“A giant thirst is a great joy when quenched in time.” – Edward Abbey, “Desert Solitaire” (1968). Not drinking enough water may well be the most common mistake made by hikers and backpackers. Whether you are walking in the heat or the cold, at sea level or at altitude, being adequately hydrated should always be a priority. […]
Bears are the animals that everyone wants to see and doesn’t want to see. It is really just a question of timing and distance. Spot a grizzly bear on the other side of a raging river; fantastic. Walk around a blind corner and find yourself 10 meters away from a cub; not so cool. When […]
The Salar de Uyuni is the earth’s largest salt flat. Situated in the southwest corner of Bolivia’s Altiplano, it measures a staggering 12,106 sq km (4,674 sq mi); more than 20 times bigger than Death Valley. It is an otherworldly sight to behold, a glistening ocean of white salt crystals stretching out as far as […]
When thru or section hiking a long-distance trail, backpackers regularly hitch into and out of towns for purposes of resupply and R&R. While there is obviously no surefire formula to hitchhiking success, there are certain tips and techniques that can help improve your odds while making your way to and from the trailhead: 1. Location, […]
A combination of driving rain, high winds, and temperatures just above freezing, represents some of the most challenging weather that a hiker can face. In these conditions, hypothermia and frostbite (if the thermometer subsequently drops below 0°C / 32°F) are a very real possibility. Thankfully, cold-related maladies are far easier to prevent than they are […]
Hiking downhill is often taken for granted. In the minds of some, it represents the equivalent of “backcountry gravy”; the reward that follows the exertion of a challenging ascent. Yet hiking downhill takes its toll. Twists, slips and tumbles are most likely to happen while descending and no other type of hiking causes more wear and […]
Amboy Crater is nestled halfway between Barstow and Needles, just off historic Route 66. It is located near, but not within, Mojave National Preserve. A visit to Amboy Crater will definitely take you back in time. Ten thousand years ago, this cinder cone volcano erupted, transforming the surrounding landscape. A 3-mile round trip trail leads up […]
Across the road from the park visitor center (and Canyon Rim Trail) is Alcove Nature Trail. This track is set back from the canyon rim, which limits views of the great landscape. What this trail offers instead is an informative hike with numbered markers that coincide with entries in a guide booklet. The entries describe plants […]
Montenegro is a coastal country in Southeast Europe, on the Adriatic Sea, and is one of the many countries that make up the Balkan Peninsula. This small but fascinating country has some of Europe’s most rugged terrain, with peaks higher than 2500 meters above sea level, a dream for any trekking lover. Trekking in Montenegro […]
North Vietnam is known for being rugged, beautiful and full of off-the-beaten-track charm. Here are our 10 best hiking trails in north Vietnam. 1. Sky Gate This hike outside of Sapa town takes you to the highest road in Vietnam. Although the climb can be steep in places, the reward is in the view at […]