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Latest
The Gift of Surprise in the Rawah Wilderness
James Montavon hikes in Colorado’s Rawah Wilderness, and discusses the differences between using different trip planning softwares.
Backcountry Skiing to a Fire Lookout
BPL author Mark Wetherington skis into a remote fire lookout tower in Montana’s backcountry on a chilly winter night.
I Got Caught in a Sierra Storm, on Purpose
Isaac Simons tells the lessons of extreme Sierra weather and questionable gear choices through the lens of the writings of Phil Arnot.
A Walk from Crested Butte
Drew Smith writes about using public transit to make the travel to, from, and between trailheads more sustainable.
Clouds and McLeods
James Montavon discusses giving back to the trail community through his experience volunteering with the Colorado Trail Foundation.
Down to the Valley: Embracing the Desert Trail from the Mojave Desert to Badwater Basin
Drew Smith journeys from the Mojave Desert to Badwater Basin finding beauty in a seemingly desolate place.
Desert Crossing
An introspective account of what one can learn about themself through the story of crossing Saudi Arabia’s Hejaz region.
Mantras, Mandalas, and Meditations: A hike through the hidden Tibetan Kingdom of Nepal – the Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang Regions
An account of a trek through Nepal's Central Himalayan Nar Phu Valley and Upper Mustang region near the border of Tibet via an ancient trading route.
Strange Homecomings: A Journey on the Colorado Trail
Nikki Stavile returns to Colorado finding her home state changed but finds solace in the unpredictable mountains along the Colorado Trail.
Falling Stones at Two Goat Camp
Andrew Marshall's account of a Wonderland Trail thru-hike at the intersection of permits, wildfires, the birth of his son, and trauma.
Lunar Eclipse at Craters of the Moon National Monument
Observing a lunar phenomenon in an otherworldly landscape provides a sense of awe distinct from typical backpacking trips
MYTHing the PCT in a Time of Change
Searching for grace and gratitude through the smoke.
Pushing the SOS button on the Garmin inReach Mini in Jasper National Park
"I was suddenly seized by an inability to breathe: the world went black and I was bent over gasping for air, then passed out and collapsed, falling into the marsh."
Trouble Behind
Enriching friendship through fishing and adventure in Colorado’s Middle Park.
Walking the Great Rift Valley
Heat, army ants, and stupendous views await Jeff de Graffenried as he treks through South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
Cutting it Short in the Lost River Range
Mark Wetherington confronts the novelty of bailing on a trip after things don't go as planned in Idaho's Lost River Range.
The Blue Lights of the San Rafael Swell
Sometimes we backpack to get a taste of the unknowable: blue lights and pictographs in the San Rafael Swell.
Finding Meaning on the Green River
Ben Kilbourne hikes and packrafts along the Green River in Wyoming.
A Walk in the Park: 100 Miles Across the Wilds of Kafue National Park
An off-trail trek through a Zambian wildlife preserve.
Searching for the Light
After the year of darkness that was 2020, I needed to walk in the light of the Mojave desert.
