Trails & routes
Colorado children found safe after K-9 Archie tracks scent
A two-year-old Labrador named Archie led rescuers to three missing children who had wandered 1.5 miles from their family's campsite near Buena Vista
Trails & routes
Trails & routes on Pack and Summit: Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail and Long Trail.
Trails & routes
Long Trail Hikers Find Respite at White Horse Lodge
Thru-hikers on the Long Trail take a zero day at a Vermont lodge, focusing on gear replacement and consuming a massive food resupply after a tough week on
Trails & routes
Long Trail Hikers Use Bad Weather Alternate Route
Hikers on Vermont's Long Trail abandoned the main route due to a storm, using a safer descent suggested by Sugarbush resort staff after a night in a ski
Trails & routes
Thru-Hikers Confront Stench and Storm on Vermont's Long
A group of thru-hikers on the Long Trail push through a demanding 9.6-mile day, handling scent-based social encounters, a head injury from a fallen tree
Trails & routes
Wool Shirts Excel for Fall Trail Running Temperature Control
A trail runner details why they switch to wool-blend shirts for autumn runs, citing superior comfort, temperature regulation, and environmental benefits
Trails & routes
Thru-Hiker Confronts the White Mountains' Legendary
An Appalachian Trail thru-hiker details the physical and mental test of New Hampshire's White Mountains, from the steep climbs of Moosilauke and the
Trails & routes
Hikers Transition from Arid West to Vermont's Green
A hiker's journal details a five-day segment on the Appalachian and Long Trails, moving from Massachusetts into Vermont, encountering changing terrain and
Trails & routes
Thru-Hiker Reflects on Appalachian Trail Journey
A hiker nearing the end of the Appalachian Trail reveals she began with almost no backpacking experience, arguing the trail is forgiving and the dream is
Trails & routes
Thru-Hikers Find Community Late on the Colorado Trail
A hiker reports extreme isolation on the Colorado Trail this season, with a key pass seeing only 50-100 hikers daily in June.
Trails & routes
PCT Hikers Embrace Overnight March Across Barren LA Aqueduct
Thru-hiker Josh Sanders describes the 17-mile LA Aqueduct section of the Pacific Crest Trail as a brutal, hot, and waterless desert crossing that most
Trails & routes
Long Trail Hikers Reunite with Friend After Heavy Resupply
Hikers on Vermont's Long Trail manage a six-day food carry, recover a forgotten wallet, and celebrate a surprise reunion with a fellow trail friend at a
Trails & routes
Appalachian Trail Shelters Face Removal and Replacement
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is reducing the number of old shelters and installing tent pads to curb ecological damage from overuse, a shift prompted
Trails & routes
PCTA Crest Runners Conclude 2026 Season
Pacific Crest Trail Association Crest Runners have ended their 2026 season, which involved patrolling the backcountry, educating hikers on Leave No Trace
Trails & routes
Six Backcountry Trails Lead to Ancient Ruins and Rock Art
A guide details six remote hiking trails in the American West that lead to significant archaeological sites, including Ancestral Puebloan ruins and rock
Trails & routes
Climber's 60-Foot Fall Caught by Partner in Colorado
A 21-year-old climber survived a 60-foot ground fall in Colorado's newest state park after her anchor sling failed.
Trails & routes
Hexatrek Hiker Discovers Kayak Section on French Trail
A hiker on the long-distance Hexatrek in France details a day of trail diversions, a chance encounter revealing an upcoming kayak section, and seeking
Trails & routes
PCT Hikers Find Joy in Rain-Soaked Goat Rocks Trek
A group of Pacific Crest Trail hikers endure days of cold rain and fog through Washington's Goat Rocks Wilderness, discovering a focused camaraderie in the
Trails & routes
PCT Hiker Encounters Aggressive Mice, Glaciers in Washington
A Pacific Crest Trail hiker's journey through southern Washington featured aggressive wildlife, a glacier slide, and trail closures due to wildfires
Trails & routes
Colorado Bear Euthanized After Ingesting Trash Bags
A black bear in Durango was euthanized by Colorado Parks and Wildlife after its intestines were blocked by trash, highlighting a record year for bear
Trails & routes
Hiker Navigates Enchantments Permit Limits and Stevens Pass
A Pacific Crest Trail hiker describes a multi-day trip in Washington's Enchantments, constrained by a camping permit, and a day hike from Stevens Pass
Trails & routes
Slovenia's 191-Mile Water Trail Offers Thru-Hike
The Kamnik-Savinja Alps Water Trail is a 191-mile loop in Slovenia connecting over 200 springs, rivers, and waterfalls across 11 stages.
Trails & routes
PCT Hikers Reach Timberline Lodge After 2,100 Miles
A group of Pacific Crest Trail hikers, including the author 'Redrum,' completed an 18-mile, 4,000-foot climb to reach Timberline Lodge near Mount Hood.
Trails & routes
Solo Hiker Finds Companionship on Colorado Trail Finish
A thru-hiker reflects on finishing the 484-mile Colorado Trail, contrasting the let solitude of solo hiking with the shared joy of finishing the
Trails & routes
Huber's Team Claims First Ascent on Pakistan's Biacherahi
German climber Thomas Huber, with Spanish partners Victor Sans and Miquel Mas, has completed a new 600-meter route on Pakistan's 5,700m Biacherahi Central.
Trails & routes
Thru-Hiker Survives White Mountains and Southern Maine
A thru-hiker recounts the extreme physical challenge and scenic rewards of the Appalachian Trail's White Mountains and Southern Maine sections, detailing
Trails & routes
PCT Hikers Share Period Gear and Packing Strategies
Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers detail practical gear choices for managing menstruation on the 2,650-mile trek, covering reusable cups, disposal methods
Trails & routes
Arc'teryx Launches $1,200 Circular Hardshell Jacket
Arc'teryx introduces the Sperro SV, a $1,200 hardshell designed for long-term use and recyclability. The jacket is the first product under the brand's new System 0 circularity framework, featuring a QR code for lifetime tracking and three years of unlimited repairs.
Trails & routes
Thru-Hikers Find Shelter and Community at Camp Jonah
A group of Pacific Crest Trail hikers, stalled by a major rainstorm, finds an unexpected haven and forms a new 'tramily' at a former school turned
Trails & routes
PCT Hiker Logs 30-Mile Day on Flat Oregon Terrain
A Pacific Crest Trail hiker describes a fast, 30-mile day in Oregon with minimal elevation gain, detailing encounters with wildlife, scenic views of lakes
Trails & routes
Hikers Revisit Stratton Pond After 51 Years
A hiker returns to Stratton Pond on the Appalachian Trail after five decades, sharing the experience with companions.
Trails & routes
PCT Hiker Enters Washington, Finds a Grueling New Rhythm
A Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker crosses from Oregon into Washington, documenting the immediate increase in trail difficulty, humidity, and elevation gain
Trails & routes
Spider Season Explained for Hikers
Arachnid expert explains why spiders are more visible on trails in late summer and fall, and why hikers have little to fear from bites.
Trails & routes
PCT Hiker Takes Side Quests
A Pacific Crest Trail hiker takes side quests to Rainbow Falls and Devil's Postpile loop trail, experiencing beautiful scenery and unique geological
Trails & routes
PCT Hiker Reaches Rainy Pass Terminus Amid Smoke
A Pacific Crest Trail hiker completes a two-year journey at Rainy Pass, navigating smoke and trail closures before finding respite at the Lion's Den hiker
Trails & routes
Continental Divide Trail Hikers Face Wet Weather and Long
Hikers on the Continental Divide Trail between Helena and Lincoln encountered persistent rain, a 14-mile waterless stretch, and navigational challenges
Trails & routes
Thru-Hiker Nears Long Trail End After Jay Peak Summit
A northbound thru-hiker completes the final full day on Vermont's Long Trail, summiting Jay Peak and preparing for the northern terminus after days on
Trails & routes
Fairfax Bridge Closure Blocks Access to Mount Rainier Routes
The indefinite closure of the Fairfax Bridge has cut off access to Tolmie Peak, the Carbon River area, and key Mountaineers teaching sites in Mount Rainier
Trails & routes
PCT Hikers Approach Mt Shasta on Thru-Hike
A southbound Pacific Crest Trail hiker documents three days approaching Mt Shasta, detailing trail conditions, encounters with other hikers, and the
Trails & routes
Thru-Hiker's Luxury Items on the Continental Divide Trail
A Continental Divide Trail hiker details ten non-essential items, from a lucky mascot and a drone to Yorkshire tea and maps, that add comfort, joy, and
Trails & routes
Tahoe Rim Trail Hiker Learns to Let Go of the Plan
A hiker recounts abandoning a rigid mileage plan on the Tahoe Rim Trail after altitude sickness and fatigue set in, learning to prioritize well-being over
Trails & routes
PCT Hiker's Oregon Odyssey Highlights Trail Conditions
A Pacific Crest Trail hiker recounts the Oregon section, describing improved trail conditions, scenic geology, and the social dynamics of hiking between
Trails & routes
PCT Hikers Pass 2,000-Mile Mark Near Big Lake Youth Camp
Pacific Crest Trail hikers, after shipping resupply boxes and receiving trail magic, passed the 2,000-mile marker and celebrated at a pond near the Big
Trails & routes
Russian Dust Challenges Thru Hikers on Pacific Crest Trail
A hiker's journal details Days 56-60 of a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike, covering resupply in Etna, California, dusty conditions, and the demanding terrain
Trails & routes
Rivian R2 EV Tested on Utah Mountain Trails
A Rivian engineer encouraged a test driver to push the new R2 electric vehicle to over 50 mph on dirt trails in Wasatch Mountain State Park.
Trails & routes
Dale 'Grey Beard' Sanders, 91, Sets Appalachian Trail Age
At 91, Dale 'Grey Beard' Sanders completed a 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 12 months, becoming the oldest to do so.
Trails & routes
PCT Hiker Tackles Forester Pass and Glissades Solo
A Pacific Crest Trail hiker describes a challenging solo ascent of Forester Pass, a glissade down its snowy north side, and a resupply detour over Kearsage
Trails & routes
Long Trail Hiker Conquers Mansfield's Needle's Eye
A thru-hiker navigates the technical scramble over Mt. Mansfield's Needle's Eye on the Long Trail, encounters trail magic, and hears comparisons to the
Trails & routes
Hiker Nears Colorado Trail Finish, Confronts Storms
A thru-hiker recounts the final days on the Colorado Trail, navigating Blackhawk Pass, encountering llamas and fellow travelers, and finding cozy refuge
Trails & routes
Obsidian Terrain and Lava Rock Challenge PCT Hikers
A Pacific Crest Trail hiker describes a memorable day crossing the Obsidian area, navigating a treacherous mile of lava rock, and hitching a ride with a
Trails & routes
Slovenia's Kamnik-Savinja Alps Water Trail Opens
Slovenia has launched the 191-mile Kamnik-Savinja Alps Water Trail, a new thru-hike loop focusing on springs and waterways.
Trails & routes
Hiker Battles Glacier Park's Rain and Wind
A Continental Divide Trail hiker endures relentless rain, hail, and fierce winds while crossing a high pass in Glacier National Park, facing severe cold
Trails & routes
Lake Ozette Triangle: A 9-Mile Coastal Thru-Hike
A hiker describes a three-day, 9-mile coastal loop trek in Washington's Olympic National Park, covering the route, permits, and trail conditions.
Trails & routes
Nepal Floods Close Langtang, High Routes
Floods have cut off Nepal's Langtang region, closing trekking routes. Major climbing areas like Everest and Manaslu remain open for autumn.
Trails & routes
Hikers change plan after realism wins
A group of three hikers on the Long Trail, including The Historian and Rock Rabbit, revised their ambitious mileage target after a difficult first day
Trails & routes
PCT hikers forced off trail by smoke, fire
A Pacific Crest Trail hiker details how wildfires and smoke in Washington forced a premature end to their journey, closing the final 255 miles to the Canadian border.
Trails & routes
Colorado hiker takes train after storm
A Colorado Trail thru-hiker, recovering from a frightening thunderstorm, takes the Durango & Silverton train to town for a reset.
Trails & routes
Seattle Olmsted 50 Walk in October 2026
The Mountaineers are offering a week-long course in October 2026 for completing the 31-mile Seattle Olmsted 50 urban walk.
Trails & routes
Amtrak Empire Builder Route for Thru-Hiking
Amtrak's Empire Builder train route between Chicago and Seattle offers hikers access to trails across seven states, with round-trip fares averaging $600
Trails & routes
Editors' Top Picks for Late Summer Hikes
Backpacker magazine's editors highlight four new pieces of gear for hikers, including a trail trash system, a modular bear canister, a water filter flask
Trails & routes
Colorado Trail hiker finishes thru-hike
A hiker is returning to the Colorado Trail to complete a thru-hike they left unfinished last year, starting at 10,906 feet near Lake City.
Trails & routes
Brooks Cascadia Collection Launches for
Brooks has launched the Cascadia Collection, a head-to-toe gear system for trail running. The line builds on 20 years of experience from the original Cascadia shoe, developed with ultrarunner Scott Jurek.
Trails & routes
Dale Sanders, 91, Is Oldest AT Thru-Hiker
Dale 'Grey Beard' Sanders, age 91, has become the oldest recorded person to complete a thru-hike of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail. He summited Mt. Katahdin this morning.
Trails & routes
Appalachian Trail hiker rescued after Bear
A 29-year-old hiker fell from an overlook on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania on Saturday and was rescued the next morning after calling 911.
Trails & routes
USDA Plan Threatens 288 Miles of PCT
The USDA plans to revoke the 2001 Roadless Rule, potentially allowing logging on 288 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. The public comment period is open.
Trails & routes
PCT Hiker's Day on Trail: Sitkum Creek Camp
A Pacific Crest Trail hiker covers 17.8 miles from Lake Sally Ann to Sitkum Creek, navigating dry creek beds and power management issues while encountering
Trails & routes
Trail Angel Slack Packs AT Hikers
A hiker describes a day on the Appalachian Trail with a steep descent and being slack packed by a trail angel, reflecting on hiking philosophies.
Trails & routes
Hikers Emphasize Safety After Trail Scare
A group of older hikers on the Appalachian and Long Trails faced a tense separation at dusk when one missed a shelter turn, underscoring the importance of
Trails & routes
Colorado Trail hiker survives storm
A thru-hiker on the Colorado Trail endured a terrifying, exposed thunderstorm above treeline, describing it as a near-death experience.
Trails & routes
Michelle Vanek's 2005 Disappearance on Mount
A podcast details the 2005 disappearance of hiker Michelle Vanek on Colorado's Mount of the Holy Cross and the massive, fruitless search.
Trails & routes
GR54 Hiker Skips Mountain for Village Tour
A hiker on the GR54 trail opted for a village day to avoid a repetitive climb, encountering historic sites and extreme heat before reaching a bivouac area.
Trails & routes
Long Trail Hikers Face Pre-Hike Travel Chaos
Hikers heading to Vermont's 273-mile Long Trail face travel mishaps like forgotten knives, lost boots, and major flight delays before reaching the start.
Trails & routes
Trail Running Gear Essentials for Road
A guide for road runners moving to trails, covering essential gear changes for safety and enjoyment, based on personal experience and industry data.