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Whether you like to camp, paddle, take long walks, or bike flowy singletrack, these are the coolest ways to spend your precious time off in 2025

Most national parks have an entry fee, but not these. And they’re all awesome places to visit.

The fires in Southern California have impacted millions of lives. These outdoor athletes share their stories of evacuation, loss, and community relief amid the disaster.

These are our favorite healthy trips in North America, from a desert hot-springs lodge to a quiet island off the Pacific Coast.

Trying to prevent forest fires with more logging may only make them worse, fire ecologists say. Will the federal government listen?

Five questions with UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain, who warned of “extreme fire danger” in Southern California days before the devastating blazes

Our travel writers spent weekends at some fabulous places: a red-rock retreat, stargazing domes, and one of the national parks’ hardest-to-book cabins. Here’s where we’re sending our friends next year.

Experience two of SoCal's stunning desert landscapes—the low Colorado to the east, and the mountainous Mojave to the west—with these gorgeous treks, ranging from 1 to 37 miles

We love to travel, but most airports suck. Here are ones that don't.

Discover the ultimate winter base camp in Reno Tahoe

Four Klamath River dams are being removed for environmental benefit. Yet even positive change feels traumatic to the many residents who’ve built livelihoods around the lakes and whitewater that have disappeared.

The author breaks down a bizarre story involving a trashed car, grainy surveillance video, and a fuzzy bear suit

My family traded stressful air travel and an exhausting day cooking and cleaning for crowd-free campsites and an outdoor feast around the fire. Best decision ever.

After SAR rescued two heavily-laden, inexperienced hikers from the lower 48’s highest peak, they had some strong advice to share with anyone thinking of following in their footsteps

Jason Crist was charged with 29 counts including nine felonies

Hidden along Highway 1, not far from Point Reyes National Seashore and celebrated oyster farms, this camp-like retreat is drawing city-goers eager to be surrounded by wilderness

Aaron Lopez opened Ursa to pay homage to the desert ingredients of the Southwest

What’s better than leaf-peeping? Leaf-peeping with Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop.

Trust us: the puppies, kittens llamas, and pigs are worth the trip

He earned an A for resourcefulness and an F for sharing

A lifetime cyclist, our columnist pulled the data and weighed other factors to determine the most bike-friendly small towns across America

These cool new lodging options are within striking distance of some of the country’s most popular national parks

YouTubers are illegally climbing California's famed trees, prompting the NPS to protect them from visitors. We asked tree expert Tim Kovar why the illicit ascents are so damaging.

Could the climate crisis be solved in the courtroom?

Our photographer traveled the Western States Trail Ride, covering its 100-mile length through California’s Sierra Nevada, to document the horses and riders taking on this grueling challenge

Our columnist has spent over 20 years in lineups across the country and says these coastal towns offer good waves, food, and vibes—and embody surf culture

Explore the Golden State on a journey from San Francisco to Kings Canyon

A longtime Golden State hiker reveals her dream list of the most beautiful, must-see routes in California

Our parks expert has put together long weekend trips for as little as $204, with details on free entrance fees and campsites, and active itineraries that keep costs down

Looking to try this 211-mile route through the Sierra Nevada? The FKT holder on the JMT provides key advice on landing a coveted permit, picking the best resupply points, the most beautiful campsites, and essential gear.

I like the mountains, not boats, which make me sick. Then came a chance to see the beautiful landscapes of California’s Channel Island National Park.

Five questions with Amy Appelhans Gubser, the 55-year-old California woman who became the first person to swim from the San Francisco Bay to the Farallon Islands

Starting this fall, backpackers will have to pay a new fee to hike the popular Lost Coast Trail. For some, it will triple the cost.

The two backcountry climbers never reached the splitboards and skis they stashed to descend the California fourteener

From western landscapes to the Blue Ridge Parkway, our national park expert maps out five beautiful road trips—all doable in a week

From campgrounds that only accept bookings two weeks out to websites with immediate inventory, we’ve got solutions for late planners

Every great adventure needs a staging area. Here they are, from simple and affordable to dreamy and luxe, in unbelievable locations, with endless terrain to explore and a warm bed to return to at night.

The ski mountaineer left the door open to pursue the last four ski descents, but his timeline remains unclear

Ski to an old silver mine. Dive to a shipwreck. In these places, delving into the past is an adventure.

Tropical atolls, distant hikes and hot springs, and wild jungles and mountaintops lure adventurous travelers to these beautiful far flung spots

We asked our editors for the most romantic trips they’d ever taken. From fire towers to Southwest camping to mountaintop lodges, these incredible stays are the best way to spend Valentine’s—or any day.

This year, travel to one of the healthiest places on earth. We asked Blue Zones expert Dan Buettner for tips on visiting these five destinations, and ways to incorporate longevity habits into your own life.

Ditch the crowds as you hike, camp, and revel in the most stunning backcountry landscapes in the U.S. They don't call one circuit Wonderland for nothing.

After two recent court cases addressed whether incarcerated people deserve access to the outdoors, a man who served 22.5 years reflects on the importance of allowing human beings to breathe fresh air

In-N-Out Burger’s iconic palm trees are a reference to buried treasure, but they also make the restaurant a very unlikely climate change indicator

A community ski hill in Northern California is under fire after sharing plans to erect a 20-foot-tall statue of the Virgin Mary

CJ Albertson and Grace Kahura-Malang won the California International Marathon while dozens more fulfilled lifelong dreams to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials in their last chance

The environment takes center stage at these beautifully located music and arts events across the country. Go, have a great time, and learn about our changing world and what you can do.

The outdoor recreation economy is outpacing domestic growth

I wanted to be a waterwoman. So I signed up for white bro ocean culture and erased a part of myself.

Record winter storms turned the Central Valley into a 300-mile long flood zone. We sent a writer and photographer to check out conditions that hadn’t been seen in 40 years.

With charging stations increasing and battery life improving all the time, the Great American Road Trip is more EV-friendly than ever. These are the most beautiful trips.

The Southern Sierra’s record snowpack may have contributed to a deadly accident on 14,505-foot Mount Whitney this month.

Beautiful weather for outdoor fun, fall colors galore, and festive seasonal activities—what more could you ask for?

Nick’s Cove is the North Bay’s most charming home base for exploring Point Reyes and cycling or cruising Highway One in search of adventure. Not to mention fresh oysters, house cocktails crafted with local ingredients, and an enchanting boat shack to enjoy them.

From where the Donner Party was stranded in California's High Sierra to the remnants of the great Chacoan civilization in New Mexico, you can relive history on these incredible trails

Our national forests are brilliant, underappreciated, and uncrowded compared to most national parks. Here’s the intel on where to hike in these stunning landscapes.

The York Fire has swept across thousands of acres of the Mojave Desert, torching Joshua trees and other delicate desert vegetation

The 2022–23 ski season was recently extended until August 6

The boat people volunteers who shuttle runners across the American River at mile 78 on the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run have seen it all

Walk among deep river gorges, glacial mountains, alpine lakes, and vast deserts, all on beautiful under-the-radar public lands

It was so hot that rescue helicopters couldn’t take off

The death is the third snow-related fatality that local search and rescue has responded to over the past three weeks

Some of the wildest, best beaches in the country can be found in our national parks system. These are the most spectacular.

This body-positive runner is partnering with Rising Hearts and GU Energy Labs to bring her self-belief to ultrarunning’s biggest stage: the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run

Investigators say Edward Frederick Wackerman intentionally started the 2022 Oak Fire. The blaze burned more than 100 homes just outside the national park.

After 50 years, America’s most cherished 100-mile footrace might be showcasing the deepest field ever

���ϳԹ���s in national parks don’t end at sundown. We’ve found the best ways to explore after dark, from seeing the Northern Lights to Yooperlite hunting.

There’s learning, connecting with self and others, and did we mention dance parties?

As you’re visiting national parks this summer, don’t miss out on these spectacular outlooks, mountain summits, and lake vistas. We’ve got the intel on how to reach them all.

Why be stuck behind the masses at popular parks when you can wander some of the nation’s best with barely a soul in sight?

Opposites may attract, but they don’t always see eye to eye when it comes to traveling together. Our travel columnist has tips on how to meet in the middle—and where to go that will make you both happy.

High snowpack may lead to issues throughout May and June

It’s not just skiers who are enjoying a banner year. Thanks to all the snow, 2023 promises to be one of the best rafting seasons ever. Check out these five great trips.

California’s wild storms and wet weather have resulted in dazzling displays of wildflowers, some peaking and others ready to pop. Here’s how to see one before it’s too late.

These state parks offer everything you’re looking for in a national park, only fewer crowds. See our top choices for wildlife, wilderness, solitude, and more.