.
Tour du Mont Blanc
Tour du Mont Blanc5 minTour du Mont Blanc Packing List: What to Actually Carry
What to carry on the Tour du Mont Blanc, why the refuges change the list, and the weight that decides whether you enjoy the last three days.
Tour du Mont Blanc
Tour du Mont Blanc5 minTour du Mont Blanc Self Guided: How to Walk It Without a Group
Walking the TMB self guided is straightforward if you get three things right: the booking, the variants and the weather calls.
Tour du Mont Blanc
Mount Rainier National Park11 minCampgrounds Near Mount Rainier
Every campground in Mount Rainier National Park compared, plus the national forest sites and dispersed camping just outside it. Which to book for Paradise, which for Sunrise, and where to go when all three are full.
Mount Rainier National Park·Washington
Mount Rainier National Park10 minCougar Rock Campground, Mount Rainier
Cougar Rock Campground is the closest reservable campground to Paradise, 173 sites in old-growth forest at 3,180 feet. Which loops to book, when reservations open, and what the walk-in sites are really like.
Mount Rainier National Park·Washington
Mount Rainier National Park8 minMount Rainier Cabins with Hot Tubs
Where to find a cabin with a hot tub near Mount Rainier, which gateway town to book in for Paradise versus Sunrise, and what a soak after the Skyline Trail is actually worth.
Mount Rainier National Park·Washington
Mount Rainier National Park9 minMount Rainier in April
April at Mount Rainier is fifteen feet of snow at Paradise, a road crew digging the upper park out, no timed entry and almost nobody there. What is open, what is not, and what to bring.
Mount Rainier National Park·Washington
Mount Rainier National Park8 minMount Rainier Timed Entry
Mount Rainier will not require timed entry reservations in 2026. How the system worked in recent summers, the entrance fee you still need, and what to check before you go.
Mount Rainier National Park·Washington
National Parks4 minBest National Parks to Visit in April
Six parks that are at their best in April, why each one works this month, and the day-by-day itinerary for each.
National Parks
National Parks4 minBest National Parks to Visit in December
Where to go when the north freezes over, and the day-by-day itinerary for each park.
National Parks
North Conway4 minNorth Conway Things to Do
North Conway is the base for the White Mountains: Diana's Baths, Cathedral Ledge, the Kancamagus, and the three ways up Mount Washington, where the weather kills people.
North Conway·New Hampshire
Bayfield4 minThings to Do in Bayfield, WI
Bayfield is the door to the Apostle Islands. The sea caves by kayak and on foot, the Madeline Island ferry, Big Bay State Park, and why the winter ice caves are a promise nobody can make.
Bayfield·Wisconsin
Big Bend National Park4 minThings to Do in Big Bend National Park
Everything worth doing in Big Bend, ordered by how far it is from a paved road: the Chisos trails, Santa Elena Canyon, the hot spring, Boquillas, and the darkest sky in the lower 48.
Big Bend National Park·Texas
Ellijay4 minThings to Do in Ellijay, GA
Ellijay past the apple stands: the Cohutta Wilderness and Jacks River Falls, the Aska trails, floating the Cartecay, and which orchards are worth the traffic in October.
Ellijay·Georgia
Glen Arbor4 minThings to Do in Glen Arbor, MI
Glen Arbor sits inside Sleeping Bear Dunes with every trailhead within fifteen minutes. The Dune Climb, Empire Bluff, the Crystal River paddle, and how Frankfort fits in.
Glen Arbor·Michigan
Hochatown4 minThings to Do in Hochatown, Oklahoma
The outdoor version of the Hochatown list: trail mileages in Beavers Bend, the Lower Mountain Fork float, year-round trout below the dam, and when the river is actually running.
Hochatown·Oklahoma
Manzanita4 minThings to Do in Manzanita, Oregon
Seven miles of beach with a mountain at the end of it. Neahkahnie, Nehalem Bay, the Three Capes drive south to Pacific City, and why this stretch is quieter than Cannon Beach.
Manzanita·Oregon
Truckee4 minThings to Do in Truckee, CA
Truckee is the Tahoe base that is not on the lake: Donner Lake and the state park, the Pacific Crest Trail at Donner Pass, and six ski resorts within twenty minutes.
Truckee·California
Twin Falls5 minThings to Do in Twin Falls, Idaho
Twin Falls in one honest guide: when Shoshone Falls actually has water, the 12-mile Canyon Rim Trail, Pillar Falls, and the bridge where BASE jumping is legal every day of the year.
Twin Falls·Idaho
Lake Tahoe4 minThings to Do at Lake Tahoe in the Winter
Tahoe in winter without a lift ticket: snowshoeing, sledding hills, Emerald Bay in the snow, hot springs, and the road closures that decide your trip more than the forecast does.
Lake Tahoe·California
Hiking Guide7 minAppalachian Trail for Beginners: Your First AT Section Hike
Start your Appalachian Trail journey with a manageable section hike, the best beginner segments, shelter system, and what to bring.
Hiking Guide·East Coast
dogs8 minAre Dogs Allowed in National Parks?
Most national parks allow dogs in car parks and campgrounds and nowhere else. A handful are genuinely walkable with a dog. Here is the rule, the parks people ask about most, and what to do with the dog when the answer is no.
dogs
arizona10 minArizona Road Trip Itinerary: 7 to 10 Days
A classic Arizona road trip loop from Phoenix through Sedona, Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon South Rim, Page, and Monument Valley, plus an optional Saguaro and Tucson leg, with how many days you need and the best time to go.
road-trip·arizona
arkansas9 minBest Hikes in Arkansas: 12 Trails by Region
Whitaker Point, Hemmed-In Hollow, Lost Valley, Devil's Den, Pinnacle Mountain, the Ouachita Trail, and the best places to hike near Hot Springs, sorted by region and difficulty.
ozarks·arkansas
Utah7 minBest Hikes in Utah
Five national parks within a day’s drive, which sounds like a gift and is actually the trap. Which parks reward walking, which reward looking, and when to go.
Zion·Utah
Midwest7 minBest Hiking in the Midwest
Written off as flat, which is true of the farmland and untrue of almost everywhere people hike. Ten trips across the Great Lakes, the Ozarks and the canoe country.
Great Lakes·Midwest
california9 minCalifornia Road Trip Itinerary: 2 Classic Loops
The national parks loop through Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree, plus the Pacific Coast Highway leg from San Francisco through Big Sur and the Central Coast, with how many days you need and the best time to go.
road-trip·california
National Forest7 minGifford Pinchot National Forest Hiking Guide
Mount Adams, Goat Rocks Wilderness, Indian Heaven lakes, and Pacific Crest Trail sections in southwest Washington, the complete hiking guide to Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
National Forest·Washington
banff8 minGlacier National Park to Banff Road Trip: Route, Distance, and Border Tips
How far Glacier National Park is from Banff, how long the drive takes, the two border crossings, passport rules, the scenic Waterton Lakes route, and a suggested Glacier plus Banff split.
banff
Hiking Guide7 minGrand Canyon Rim to Rim: Complete Trail Guide
Cross the Grand Canyon on foot, South Kaibab to North Kaibab, 24 miles of the most dramatic hiking terrain on earth.
Hiking Guide·Arizona
Permits7 minHigh Sierra Trail Permits
Two permits, two systems, two deadlines. How to reserve the Crescent Meadow trailhead, why the Whitney Zone exit lets you summit Whitney without the lottery, and what to do when the quota is full.
Permits
california10 minHighway 1 Road Trip Itinerary: The California Pacific Coast Highway
A complete California Highway 1 road trip itinerary, San Francisco to Los Angeles in 3 to 5 days: Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Morro Bay, and Santa Barbara, plus which direction to drive and how to handle Big Sur closures.
pacific-coast-highway·california
Pacific Northwest7 minHikes in the PNW
Rainforest, volcanoes, alpine granite and open coast within a few hours of each other. Which to hike, when each season opens, and the lotteries you have to enter a year ahead.
Olympic·Pacific Northwest
Arkansas7 minHiking in the Ozarks
The oldest mountains in North America, worn into bluffs and spring-fed rivers. Free dispersed camping almost throughout, which makes it one of the best-value weeks in the country.
Ozarks·Arkansas
Michigan7 minHiking in the Upper Peninsula
Great Lakes cliffs, old-growth forest, more waterfalls than anywhere in the Midwest, and the least-visited national park in the lower 48. Drivable from Chicago or Minneapolis.
Upper Peninsula·Michigan
Budget7 minHiking on a Budget
The trail is free. The bed, the permit, the fuel and the rental car are not. Where the money actually goes on a hiking trip, and the four decisions that move it most.
Budget
grand-canyon8 minHow Far Is the Grand Canyon From Phoenix, Arizona?
Driving distances and times to the Grand Canyon South Rim from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Flagstaff, Tucson, and Las Vegas, plus the West Rim vs South Rim difference and the best routes.
grand-canyon·arizona
gear6 minHow to Find Eco-Friendly Hiking Gear
Discover sustainable materials, ethical brands, and smart tips to reduce your environmental impact on the trail.
gear
gear5 minHow to Lace Hiking Boots for Comfort and Blister Prevention
Improve comfort, prevent blisters, and get better ankle support with the right lacing techniques.
gear
gear6 minHow to Make a Hiking Stick With Just a Knife
Choose the right wood, shape the tip, and create a grip for the trail with just a knife.
gear
gear7 minHow to Pack a Hiking Backpack
Distribute weight properly, organize your gear, and hike more comfortably. The standard bottom-to-top packing order, with a diagram and the four mistakes that make a pack feel heavier than it is.
gear
planning9 minHow to Prepare for a Hiking Trip
Complete checklist: gear, fitness, permits, navigation, and everything to do the night before your hike.
planning
gear7 minHow to Prevent Blisters When Hiking
Proven tips on the best socks, footwear, and techniques to keep your feet pain-free on every hike.
gear
safety7 minHow to Protect Yourself from Wildlife While Hiking
Stay safe around bears, cougars, snakes, and more with these simple, field-tested safety tips.
safety
training8 minHow to Train for High Altitude Hiking
Build endurance, prevent altitude sickness, and prepare your body for high-elevation adventures.
training
Technique7 minHow to Use Hiking Poles Correctly
Improve balance, reduce knee strain on descents, and protect your joints over long mileage, proper pole technique is the cheapest performance upgrade you can give your hike.
Technique
Hiking Guide7 minJohn Muir Trail Planning Guide: JMT Permits & Logistics
The 211-mile Sierra Nevada route from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney, permits, resupply strategy, and everything it takes to actually complete the JMT.
Hiking Guide·Sierra Nevada
maroon-bells9 minMaroon Bells Fall Colors, Weather and Shuttle Guide
When the aspens peak, the weather to expect at 9,600 feet, how the Aspen Highlands shuttle and timed reservations work, parking and ticket rules, and the best time for sunrise reflections.
maroon-bells·colorado
washington9 minMount Rainier and Olympic National Park: How to Combine Them
How to pair Mount Rainier and Olympic in one Washington trip: the drive between them, a Rainier vs Olympic comparison, a 5 to 6 day itinerary, the best hikes, and the best seasons.
mount-rainier·washington
Hiking Guide7 minMt. Rainier Hiking Guide: Best Trails, Tips & Permits
Paradise wildflower meadows, Sunrise alpine views, and the epic Wonderland Trail, everything you need to hike Mt. Rainier National Park.
Hiking Guide·Washington
new-england9 minNew England Road Trip Itinerary: 7 Day and 10 Day Loops
A suggested 7 day and 10 day New England road trip loop through coastal Maine and Acadia, the White Mountains and Kancamagus Highway, Vermont's Route 100, and the Berkshires, timed for peak fall foliage.
new-england
oregon10 minOregon Road Trip Itinerary: The Classic Loop Plus San Francisco to Oregon
The classic Oregon loop, the Highway 101 coast, Crater Lake, Bend and Smith Rock, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Three Sisters Cascades, plus a San Francisco to Oregon road trip leg up the redwoods and southern coast. How many days you need and the best time to go.
road-trip·oregon
National Forest7 minShawnee National Forest Hiking Guide
Garden of the Gods, Bell Smith Springs, Little Grand Canyon, and Burden Falls, the complete guide to hiking southern Illinois's Shawnee National Forest, including best fall foliage trails.
National Forest·Illinois
shenandoah6 minMap of the Shenandoah River: Forks, Floats & Access Points
The North and South Forks, the Front Royal confluence, and the best access points for tubing, kayaking, and smallmouth bass fishing from Luray to Harpers Ferry.
shenandoah
national parks7 minWhich States Have the Most National Parks?
California has nine, more than any other state. Alaska has eight, Utah five, Colorado four. Here is the full picture, including the states with none at all and why that is less strange than it sounds.
national parks
sedona8 minThings to Do in Sedona Without Hiking: 12 Unique Ideas
Scenic drives, jeep tours, the Verde Canyon Railroad, Verde Valley wine tasting, drive-up vortex sites, spa days, stargazing, and the best sunset in Sedona without hiking.
sedona·arizona
west-coast10 minWest Coast Road Trip Itinerary: 10 to 14 Days
A California to Washington West Coast road trip itinerary: the Big Sur coast, San Francisco, the Oregon coast and Crater Lake, and Washington's Olympic Peninsula and North Cascades, with how many days you need and the best time to go.
west-coast
Hiking Guide7 minZion Narrows Hike: The Complete Guide
Hike through the Virgin River between 1,000-foot walls of Navajo sandstone, the most unforgettable slot canyon hike in America.
Hiking Guide·Utah
Washington9 minHow to Get to Orcas Island (and Around It Once You Are There)
Where Orcas Island is, how long the Anacortes ferry takes, and the free vehicle reservation you need in both directions or you are not getting on. Plus the truth about taxis, Uber, hitchhiking and taking a bike instead.
San Juan Islands·Washington
Washington10 minOrcas Island Hikes: 8 Trails Worth the Ferry
Every hike on Orcas Island worth the crossing, from the 40-foot Cascade Falls to the 2,409-foot summit of Mount Constitution, with real distances, elevation, which need a Discover Pass and how to reach the trailheads without a car.
San Juan Islands·Washington
Washington10 minWhere to Stay on Orcas Island: Eastsound, West Beach or Camping
The four areas worth basing in on Orcas Island, what each costs you in money and driving, the camping and cabin options on the west shore, which places take dogs, and how far ahead you actually need to book.
San Juan Islands·Washington
Denali National Park8 minDrive From Anchorage to Denali: 240 Miles, Stop by Stop
How far Denali National Park is from Anchorage, how long the drive really takes with stops, which pull-outs are worth it, and why the mountain is often better from the highway than from inside the park.
Denali National Park·Alaska
Denali National Park9 minThe Denali Park Road: How Far You Can Go Right Now
One 92-mile gravel road runs into Denali, and it is currently closed at Mile 43. What is open, which bus goes where, where to get off and walk, and the mile markers that matter.
Denali National Park·Alaska
Denali National Park7 minDenali Road Lottery
The Denali Road Lottery is suspended for the foreseeable future. Here is what it was, why the four September driving days stopped, how far up the Park Road you can actually get in 2026, and the bus that now does the job.
Denali National Park·Alaska
Denali National Park7 minFairbanks to Denali National Park: The 120-Mile Drive
Fairbanks is the closest city to Denali at 120 miles, about two hours down the Parks Highway. The route, the stops, the bus and train alternatives, and why arriving from the north changes how you plan the day.
Denali National Park·Alaska
glacier national park8 minAirports Near Glacier National Park: Which One to Fly Into
Kalispell is closest, Missoula is usually cheaper, and Great Falls wins if you are staying on the east side. All six airports near Glacier National Park, with real drive times.
glacier national park·montana
glacier national park9 minBiking the Going-to-the-Sun Road Before It Opens to Cars
Every spring Glacier plows the Going-to-the-Sun Road and opens it to bikes weeks before cars. How far you can ride, when the window is, and the rules that catch people out.
glacier national park·montana
bryce canyon8 minHow Far Is Bryce Canyon? Drive Times from Vegas
Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon is 4 hours. Zion is 1 hour 40. Antelope Canyon is 2 hours 45. Every drive to Bryce, the nearest airport, and the closest town to stay in.
bryce canyon·utah
bryce canyon9 minOne Day in Bryce Canyon: The Figure 8 and the Easy Hikes
Sunrise at Bryce Point, the 3-mile Figure 8 through Queens Garden and the Navajo Loop, then the drive to Rainbow Point. One day in Bryce Canyon, in the right order.
bryce canyon·utah
Acadia National Park11 minAcadia Hiking Trails
The 12 best Acadia hiking trails, from the iron rungs of the Precipice to the flat gravel of the Ocean Path, with distances, honest difficulty, and when to go so the parking lot is not already full.
Acadia National Park·Maine
Acadia National Park8 minCamping in Acadia: Blackwoods, Seawall and How to Get a Site
Blackwoods and Seawall campgrounds compared, how the six month recreation.gov booking window really works, why there is no backcountry camping in Acadia, and what coastal Maine does to a tent.
Acadia National Park·Maine
Acadia National Park8 minAcadia National Park Map: How the Island Fits Together
An Acadia map that explains itself: the Somes Sound split, the one-way Park Loop Road, the numbered carriage road junctions, the two sections that are not on the island, and which map to actually carry.
Acadia National Park·Maine
Acadia National Park7 minSunset in Acadia National Park: 7 Spots, Best First
The best places to watch sunset in Acadia, from Blue Hill Overlook and Bass Harbor Head to the quiet cobbles at Seawall, with sunset times by month and what to do when the coast fogs in.
Acadia National Park·Maine
Zion National Park6 minZion Hiking Trails: The 10 Best Hikes in Zion National Park
A guide's honest ranking of Zion's six best hikes, from Angels Landing to The Narrows, with real distances, elevation gain, difficulty and the permits you actually need.
Zion National Park
Acadia National Park6 minBubble Rock, Acadia: The Balanced Boulder and the Hike Up
Bubble Rock is a glacial erratic perched on a cliff above Jordan Pond, carried here by ice from 20 miles away. The 1.5 mile hike up South Bubble, why the boulder is not going to fall, and why Bubble Pond is somewhere else entirely.
Acadia National Park·Maine
Acadia National Park8 minSunrise at Acadia National Park: The Cadillac Mountain Guide
How to actually see sunrise at Acadia from Cadillac Mountain: the $6 vehicle reservation and its two release waves, why there is no summit shuttle, the North Ridge hike that skips the reservation entirely, and what time to arrive by month.
Acadia National Park·Maine
Half Dome8 minHalf Dome Cables: When They Are Up, and What They Are Like
When the Half Dome cables go up and come down, what the angle really is, what it feels like to be on them, and the conditions that should stop you getting on at all.
Half Dome·California
Half Dome8 minThe Diving Board and the Death Slabs on Half Dome
The Diving Board is where Ansel Adams shot Monolith in 1927, and the Death Slabs are how you get there. What that approach actually involves, why the fixed ropes should not be trusted, and five places to see the northwest face without it.
Half Dome·California
Half Dome9 minHalf Dome Hike: The Route, the Miles, and How Steep It Gets
The Half Dome route broken down section by section: 14 to 16 miles, 4,800 feet of climbing, where the steep parts actually are, and what the summit is like when you get there.
Half Dome·California
Half Dome8 minHalf Dome Lottery: How the Draw Works and How to Win It
Both Half Dome lotteries explained: the March preseason draw and the daily draw two days out, what your odds really are by day and month, and the five things that actually improve them.
Half Dome·California
Acadia National Park7 minJordan Pond Popovers: How to Skip the Queue, and the Recipe
Popovers have been served on the Jordan Pond House lawn since the 1890s. The trick that turns a 90 minute wait into no wait at all, an honest verdict on whether they live up to it, and a recipe that works at home.
Acadia National Park·Maine
Acadia National Park7 minOtter Point and Otter Cliffs: The Best Coast in Acadia
Otter Point, the 110 foot Otter Cliffs and hidden Monument Cove are the best stretch of the Park Loop Road, and most people stop at Thunder Hole and miss them. What is there, where to park, and why dawn at Otter Point beats a Cadillac reservation.
Acadia National Park·Maine
Acadia National Park9 minPrecipice Trail, Acadia: The Iron Rung Climb, Honestly
Everything before you climb the Precipice Trail in Acadia: the peregrine falcon closure that shuts it most of the summer, what the rungs are really like, why you must not descend the same way, and whether you should be on it.
Acadia National Park·Maine
Acadia National Park7 minRestaurants Near Acadia National Park: Where to Eat, by Town
There is exactly one restaurant inside Acadia National Park. Here is how the rest of Mount Desert Island breaks down by town, why a lobster pound beats a lobster dinner, and the seasonal closures that catch out spring and autumn visitors.
Acadia National Park·Maine
Acadia National Park10 minThings to Do in Acadia National Park: 15 Worth Your Time
Fifteen things to do in Acadia National Park that are genuinely worth it, from the Cadillac sunrise and the iron rung trails to tide pooling and popovers, plus the two famous attractions that are overrated unless you time them right.
Acadia National Park·Maine
Acadia National Park8 minWhere to Stay Near Acadia National Park: Town or Quiet Side
The three towns worth basing in for Acadia, what each costs you in money and drive time, how far ahead to book for peak season and foliage, and the five things to check before you pay.
Acadia National Park·Maine
permits9 minGrand Canyon Rim to Rim Permit
A day hike rim to rim needs no permit at all. You only need a Grand Canyon backcountry permit if you sleep below the rim, and that permit comes from a monthly Recreation.gov lottery that opens on the 16th, five months before your trip. Here is the calendar, the cost, and the North Kaibab closure that shuts the route from 15 October 2026.
permits·Arizona
permits7 minHavasu Falls Permit
The Havasupai Tribe has permanently scrapped the permit lottery. There is no draw to enter and no waiting to hear back. Reservations are sold first come, first served on the tribe's own booking system, and popular dates go in minutes. You still need a permit: arriving without one and without a wristband is trespassing on tribal land.
permits·Arizona
Acadia8 minAcadia National Park Elopement: The No-Permit Route
Eloping in Acadia with 10 people or fewer needs no permit and no fee at all, as long as you follow seven rules. Here they are, plus the best ceremony spots by time of day, sunrise timing by month, and how to build the trip around it.
Acadia·Maine
Acadia7 minAcadia National Park Waterfalls: Where to Go and When
Acadia's waterfalls run on snowmelt and are mostly dry by midsummer. Here are the four worth hiking to, including 40-foot Hadlock Falls, how to reach each one, and the narrow spring window when they are actually flowing.
Acadia·Maine
Acadia8 minAcadia National Park Wedding: Permits, Locations & Limits
A practical guide to an Acadia National Park wedding: the $125 special use permit, all 12 approved ceremony locations with their group size caps, what the park will and will not allow, and the Maine marriage license rules for out-of-state couples.
Acadia·Maine
Acadia8 minAcadia National Park in Winter: What's Open and What's Not
The Park Loop Road closes to cars from December 1 to April 14 and Cadillac Summit Road shuts entirely. Here is what stays open, where to ski and snowshoe, how to still reach Thunder Hole and Jordan Pond, and what winter in Acadia actually feels like.
Acadia·Maine
Acadia6 minAnemone Cave, Acadia: Why It's Not on Any Map Anymore
Anemone Cave was once one of Acadia's star attractions. The park removed it from every map after visitors wiped out the anemone colonies and the Coast Guard grew tired of pulling people out at high tide. Here is the real story, and where to tide pool instead.
Acadia·Maine
Acadia7 minFishing in Acadia National Park: Licenses, Waters and Rules
You need a Maine fishing license, streams are closed October 31 to March 31, and live bait is banned outright. Here is where you can fish in Acadia, which waters the park controls versus the state, and the rules that catch visitors out.
Acadia·Maine
gifts6 minGifts for Outdoorsy Dads: What He Will Actually Use
Outdoorsy dads run their gear into the ground and never replace it. Here are the upgrades he keeps deferring, the trip he never books, and the gifts to skip entirely.
gifts
gifts6 minGifts for Outdoorsy Mom: Ideas She Will Actually Use
The best gifts for an outdoorsy mom give her time outside instead of more equipment to manage. What lands, what fits without guessing a size, and what to skip.
gifts
gifts6 minOutdoorsy Christmas Gifts: What to Buy and What to Skip
The best outdoorsy Christmas gifts get opened in December and used in April. Stocking fillers that earn their place, the one big gift that works in winter, and what gets returned.
gifts
gifts5 minWedding Gifts for the Outdoorsy Couple
An outdoorsy couple is merging two sets of gear, so duplicates are the main risk. Here is what is genuinely shared, what to avoid, and the gift that works for a honeymoon.
gifts
gear8 minBest Wide Toe Box Hiking Shoes for Wide Feet
Wide feet don't have to mean blisters and bruised toenails. These hiking shoes offer roomy toe boxes and solid trail performance without sacrificing stability.
geartrail guide11 minThe Enchantments, Washington
The Enchantments in Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness is one of the most stunning, and hardest to access, hikes in the US. Here's everything you need to know about the permit lottery, the full traverse, and what to realistically expect.
trail guide·Washington
gear9 minThe Best Hiking Socks of 2026 (Blister-Free, Tested)
The best hiking socks keep your feet dry, cushioned, and blister-free. Our top merino wool picks for every trail and season, plus a buyer's guide.
gear
Oregon10 minThe Best Oregon Coast Hikes, Ranked Trail by Trail
A ranked, trail-by-trail guide to the best Oregon Coast hikes, from Cape Perpetua to Neahkahnie Mountain, with distance, difficulty, and views.
coastal hiking·Oregon
oregon coast10 minThe Best Time to Visit the Oregon Coast, Month by Month
A month-by-month look at the best time to visit the Oregon Coast, covering sunny September, whales, winter storm watching, and quiet shoulder seasons.
oregon coast·pacific northwest
Oregon Coast10 minThe Best Towns on the Oregon Coast: A Town-by-Town Guide
A town-by-town guide to the best towns on the Oregon Coast, from Astoria to Bandon, with what each one is known for and the coolest things to do in each.
Oregon Coast·Pacific Northwest
father son9 minFather Son Road Trip Ideas: The West Coast Drive That Bonds
Father son road trip ideas built around the West Coast drive: drive through redwoods, sea caves, Big Sur, smart pacing, and screen free conversation that sticks.
father son·West Coast
gifts7 minGifts for Outdoorsy People: 20 Ideas They Will Actually Use
The best gifts for outdoorsy people are the ones that get used every trip, not the ones that photograph well. Here is what earns its place, what to skip, and the one gift that gives them a trip.
gifts
Oregon9 minOregon Coast Hot Springs: Where to Soak Near the Coast
An honest guide to Oregon coast hot springs, why the best natural soaks sit inland, and how to add a springs detour to a coastal road trip.
hot springs·Oregon
Oregon10 minOregon Coast Lighthouses: A North to South Driving Guide
A north to south Oregon coast lighthouses map and driving guide to all nine historic lights, which ones you can tour, and the best order to visit.
lighthouses·Oregon
oregon coast10 minOregon Coast Tide Pools: Where and When to Find Sea Life
A guide to the best Oregon Coast tide pools, how to read a tide table for low tide, what sea life you will see, plus king tides safety and etiquette.
oregon coast·pacific northwest
oregon coast10 minOregon Coast Waterfalls: The Best Falls to Chase Near 101
A guide to the best Oregon Coast waterfalls, from the beach cascade at Hug Point to forest falls just off Highway 101, with tide timing and directions.
oregon coast·pacific northwest
Oregon Coast10 minOregon Coast With Kids: A Family Road Trip Guide That Works
A practical family guide to the Oregon Coast with kids: the best stops, how to pace a Pacific Coast Highway family road trip, and easy rainy-day backup plans.
Oregon Coast
pacific coast highway10 minCamping Along the Pacific Coast Highway
A hands-on guide to camping along the Pacific Coast Highway, with the best state parks and campgrounds for tent, car, and RV camping, plus how to reserve.
pacific coast highway
pacific coast highway10 minPacific Coast Highway Map: How to Plan the Drive by Segment
How to map the Pacific Coast Highway by segment, with distances, drive times, and direction tips for San Francisco to Monterey to Los Angeles.
pacific coast highway
pacific coast highway10 minPacific Coast Highway Motorcycle Ride
Everything you need for a Pacific Coast Highway motorcycle ride: the best sections, gear and weather advice, fuel stops, and how to pace your daily mileage.
pacific coast highway
highway 1019 minPacific Coast Highway Road Conditions
How to check if Highway 101 is closed, find live road status from Caltrans and ODOT, and understand speed limits along the Pacific Coast route.
highway 101
Pacific Coast Highway11 min20 Best Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway (With Map)
The best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway, from Cannon Beach and Cape Perpetua to Big Sur and the Golden Gate, with photos, map links, and the best time to drive.
Pacific Coast Highway·California
Oregon Coast9 minRomantic Oregon Coast Getaways: Best Towns and Stays for Two
A guide to romantic Oregon Coast getaways: the most romantic towns, oceanfront inns, sunset spots, and slow couple activities from Cannon Beach to Yachats.
Oregon Coast
Pacific Northwest11 minWashington and Oregon Coast Road Trip: The Full PNW Drive
How to plan a Washington and Oregon coast road trip from the Olympic Peninsula south down the Oregon Coast, with suggested days and the best stops.
Oregon Coast·Pacific Northwest
pacific coast highway10 minWhere to Stay on the Pacific Coast Highway
A practical guide to the best places to stay on the Pacific Coast Highway, with base towns, lodging types, and tips for spacing your overnights.
pacific coast highway
Yellowstone6 minBest Entrance to Yellowstone National Park: All 5 Gates
A hiking guide's honest breakdown of Yellowstone's five entrances, which to pick for geysers, Lamar Valley wildlife, or pairing with Grand Teton, plus airports, drive times, and what stays open in winter.
Yellowstone·Wyoming
national parks7 min8 Best National Parks to Visit in January (2026)
January rewards desert and subtropical parks. Death Valley, Everglades, Big Bend, Joshua Tree, and Saguaro offer mild days and thin crowds, while Bryce delivers snow-dusted hoodoos and Yosemite Valley shows off snowy granite. Here's where to go, and which snowbound parks to skip.
national parks
national parks7 minBest National Parks to Visit in June: 7 Top Picks
Early summer is prime time for the high country. The best national parks to visit in June are Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Olympic, Acadia, and Glacier (when Going-to-the-Sun fully opens, usually mid-to-late June). Skip the desert parks now, where heat turns dangerous.
national parks
national parks7 minBest National Parks to Visit in May: 7 Top Picks
May is the spring sweet spot for national parks: Yosemite waterfalls roar at peak melt, Great Smoky wildflowers bloom, and Zion, Bryce, Arches and Canyonlands stay comfortable before summer heat. Here are the seven parks worth your time, plus the snowbound ones to skip.
national parks
winter7 min9 Best National Parks to Visit in Winter (Dec-Feb)
Winter sends crowds home and opens up the desert and subtropical parks. The best national parks to visit in December through February are Death Valley, Big Bend, Joshua Tree, Saguaro, the Everglades, Grand Canyon South Rim, Bryce Canyon, and Yosemite for February's firefall.
winter
Pinnacles National Park6 minDay Trip to Pinnacles National Park: How to Do It
You can see the best of Pinnacles in a single day. Here are the real drive times, why you must pick the east or west entrance before you leave, the $30 fee, and the loop that packs in caves, a reservoir, condors, and the High Peaks.
Pinnacles National Park·California
Glacier National Park6 minGlacier National Park in Winter: A Real Guide to What's Open
Going-to-the-Sun Road is plowed only to Lake McDonald Lodge in winter and most services shut down, but the West entrance stays open and the snow-covered park becomes a quiet playground for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Here's exactly what to expect.
Glacier National Park·Montana
Glacier National Park6 minGlacier National Park vs Yellowstone: Which to Choose
Glacier is the alpine hiking park; Yellowstone is the geyser-and-wildlife park. Here's how they really differ on season, crowds, fees and trails, plus how to combine both in one road trip.
Glacier National Park·Montana
Hawaii6 minKona to Volcano National Park: Drive Guide & Top Stops
A practical drive guide from Kona to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: both routes, real drive times, the $30 fee, what to see at Kilauea, and the best time to go.
Big Island·Hawaii
Glacier National Park6 minThings to Do in Glacier National Park, Montana
A guide's honest roundup of the best things to do in Glacier National Park, Montana, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Hidden Lake, Avalanche Lake, Many Glacier, the Highline Trail, boat tours, and what changed for 2026 (no vehicle reservations, new Logan Pass parking limit).
Glacier National Park·Montana
Yosemite6 minSunset at Yosemite National Park: 6 Best Spots & Timing
An honest breakdown of the six best sunset spots in Yosemite, how to reach each, when to arrive, and which are open which months.
Yosemite·California
zion6 minZion to Arches National Park: Drive Time, Route & Stops
How to drive from Zion to Arches National Park near Moab: roughly 300 to 315 miles and 4.5 to 5 hours via I-15 north and I-70 east. The route, where to stop, fuel warnings, and how it fits a Utah Mighty 5 road trip.
zion·utah
Zion6 minZion vs Bryce Canyon National Park: How to Choose (2026)
Zion is a deep red canyon with river hikes, the Narrows, and Angels Landing. Bryce is cooler, higher, and full of hoodoos. They sit about 83 miles apart, so most people do both. Here's how to choose and combine them.
Zion·Utah
Acadia National Park6 minBoston to Acadia National Park Road Trip: Route and Stops
A practical, first-hand guide to driving from Boston to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor: the I-95 route, real drive times, worthwhile stops, current park fees, and the trails worth your legs once you arrive.
Acadia National Park·Maine
denver6 minDenver to Yellowstone National Park: Drive, Route & Stops
How to drive from Denver to Yellowstone National Park: roughly 560 miles and 8-9 hours via I-25, I-80 and US-191 through Jackson. The real route, the smartest overnight stop, which entrance to use, and the mistakes that cost people half a day.
denver·wyoming
Yosemite6 minLos Angeles to Yosemite National Park: Drive Guide (2026)
A practical drive guide from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park: which route to take, realistic drive times, where to stop, park fees, and seasonal road closures.
Yosemite
Glacier National Park6 minMissoula to Glacier National Park: Drive, Route & Stops
A practical drive guide from Missoula to Glacier National Park (West Glacier): the route, drive time, worthwhile stops, park fees, and what changed for 2026.
Glacier National Park·Montana
Zion National Park6 minSalt Lake City to Zion National Park: Drive Guide (2026)
A practical guide to driving from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park: the I-15 route, the Exit 16 turnoff, drive time, gas and food stops, park fees, the shuttle system, and when to go.
Zion National Park·Utah
Sequoia National Park6 minBest Things to Do in Sequoia National Park (2026 Guide)
The top things to do in Sequoia National Park, from a guide who's hiked it: General Sherman, the Moro Rock stairway, Crystal Cave, Tokopah Falls and Crescent Meadow, plus real distances, drive times, fees and seasonal timing.
Sequoia National Park·California
Adirondacks8 minMap of the Adirondacks NY
A practical map guide to the Adirondacks of New York, focused on the High Peaks region around Lake Placid, the trailheads, and the wilderness zones you will actually hike.
Adirondacks·New York
Adirondacks9 minAlgonquin Peak Adirondacks
Everything you need to hike Algonquin Peak in the Adirondacks, from the Adirondak Loj trailhead to the alpine summit, with distances, timing, and the MacIntyre Range traverse.
Adirondacks·New York
Sawtooth Mountains9 minAlice Lake Hike, Sawtooth Mountains
A complete guide to hiking Alice Lake in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains via the Tin Cup Trail from Pettit Lake, with distance, elevation, the Twin Lakes extension, and the best season to go.
Sawtooth Mountains·Idaho
Zion8 minHow to Get an Angels Landing Permit (and Survive the Hike)
A step-by-step guide to winning the Angels Landing permit lottery in Zion and tackling the chained final half-mile.
Zion·Utah
Anza-Borrego9 minAnza-Borrego Super Bloom
How to catch the Anza-Borrego super bloom in spring, with the best April wildflower trails, where the color peaks, and how to time a notoriously fickle bloom.
Anza-Borrego·California
Apostle Islands9 minApostle Islands Sea Caves Kayaking
How to paddle the famous Lake Superior sea caves at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, including launch points, conditions, and the best months to go.
Apostle Islands·Wisconsin
Arches8 minArches National Park Camping: Where to Stay Near the Arches
A complete guide to Arches National Park camping, from Devils Garden Campground to free BLM sites near Moab, plus how to book.
Arches·Utah
Arches National Park9 minBest Hikes in Arches National Park Near Moab
From the iconic Delicate Arch climb to the under-the-radar Devils Garden loop, these are the best Arches National Park hikes a short drive from Moab, Utah.
Arches National Park·Utah
Mount Baker8 minArtist Point at Mount Baker
A practical guide to Artist Point at Mount Baker, the highest paved viewpoint in the North Cascades, plus the best short hikes that leave from the parking lot.
Mount Baker·Washington
Atchafalaya Basin8 minAtchafalaya Basin Swamp Tours and Boardwalk Hikes
How to combine guided swamp tours with the boardwalk trails of the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest river swamp in the United States.
Atchafalaya Basin·Louisiana
Badlands National Park8 minBadlands National Park Hikes
A guide to the best Badlands National Park hikes in South Dakota, from the Notch Trail ladder to the open-prairie Castle Trail, with distances and seasons.
Badlands National Park·South Dakota
Banff8 minBanff With Kids: A Family Guide to the Canadian Rockies
How to plan a Banff National Park trip with kids, from stroller-friendly trails and the gondola to wildlife safety, lake canoeing, and where to stay.
Banff·Alberta
Bar Harbor8 minThings to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine: Day Trips Beyond Acadia
Things to do in Bar Harbor, Maine beyond the main park loop, including the quiet side of Acadia, Schoodic Peninsula, lighthouses, and rainy-day options.
Bar Harbor·Maine
Indian Peaks Wilderness9 minBest Day Hikes in Indian Peaks Wilderness
Six of the best day hikes in Indian Peaks Wilderness, from easy Brainard Lake strolls to the climb up to Lake Isabelle and Pawnee Pass.
Indian Peaks Wilderness·Colorado
Death Valley8 minThe Best Easy Hikes in Death Valley for First-Time Visitors
A guide to the most rewarding short and easy hikes in Death Valley National Park, from Badwater Basin to Golden Canyon.
Death Valley·California
Sedona8 minBest Easy Hikes in Sedona (Family-Friendly Red Rock Trails)
The best easy hikes in Sedona: flat, short, family-friendly red-rock trails with huge views and gentle turnarounds for little legs. Where to go and what to expect.
Sedona·Arizona
Iceland9 minBest Hikes in Iceland: 7 Trails Worth the Trip
From the rainbow rhyolite of Landmannalaugar to the glacier-carved canyons near Skaftafell, here are the best hikes in Iceland and how to fit them into a road trip.
Highlands·Iceland
Bergen9 minBest Hikes in Norway: Top Trails Near Bergen and the Fjords
A local guide to the best hikes in Norway you can reach from Bergen, from Mount Floyen to the Vidden Trail and the famous fjord summits.
Bergen
Maine8 minHiking in Maine: The Best Trails From the Coast to Katahdin
From the granite peaks of Acadia to the remote Appalachian Trail wilderness, here is where to find the best hiking in Maine for every kind of hiker.
Acadia National Park·Maine
Moab9 minBest Moab Day Hikes
A local-style rundown of the best day hikes around Moab, from Delicate Arch to the Mesa Arch sunrise, with timing, distances, and how to beat the heat.
Moab·Utah
Bar Harbor8 minStuff to Do in Bar Harbor
The best stuff to do in Bar Harbor, Maine, from the Shore Path and Bar Island sandbar walk to lobster shacks and whale-watching at the gateway to Acadia.
Bar Harbor·Maine
Selway-Bitterroot8 minBest Time to Backpack the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
When to go backpacking in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness on the Idaho-Montana border, from snowmelt and high water to peak summer and golden fall.
Selway-Bitterroot·Idaho
Three Sisters Wilderness8 minBest Time to Backpack the Three Sisters Wilderness in Oregon
A month-by-month look at when to backpack the Three Sisters Wilderness, covering snowmelt, wildflowers, mosquitoes, larch color, and the permit window.
Three Sisters Wilderness·Oregon
Enchanted Valley8 minBest Time to Hike Enchanted Valley
A season-by-season guide to the best time to hike Enchanted Valley in Olympic National Park, including when the waterfalls peak, when river crossings are safest, and what to expect in the Quinault Rain Forest.
Enchanted Valley·Washington
Superior Hiking Trail8 minBest Time to Hike the Superior Hiking Trail for Fall Colors
When North Shore foliage peaks, season by season conditions, and the best overlooks to catch fall colors on the Superior Hiking Trail.
Superior Hiking Trail·Minnesota
New England9 minBest Time to See New England Fall Foliage
A week-by-week breakdown of when fall color peaks across New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine so you can time your leaf-peeping trip just right.
New England·Vermont
Bitterroot Mountains8 minBest Time to Hike the Bitterroot Mountains
A month-by-month guide to hiking season in the Bitterroot Mountains, from snowmelt and bug season to prime alpine windows and golden fall.
Bitterroot Mountains·Montana
Grand Canyon8 minBest Time to Hike the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim
When to attempt the Grand Canyon rim to rim hike, why spring and fall win, and how the North Rim's seasonal closure shapes your window.
Grand Canyon·Arizona
Mount Whitney8 minBest Time to Hike Mount Whitney: Month-by-Month Conditions
When to climb Mount Whitney for the best balance of snow-free trail, stable weather, and manageable crowds, broken down month by month.
Mount Whitney·California
Ouachita Trail8 minBest Time to Hike the Ouachita Trail
When to hike the Ouachita National Recreation Trail in Arkansas and Oklahoma, with month-by-month weather, water, and trail conditions to help you plan.
Ouachita Trail·Arkansas
Wind River Range8 minBest Time to Hike the Wind River Range
When to hike and backpack the Wind River Range in Wyoming, with a month-by-month breakdown of snow, mosquitoes, wildflowers, storms, and fall color.
Wind River Range·Wyoming
Arches8 minBest Time to Visit Arches National Park
When to visit Arches National Park for the best weather, smallest crowds, and why the timed-entry reservation system that shaped past trips is not running in 2026.
Arches·Utah
Big Bend9 minBest Time to Visit Big Bend National Park
When to visit Big Bend National Park for hiking, weather, and crowds, with a month-by-month breakdown of the desert, mountains, and Rio Grande.
Big Bend
Big Sur8 minBest Time to Visit Big Sur
When to visit Big Sur for clear skies, wildflowers, fewer crowds, and good hiking, broken down season by season along Highway 1.
Big Sur·California
Black Canyon of the Gunnison8 minBest Time to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison
When to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison for hiking, fall color, fewer crowds, and open roads, broken down month by month and season by season.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison·Colorado
Black Hills8 minBest Time to Visit the Black Hills: A Month-by-Month Guide
When to visit the Black Hills of South Dakota for hiking, wildlife, fewer crowds, and good weather, broken down season by season.
Black Hills·South Dakota
Boundary Waters8 minBest Time to Visit the Boundary Waters
When to paddle the Boundary Waters: weather, bugs, crowds, and fishing month by month so you can pick the perfect window for your canoe trip.
Boundary Waters·Minnesota
Canyonlands8 minBest Time to Visit the Canyonlands Needles District
A month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, and trail conditions for the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park so you can plan the perfect trip.
Canyonlands·Utah
Chiricahua National Monument8 minBest Time to Visit Chiricahua National Monument
When to visit Chiricahua National Monument for cool hiking weather, fall color, spring wildflowers, and quiet trails in southeast Arizona.
Chiricahua National Monument·Arizona
Crater Lake8 minBest Time to Visit Crater Lake: A Month-by-Month Guide
When to visit Crater Lake National Park for open roads, snow-free trails, and that famous blue water, broken down month by month.
Crater Lake·Oregon
Death Valley8 minThe Best Time to Visit Death Valley
When to visit Death Valley National Park for comfortable hiking, wildflowers, and cool desert nights, broken down by season.
Death Valley·California
Grand Teton8 minBest Time to Visit Grand Teton for Hiking
A season-by-season breakdown of the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park for hiking, wildflowers, wildlife, and fall color in Jackson Hole.
Grand Teton·Wyoming
Grand Teton9 minBest Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
A season-by-season breakdown of when to visit Grand Teton for hiking, wildlife, fall colors, and fewer crowds, including what is open each month.
Grand Teton·Wyoming
Havasupai8 minBest Time to Visit Havasupai Falls: Season-by-Season Guide
When to hike Havasupai for the best weather, water color, and crowd levels, plus the monsoon and flash-flood months to avoid.
Havasupai·Arizona
Isle Royale8 minBest Time to Visit Isle Royale National Park
When to visit Isle Royale National Park: a month-by-month look at weather, bugs, crowds, and trail conditions to help you pick the perfect window.
Isle Royale·Michigan
Joshua Tree8 minBest Time to Visit Joshua Tree: A Month-by-Month Guide
When to visit Joshua Tree National Park for cool hiking weather, wildflowers, and dark skies, broken down season by season.
Joshua Tree·California
Kings Canyon8 minBest Time to Visit Kings Canyon National Park
When to visit Kings Canyon National Park for open roads, snow-free passes, wildflowers, and fewer crowds, broken down by season.
Kings Canyon·California
Lassen Volcanic8 minBest Time to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park
A month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park, from the late snowmelt to fall colors and winter road closures.
Lassen Volcanic
Louisiana8 minThe Best Time to Visit Louisiana Swamps
When to visit the swamps and bayous of south Louisiana for the best weather, wildlife, and fewest mosquitoes, broken down season by season.
South Louisiana·Louisiana
Maroon Bells8 minBest Time to Visit Maroon Bells: Month by Month for 2026
When to visit Maroon Bells near Aspen for wildflowers, fall aspen color, fewer crowds, and the famous sunrise reflection at Maroon Lake.
Maroon Bells·Colorado
Moab8 minBest Time to Visit Moab: A Season-by-Season Guide for 2026
Spring and fall deliver Moab's best weather for hiking Arches, biking Slickrock, and paddling the Colorado River, while summer brings triple-digit heat.
Moab·Utah
New Mexico8 minBest Time to Visit New Mexico
A month-by-month guide to the best time to visit New Mexico for hiking, balloon season, the monsoon, and shoulder-season deals across the high desert and mountains.
travel planning·New Mexico
North Cascades8 minBest Time to Visit North Cascades National Park
A season-by-season guide to the best time to visit North Cascades National Park, including the larch season, road openings, and weather to expect.
North Cascades·Washington
Olympic National Park8 minBest Time to Visit Olympic National Park
When to visit Olympic National Park for wildflowers, dry trails, fewer crowds, and open mountain roads, broken down by season.
Olympic National Park·Washington
Pictured Rocks8 minBest Time to Visit Pictured Rocks: A Season-by-Season Guide
When to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for waterfalls, fall color, swimming, and quiet trails along Lake Superior.
Pictured Rocks·Michigan
Porcupine Mountains8 minThe Best Time to Visit the Porcupine Mountains
A month-by-month breakdown of when to visit Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park for fall color, waterfalls, backpacking, and quiet trails on Lake Superior.
Porcupine Mountains
Ricketts Glen8 minBest Time to Visit Ricketts Glen
When to visit Ricketts Glen State Park for the fullest waterfalls, peak fall foliage, the fewest crowds, and safe winter conditions on the Falls Trail.
Ricketts Glen·Pennsylvania
Saguaro National Park8 minBest Time to Visit Saguaro National Park
When to visit Saguaro National Park near Tucson, including the cool hiking season, the late-spring saguaro bloom, monsoon storms, and how to handle brutal summer heat.
Saguaro National Park·Arizona
Sawtooth Mountains8 minBest Time to Visit the Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
When to visit Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains for hiking, fall color, and quiet trails, broken down month by month with snowmelt timing, wildflowers, and crowd advice.
Sawtooth Mountains·Idaho
Sedona8 minThe Best Time to Visit Sedona
A month-by-month breakdown of Sedona weather, crowds, and trail conditions so you can pick the right season for hiking Devil's Bridge, Cathedral Rock, and Oak Creek Canyon.
Sedona·Arizona
Shenandoah8 minBest Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park
A season-by-season guide to the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park, including when fall foliage on Skyline Drive peaks and how to avoid the crowds.
Shenandoah·Virginia
Smith Rock8 minBest Time to Visit Smith Rock State Park
When to visit Smith Rock State Park for hiking, climbing, and fewer crowds, with a month-by-month breakdown of weather in Central Oregon's high desert.
Smith Rock·Oregon
Theodore Roosevelt National Park8 minThe Best Time to Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park
A season-by-season guide to the best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with weather, wildlife, crowds, and what to expect in each month.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park·North Dakota
Valles Caldera8 minBest Time to Visit Valles Caldera: A Season-by-Season Guide
When to visit Valles Caldera National Preserve for elk, wildflowers, fall aspen, and snow, with month-by-month weather and access notes.
Valles Caldera·New Mexico
White Sands8 minThe Best Time to Visit White Sands National Park
A month-by-month and season-by-season breakdown of when to visit White Sands National Park for cool weather, sunsets, full moons, and fewer crowds.
White Sands·New Mexico
Wind River Range8 minBest Time to Visit the Wind River Range
When to visit the Wind River Range in Wyoming for hiking, backpacking, and clear high passes, with a month-by-month breakdown of snow, bugs, and weather.
Wind River Range·Wyoming
Yellowstone8 minThe Best Time to Visit Yellowstone: A Month-by-Month Guide
When to visit Yellowstone for wildlife, fewer crowds, open roads, and good weather, broken down month by month for every kind of traveler.
Yellowstone·Wyoming
Zion9 minBest Time to Visit Zion National Park on a Utah Road Trip
A month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Zion, covering crowds, the shuttle, the Narrows, weather, and how it fits a Mighty 5 road trip.
Zion·Utah
Zion8 minBest Time to Visit Zion National Park
When to visit Zion for fewer crowds, cooler hikes, and open trails, broken down season by season.
Zion·Utah
Utah9 minBest Time to Visit Utah's Mighty Five National Parks
A month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Utah's Mighty Five national parks, with weather, crowds, and hiking conditions for Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.
Mighty Five·Utah
Big Bend9 minBig Bend Camping Guide
Where to camp in Big Bend National Park, from the Chisos Basin to Rio Grande Village and backcountry roadside sites, plus reservation and gear tips.
Big Bend
Big Schloss8 minBig Schloss Hike: Virginia's Best Ridgeline Outcrop Trail
How to hike Big Schloss in George Washington National Forest, a rocky castle-like outcrop on the Virginia and West Virginia border with 360-degree views.
Big Schloss·Virginia
Big Sur9 minBig Sur Camping Guide: Best Campgrounds Along Highway 1
Where to camp in Big Sur, from redwood state parks to private campgrounds and dispersed sites, with booking tips and what to expect on Highway 1.
Big Sur·California
Bitterroot National Forest9 minCamping in the Bitterroot National Forest
Where to camp around the Selway-Bitterroot, from drive-up canyon campgrounds near Hamilton to backcountry sites deep in the wilderness.
Bitterroot National Forest·Montana
Black Canyon of the Gunnison8 minCamping at Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Everything you need to know about camping at Black Canyon of the Gunnison, including all three campgrounds, reservations, hookups, and what to expect.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison·Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison9 minBest Hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison
A trail-by-trail guide to the best hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison, from easy rim walks to the brutal Gunnison Route into the inner canyon.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison·Colorado
Black Hills9 minBlack Hills Hikes: 8 Best Trails
From Black Elk Peak to the Cathedral Spires, here are the best Black Hills hikes for every fitness level, with trailheads, distances, and seasons.
Black Hills·South Dakota
Blodgett Canyon9 minBlodgett Canyon Trail: Hiking Hamilton's Granite Cathedral
A complete guide to hiking Blodgett Canyon near Hamilton, Montana, the granite-walled gateway to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.
Blodgett Canyon·Montana
Blodgett Canyon8 minBlodgett Canyon Trail
A practical trail guide to hiking Blodgett Canyon near Hamilton, Montana, the most dramatic granite gateway into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.
Blodgett Canyon·Montana
Blue Ridge Parkway9 minBlue Ridge Parkway Camping
A milepost-by-milepost guide to the eight National Park Service campgrounds on the Blue Ridge Parkway, plus reservation tips, seasons, and what to expect.
Blue Ridge Parkway·North Carolina
Blue Ridge Parkway8 minBlue Ridge Parkway Fall Foliage
When and where to catch peak fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway, from high-elevation reds in early October to valley golds in late October.
Blue Ridge Parkway·North Carolina
Boundary Waters9 minBoundary Waters Entry Points: How to Choose the Right One
A practical guide to picking the best Boundary Waters entry point for your route, from quiet Slim Lake to the popular Moose Lake corridor near Ely.
Boundary Waters·Minnesota
Boundary Waters9 minBoundary Waters Fishing: Walleye, Lake Trout, and Smallmouth
What to catch and where in the Boundary Waters, from walleye on Basswood Lake to lake trout on Saganaga, plus licenses, lures, and the best seasons.
Boundary Waters·Minnesota
Bryce Canyon9 minBryce Canyon Camping Guide
Everything you need to camp at Bryce Canyon: how North and Sunset campgrounds compare, reservation tips, backcountry permits, and nearby alternatives.
Bryce Canyon·Utah
Bryce Canyon8 minEasy Bryce Canyon Hikes for Families
The best easy, kid-friendly hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park, from the Queen's Garden Trail to the Rim Trail, with tips on distance, shade, and timing.
Bryce Canyon·Utah
Bryce Canyon9 minBest Bryce Canyon Hikes Ranked by Difficulty
A trail-by-trail guide to the best Bryce Canyon hikes, sorted from flat rim strolls to lung-busting hoodoo descents, so you can match the route to your group.
Bryce Canyon·Utah
Bryce Canyon8 minBryce Canyon Hiking Guide
A practical Bryce Canyon hiking guide covering the Navajo Loop, Queens Garden combo, Peekaboo, and the rim trail, with elevation, timing, and weather.
Bryce Canyon·Utah
Bryce Canyon8 minBryce Canyon in Winter: Hiking the Snow-Capped Hoodoos
Red hoodoos under fresh snow make Bryce Canyon one of the most photogenic and uncrowded national parks to visit in December.
Bryce Canyon·Utah
Bryce Canyon8 minQueens Garden to Navajo Loop
A complete guide to the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop combination, the most scenic and family-friendly way to hike down among the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon·Utah
Bryce Canyon8 minBryce Canyon Stargazing: Where and When to See the Dark Sky
Bryce Canyon is one of the darkest skies in the United States; here is where to stand, when to go, and which ranger programs to catch over the hoodoos.
Bryce Canyon·Utah
Lassen Volcanic8 minBumpass Hell Trail: Lassen's Largest Hydrothermal Hike
A complete trail guide to Bumpass Hell, the boiling mudpots and fumaroles at the heart of Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Lassen Volcanic
Great Smoky Mountains8 minCades Cove Loop Road: The Complete Guide for First-Timers
Everything you need to drive the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, from wildlife timing to the best short hikes off the road.
Great Smoky Mountains·Tennessee
Lake Powell8 minCamping Near Lake Powell
From the developed Wahweap and Bullfrog campgrounds to free shoreline beach camping at Lone Rock, here is where to sleep at Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona line.
Lake Powell·Arizona
Saguaro National Park8 minCamping Near Saguaro National Park
A practical guide to camping near Saguaro National Park, from backcountry sites on Rincon Mountain trails to nearby Gilbert Ray and state park campgrounds around Tucson.
Saguaro National Park·Arizona
Canyon Creek9 minCanyon Creek to the Bitterroot Alpine Lakes
How to hike Canyon Creek to Canyon Lake and the high alpine lakes of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness above Hamilton, Montana.
Canyon Creek·Montana
Cape Falcon8 minCape Falcon Trail, Oswald West
A complete guide to the Cape Falcon Trail in Oswald West State Park, with distance, parking, trail conditions, and the best season to walk this north Oregon Coast headland.
Cape Falcon·Oregon
Capitol Reef8 minThe Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park
A trail-by-trail guide to the best hikes in Capitol Reef, from the Hickman Bridge arch to the slot canyons of the Waterpocket Fold.
Capitol Reef·Utah
Capitol Reef8 minCapitol Reef Fruita Orchards
Everything you need to know about the historic Fruita orchards in Capitol Reef, including what fruit ripens when and how the U-pick system works.
Capitol Reef·Utah
Capitol Reef8 minDriving the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive: A Complete Guide
A mile-by-mile guide to the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, including the Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge spur roads and the best stops along the way.
Capitol Reef·Utah
Canyonlands8 minChesler Park Loop Trail
A complete guide to the Chesler Park Loop and the famous Joint Trail in Canyonlands Needles District, including distance, the slot canyon, and how to plan your day.
Canyonlands·Utah
Chicago Basin9 minChicago Basin 14ers
A practical climber's guide to bagging the three Chicago Basin 14ers deep in Colorado's Weminuche Wilderness.
Chicago Basin·Colorado
Chiricahua National Monument8 minChiricahua National Monument Camping
Everything you need to camp at Chiricahua National Monument, from booking a Bonita Canyon Campground site to nearby alternatives and what to pack.
Chiricahua National Monument·Arizona
Cirque of the Towers8 minCirque of the Towers Hike
How to hike to the Cirque of the Towers in Wyoming's Wind River Range, from the Big Sandy trailhead over Jackass Pass to Lonesome Lake.
Cirque of the Towers·Wyoming
Wind River Range9 minCirque of the Towers Hike: The Complete Trail Guide
Everything you need to plan a hike or backpacking trip into the Cirque of the Towers, the granite amphitheater at the heart of Wyoming's Wind River Range.
Wind River Range·Wyoming
Congaree National Park8 minCongaree Boardwalk Loop Trail: A Complete Walking Guide
Everything you need to walk the elevated Boardwalk Loop at Congaree National Park, from access and length to the best stretches through the old-growth swamp.
Congaree National Park·South Carolina
Congaree National Park9 minPaddling Cedar Creek: Canoe and Kayak Guide to Congaree
How to canoe or kayak Cedar Creek through the old-growth swamp at Congaree National Park, including put-ins, distances, and what to expect on the water.
Congaree National Park·South Carolina
Congaree National Park8 minCongaree Mosquito Season and the Best Time to Visit
How the famous Congaree mosquito meter works, when the bugs peak, and the best months to visit Congaree National Park in comfort.
Congaree National Park·South Carolina
Valentine8 minBiking the Cowboy Trail in Nebraska: A Rail-Trail Guide
A practical guide to riding the Cowboy Trail across northern Nebraska, including the Valentine to Wood Lake high-bridge stretch through the Sandhills.
Valentine·Nebraska
Crabtree Falls8 minCrabtree Falls, Virginia
A complete trail guide to Crabtree Falls in George Washington National Forest, the highest vertical-drop cascade east of the Mississippi.
Crabtree Falls·Virginia
Crater Lake8 minCrater Lake Boat Tour and Wizard Island
Everything you need to take a Crater Lake boat tour, hike down Cleetwood Cove, and explore Wizard Island, including tickets, timing, and the steep trail back up.
Crater Lake·Oregon
Crater Lake9 minCrater Lake Camping Guide
Where to camp at Crater Lake National Park, from Mazama Campground to backcountry permits, plus reservations, season dates, and bear safety.
Crater Lake·Oregon
Maroon Bells8 minCrater Lake Trail at Maroon Bells: A Day Hike Guide
A complete guide to the Crater Lake Trail at Maroon Bells near Aspen, with distance, elevation gain, trail conditions, and what to expect.
Maroon Bells·Colorado
Custer State Park8 minCuster State Park Wildlife Loop
How to see bison, begging burros, and pronghorn on the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road in South Dakota, plus the best times and short hikes nearby.
Custer State Park·South Dakota
Dark Hollow Falls8 minDark Hollow Falls Trail
A practical guide to the Dark Hollow Falls trail in Shenandoah National Park, the closest waterfall hike to Skyline Drive.
Dark Hollow Falls·Virginia
Death Valley9 minDeath Valley Spring Hikes
The best Death Valley hikes to do in April, from cool canyon slots to high-country peaks, plus how to time the day and beat the building spring heat.
Death Valley·California
Death Valley9 minDeath Valley Camping in Winter
A practical guide to camping in Death Valley during the cool winter season, including the best campgrounds and what to pack.
Death Valley·California
Grand Teton8 minDelta Lake Hike Grand Teton
Everything you need to hike to Delta Lake in Grand Teton, including the unmarked turnoff, the boulder field scramble, and how to beat the crowds.
Grand Teton·Wyoming
Canyonlands8 minDruid Arch Trail, The Needles
Everything you need to hike the Druid Arch Trail in Canyonlands Needles District, from distance and the final ladder scramble to water, timing, and trailhead access.
Canyonlands·Utah
Durango8 minRiding the Durango Silverton Train to Backpack the Weminuche
Everything you need to know about using the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to access remote Weminuche Wilderness trailheads.
Durango·Colorado
Banff8 minEasy Hikes in Banff
Seven short, low-effort trails in Banff National Park that deliver waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and mountain panoramas without a brutal climb.
Banff·Alberta
Rocky Mountain National Park8 minEasy Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
The best short, flat, and stroller-friendly trails in Rocky Mountain National Park for families, beginners, and anyone short on time.
Rocky Mountain National Park·Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park8 minEmerald Lake Trail
A practical trail-by-trail guide to the Emerald Lake hike from Bear Lake, including distance, parking, and how to string together Nymph, Dream, and Emerald lakes in one morning.
Rocky Mountain National Park·Colorado
Enchanted Valley8 minEnchanted Valley Chalet and the Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls
The story of the historic Enchanted Valley Chalet in Olympic National Park, why the valley is nicknamed the Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls, and how to share the meadows safely with its resident black bears.
Enchanted Valley·Washington
Estes Park8 minEstes Park Elk Rut: Where and When to See the Fall Bugling
A local's guide to the Estes Park elk rut: the best viewing meadows, peak weeks, safe distances, and how to combine wildlife watching with a Rocky Mountain National Park visit.
Estes Park·Colorado
Everglades8 minBest Everglades Hiking Trails for Winter Dry Season
A trail-by-trail guide to hiking Everglades National Park during the cool, mosquito-light December dry season.
Everglades·Florida
Flatside Wilderness8 minHiking the Flatside Wilderness
A practical guide to hiking the Flatside Wilderness in Arkansas, including Flatside Pinnacle, the views toward Forked Mountain, and how it links to the Ouachita Trail.
Flatside Wilderness·Arkansas
camping8 minGeorge Washington National Forest Camping
A practical guide to camping in George Washington National Forest, Virginia, covering developed campgrounds, free dispersed sites, and the rules you need to know.
camping·Virginia
Gila Wilderness9 minGila Wilderness Hiking Guide
A practical trail-by-trail guide to hiking the Gila Wilderness, from the Middle Fork hot springs to the Cliff Dweller Canyon loop near Silver City.
Gila Wilderness·New Mexico
Glacier National Park9 minGlacier National Park Camping: A Complete Campground Guide
Where to camp in Glacier National Park, from Many Glacier and Apgar to first-come sites, plus reservation timing, season dates, and bear-safety rules.
Glacier National Park·Montana
Glacier National Park8 minEasy Hikes in Glacier National Park
A trail-by-trail guide to the easiest, most rewarding short hikes in Glacier National Park, from Trail of the Cedars to Hidden Lake Overlook.
Glacier National Park·Montana
Glacier National Park8 minGoing-to-the-Sun Road Opening Dates
When does Going-to-the-Sun Road fully open each year? A look at typical opening dates, the plowing process, and what to do if it is still closed.
Glacier National Park·Montana
Grand Canyon8 minGrand Canyon Mule Rides from the South Rim
A practical guide to Grand Canyon mule rides on the South Rim, including the rim ride, the overnight trip to Phantom Ranch, and how to book.
Grand Canyon·Arizona
Grand Canyon8 minBest Time to Visit the Grand Canyon South Rim
A month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, and trail conditions to help you pick the perfect time to hike the Grand Canyon South Rim.
Grand Canyon·Arizona
Grand Canyon9 minGrand Canyon South Rim Camping
Everything you need to camp the Grand Canyon South Rim: Mather and Desert View campgrounds, backcountry permits, and how to book a spot.
Grand Canyon·Arizona
Grand Canyon8 minVisiting Grand Canyon South Rim in Winter: A December Guide
Snow on the rim, empty viewpoints, and crisp blue skies make the Grand Canyon South Rim a quietly spectacular December destination.
Grand Canyon·Arizona
Grand Teton9 minGrand Teton Camping: A Guide to the Best Campgrounds
A practical guide to camping in Grand Teton National Park, comparing Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, Colter Bay, and Gros Ventre and how to book each.
Grand Teton·Wyoming
Grand Teton8 minEasy Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
A local's guide to the most rewarding easy hikes in Grand Teton, from Jenny Lake to Taggart Lake, with mileage, trailheads, and seasons.
Grand Teton·Wyoming
Grand Teton9 minGrand Teton vs Yellowstone: Which Park Should You Visit?
A practical comparison of Grand Teton vs Yellowstone covering hiking, wildlife, crowds, drive times, and how to combine both parks in one trip.
Grand Teton·Wyoming
Enchanted Valley8 minGraves Creek Trailhead
Everything you need to start the Enchanted Valley hike from the Graves Creek trailhead in Olympic National Park: how to drive there, where to park, and how to get your wilderness permit and bear canister.
Enchanted Valley·Washington
Great Basin National Park8 minLehman Caves Tour Guide
Everything you need to book and enjoy a Lehman Caves tour at Great Basin National Park, from ticket timing to which tour to choose.
Great Basin National Park·Nevada
Great Basin National Park8 minGreat Basin Stargazing Guide
How to plan a stargazing trip to Great Basin National Park, one of the darkest places in the Lower 48, including ranger astronomy programs and prime viewing spots.
Great Basin National Park·Nevada
Great Basin National Park9 minWheeler Peak Hike: Summit Trail, Bristlecone Pines
A complete trail guide to hiking Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park, plus the easier Bristlecone and Glacier trails for every fitness level.
Great Basin National Park·Nevada
Great Smoky Mountains8 minSynchronous Fireflies in the Smoky Mountains
A practical guide to seeing the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including the lottery, timing, and what to expect.
Great Smoky Mountains·Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains9 minThe Best Waterfall Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains
A trail-by-trail guide to the best waterfall hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, from easy strolls to Grotto Falls and the long climb to Ramsey Cascades.
Great Smoky Mountains·Tennessee
Three Sisters Wilderness8 minGreen Lakes Trail, Oregon
Everything you need to hike the Green Lakes Trail near Bend, Oregon, from trailhead logistics to the best campsites beneath South Sister and Broken Top.
Three Sisters Wilderness·Oregon
Guadalupe Mountains9 minGuadalupe Mountains Camping Guide: Where to Stay in the Park
A practical guide to camping in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, from Pine Springs and Dog Canyon to the high backcountry sites.
Guadalupe Mountains
Guadalupe Mountains9 minGuadalupe Peak Trail Guide
Everything you need to summit Guadalupe Peak, the 8,751-foot roof of Texas, including mileage, water, weather, and timing.
Guadalupe Mountains
Haleakala8 minHaleakala Sunrise Reservations
Everything you need to know to score a Haleakala sunrise reservation, from the Recreation.gov booking window to backup plans when permits sell out.
Haleakala
Havasupai9 minHavasupai Packing List
A field-tested packing list for the 10-mile hike to Supai and the Havasupai campground, from water filtration to flash-flood gear.
Havasupai·Arizona
Haystack Rock8 minHaystack Rock Tide Pools
How to explore the Haystack Rock tide pools at Cannon Beach, including how to read the tide chart, what marine life to look for, and the rules that protect this fragile area.
Haystack Rock·Oregon
Mount Baker8 minHeather Meadows Trails
A guide to the Heather Meadows trails at Mount Baker, including the Bagley Lakes loop, the Fire and Ice Trail, and Picture Lake, with tips on access and timing.
Mount Baker·Washington
Smith Rock8 minHiking Smith Rock With Dogs: Trails, Rules, and Tips
A practical guide to bringing your dog to Smith Rock State Park, including which trails are paw-friendly, leash rules, heat and water safety, and the trails to skip.
Smith Rock
Hoh Rain Forest8 minHoh Rain Forest Hikes
A trail-by-trail guide to hiking the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, from the famous Hall of Mosses loop to the long, flat Hoh River Trail.
Hoh Rain Forest·Washington
Hoh Rain Forest8 minHoh Rain Forest Hiking Guide
Everything you need to hike the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, from the easy Hall of Mosses loop to the long Hoh River Trail.
Hoh Rain Forest·Washington
Isle Royale8 minHow to Get to Isle Royale
A complete guide to reaching Isle Royale National Park from Michigan and Minnesota by ferry, seaplane, or private boat, with schedules, costs, and tips.
Isle Royale·Michigan
Stehekin8 minHow to Get to Stehekin: Ferry, Floatplane and Trail Options
Stehekin has no road in, so getting there means the Lady of the Lake ferry, a floatplane, or a long hike. Here is how each option works and what to expect.
Stehekin·Washington
Hurricane Ridge8 minHurricane Ridge Hikes
A guide to the best Hurricane Ridge hikes in Olympic National Park, from the paved Cirque Rim loop to the wildflower-lined Hurricane Hill Trail.
Hurricane Ridge·Washington
Iceland9 minIceland in July: Weather, Crowds, and the Best Things to Do
July is peak season in Iceland for a reason: open highland roads, the midnight sun, and warm enough days for waterfalls and glacier hikes. Here is how to plan it.
summer travel·Iceland
Indian Peaks Wilderness8 minIndian Peaks Wilderness Camping Guide
Where to camp around Indian Peaks Wilderness, from Pawnee Campground at Brainard Lake to dispersed sites near Nederland and Ward.
Indian Peaks Wilderness·Colorado
Indian Peaks Wilderness8 minIndian Peaks Wilderness Permits
Everything you need to reserve an overnight backpacking permit for Indian Peaks Wilderness, including zones, fees, and how to book on Recreation.gov.
Indian Peaks Wilderness·Colorado
Isle Royale9 minIsle Royale Wolves and Moose
A guide to Isle Royale's famous wolves and moose, the longest predator-prey study on Earth, and the best trails and seasons to spot wildlife.
Isle Royale·Michigan
John Muir Trail9 minJohn Muir Trail Permit Guide
A practical guide to scoring a John Muir Trail permit, including the Donohue Pass exit quota, the lottery on Recreation.gov, and easier section-hike alternatives.
John Muir Trail·California
Joshua Tree9 minJoshua Tree Camping Guide
How to pick the right Joshua Tree campground, when to reserve, and what to pack for a desert night under the stars.
Joshua Tree·California
Joshua Tree8 minJoshua Tree Stargazing Guide: Best Spots and Dark Sky Tips
Where and when to see the Milky Way in Joshua Tree, one of the best dark sky parks within reach of Los Angeles.
Joshua Tree·California
Joshua Tree9 minJoshua Tree Wildflowers
A local's guide to catching the Joshua Tree spring wildflower bloom, with the best April trails, elevation timing, and where the desert color peaks.
Joshua Tree·California
Kancamagus Highway8 minDriving the Kancamagus Highway for Fall Foliage
How to drive the 34-mile Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountains at peak fall color, with the best stops, overlooks, and short hikes along the way.
Kancamagus Highway·New Hampshire
Kings Canyon9 minKings Canyon Camping Guide: Best Campgrounds and How to Book
A complete guide to camping in Kings Canyon National Park, covering the best campgrounds at Grant Grove and Cedar Grove, reservations, and bear safety.
Kings Canyon·California
Kings Canyon8 minBest Day Hikes in Kings Canyon National Park
A guide to the best day hikes in Kings Canyon National Park, from easy sequoia loops to the canyon floor and the climb toward Mist Falls.
Kings Canyon·California
Lake Martin8 minLake Martin and Cypress Island Preserve
How to walk the levee trail and visit the rookery at Lake Martin and Cypress Island Preserve near Breaux Bridge, one of Louisiana's best birding spots.
Lake Martin·Louisiana
Porcupine Mountains8 minLake of the Clouds Overlook
Everything you need to plan a visit to the Lake of the Clouds overlook in the Porcupine Mountains, from the accessible viewing platform to the Escarpment Trail that frames it.
Porcupine Mountains
Lake Sakakawea8 minLake Sakakawea Fishing Guide
Where to fish North Dakota's Lake Sakakawea for walleye, chinook salmon, and northern pike, plus the best ramps, seasons, and shore spots.
Lake Sakakawea·North Dakota
Lassen Volcanic9 minLassen Peak Summit Hike: Climbing a 10,457-Foot Volcano
How to climb Lassen Peak, the largest plug-dome volcano on Earth, with trail stats, the switchback breakdown, and summit-day timing.
Lassen Volcanic
Linville Falls8 minLinville Falls Hiking Guide
A complete hiking guide to Linville Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway, covering both rim trails, the steep Plunge Basin and Gorge trails, and how to choose.
Linville Falls·North Carolina
Lone Pine8 minLone Pine Camping Near Mount Whitney
Where to camp around Lone Pine before a Mount Whitney climb, from Whitney Portal to the Alabama Hills, with elevations that help you acclimatize.
Lone Pine·California
Mackinac Island8 minMackinac Island Things to Do: A Family Day Trip Guide
The best things to do on car-free Mackinac Island with kids, from biking the 8-mile shore loop to Arch Rock, fudge shops and Fort Mackinac.
Mackinac Island·Michigan
Maroon Bells8 minMaroon Bells Permits and Reservations
Everything you need to secure shuttle, parking, and overnight permits for Maroon Bells near Aspen, Colorado before you arrive.
Maroon Bells·Colorado
McCarthy9 minThings to Do in McCarthy and Kennecott, Alaska
From the Kennecott mill tour to glacier treks and bush-plane flights, here are the best things to do in McCarthy and Kennecott in Wrangell-St. Elias.
McCarthy·Alaska
Guadalupe Mountains8 minMcKittrick Canyon Fall Foliage Guide: Texas Best Autumn Hike
When and where to catch peak fall color in McKittrick Canyon, the hidden maple-lined oasis inside Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Guadalupe Mountains
Big Sur8 minMcWay Falls Big Sur: How to See the Waterfall on the Beach
Everything you need to see McWay Falls, the 80-foot tidefall that drops onto the sand at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur.
Big Sur·California
Minocqua8 minBest Hikes Near Minocqua, Wisconsin
A local guide to the best hiking trails around Minocqua, Wisconsin, from lakeside loops to old-growth pine and a fire tower with views over the Northwoods.
Minocqua·Wisconsin
Smith Rock8 minMonkey Face at Smith Rock
A guide to Monkey Face, the towering tuff spire at Smith Rock State Park, including how to hike to viewpoints and what climbing it involves.
Smith Rock·Oregon
Havasupai8 minMooney Falls to Beaver Falls Day Hike
How to hike from the campground down the Mooney Falls chains to Beaver Falls, the most rewarding day hike on the Havasupai Reservation.
Havasupai·Arizona
Mount Baker8 minMount Baker Fall Colors: Where and When to See Peak Autumn
When and where to catch peak fall colors at Mount Baker, from the blueberry meadows of Heather Meadows to the golden larches above the Chain Lakes Loop.
Mount Baker·Washington
Mount Charleston8 minMount Charleston Hiking: Cool Alpine Trails Above Las Vegas
A guide to Mount Charleston hiking near Las Vegas, where the air is 30 degrees cooler and trails climb through pines to waterfalls and 11,000-foot peaks.
Mount Charleston·Nevada
Mount Washington9 minMount Washington Hiking Trails
A trail-by-trail guide to hiking Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, from Tuckerman Ravine to the Ammonoosuc Ravine route.
Mount Washington·New Hampshire
Mount Whitney8 minMount Whitney Permit Lottery
A step-by-step guide to the Mount Whitney permit lottery on Recreation.gov, including dates, quotas, and what to do if you miss out.
Mount Whitney·California
Maine8 minMountains in Maine: A Guide to the State's Peaks and Ranges
Maine's mountains range from coastal granite domes to the alpine summits of the Appalachian chain. Here is a guide to the peaks worth knowing.
Mount Katahdin·Maine
Nantahala8 minNantahala Gorge Whitewater Rafting: A First-Timer's Guide
Everything you need to plan a Nantahala Gorge rafting trip, from the eight-mile run and Nantahala Falls to outfitters, water temps and the best season.
Nantahala·North Carolina
Nantahala9 minNantahala National Forest Camping
A guide to camping in Nantahala National Forest, from Standing Indian and Cable Cove campgrounds to free dispersed sites, reservations and bear safety.
Nantahala·North Carolina
Niobrara River8 minNiobrara River Canoeing Guide
Everything you need to plan a Niobrara River canoe trip near Valentine, Nebraska, from the best put-in stretches to outfitters and water levels.
Niobrara River·Nebraska
Valentine8 minNiobrara River Tubing
Everything you need to plan a lazy float or kayak trip down the Niobrara National Scenic River outside Valentine, Nebraska.
Valentine·Nebraska
North Cascades9 minNorth Cascades Backcountry Permits
How to get a North Cascades backcountry permit, including the Recreation.gov lottery, walk-up rules, and the best wilderness camps to reserve.
North Cascades·Washington
North Cascades9 minBest Day Hikes in North Cascades National Park
A trail-by-trail guide to the best day hikes in North Cascades National Park, from Maple Pass to Cascade Pass and the Sahale Arm.
North Cascades·Washington
North Shore8 minNorth Shore Minnesota Camping
A practical guide to camping on Minnesota's North Shore, from lakeside state-park campgrounds to free backcountry sites on the Superior Hiking Trail.
North Shore·Minnesota
North Shore8 minNorth Shore Minnesota Fall Colors: Best Hikes and Timing
When and where to catch peak fall colors on Minnesota's North Shore, with the best Superior Hiking Trail overlooks for autumn maples over Lake Superior.
North Shore·Minnesota
North Shore8 minNorth Shore Minnesota Waterfall Hikes
A trail-by-trail guide to the best waterfall hikes along Minnesota's North Shore, from Gooseberry Falls to the High Falls of the Pigeon River.
North Shore·Minnesota
Northwoods8 minNorthwoods Wisconsin Fall Colors
When and where to catch peak fall colors in Wisconsin's Northwoods, from Eagle River and Minocqua to Copper Falls and the Lake Superior shore.
Northwoods·Wisconsin
Bergen8 minNorway Climate in June
What Norway's climate in June really feels like in Bergen and the fjords, from temperatures and rainfall to midnight-sun daylight and a packing list.
Bergen
Old Rag Mountain9 minOld Rag Mountain Hike
Everything you need to hike the legendary Old Rag Mountain loop in Shenandoah National Park, from the rock scramble to the day-use ticket.
Old Rag Mountain·Virginia
Olympic Peninsula8 minOlympic Peninsula Beaches
A guide to the wild sea-stack beaches of the Olympic Peninsula coast, from Ruby Beach to Rialto and the Second Beach trail.
Olympic Peninsula·Washington
Flam9 minOslo to Flam Train
How to take the Oslo to Flam train via Myrdal and the Flam Railway, then continue to Bergen by fjord cruise on the classic Norway in a Nutshell route.
Flam
Ouachita National Forest9 minOuachita National Forest Camping
Where to camp in the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas, from developed campgrounds near the lakes to free dispersed camping and backpacking rules.
Ouachita National Forest·Arkansas
Pennsylvania9 minBest Pennsylvania Waterfall Hikes and When to See Them
A guide to the best Pennsylvania waterfall hikes, from Ricketts Glen to the Poconos, with the seasons and trails that put the most water on display.
waterfalls·Pennsylvania
Grand Canyon9 minPhantom Ranch Reservations
How the Phantom Ranch lottery works, what it costs, and how to book a cabin, dorm bunk or the famous steak dinner at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon·Arizona
Pictured Rocks8 minPictured Rocks Hiking Trails
A trail-by-trail guide to hiking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, from the famous Chapel Loop to easy overlooks near Munising.
Pictured Rocks·Michigan
Pictured Rocks9 minPictured Rocks National Lakeshore
How to hike the colorful cliffs, waterfalls and beaches of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Pictured Rocks·Michigan
Pictured Rocks9 minPictured Rocks Waterfalls
A guide to the best waterfalls in and around Pictured Rocks, from easy roadside stops to backcountry cascades along Lake Superior.
Pictured Rocks·Michigan
Pine Creek Gorge9 minPine Creek Gorge: Hiking Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon
How to hike, bike, and overlook the Pine Creek Gorge, the 47-mile chasm in north-central Pennsylvania known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.
Pine Creek Gorge·Pennsylvania
Pinnacle Mountain8 minPinnacle Mountain Hiking Guide
A trail-by-trail guide to hiking Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock, the western anchor of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail.
Pinnacle Mountain·Arkansas
Pipiwai Trail8 minPipiwai Trail Guide
A complete guide to the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala's Kipahulu District, from the 400-foot Waimoku Falls to the famous bamboo forest near Hana.
Pipiwai Trail
Porcupine Mountains8 minPorcupine Mountains Waterfalls
A trail-by-trail guide to the waterfalls of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, from roadside Presque Isle cascades to the backcountry falls on the Big and Little Carp rivers.
Porcupine Mountains
Red River Gorge8 minRed River Gorge Camping
A practical guide to camping in Red River Gorge, from Koomer Ridge Campground to backcountry permits in Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky.
Red River Gorge·Kentucky
Red River Gorge8 minRed River Gorge Natural Arches
A trail-by-trail guide to the natural arches of the Red River Gorge, including Sky Bridge, Gray's Arch, and Natural Bridge in Daniel Boone National Forest.
Red River Gorge·Kentucky
Red River Gorge8 minRed River Gorge Rock Climbing
Everything a first-time visitor needs to know about Red River Gorge rock climbing in Daniel Boone National Forest, from Muir Valley to Miguel's Pizza.
Red River Gorge·Kentucky
Red Rock Canyon8 minBest Red Rock Canyon Hikes Near Las Vegas
A local's guide to the best Red Rock Canyon hikes just 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, from easy loops to scrambly summit routes.
Red Rock Canyon·Nevada
Ricketts Glen8 minRicketts Glen Camping Guide
Everything you need to camp at Ricketts Glen State Park, from the Lake Jean campground loops to modern cabins, reservations, and the best sites for waterfall hikers.
Ricketts Glen·Pennsylvania
Ricketts Glen9 minRicketts Glen Falls Trail
A practical breakdown of the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park, including distance, elevation, the full 7.2-mile loop, and how hard it really is.
Ricketts Glen·Pennsylvania
Ricketts Glen9 minRicketts Glen Falls Trail: Hiking the 21 Waterfalls Loop
A practical trail guide to the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park, where 21 named waterfalls line a single loop in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Ricketts Glen·Pennsylvania
Rocky Mountain National Park8 minRocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry
A clear walkthrough of Rocky Mountain National Park's two timed entry permits, when you need them, how to book on Recreation.gov, and how to visit without a reservation.
Rocky Mountain National Park·Colorado
Wrangell-St. Elias8 minRoot Glacier Hike: The Best Day Hike in Wrangell-St. Elias
A complete trail guide to the Root Glacier hike near Kennecott, the most rewarding day hike in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Wrangell-St. Elias·Alaska
Big Bend8 minSanta Elena Canyon Trail: Big Bend's Best Short Hike
A complete guide to the Santa Elena Canyon Trail in Big Bend National Park, including the river crossing, the climb, and the best light for photos.
Big Bend
Sedona8 minSedona Camping Guide
Where to camp in and around Sedona, from creekside Forest Service sites in Oak Creek Canyon to dispersed spots near Cottonwood, plus permit and season tips.
Sedona·Arizona
Sedona8 minFree Things to Do in Sedona
Sedona on a budget: the best free hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and red-rock experiences you can enjoy without spending a dime on tours.
Sedona·Arizona
Sedona7 minJeep Tours Sedona: Pink Jeep vs Safari
A guide to Sedona jeep tours: Pink Jeep vs Safari, the famous Broken Arrow trail, prices, age limits, and which open-air red-rock tour is best for families.
Sedona·Arizona
Sedona9 minSedona Vortex Hikes
A trail-by-trail guide to Sedona's four famous vortex sites, with the exact hikes that lead to Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon.
Sedona·Arizona
Shenandoah9 minShenandoah Hikes: 8 Best Day Hikes Off Skyline Drive
The 8 best day hikes in Shenandoah National Park, from the Old Rag rock scramble to easy summit walks, with distances, difficulty, and trailheads.
Shenandoah·Virginia
Shenandoah8 minFall Colors in Shenandoah
When and where to catch peak fall colors in Shenandoah National Park, with foliage timing by elevation and the best Skyline Drive overlooks.
Shenandoah·Virginia
Shenandoah National Park9 minShenandoah Fall Foliage Guide
When fall colors peak in Shenandoah National Park and the best overlooks and hikes along Skyline Drive to see them.
Shenandoah National Park·Virginia
Shenandoah8 minShenandoah National Park Waterfalls: 7 Best Falls and Hikes
A trail-by-trail guide to the best waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park, from Dark Hollow Falls to the 93-foot Overall Run Falls.
Shenandoah·Virginia
Shenandoah8 minShenandoah Waterfalls
A trail-by-trail guide to the best waterfall hikes in Shenandoah National Park, from easy Dark Hollow Falls to the long descent to Whiteoak Canyon.
Shenandoah·Virginia
Short Sand Beach8 minShort Sand Beach Guide
Everything you need to know about Short Sand Beach in Oswald West State Park, from the cold-water surf and the easy beach trail to nearby camping on the north Oregon Coast.
Short Sand Beach·Oregon
Iceland8 minSkaftafell Camping Guide
Skaftafell campground sits at the foot of Iceland's biggest glacier, steps from Svartifoss and glacier hikes. Here is everything you need to camp there.
Skaftafell·Iceland
Sleeping Bear Dunes8 minThe Best Sleeping Bear Dunes Hikes for Families
A trail-by-trail guide to the best family hikes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Michigan's Lake Michigan coast.
Sleeping Bear Dunes·Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes8 minSleeping Bear Dunes Hiking
A guide to hiking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, including the Dune Climb, the Empire Bluff Trail, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive overlooks.
Sleeping Bear Dunes·Michigan
Smith Falls8 minSmith Falls State Park, Nebraska
A complete guide to Smith Falls State Park near Valentine, Nebraska, home to the state's tallest waterfall, with directions, the short trail, and camping tips.
Smith Falls·Nebraska
Valentine7 minSmith Falls State Park
How to find, hike to, and photograph Smith Falls, the 63-foot cascade in the Niobrara canyon that is the tallest waterfall in Nebraska.
Valentine·Nebraska
Smith Rock8 minSmith Rock Camping Guide
Everything you need to know about camping at Smith Rock State Park, from the walk-in Bivouac to nearby campgrounds and lodging in Terrebonne.
Smith Rock·Oregon
Smith Rock8 minMisery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock: The Complete Hiking Guide
Everything you need to hike the Misery Ridge Loop at Smith Rock State Park, from the steep switchbacks to the Monkey Face viewpoint and the River Trail return.
Smith Rock
Grand Canyon8 minSouth Kaibab Trail Guide
Everything you need to hike the South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park, from Ooh Aah Point to the Colorado River.
Grand Canyon·Arizona
Stehekin7 minThe Stehekin Pastry Company: A Guide to the Famous Bakery
Everything to know about the Stehekin Pastry Company, the legendary North Cascades bakery PCT hikers detour for, including how to get there and what to order.
Stehekin·Washington
Stehekin8 minBest Time to Visit Stehekin: A Season-by-Season Guide
When to ride the Lady of the Lake to Stehekin for wildflowers, fall color, low crowds, or open trails in the North Cascades.
Stehekin·Washington
Stehekin8 minStehekin Camping Guide
Where to camp in Stehekin, from the lakeside Purple Point and Harlequin campgrounds to backcountry sites up the valley, plus permits and what to know.
Stehekin·Washington
Stehekin9 minThe Best Stehekin Hikes
A trail-by-trail guide to the best day hikes in Stehekin, from the easy Rainbow Falls loop to the wildflower-lined Agnes Gorge and McGregor Mountain.
Stehekin·Washington
Stowe8 minBest Fall Hikes Near Stowe, Vermont for Peak Foliage
The best autumn hikes around Stowe, Vermont, from Smugglers' Notch to the summit of Mount Mansfield, with trail lengths, difficulty, and foliage timing.
Stowe·Vermont
Superior Hiking Trail8 minBest Day Hike Sections of the Superior Hiking Trail
The most rewarding day-hike sections of the Superior Hiking Trail, from Oberg Mountain to Carlton Peak along Minnesota's North Shore.
Superior Hiking Trail·Minnesota
Superior Hiking Trail8 minSuperior Hiking Trail Camping
How camping works on the Superior Hiking Trail, from the free first-come backcountry campsites to nearby state park campgrounds on Minnesota's North Shore.
Superior Hiking Trail·Minnesota
Sylvan Lake8 minSylvan Lake and the Needles Highway
A guide to Sylvan Lake, the Needles Highway, and the granite spires of Custer State Park, including the best short hikes and the drive to Black Elk Peak.
Sylvan Lake·South Dakota
Grand Teton8 minTaggart Lake Trail: A Complete Hiking Guide in Grand Teton
Everything you need to hike the Taggart Lake Trail in Grand Teton National Park, from the trailhead and mileage to the best loop and when to go.
Grand Teton·Wyoming
Ouachita National Forest8 minTalimena Scenic Drive
A mile-by-mile guide to the Talimena Scenic Drive between Mena, Arkansas and Talihina, Oklahoma, with the best overlooks, fall color timing, and trailheads.
Ouachita National Forest·Arkansas
Mount Katahdin8 minThe Tallest Mountain in Maine
Mount Katahdin is the tallest mountain in Maine and the northern end of the Appalachian Trail, with routes that range from steep ladders to the famous Knife Edge.
Mount Katahdin·Maine
Tallulah Gorge8 minTallulah Falls Waterfalls: A Guide to All Six Cascades
A guide to the six named waterfalls of Tallulah Gorge, where to see each one from the rim, and how to time your visit for the best flow.
Tallulah Gorge·Georgia
Tallulah Gorge8 minBest Time to Visit Tallulah Gorge
When to visit Tallulah Gorge for peak fall color, the strongest waterfall flow, the fewest crowds, and the famous Georgia Power aesthetic releases.
Tallulah Gorge·Georgia
Tallulah Gorge9 minTallulah Gorge Floor Permit: How to Hike to the Bottom
Everything you need to know about the free gorge floor permit at Tallulah Gorge State Park, including how to get one and what the Sliding Rock hike involves.
Tallulah Gorge·Georgia
Tallulah Gorge9 minTallulah Gorge Floor Permit Guide
How the free gorge floor permit works at Tallulah Gorge, plus what the strenuous scramble to Sliding Rock and Bridal Veil Falls is really like.
Tallulah Gorge·Georgia
Tallulah Gorge8 minHurricane Falls Stairs at Tallulah Gorge
How to hike the Hurricane Falls stair loop and suspension bridge at Tallulah Gorge State Park, with step counts, timing, and what to expect.
Tallulah Gorge·Georgia
Tallulah Gorge8 minHurricane Falls Trail at Tallulah Gorge
A practical walkthrough of the Hurricane Falls Loop at Tallulah Gorge, from the 1,000-plus metal stairs to the swaying suspension bridge over the river.
Tallulah Gorge·Georgia
Theodore Roosevelt National Park8 minThe Best Hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
A trail-by-trail guide to the best hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, from the Petrified Forest Loop to the rim above the Little Missouri River.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park·North Dakota
Redfish Lake8 minThings to Do at Redfish Lake, Idaho
A local guide to Redfish Lake near Stanley, Idaho, covering the best hikes like Bench Lakes, the boat shuttle to Sawtooth backcountry trails, swimming, and where to stay.
Redfish Lake·Idaho
Munising8 minThings to Do in Munising, Michigan
From boat tours and waterfalls to kayaking and hikes, here is how to spend your time in Munising, the gateway town to Pictured Rocks.
Munising·Michigan
Saguaro National Park8 minThings to Do in Saguaro National Park Beyond Hiking
Scenic drives, ancient petroglyphs, stargazing, and family-friendly stops that make Saguaro National Park worth a full day even if you only hike a little.
Saguaro National Park·Arizona
Sedona9 minThings to Do in Sedona, Arizona: The Complete Guide
The best things to do in Sedona, Arizona: red rock hikes, jeep tours, Slide Rock, easy viewpoints, and the perfect family trip, all mapped and ready to plan.
Sedona·Arizona
Stehekin8 minThings to Do in Stehekin: Falls, Ferries, Orchards and More
From Rainbow Falls and the red shuttle bus to the Buckner Orchard and a swim in Lake Chelan, here is how to fill your days in remote Stehekin.
Stehekin·Washington
Willcox8 minThings to Do in Willcox, AZ
A local guide to things to do in Willcox, Arizona, from high-desert wineries and sandhill cranes to the gateway road into Chiricahua National Monument.
Willcox·Arizona
Smith Rock8 minThings to Do Near Smith Rock: Terrebonne, Bend, and Beyond
Beyond the spires, here is what to do near Smith Rock State Park, from Terrebonne wineries and Bend breweries to nearby hikes, caves, and the Crooked River canyon.
Smith Rock
Valentine9 minThings to Do in Valentine, Nebraska
The best things to do in Valentine, Nebraska, from floating the Niobrara River and hiking the Sandhills to wildlife refuges, lakes, and small-town stops.
Valentine·Nebraska
Thousand Island Lake8 minThousand Island Lake Hike
Everything you need to plan a hike to Thousand Island Lake beneath Banner Peak, including the River Trail, the High Trail, and the Agnew Meadows approach.
Thousand Island Lake·California
Three Sisters Wilderness8 minThree Sisters Wilderness Permits: How to Get Yours in 2026
A plain-English guide to the Three Sisters Wilderness permit system, including which trailheads need reservations, when bookings open, and how to score a spot.
Three Sisters Wilderness·Oregon
Wind River Range9 minTitcomb Basin Hike
A practical guide to hiking into Titcomb Basin from Elkhart Park, including mileage, camping at Island Lake, the route up Indian Pass, and when to go.
Wind River Range·Wyoming
Rocky Mountain National Park8 minTrail Ridge Road Guide
A complete guide to driving Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, including the best stops, when it opens, weather, and tips for families.
Rocky Mountain National Park·Colorado
Tuolumne Meadows8 minBest Tuolumne Meadows Hikes
A trail-by-trail guide to the best hikes around Tuolumne Meadows, from easy meadow loops to the high passes where the John Muir Trail begins.
Tuolumne Meadows·California
Valles Caldera8 minValles Caldera Elk Viewing: Where and When to See the Herd
A field guide to watching elk in Valles Caldera National Preserve, from the best dawn pullouts on the Valle Grande to the September rut.
Valles Caldera·New Mexico
Valles Caldera9 minValles Caldera Hiking Trails: The Best Walks in the Caldera
A trail-by-trail guide to hiking Valles Caldera National Preserve, from the easy Cerro La Jara loop to the summit climb up South Mountain.
Valles Caldera·New Mexico
Valley of Fire8 minValley of Fire Hikes
The best Valley of Fire hikes within an hour of Las Vegas, from the Fire Wave slickrock to the Mouse's Tank petroglyph trail.
Valley of Fire·Nevada
Weminuche Wilderness8 minBest Time to Backpack the Weminuche Wilderness in Colorado
A season-by-season guide to timing your Weminuche Wilderness backpacking trip in Colorado's San Juan Mountains.
Weminuche Wilderness·Colorado
Sedona8 minWest Fork Trail, Sedona
Everything you need to hike the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon: distance, creek crossings, parking and fees, fall color timing, and how to avoid the crowds.
Sedona·Arizona
Haleakala7 minWhat to Wear for Haleakala Sunrise
It can be near freezing at the Haleakala summit at dawn. Here is exactly what to wear for sunrise so you are warm enough to enjoy the view.
Haleakala
White Mountains8 minBest Time to Hike the White Mountains
When to hike New Hampshire's White Mountains, from black-fly season to foliage peak to the brutal alpine winter on Mount Washington.
White Mountains·New Hampshire
Rocky Mountain National Park8 minWhere to See Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park
The best meadows, times, and seasons to reliably see elk in Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, including the fall rut and how to watch safely.
Rocky Mountain National Park·Colorado
White Mountains8 minWhite Mountains Camping
From Dolly Copp to backcountry sites near Mount Washington, here is where to camp in New Hampshire's White Mountains for a hiking weekend.
White Mountains·New Hampshire
White Sands9 minWhite Sands Camping Guide
How to camp at White Sands National Park, plus nearby campgrounds and hotels in Alamogordo when backcountry sites are unavailable.
White Sands·New Mexico
White Sands8 minHiking White Sands National Park
How to hike White Sands National Park safely: the Alkali Flat Trail, the Backcountry Camping loop, sledding the gypsum dunes, and the best time of day to go.
White Sands·New Mexico
White Sands8 minSledding at White Sands National Park
Everything you need to sled the gypsum dunes at White Sands National Park, from where to buy a saucer to the best dunes for a fast ride.
White Sands·New Mexico
Whitewater Falls8 minWhitewater Falls, NC
How to visit Whitewater Falls in Nantahala National Forest, the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies, including the overlook trail, fees and safety.
Whitewater Falls·North Carolina
Wind Cave9 minWind Cave National Park
How to tour the boxwork-filled passages of Wind Cave and hit the prairie trails and bison herds on the surface in South Dakota's Black Hills.
Wind Cave·South Dakota
Wind River Range8 minWind River Range Fishing
A backcountry angler's guide to fishing the Wind River Range in Wyoming, including golden trout lakes, licenses, gear, and the best alpine basins.
Wind River Range·Wyoming
Wrangell-St. Elias8 minWrangell-St. Elias Camping
Where to camp in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, from roadside campgrounds along the McCarthy Road to free backcountry camping under the glaciers.
Wrangell-St. Elias·Alaska
Adirondacks8 minWright Peak Adirondacks
How to hike Wright Peak in the Adirondacks, one of the easiest of the 46 High Peaks to reach, with trailhead details, distance, the B-47 crash site, and sunrise tips.
Adirondacks·New York
Yellowstone9 minThe Best Waterfall Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
From Lower Falls to Fairy Falls and Mystic Falls, here are the best waterfall hikes in Yellowstone with trailheads, distances, and the best months to go.
Yellowstone·Wyoming
Yosemite9 minYosemite Backpacking: Wilderness Permits and Best Routes
How to score a Yosemite wilderness permit and where to backpack, from the High Sierra loops out of Tuolumne Meadows to the climb up to Half Dome.
Yosemite·California
Yosemite8 minBest Time to Visit Yosemite With Kids
When to visit Yosemite as a family, broken down by season, with notes on waterfalls, crowds, the Tioga Road, and the day-use reservation system.
Yosemite·California
Yosemite8 minYosemite Waterfall Hikes for Families
A family-friendly guide to Yosemite Valley waterfall hikes, from the paved Lower Yosemite Fall loop to the misty climb up Vernal Fall.
Yosemite·California
Yosemite8 minYosemite Waterfalls: Best Falls to See and When They Peak
A season-by-season guide to Yosemite's biggest waterfalls, from Yosemite Falls to Bridalveil, including when the flow peaks and the easiest viewpoints.
Yosemite·California
Yosemite8 minYosemite in Winter: Snowshoeing, Firefall and Quiet Trails
What to do in Yosemite in winter, from snowshoeing at Badger Pass and the Horsetail Fall firefall to the valley trails that stay open all season.
Yosemite·California
Zion National Park9 minAngels Landing Permit Lottery: How to Win and Hike It
A practical walkthrough of Zion's Angels Landing permit lottery, including the seasonal and day-before drawings, costs, and what the chain section is really like.
Zion National Park·Utah
Zion8 minEasy Zion Hikes With Kids
A parent-tested guide to the easiest, most rewarding hikes in Zion National Park for families with young kids, from the Riverside Walk to the Emerald Pools.
Zion·Utah
Zion National Park8 minThe Zion Shuttle System Explained: Stops, Timing, and Tips
How Zion's mandatory canyon shuttle works, every stop and the hikes it serves, when it runs, and how to avoid the long morning lines.
Zion National Park·Utah
banff11 minBanff and Jasper National Parks: The Combined Trip Guide
How to combine Banff and Jasper in one trip, the Icefields Parkway between them, how many days for each, what's unique to each park, and Banff vs Jasper compared.
banff·alberta
banff11 minBanff National Park Hiking: The Best Day Hikes, Ranked
Twelve of the best day hikes in Banff, Plain of Six Glaciers, Sentinel Pass, Cory Pass, Sulphur Mountain, Healy Pass. Distances, gain, what each one is actually like.
banff·alberta
oregon9 minCrater Lake Rim Trail: Hiking the Caldera in a Day
The 33-mile Rim Trail circles the deepest lake in the United States with non-stop views into the caldera. Here's how to do it as a day-hike, an overnight, or a scenic out-and-back.
national parks·oregon
california11 minMount Whitney Trail: The Complete Day-Hike Guide
The Mount Whitney Trail climbs to 14,505 ft, the highest summit in the lower 48. Here's exactly how the permit works, how hard the day-hike really is, and how to train for it.
14ers·california
washington11 minNorth Cascades Backpacking
Granite spires, glacier-blue lakes, almost no crowds. The North Cascades hold some of the wildest backpacking in the Lower 48, here's how to plan a trip.
backpacking·washington
washington11 minOlympic Peninsula Backpacking: The Best Multi-Day Routes
Three river valleys, one alpine traverse, and one wild coast. Here's where to actually backpack on the Olympic Peninsula, permits, miles, and what each trip really looks like.
backpacking·washington
washington10 minFly Fishing the Olympic Peninsula
The Hoh, Sol Duc, Bogachiel, and Calawah hold some of the last truly wild steelhead and salmon runs in the lower 48. Here's where to fish them, when to go, and what regulations changed last year.
fly fishing·washington
washington7 minThe Olympic Peninsula Rain Shadow: Why Sequim Stays Dry
Sequim gets 16 inches of rain a year. Forks gets 120. They're 70 miles apart. Here's the rain shadow that makes one side of the Olympic Peninsula bone dry, and where to plan around it.
weather·washington
washington9 minOlympic Peninsula in Winter
Hurricane Ridge in snow, empty rain forest trails, hot springs that finally feel right, and storm-watching on the wild coast. Here's how to actually do the Olympic Peninsula in winter.
winter·washington
beginners9 minHiking Terms Glossary
From trailheads to talus, cairns to cat holes, 60 hiking and trail terms explained clearly so you understand trail descriptions, topo maps, and what other hikers are talking about.
beginners
solo hiking9 minSolo Hiking Tips for Women
Solo hiking as a woman is one of the most rewarding experiences on trail, these are the real preparations that make it safe.
solo hiking
mental health8 minHiking and Mental Health
Spending time on trails measurably reduces stress hormones, anxiety, and rumination, here's what the research says and how to make the most of it.
mental health
national parks10 minBest Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
From the tundra-crossing Trail Ridge Road corridor to the alpine lakes above Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park packs more world-class hiking per square mile than almost anywhere in the Rockies.
national parks·Colorado
gear7 minBest Hiking Apps: AllTrails vs Gaia GPS vs OnX Backcountry
AllTrails is the most popular but not always the best. Here is how the top hiking apps compare on trail maps, offline navigation and backcountry use.
gear
Washington7 minRattlesnake Ledge Trail Guide: Seattle's Most Popular Hike
Rattlesnake Ledge is Seattle's most-hiked trail, 4 miles round trip with sweeping views of the Cascades and Rattlesnake Lake, accessible year-round.
Seattle day hike·Washington
fitness8 minHiking for Weight Loss
Hiking burns significantly more calories than walking, here's exactly how much, and how to structure your hikes to actually lose weight.
fitness
New Hampshire10 minPresidential Traverse Hiking Guide
The Presidential Traverse covers 23 miles along the highest ridge in the northeastern United States, crosses eight named summits above 4,000 feet, and earns its reputation as one of the most demanding single-day hikes in North America.
ridge hiking·New Hampshire
training10 minHiking Fitness Training Plan
Most hiking injuries happen to people who skipped training, this 8-week plan builds the specific strength, cardio, and stability you need to handle steep terrain without wrecking your knees.
training
backpacking10 minOvernight Backpacking Checklist
A complete overnight backpacking checklist with gear weights, budget alternatives, and what experienced backpackers actually leave behind.
backpacking
first aid9 minHiking First Aid Kit Essentials
A first aid kit you don't know how to use is just weight, here's exactly what to pack for day hikes vs. backpacking, and the critical skills that turn those supplies into working treatment.
first aid
night hiking7 minNight Hiking Tips: Gear, Safety, and Why You Should Try It
Hiking at night transforms familiar trails into something completely different, fewer people, cooler temps, and a sky that most hikers never see.
night hiking
etiquette7 minTrail Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules Every Hiker Should Know
Most trail conflicts and awkward moments come from the same handful of misunderstandings, here's what experienced hikers do, and why it matters for everyone on the trail.
etiquette
Washington8 minMount Si Hiking Guide: The Classic Puget Sound Workout Hike
Mount Si is the training ground for Cascade mountaineers, 8 miles round trip, 3,150 feet of gain, and a summit that feels genuinely earned.
summit hike·Washington
trail guide11 minHalf Dome Hiking Guide
Half Dome is Yosemite's most iconic summit,but reaching the top requires a lottery permit, serious fitness, and respect for the cables section. Here's everything you need to know.
trail guide·California
national parks9 minBest Day Hikes at Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier rises 14,411 feet above sea level and is surrounded by more acres of wildflower meadow than anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest, and most of the best hiking stays well below the glaciers.
national parks·Washington
national parks10 minHiking in Great Smoky Mountains
The most-visited national park in America has 800 miles of trails, more tree species than northern Europe, and zero entry fees, here's where to hike past the crowds and into real Smokies wilderness.
national parks·Tennessee
Washington8 minLake Serene Trail Guide
Lake Serene earns its name, a perfect alpine cirque below the north face of Mount Index, with a brutal 2,500-foot gain that pays off completely.
alpine lake·Washington
fall7 minFall Hiking Tips: Gear, Trails
Cooler temps, empty trails, and peak foliage make fall the best season to hike, if you know how to dress for the swings and pick the right windows.
fall
gear7 minHow to Waterproof Hiking Boots
Wet feet ruin hikes, here's exactly how to waterproof your boots, which products to use for leather vs. synthetic, and when to re-treat before the water stops beading.
gear
first aid6 minHow to Treat Blisters on Trail
A blister that blows up on mile 3 of a 10-mile day can end your trip, here's exactly how to treat it fast, whether it's intact, drained, or already torn.
first aid
desert9 minDesert Hiking Tips
The desert is the most unforgiving hiking environment in the US, the margins for error on water and heat are thin, and most rescues are preventable.
desert·southwest
hiking7 minHow to Stretch After Hiking
Skip the post-hike stretch and you'll pay for it the next morning. Here's a 15-minute routine targeting every muscle group hiking actually hammers.
hiking
gear8 minDay Hike Packing Checklist: Everything You Actually Need
A complete, no-fluff day hike packing list, organized by category, with specific quantities, weight-saving alternatives, and the items most hikers forget until they need them.
gear
cold weather8 minHow to Stay Warm on Cold Hikes
Cold kills energy and enjoyment fast, here's the complete system for staying warm on the trail from layering strategy to the gear choices that actually matter in freezing conditions.
cold weather
Oregon10 minColumbia River Gorge Hiking Guide
The Columbia River Gorge is one of America's great hiking corridors, dozens of trails with waterfalls, basalt cliffs, and wildflower meadows within an hour of Portland.
Portland day hike·Oregon
gear8 minHow to Sleep Comfortably Backpacking
Sleeping well in the backcountry is a skill, the right pad, the right bag temperature rating, and a few field techniques separate a good night from a cold, miserable one.
gear
safety8 minHow to Hang a Bear Bag: The PCT Method and Other Techniques
A proper bear hang requires the right tree, the right technique, and enough rope, here's how to do it correctly so your food actually stays safe.
safety
Colorado11 minColorado 14ers Guide
Colorado has 58 peaks above 14,000 feet, and most of them are hikeable by fit non-climbers, if you understand the altitude, the weather, and the route before you go.
high altitude·Colorado
camping8 minHow to Set Up a Tent
Setting up a tent wrong means a collapsed shelter at midnight, here's exactly how to pitch any tent fast, stake it right, and stay dry no matter the weather.
camping
Photography7 minHow to Carry a Camera While Hiking
The best camera carry system depends on your camera, your hiking pace, and whether you'll be scrambling. Here's how to choose between chest harnesses, hip belts, peak clips, and backpack solutions.
Photography
gear8 minBest Trekking Poles for Hiking and Backpacking
The right trekking poles reduce knee stress by 25% on descents, here's exactly which pair to buy based on your hiking style and budget.
gear
navigation8 minHow to Read a Topographic Map for Hiking
Contour lines, elevation, and scale, understanding a topo map turns the wilderness from a mystery into a readable landscape.
navigation
safety7 minHow to Use Bear Spray
Bear spray stops charging bears more reliably than a firearm, but only if you carry it right and deploy it correctly. Here's exactly how.
safety
safety8 minHow to Prevent Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness can derail any high-elevation hike, and in its severe forms it kills. Here's exactly how to ascend so it never happens to you.
safety
safety8 minHiking Emergency Essentials: What to Carry and What to Do
The ten essentials plus emergency protocols every hiker should know before hitting the trail.
safety
planning8 minBest Time to Hike: Seasons, Time of Day
The best time to hike depends on where you're going, what you want to experience, and what you're trying to avoid, here's how to think through timing for any trail.
planning
safety8 minHow to Purify Water While Hiking
Every backcountry water source can make you sick, here's exactly how each purification method works, what it kills, and which one to choose.
safety
gear8 minBest Ultralight Backpacking Gear
Going ultralight transforms long-distance hiking. These are the best sub-1-lb shelters, sleeping systems, and packs in 2025.
gear
Injury Prevention8 minHiking Knee Pain Prevention: Complete Guide for Hikers
Knee pain is the most common reason hikers cut trips short. Here's how to prevent it: the right technique for descents, strengthening exercises, poles, and when knee pain is serious.
Injury Prevention
gear7 minBest Backpacking Sleeping Bag: Budget and Ultralight Picks
The right sleeping bag is the difference between a cold, miserable night and waking up fully rested for the day ahead.
gear
clothing9 minBest Layering System for Hiking
Building a great layering system is about picking pieces that work together, here are the specific base, mid, and shell combinations that work best for hiking for hikers.
clothing
backpacking9 minHow to Pack Food for Backpacking
Packing backpacking food is part math, part strategy, here's how to hit your calorie targets, keep weight manageable, and keep your food safe from bears.
backpacking
gear6 minBest Budget Hiking Watch Picks (GPS, Maps and Durability)
A great hiking watch tracks your route, monitors your heart rate, and withstands any conditions the trail throws at it.
gear
gear5 minBest Hiking Pants for Men, Including Zip Off Styles
Durable, comfortable men's hiking pants that move with you from trailhead to summit and back.
gear
gear5 minBest Hiking Pants for Women
Women's hiking pants that actually fit, move well, and handle any trail condition -- from desert heat to mountain cold.
gear
gear8 minBest Hiking Water Filters
Drinking untreated backcountry water will eventually make you very sick, here's exactly which filter to carry based on where you hike.
gear
navigation9 minHow to Navigate Without GPS
Your phone will die eventually, here's how to find your way using a paper map, a compass, and the landscape itself.
navigation
gear6 minBest Hiking Rain Jackets
The best rain jacket keeps you dry without turning you into a sauna. Here are the top waterproof-breathable picks for hikers.
gear
gear5 minBest Headlamps for Hiking
A reliable headlamp is one of the 10 Essentials. These top picks cover every hiking need from camp chores to technical climbing.
gear
food8 minBest Hiking Snacks
The right trail snacks keep your energy steady and your mood high, here's what experienced hikers actually carry and eat on the trail.
food
clothing9 minHow to Layer for Hiking: The 3-Layer System Explained
The three-layer system isn't complicated, but most hikers get at least one layer wrong, and that mistake shows up on the trail as discomfort, sweat, or cold.
clothing
backpacking10 minHow to Plan a Multi-Day Hike
Multi-day hiking is a different game from day hiking, the logistics of permits, food, water, and gear selection require planning that starts weeks or months out.
backpacking
gear7 minBest Lightweight Tent for Backpacking
The lightest tents that don't sacrifice weather protection or livability -- for ultralight hikers and weekend warriors alike.
gear
leave no trace8 minLeave No Trace: The 7 Principles Every Hiker Must Know
Leave No Trace isn't a slogan, it's a framework for making decisions on trail that keeps wild places wild for the next person and the next generation.
leave no trace
family hiking9 minHow to Hike With Kids
Hiking with kids goes wrong for predictable reasons, here's how to pick the right trail, pack smart, and actually enjoy it.
family hiking
photography7 minHow to Photograph Nature While Hiking
Capture stunning trail photos without slowing down your hiking partners or killing your phone battery.
photography
gear6 minHow to Hike with a Heavy Backpack Comfortably
A heavy pack does not have to mean misery. Proper fit, load distribution, and technique make all the difference.
gear
technique6 minHow to Hike Steep Terrain: Uphill and Downhill Techniques
Master steep trail technique to hike harder terrain with less effort, less pain, and more confidence.
technique
rain7 minHow to Hike in the Rain
Rain doesn't have to cancel your hike, with the right shell, layering strategy, and a few attitude adjustments, wet-weather hiking is some of the best you'll do.
rain
gear6 minHow to Break In Hiking Boots Fast
New hiking boots do not need weeks of suffering. Break them in smartly and hit the trail blister-free.
gear
training7 minHow to Hike Downhill Without Knee Pain
Stop dreading the descent. These technique and gear tips eliminate knee pain on long downhills.
training
planning10 minHow to Plan a Backpacking Trip: Step-by-Step Guide
From choosing a route to packing your bag, this step-by-step guide covers everything you need for your first or best backpacking trip.
planning
gear9 minBest Hiking Daypacks: Waterproof Picks for Every Budget
A good daypack is the piece of gear you'll use on every single hike, here's what's worth buying at every price point for hikers.
gear
winter8 minHow to Hike in Snow and Ice: Traction, Technique, and Safety
Snow and ice turn familiar trails into technical terrain, this guide covers the traction devices, movement techniques, and hazard awareness you need.
winter
safety7 minHow to Hike Alone Safely: Essential Solo Hiking Tips
Solo hiking is incredibly rewarding -- and completely safe when you follow these essential preparation steps.
safety
gear11 minBest Lightweight Hiking Boots: Reviews for Every Trail
After testing dozens of boots on everything from muddy forest trails to exposed alpine ridges, these are the hiking boots actually worth your money for hikers.
gear
desert hiking8 minHow to Hike in Extreme Heat: Desert Safety and Staying Cool
Heat kills more hikers than any other environmental condition, here's the complete system for hiking safely in the desert and staying functional when temperatures push past 100°F.
desert hiking
gear10 minBest Day Hiking Backpack to Overnight Pack
The right hiking backpack depends on how long you're out and how much you're carrying, here's what's actually worth buying for hikers across every category.
gear
beginners9 minHow to Get Into Hiking: A Beginner's Complete Guide
Everything a first-time hiker needs: how to pick your first trail, what gear to buy, how to build fitness, and what actually matters on day one.
beginners
navigation6 minHow to Use a Compass for Hiking
Master compass navigation so you can find your way on any trail without relying on your phone.
navigation
apps8 minBest Hiking Apps: Navigation, Weather, and Trail Finding
The right combination of hiking apps turns your phone into a complete trail toolkit, here's what to install before your next hike.
apps
permits9 minHow to Get a Backcountry Permit
Backcountry permits are harder to get than concert tickets, here's the full playbook for lotteries, advance reservations, walk-up windows, and the backup plans that actually work.
permits
hydration7 minHow to Prevent Dehydration While Hiking
Mild dehydration impairs judgment before you feel thirsty, here's how to drink right on the trail so your body actually performs.
hydration
safety8 minHypothermia Prevention for Hikers
Hypothermia can kill you at 50°F, and the first symptom is that you stop noticing how cold you are.
safety
safety8 minLightning Safety for Hikers
Lightning kills more Americans than tornadoes, and hikers are disproportionately at risk above treeline and on exposed ridges.
safety
safety8 minHow to Identify Poisonous Plants on the Trail
Poison ivy, poison oak, and stinging nettles are on almost every trail in America, learn to spot them before they find you.
safety
planning7 minHow to Find Good Hiking Trails Near You
Finding trails that match your fitness level, scenery preferences, and time constraints is a skill, here are the tools, databases, and local knowledge sources that actually work.
planning
gear8 minBest Wood Burning Backpacking Stove and Canister Options
The wrong stove means cold dinners at altitude or carrying a fuel canister for a week-long trip, here's how to pick the right one for how you actually hike.
gear
clothing10 minHow to Dress for Hiking: The Complete Guide for Every Season
Dressing wrong for a hike ranges from uncomfortable to dangerous, here's exactly what to wear in every season, with specific fabric and product recommendations.
clothing
navigation7 minHow to Read Trail Markers
Trail markers are the language of the backcountry, learn to read blazes, cairns, and signs before you get turned around.
navigation
food9 minBest Backpacking Meals
Freeze-dried meals have gotten dramatically better, but so have the DIY strategies that cost half as much and taste twice as good.
food
gear8 minHiking Boots vs Trail Runners
The ankle support argument for hiking boots is mostly a myth, trail runners outperform boots on most terrain for most hikers. Here's how to decide what actually belongs on your feet.
gear
Yosemite11 minYosemite Valley Hiking Guide
Yosemite Valley packs more iconic hikes into 7 square miles than anywhere in North America, here's how to navigate the permits, crowds, and trails.
Yosemite·California
health8 minThe Real Benefits of Hiking
Hiking does more than burn calories, it rewires how your brain handles stress, rebuilds joints that sitting destroys, and produces mental clarity that no gym session replicates.
health
gear10 minHow to Choose a Hiking Backpack
Choosing the wrong backpack is the most expensive hiking mistake you can make, here's how to get the fit, volume, and features right the first time.
gear
winter9 minWinter Hiking for Beginners
Winter transforms every trail into something entirely different, here's how to go out safely when temperatures drop and snow covers the ground.
winter
beginners9 min12 Beginner Hiking Mistakes (and How to Avoid Every One)
Most beginner hikes go wrong in the same dozen ways, and every one of them is completely avoidable if you know what to look for before you leave the trailhead.
beginners
training9 minHow to Build Hiking Endurance: A 6-Week Training Plan
If you're gassing out on climbs or arriving at camp with nothing left in your legs, this six-week plan will fix that.
training
gear8 minWhat to Wear Hiking: A Beginner's Complete Clothing Guide
What you wear on a hike affects your comfort, safety, and how well your body regulates temperature, here's exactly what to put on from base layer to outer shell for any season.
gear
Wyoming11 minBackpacking the Wind River Range: Wyoming's Best-Kept Secret
The Wind River Range in Wyoming contains more wilderness than most national parks, no entrance fee, and backcountry access so good that serious backpackers return year after year, here's how to plan a trip into the Winds.
backpacking·Wyoming
hydration7 minHow Much Water to Drink Hiking
Drink too little and you bonk; drink too much and you risk hyponatremia, here's exactly how much water to carry and drink for any hike.
hydration
food7 minWhat to Eat Before a Long Hike
What you eat the night before and morning of a long hike matters as much as what you pack, here's exactly how to fuel for distance and big elevation.
food
Zion9 minAngels Landing Hike Guide
Angels Landing is Zion's most dramatic hike, a 1,488-foot climb to a narrow fin of rock with chain assists and 1,000-foot drop-offs on both sides.
Zion·Utah
hiking basics6 minHow Long Does It Take to Hike a Mile?
Distance alone tells you almost nothing about how long a hike will take, here's how to calculate accurate time estimates using terrain and elevation.
hiking basics
safety8 minWhat to Do If You Get Lost Hiking
Getting lost happens to experienced hikers, what you do in the first 30 minutes determines whether it's an inconvenience or an emergency.
safety
safety8 minSun Protection for Hikers
UV exposure while hiking is two to three times higher than at sea level, and most hikers are dramatically underprotected, here's what actually works.
safetyWas this helpful?
One tap. It goes straight to Yulia and Margarita.
You can't hike it if you can't get the permit.
The best hikes in America run on lotteries that open once a year and sell out in minutes. Every trail runs on its own calendar. Pick the ones you want and we do the watching.
6 trails watched daily
- The WaveCoyote Buttes North · Arizona / UtahPermitLotterybrutal odds
- Half Dome CablesYosemite NP · CaliforniaPermitOpens Mar 1fair odds
Mt. WhitneyInyo NF · CaliforniaPermitOpens Feb 1tough odds
Angels LandingZion NP · UtahPermitLotterytough odds- The SubwayZion NP · UtahPermitLotterytough odds
- Mount St. Helens Summit ClimbGifford Pinchot NF · WashingtonPermitReservationtough odds
How it works
- ✓An email the morning each window opens, never the day after.
- ✓A 14-day heads-up so you can line up your group and dates.
- ✓Win odds and a ranked backup plan for every trail you pick.
Didn't win? We keep watching. We check recreation.gov every day for The Enchantments, Half Dome and Angels Landing, and email you the moment a sold-out date frees up. Cancellations are the second chance most people never hear about.