You have decided what time of year you want to summit Mount Whitney. You have applied for your permit. You’re growing excited. Now it’s time to start thinking about the task at hand—actually summiting the highest mountain in the Lower 48. Yikes! Hiking 21 miles is...
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This summer’s Netflix revival of Gilmore Girls held a plot twist that many didn’t see coming. In the third of four episodes, Lorelei, the hip, pop-culture-loving mom of the popular WB series, announces she’s heading to California to “do Wild” and hike the Pacific Crest...
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The most likely stumbling point during the planning stage is getting a permit to enter the Mount Whitney Zone. Between May 1 and November 1, trailhead quotas are in effect and permits are required for both day hikes and overnight backpacking trips. The catch is that all permits for both...
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Most hikers look forward to unplugging on the trail. But there are times, especially on a thru-hike or long backpacking trip, that seeing a bar or two pop up in a remote area is a welcome surprise. It means we can call home and let...
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Happy 2017, fellow adventurers! Can we all agree to take a collective sigh of relief and vow to make this year better than the last? Breathe in the mountain air, breathe out the doldrums of 2016. If you haven’t already started, now is a great time...
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The Arizona Trail (AZT), one of only 11 official National Scenic Trails in the country, is an 800-plus-mile stretch, spanning north-south from the US-Mexico border to Utah. Along the way, a diverse population of hikers, backpackers, cyclists, trail runners, trail builders, nature enthusiasts, cross-country skiers,...
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The first 100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail are often a heady mix of desert views, strong winds, rattlesnakes, long stretches without water, and free apple pie. As you start to plan your 2017 PCT hike, here are a few things to anticipate along Section...
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Yes, you can make pastry in the backcountry—all you need is a round water bottle for a rolling pin and a large ziplock freezer bag for rolling out the dough. It isn’t messy, and freshly baked pie is a real treat. This recipe from A...
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Pacific Crest Trail hikers see plenty of stunning mountain and desert views from the trail. But every so often we come upon something so remarkable it cries out for pausing and tipping one's hat in admiration. I call it PCT Art, and here's my work-in-progress collection. ...
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I was ready for the long stretches without water sources, the midday heat, and trail closures due to wildfires and endangered frogs. I knew exactly where to find the big elevation gains, confusing trail splits, and major road crossings. But, as I section-hiked the PCT...
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