/This article has been updated./
Researchers speculate that the evolution of humans unfolded in two-step with
the development of flowering botanicals, suggesting that early primates
developed strong vision and nimble fingers to nab flowers and fruit from the
ends of branches.
/This article was updated in April 2023. /
Thru-hiking has been “in” for a few years now, and visitation of the
long-distance routes on the East and West coasts have jumped accordingly. But
hey, guess what? While it’s great to see these trails get the appreciation
they deserve, it certainly changes the experience of the thru-hike to have a
herd of companions to accompany you along the way.
/This article was originally published in November 2016./
Once you've visited our national parks during their quietest season
in winter, you may never go back to the busier and more crowded summer
months. Though access to certain areas may be limited and you may need to
plan differently, wintertime and early spring in the parks offers a
completely different and often more tranquil experience.
Known best for the Grand Canyon, Arizona is also home to some of the most
extraordinary adventures in the American Southwest. It also offers up some of
the most remarkable backpacking opportunities around.
Heralded as Colorado’s most popular park, Rocky Mountain National Park
(RMNP) [1] is a wealth of natural wonder, with alpine meadows, craggy
mountain summits, lush forests, and babbling rivers. The wildlife here is
abundant and commonly spotted, and there is a spectacular view around every
corner. With a plethora of trails, there are options for everyone throughout
the park.
This time of year, chances are, you’ve got a bucket list filled with
outdoor objectives you're dreaming about ticking off the list. Perhaps that
list includes a week-long backpacking trip deep in the high country?
Joshua Tree National Park [1] is an incredible place to visit. With a
moon-like landscape, seemingly amorphous rock outcrops, and the bewildering
Joshua Trees, the park is, without a doubt, visually stunning. Plus, with
hundreds of miles of trails and roads, you can spend the better part of a
week exploring and not see the same thing twice.
That said, this region can be pretty unforgiving.
When you think of exploring Death Valley National Park [1], your brain may
not immediately jump to the prospect of backpacking. Known for scorching and
record-breaking temperatures in the summer, it’s not necessarily the first
place people consider when planning a backpacking trip. However, if you’re
looking for a warm winter getaway, the park is an excellent option.
Living in NYC, it’s easy to forget there is a wealth of forested spaces
within a short drive of the Urban Jungle. From river walks to mountain
summits, there is plenty to keep any hiker entertained. It may feel a little
overwhelming at first, but you can reach each of these hikes in under a
couple of hours.
Short stretches of fair weather and warmer temperatures have made it clear
that spring has arrived. Although it is only early spring, change is already
taking shape on the sun-kissed south-facing slopes of the Columbia River
Gorge [1], particularly those on the eastern end.
That's right, wildflowers are starting to pop out!
Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park
Wondering where you can enjoy the best leaf-peeping and wildlife-watching on
an autumn road trip? Look no further than Grand Teton and Yellowstone
National Parks in northwest Wyoming. See below for some of the best places,
both well- and lesser-known, to photograph fall sunrises and sunsets with
stunning flora and fauna.
Southern Utah has a truly incredible concentration of national and state
parks, monuments and forests all within a relatively small area. With
its unique desert rock formations and impressive river canyons, this
area can match any scenic stretch in the country. It's never too soon to
start planning your Utah adventure trip, and for this one you can get a lot
done in less than a week.
