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From supermoons to a total eclipse to the national park’s biggest and best-attended star parties, these are the must-see celestial shows of the year
You’ll be able to view a rare alignment of planets this month and into February. Our astrotourism expert reveals the best places and ways to see the awesome spectacle.
We haven’t seen the Red Planet this luminous in the night sky since 2022. Our astrotourism expert shares how and when to enjoy the show.
Stephanie Vermillion is an expert on magical nocturnal experiences, with an upcoming book called ‘100 Nights of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate ϳԹs After Dark.’ These are her favorites.
Sleep in style, and close to the trailhead and slopes, at these jaw-dropping adventure base camps
Joe Buffalo Child has a deep connection to the auroras, which his people, the Dene, believe carry messages from their ancestors. We headed into the boreal forest seeking light.
Astronomers say Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will likely be visible to the naked eye this weekend in the U.S. Here’s how and where to see it.
Our astrotourism expert’s easy step-by-step guide, tips, and gear hacks will set you up for stunning shots
Gazing up at the night sky can be a major stress reliever. Plus, you might even catch a glimpse of something cool.
You’ll be counting stars and catching the Northern Lights at these one-of-a-kind dark-sky retreats
Our astrotourism expert shares tips on how to maximize your view of the year’s brightest meteor shower, peaking on August 12
Thanks to a peaking solar cycle, spectacular auroras will likely appear again in the lower 48 soon. Our expert’s advice will set you up for success to see them.
Historic Phantom Ranch is the only park lodging on the floor of the Grand Canyon. Tens of thousands of people try to book a stay there. Our writer scored a night there recently, and if you follow her tips, you can, too.
Our aurora-chasing author (who shot this photo) knows just where to head. Here are the destinations expected to put on the show of a lifetime this year.
These short-but-sweet hikes are the perfect microadventure for busy people. Here’s how to tackle them.
I only recently learned that hitting the trails solo makes me feel more alive.
Dad and I had always planned to climb Africa’s tallest peak together, but cancer took away our chance. I knew he wouldn’t want it to take mine, too.
As the sun transitions to “solar maximum” in the next three years, it is prime time to spot the aurora borealis—even in the lower 48 states. Here’s where, when, and how to catch the show in our national parks.
On these expert-led trips, you’ll spot the National Park System’s wildest residents, from mysterious wolves to fat bears. Pro tip: the bioluminescent fireflies are pretty cool, too.
Oh, to have disposable income
It’s like sustainable tourism 2.0—with a focus on leaving destinations better than we found them.
National forests are the perfect place to leaf peep—often away from the crowds. These are our top viewing spots and adventures in forests across the country.
In summer or shoulder season, there’s nothing better than a water-view hike or one that ends up at a beach for lounging and swimming. From the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and places in between, these are our favorites.
Outdoor guides from across the globe told us their favorite fireside tales—prepare to be spooked and inspired
The second-city travel trend is helping alleviate pressure on the world’s most overtouristed urban centers. Here’s how it could help crowded outdoor escapes, too.
Wildlife adventures can do wonders for conservation—but the wrong tours put animals at risk. Here’s how to find a responsible outfitter so your trip can help protect the creatures you’ve come to see.
Some might be surprised to hear that one of our nation's most visited parks is in Ohio, but a single trip will be enough to convince you otherwise. Bridal-veil waterfalls, a spectacular river, and more than 125 miles of trails are merely supporting characters to this Midwest playground's main act: a conservation success story.
As crowds grow and parks reach capacity, responsible national-park travel is more important than ever. Here’s how to leave a lighter footprint, according to rangers.
From a scenic path that extends the entire length of New York to a new route connecting Yellowstone to Grand Teton, here are the most scenic ways to experience America’s wilderness by bike
Granting access to more than 2,000 national parks and recreation areas, the America the Beautiful pass is a game changer for any park-hopping traveler. Here’s how to know if the pass is right for you—plus how to buy it and use it.
Organizations around the world are helping refugees feel welcome via wilderness immersions—and with a record number of displaced people, this movement couldn’t come at a better time
Cap off a day on the trail with a soak in a steamy mineral pool. We found the best from Alaska to North Carolina.
A hiker pulls confidence from an unsolicited gear critique in the Catskills
Explore America’s favorite winter wonderlands on these scenic routes, which range from beginner to expert terrain
Using their scuba skills, these water lovers clean the country’s largest lakes in the hope that their garbage hordes can spark high-level change
Visit 12 of America’s best-loved national parks on this cross-country national-park train loop
From towering waterfalls to long-distance trails, this 90-mile stretch of Route 20 packs the region’s best adventures into one trip
Take a break from NPS crowds by visiting these lesser-known designations, which we chose based on spectacular scenery, great hiking trails, and unique features.
The nonprofit Native Skywatchers has spent more than a decade collecting and preserving Indigenous star knowledge. Now organizations like NASA and the NPS are joining the movement.
Although the concept has been OK'd, that doesn't mean it will be implemented. Here's what former government officials, local guides, and environmental experts told ϳԹ about its possible implications on Africa's highest peak.
There are hundreds of scenic trails for you and your BFF to explore together
Because no one has time for missed connections and grueling layovers
From unexpected snowstorms to below-freezing bathroom breaks, winter camping is a wild adventure. Some nights, you relish the hilarity of navigating tent poles with numb fingers. Other nights, you'd rather show up, sit back, and crack open a beer. If you're ready for the latter—a mix of chilly excursions and heated luxury—it's time to treat yourself at one of North America's best winter glamping sites. Here are our favorites.