Hikes

A motor boat in Svalbard
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Our 2023 Travel Bucket List

by Abby Levene
written by Abby Levene

Happiness experts say that it’s better to receive an experience than something material. So we rounded up the trips we’re dreaming of taking to gift your loved ones this holiday season.

Outside editors have ambitious travel bucket lists and are always on the move. When asked what trips they’d most like to receive as gifts this year, our colleagues knew exactly what to say.

1. Svalbard

Sightseeing in Svalbard
Sightseeing in Svalbard (Photo: Jonathan Nackstrand/Getty)

I can’t think of a more festive holiday gift than a trip to Svalbard, the northernmost settlement on the planet, just 650 miles from the North Pole. Although I’ve seen headlines about this arctic archipelago for years, when Outside columnist Emily Pennington wrote to me about her recent trip there this fall, I immediately added it to my bucket list. (Of course, I’d postpone my trip until summer when temperatures hover around 40 degrees.)

I’d spend at least a couple nights in a tent at Longyearbyen Camping (from $17)—you can rent camping gear right on site!—taking polar plunges in the Advent Fjord and exploring glaciers by hiking Sarkofagen Mountain. A trip to Svalbard wouldn’’t be complete without a dog sledding adventure; Green Dog offers tours by sled and wheels, along the snow and sea, depending on when you visit (from $95). After a few days of roughing it, I’d book a stay at the Funken Lodge (from $200), complete with a sauna, champagne tasting, and an old mining-cafeteria-turned-restaurant.

Key gear: I wouldn’t make this trip without my Women’s Intraknit Merino Fleece hoodie ($240), a cozy, wool zip-up with ample airflow that makes it perform for hiking, but cute enough that it’ll blend in around town. — Abigail Wise, digital managing director

2. Japan

The snow-capped Mount Yotei, a dormant volcano in Niseko, Japan
The snow-capped Mount Yotei, a dormant volcano in Niseko, Japan (Photo: Stefan Irvine/Getty)

I recently got married, and in lieu of a traditional gift registry, we asked for guests to contribute to our dream, once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon trip to Japan in February. We’ll start out in Tokyo, where we plan to visit multiple vintage clothing stores and cookware shops. (I hope to procure a nice, Japanese-made chef’s knife at the latter.) After that, it’s a bullet train to Kyoto to visit some temples and shrines and enjoy the (relative) tranquility of the city after bustling Tokyo. Lastly, we’ll be flying to Niseko, where we hope to catch one of the country’s famous snow festivals and—of course—ski the famous Japanese powder at Niseko United.

We’ll be eating and drinking our way through the country, making sure to block out plenty of time for tasting sake, regional dishes, and konbini snacks in each city.

You don’t need a newly minted marriage license to enjoy this trip, though: Gift it to yourself by buying two tickets to Tokyo (around $1,200 from Denver), four nights at the Hoshino Resorts OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka hotel (around $130/night), four nights at Ace Hotel Kyoto (around $170/night), three nights at The Green Leaf Niseko Village (around $130/night) and two, $105 two-day passes at Niseko United (or you can use your Ikon pass, as we plan on doing). — Kelsey Lindsey, senior editor

3. Salmon River, Idaho

Whitewater rafting, Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho, United States
Whitewater rafting, Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho, United States (Photo: Merrill Images/Getty)

I want to go on a rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho with the outfitter Oars (from $3399) and its expert guides so that I don’t have to worry about a thing. I’ve been craving being out in stunning wilderness on water, to get a breather from the relentless grind of Slack, social media, and bad news.

The Middle Fork is a classic trip. I’ve seen photos from friends’ outings on it over the years and can’t believe how serene and gorgeous it looks. You need to get yourself to Stanley, Idaho, and from there you take a bush flight with Oars to the put-in on the river. There are Class III to IV rapids, gorgeous riverside sandy beaches to camp on, hiking, hot springs, and historic stops along the way.

Key Gear: I’d definitely pack a pair of sunglasses that will protect my eyes from the sun and water’s glare, like the Costa Caletas. — Mary Turner, deputy editor

4. Coastal Maine

The rocky shores of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine
The rocky shores of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine (Photo: John Greim/Getty)

The trip I’d most like to be given in 2023 is a journey home. I spent my formative years on the coast of Maine, and developed a love for the outdoors in the Pine Tree State’s woods and waterways. I haven’t spent time on those trails, rivers and bays for over twenty years. I miss the crash of waves against the shore, the smell of fresh, salty air, and the rugged beauty of the rocky shores.

I’d cover my airfare to Portland, and the rental car to drive up the coast, if someone will gift me my lodging and equipment rentals. I’d love two nights at Camden’s Grand Harbor Inn (from $200 a night), where I’d run the trails of Camden Hills State Park and rent a kayak ($60 an hour from Maine Sport Outfitters) to explore the harbor and islands in the afternoon. Then on to my youthful home town of Bucksport, where I’d run the rolling, wooded 10-mile loop of Verona Island where I first learned my love of going long, before driving on to Mount Desert Island.

I’d need three to four nights at the Bar Harbor Inn (from $240/night for ocean view) to get in all the activities: biking Acadia National Park’s loop road above granite cliffs ($35/day from Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop), canoeing on Great Long Pond ($38/ 3 hours at National Park Canoe Rental), climbing Cadillac Mountain, and running the miles of groomed carriage roads around the park’s lakes and hills.

Key gear: Since my running surfaces on the trip will range from paved roads to gravel paths, with a few rocky trails, I’ll need to pack a versatile pair of shoes like the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Adventure. — Jonathan Beverly, senior running gear editor

5. Marin County, California

Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay

There are SoCal beach-goers and then there are NorCal ones; my family falls into the latter group, happily. Which is why we’re gifting ourselves a trip to Marin County for a long weekend next fall, when the weather is glorious. We’ll split our time between residential Stinson Beach, where my husband can surf-cast while my teenage daughter and I relax and roam the wide, 3.5-mile-long beach or spend an afternoon hiking the lush Dipsea Trail, and Marshall, another scenic outpost just 30 minutes from the choice clamming grounds of Bodega Bay (a daily permit of $17.50 is required for fishing or clamming).

In Stinson, we’ll stay at the century-old Sandpiper Lodge (from $280 for three people); it’s steps from the shore, trailhead, and a neighboring café with hearty hot breakfasts. In Marshall, up the coast on Tomales Bay, I’ve been eyeing the recently renovated Nick’s Cove, with 12 cabins overlooking the water (from $375 per night) and a sweet little restaurant at the end of a pier featuring a seasonal menu that will have your mouth watering if you’re in the area for seafood (and who’s not?). Four days of sandy beaches, salty air, and shells and fog and seaweed never seem like enough—but they’re all solid reasons for many returns.

Key gear: Mud boots, for both surf-casting and clamming, are a must. My family likes Bogs—my husband for its simple lines and my daughter for the colorful patterns. — Tasha Zemke, associate managing editor

6. The Ozarks, Arkansas

The Boston Mountains in the Ozarks
The Boston Mountains in the Ozarks (Photo: Paul Knightly/Getty)

Covered with hardwood forests and split by sheer sandstone river bluffs and quiet valleys, Arkansas’ Ozarks are a world away from the Appalachians or the Sierra, but they’re every bit as compelling. I’ve dreamed about hiking the Ozark Highlands Trail ever since the first time I set foot in those woods. Parts of the trail are still roadwalks or bushwhacks, but if you have 10 to 14 days free, you can get a taste of the best the path has to offer on the 164-mile Boston Mountains segment, which covers the trail’s most rugged peaks.

Start at the trail’s western terminus at Lake Fort Smith (closest airport: Fort Smith, which has daily flights from Dallas-Fort Worth; $380-450 at the time of writing). From there, meander east through deep hollows and over forested peaks, tagging the 2,382-foot summit of Hare Mountain, the trail’s high point, along the way. Your journey ends with a bang by traversing Richland Creek Wilderness, home to more than 30 waterfalls, including the 78-foot-high Terry Keefe Falls.

Tip: Camping is easy—you can pitch a tent (I’d want to bring an ultralight model like the Zpacks Duplex, starting at $699, along with a quilt like the REI Co-op Magma Trail Quilt 30, $329 and a good old Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol, $55) along most of the trail, as long as you’re 200 feet away from the treadpath or any water source—but resupplying is not. With few to no grocery stores within walking distance, your best bet is to mail food to post offices along the trail.

Key gear: Ask a friend or family member to send you resupply boxes. My gourmet wishlist includes a few nice meals from Stowaway Gourmet, $16 each, and vegan jerky from Beyond Meat, $4 for a 3 ounce bag. — Adam Roy, executive editor of Backpacker

7. Tuscany, Italy

Gravel biking in Tuscany (Photo: Zodebala/Getty)

Every spring, just as winter is loosening its grip, something magical happens in Central Italy. Emerging from hibernation, the pro cycling peloton winds through the olive groves and 1,000-year-old vineyards of Tuscany in a spectacular one-day race known as Strade Bianche. Surging up and down the eponymous “white roads” of the Bel Paese, the hilly course is a romantic’s dream—a throwback to the days when all races took place on gravel and ended with a heaping bowl of pasta, a hunk of crusty bread, and a bottle of Montepulciano or Chianti.

In my version of the dream, I join a guided 7-day tour with InGamba, a boutique operator founded and staffed by former pros who love fine food and conversation almost as much as they adore two-wheeled adventures. I’d draft behind Tour de France legend (and lead guide) Eros Poli as our small group of 8-10 riders rolled out of Florence, threading our way day-by-day through small villages and ancient ruins on cypress-lined roads.

Supported by a team of mechanics who tune and wash InGamba’s top-of-the-line fleet of Pinarello Grevils every morning, I’d dine on local delicacies each night, laughing with riders from all over the world around rustic tables in small, family-operated restaurants. And of course I’d show off the coating of fine white dust that’s the best souvenir of a Strade Bianche experience.

InGamba trips aren’t cheap—$6,950 for this one—but they’re worth every penny for the team’s local knowledge, impeccable attention to detail, and first-class food, drink, and lodging. Each rider receives a custom kit (which is washed and returned to you every night), but since a bike is provided there’s little gear to worry about.

Key gear: A broken-in pair of quality gravel shoes like the Specialized S-Works Recon Vent Evo. Oh, and a bottle of ibuprofen for the morning after all that Chianti. — Jon Dorn, VP of strategy at Outside, Inc.

This article was originally published on Outside Online.

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Earl Shaffer stands next to the sign on top of Mount Katahdin. He wears binoculars, a long sleeve tee and jeans. His pack sits on a rock in front of him.
Gaia GPSHikes

Walking off the War on the Appalachian Trail

by Abby Levene
written by Abby Levene

Photo: Earl Shaffer at the northern end of the Appalachian Trail, Mount Katahdin, Maine. Photographer by an unknown hiker. Courtesy of the Archives Center, National Museum of American History.

Origin: Earl Shaffer “Walks off the War”

Around 1:30 pm on August 5, 1948, a weary Earl V. Shaffer reached the summit of Mount Katahdin. Someone took his photo by the sign, he talked with several others on the summit, and he made his way back down. His outing looked pretty similar to that of thousands of hikers who had reached the rocky pinnacle before him. Shaffer, however, had just walked the entire length of the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail. And records show he was the first person to do so since the long trail was completed in 1937.

Shaffer had started his hike 123 days previously at the base of Mount Oglethorpe, which served as the southern terminus of the AT until 1958. He travelled alone, walking around 17 miles a day. Shaffer packed light. He nixed a tent when he realized his poncho could double as a shelter. He mended his clothes, and cooked cornbread in a pan over an open fire. Shaffer made it over the rocks, roots, and rubble in just one pair of Russell Moccasin Company “Birdshooter” boots. He resoled them twice, and they were in tatters by the end.

Despite Shaffer’s militancy for packing light, another heaviness weighed on his shoulders. Shaffer’s impetus for his unprecedented journey was to “walk the war out of my system.” The 29-year-old had served as a radar equipment technician in the South Pacific for four years during World War II. He saw the vestiges of war everywhere across the bucolic trail. In his “little black book,” a six-ring notebook he used as a diary, Shaffer perfunctorily makes note of military memorials, encountering fellow vets, and clouds resembling military carriers. He writes about a farmer’s son who “was psycho from [the] army” and a mother grouse who exploded from the underbrush like “an A-bomb.”

Twice, Shaffer mentions his childhood friend, Walter Winemiller, who passed away in the Battle of Iwo Jima. They had planned on hiking the trail together.

64 Years Later: Veteran Sean Gobin Thru-Hikes the AT

Sean Gobin stands in full combat gear in front of a military tank in the desert of south west Afghanistan.
Marine Sean Gobin in South West Afghanistan, 2011. Courtesy of Sean Gobin

Thru-hiking has exploded in popularity since Shaffer’s inaugural walk. About 20,000 people have completed the AT. Yet the tradition of “walking off the war” continues. Sixty-four years after Shaffer embarked on his 2,000 mile quest, marine veteran Sean Gobin did the same. Like Shaffer, Gobin had dreamed of thru-hiking the AT long before serving three deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As a kid, Gobin and his family spent summer vacations traveling around the country in an RV.

“I remember visiting Shenandoah National Park and noticing this trail that went all the way from Georgia to Maine,” Gobin recalls. “I was fascinated that people actually hiked the whole thing. I always wanted to do it.”

On his last day in the Marine Corps, Gobin drove out the back gate of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and beelined 500 miles due west to Springer Valley, Georgia. He started his thru-hike the next day.

“It was this really personal, cathartic experience.”

Gobin set out from Springer Mountain simply hoping to defy a statistic. He knew nothing about Shaffer, nature therapy, or even thru-hiking. But Gobin did know that of those who attempt to thru-hike the AT, only about 20 percent make it all the way.

“As a Marine,” Gobin says, “You’re like, ‘okay challenge accepted.’”

Sean Gobin sits on a rock painted with an American Flag. He's wearing his backpacking pack and holding poles.
Sean Gobin above Lehigh Gap, PA on the AT. Courtesy of Sean Gobin

Gobin wanted an extreme physical challenge. He got that — and an experience that shifted the trajectory of his life. The first month on the trail was a “complete mess.” Gobin made all of your typical beginner thru-hiker mistakes, and gave himself a slew of overuse injuries. But he was a fast learner, and by the time the shin splints, knee strains, blisters, and lost toenails recovered, Gobin had figured thru-hiking out.

“Once I figured everything out, it was really this incredible experience where I was able to focus outwardly and really appreciate the trail, nature, and the serenity of it all,” Gobin says.

Gobin settled into the rhythm of hiking eight to 12 hours a day. Immersed in nature and with nothing to distract him, he started processing his past, and planning for the future.

“Your brain really has nothing to do but start to focus on your life experiences and what you’ve gone through,” Gobin says. “You come to terms with it, and then start focusing on the future and what you want to do with your life; what’s really important to you. It was this really personal, cathartic experience.”

By the time Gobin finished the trail, he realized he had gone through an incredibly therapeutic, life-changing journey. He felt called to provide fellow vets with a similar experience — many needed it.

The early 2010s marked the height of the Veterans Association struggling to deal with an onslaught of vets coming home with mental health issues. Since 2001, over three million vets have returned home from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many never transition from their experiences. In fact, the Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that over 15 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan vets suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“The VA was prescribing a lot of medications, and some of the side effects are even worse than the effects of post-traumatic stress,” Gobin says.

To make matters worse, many vets would come home and give up the daily structure of working out and keeping up with military standards of fitness. Their physical health faded with their mental health. Gobin knew thru-hiking could help with both.

Warrior Expeditions: Walking Off War Together

A group of Warrior Expeditions Vets stand on top of McAfee Knob. Green mountains ripple into the distance under a cloudy sky.
A Warrior Expeditions group at McAfee Knob, VA on the AT. Courtesy of Warrior Expeditions

Almost instantly, puzzle pieces started falling into place. Gobin met an Appalachian Trail Conservancy board member, who introduced Gobin to the history of Earl Shaffer and veterans walking off the war. Gobin was intrigued. Together, Gobin and the ATC started putting together a vet outreach program to help vets transition from their wartime experiences by thru-hiking the trail.

Gobin used his MBA classes at the University of Virginia that winter to put Warrior Expeditions together. He made the website during finals week. Gobin called every outdoor company he could think of. Companies began donating gear. The ATC announced the program, and applications flooded in. Gobin organized a community of supporters all the way up the AT who would take vets in for a meal and a place to sleep every few days up the trail.

“And their eyes — wow, it was like someone turned the lights on.”

That spring, Gobin met his first class of vets in Georgia. He distributed gear, gave an orientation talk about how to thru-hike, and told them what to expect. Gobin shadowed them up the trail for a week, and departed in Hiawassee, GA. Six months later, Gobin met the group at Katahdin. He couldn’t believe the transformation that had occurred along the trail.

“The people I met in Maine were not the same people who started in Georgia,” Gobin says. “Physically, they had lost tons of weight. The pudgy vets who started up the trail no longer had an ounce of body fat. And their eyes — wow, it was like someone turned the lights on.”

By the time Gobin met the group in Maine, the previously depressive, introverted, and sullen vets were beaming, laughing, and talking. Gobin realized he had found his life’s calling. Warrior Expeditions rapidly expanded, organizing thru-hikes for vets on eight different long trails across the country, plus a 3,700-mile cross-country cycling expedition and paddling trip along the 2,320-mile Mississippi River.

A Magical Formula: Building a Routine in Nature as a Team

Sean Gobin smiles while standing on a rocky trail. He's wearing a backpack and button-down shorts sleeve shirt.
Sean Gobin. Courtesy of Sean Gobin.

Gobin says Warrior Expeditions works because of three elements: the therapeutic benefits of living in tune with nature, the structure of purpose and routine, and the social element of traveling together.

Hiking with a heavy pack all day, every day helps burn off anxiety. The physical toll and time in nature alleviates depression. The routine puts hikers on a normal sleep schedule where they’re up with the sun and sleep when the sun sets. Plus, they’re so tired that they actually get a good night’s sleep.

“It’s very structured,” Gobin says. “It strips away all the things in life that are unnecessary. It breaks life down to its most basic elements.”

Traveling along the trail in a group and interacting with community hosts and other hikers on the trail builds connection and a sense of camaraderie.

“All of those things are the magical ingredients that go into what makes it such a transformational experience, both physically and mentally” Gobin says.

These qualitative benefits have been backed up with quantitative data. For the past seven years, Warrior Expeditions has partnered with psychologists Dr. Shauna Joye (an Air Force veteran) and Dr. Zachary Dietrich (a Marine Corps veteran) to research the effects of long-term wilderness experiences on combat veterans. Their results show that participants benefit from significantly lower levels of post traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression after finishing a wilderness program.

A New Nature-Based Life

A Warrior Expeditions group stands on top of Mount Katahdin. They are posing and smiling around the sign, and two people are holding an American flag.
A Warrior Expeditions group reaches the end of their AT thru-hike. Courtesy of Sean Gobin.

Back on his first thru-hike in 1948, Earl Shaffer quickly misplaced his maps. Unfortunately for him, smart phones and digital maps did not yet exist. So Shaffer was forced to rely on a compass and instinct to find his way. He recounts getting lost numerous times. Yet Shaffer seems to have found himself along the way. After descending Katahdin, Shaffer shouldered the nickname “The Crazy One” and moved to a cabin in rural Idaville, PA — just five miles off the AT. Surrounded by cats and goats and forgoing running water and refrigeration, Shaffer coexisted with nature on his own terms.

Thru-hiking remained another constant in Shaffer’s life. He went on to hike the entire length of the AT two more times. In 1998 at age 79, he became the oldest person to do so. It took him 173 days.

Shaffer passed away in 2002 at the age of 83. But his legacy lives on through the veterans who embark on the same transformative journey each year. After their expeditions, most vets continue to hike. Some, like Gobin, buy an RV and travel. And some even move to the wilderness and go on to start their own small farms.

“It’s therapeutic for everybody, no matter who you are and what you’re dealing with at the moment. It’s just this incredible transformation all the way around.”

Veterans hold a special place in both the history and meaning of thru-hiking in America. Yet Gobin says that part of a trail’s magic lies in its ability to lighten the lives of anyone.

“The trail is full of all different types of people and demographics and reasons for being out there,” Gobin says. “And it’s therapeutic for everybody, no matter who you are and what you’re dealing with at the moment. It’s just this incredible transformation all the way around.”

Although the pandemic has placed Warrior Expeditions trips on hold, you can get involved by applying to serve as a community host along a trail. You can also contribute with donations. Gobin says they’re always seeking outdoor gear with which to equip vets on their trips. Follow along with Warrior Expeditions on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Joshua Tree National Park at sunset
AdventuresGaia GPSHikes

Discover the Ultimate Winter Getaway with These Ten National Parks

by Mary Cochenour
written by Mary Cochenour

Some of America’s national parks are best visited in the winter. The off-season brings the possibility of more solitude, dramatic snow-dusted scenery, and cooler, more comfortable temperatures in areas with extreme summer climates, like the Everglades and Death Valley. Whether you’re craving a warm, summer-like hike in the depths of winter or looking for a snowy adventure far away from the crowds, explore these 10 national parks for a variety of winter-season adventures.

Two sets of footprints cross a sand dune in Death Valley with blue skies overhead.

Desert Adventures

1. Death Valley National Park

Winter brings cooler temperatures and fewer visitors to Death Valley — the hottest place on earth. Located on the California and Nevada border, Death Valley commonly surpasses the 120-degree Fahrenheit mark during the months of July and August. This sweltering summer heat makes outside activities like hiking, biking, and even sightseeing uncomfortable and downright dangerous.

In winter months, you’ll find the less extreme side of Death Valley. From December through February, temperatures cool to the 60s to 70s F in the daytime, making it possible to get out of air-conditioned cars and explore the park’s sand dunes, colorful geological formations, and sunbaked playas, including Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the U.S. at 282 feet below sea level.

Recommended Hikes:

  1. Darwin Falls, 2 miles, 376 elevation gain 
  2. Zabriskie Point Loop 6.8 miles, 827 elevation gain
  3. Sidewinder Canyon, 1.8 miles, 505 feet elevation gain

Winter Tip: Wildrose Peak (9,064 feet) and Telescope Peak (11,049 feet) may be covered in snow, so stick to the lower elevation trails.

2. Joshua Tree National Park

The most unique of all the desert landscapes, Joshua Tree National Park hosts the fuzzy Cholla cactus, interesting rock outcroppings, and the region’s trademark Joshua Tree — a spiky member of the Yucca family found in no other place in the world. The park’s diversity is owed to its varied elevation, ranging between 1,000 and 5,500 feet and spreading across two of California’s deserts, the Mojave and the Colorado.

Even though Joshua Tree sits above sea level, midsummer temperatures swelter around the 100-degree F mark. You can count on spring and fall bringing mild weather and a lot of visitors. Winter, with its chilly daytime highs in the 60s F, attracts fewer crowds but is still comfortable enough to enjoy hiking and rock climbing in this one-of-a-kind desert wilderness. 

Recommended Hikes:

  1. Skull Rock Loop, 1.8 miles, 121 feet elevation gain
  2. 49 Palms Oasis, 3 miles, 349 feet elevation gain
  3. The Maze Loop, 6.2 miles, 393 feet elevation gain

Winter Tip: Expect wild temperature swings from day to night and don’t be surprised by the occasional snow storm in mid-winter season. 

A desert canyon, with steep rock walls and a calm river flowing through the bottom of the canyon.

3. Big Bend National Park 

With over 150 miles of trails, Big Bend National Park presents a winter hiking paradise with balmy daytime temperatures averaging in the 60s F and the chance of snow slim to none. Located in a remote area of southwest Texas along the border of Mexico, Big Bend’s enormous landscape offers a variety of desert terrain that stretches from the banks of the Wild and Scenic Rio Grande at 1,850 feet to the 7,832-foot Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains. In between the summit and the river, explore desert slot canyons, dry washes, and barren landscapes. 

As a general rule, count on a 20-degree F temperature variance between the highest and lowest points in the park. This variety in temperature makes it easy to select a hike with a comfortable climate no matter what the forecast. Hike the trails near the river for warmer weather and head high into Chisos Mountains for cooler temperatures. Because of this varied elevation, Big Bend is home to a diverse ecosystem, with over 1,200 species of plants, 450 bird species, and 75 mammal species, including mule deer, black bears, and coyotes. 

Recommended Hikes:

  1. Saint Elena Canyon, 1.4 miles, 564 feet elevation gain
  2. Boquillas Canyon, 1.3 miles, 98 feet elevation gain
  3. Emory Peak, 4.6 miles, 2,402 feet elevation gain

Winter Tip: Avoid Big Bend during the Christmas and New Year holiday season, one of the most popular times of the year to visit the park.

Snowy Mountain Adventures

Wide open snow field with steam rising from geothermal pools, under a blue sky.

4. Yellowstone National Park

With packs of wolves, herds of Bison, roiling geothermal pools, and steaming geysers, Yellowstone National Park offers one of the wildest experiences of any national park. But add a layer of winter into the mix and you’ve just upped the ante. In early November, four of the five roads leading into Yellowstone’s main attractions close to vehicle traffic, turning the park into a snowbound wilderness that is remote, untamed, and uncrowded — a feeling not easily achieved in the summer months when this popular park is crawling with tourists. 

To get to the park’s popular destinations, like the Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, book a ride on a snow coach, take a guided snowmobile tour, or use your own snowmobile to participate in the park’s non-commercial snowmobile program. Once within the park’s interior, you can explore by ski, snowshoe or snowmobile, visiting steaming hot geothermal pools and exploding geysers. Or you can spend the day watching wildlife — bison, wolves, deer, elk, antelope, and eagles — endure the brutal cold season. Don’t expect to see any Grizzly bears though; they are sleeping the winter away and set to stir sometime in late March.

Recommended Ski and Snowshoe Trails:

  1. Canyon Rim Ski Trail, 4.5 miles
  2. Lone Star Geyser Ski Trail, 9 miles
  3. Observation Point Snowshoe Trail, 2 miles

Winter Tips: If you missed out on reservations for a snow coach or snowmobile ride, take a drive through Lamar Valley, accessible from the park’s north entrance in Gardiner, Montana. This road is plowed and open all year long, but in the winter it dead ends in Cooke City, Montana, a backcountry skiing and snowmobiling destination. The two-lane road travels through Yellowstone National Park’s famed Lamar Valley, where bison and packs of wolves live. Check the park’s webpage here for a list of available winter services. 

Snowy Mount Rainier pokes above the clouds with a colorful, pastel sunset of orange and soft pink hues int he background.

5. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park, just a two-hour drive from Seattle, averages more than 53 feet of snowfall per year, making it the perfect place to play in the snow for almost six month out of the year. Only the hardiest of mountaineers attempt to summit the 14,411-foot peak in the winter months, but the lower elevations around Paradise and Longmire, offer plenty of opportunities for backcountry and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and sledding. Hone your winter camping skills in the Paradise area. Be sure to pick up a backcountry camping permit at the Longmire Museum or the Paradise Visitor Center on the day of your arrival.

Recommended Winter Activities:

  1. Longmire Winter Trails
  2. Paradise Winter Snowplay

Winter Tip: Most roads in the park close for the winter, but visitors can access the park from the Nisqually Entrance to Longmire, which is open year-round except in extreme winter weather conditions. Check with the park’s road status page for updates on winter road conditions. The road from Longmire to Paradise opens at 9 am and closes for the night at 5 pm depending on weather, so time your visit accordingly. Never walk, ski, or snowshoe on the road to Paradise because road crews are operating snow plows and heavy equipment even when the road is closed.  

Mountain scenery with blue skies and tall rock face in the background and snow dusted evergreen trees on a field of snow in the foreground.

6. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, just outside of Denver Colorado, offers all kinds of snow-filled fun, including winter hiking, cross country and backcountry skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. Before you go, you’ll have to decide whether to visit the east or west side of the park because Trail Ridge Road, which climbs to 12,183 feet and connects the two sides, closes to traffic in the winter months.  

Besides Trail Ridge Road, most of the park’s roads are open to travel, providing access to trails that are popular for hiking in the summer. If there is fresh now, you’ll want some sort of floatation to keep you on top of the snow pack, like skis or snowshoes. Chances are good though, that in popular areas, the trail will already be packed in from other hikers and suitable for walking in boots. Bring traction devices and trekking poles if the trails seem slippery with ice. Rocky Mountain National Park is truly a wilderness adventure, especially in the winter, so be cautious of avalanche danger when traveling within the backcountry of the park. Learn more about winter safety here. Check the park’s trail conditions page here to get updates on conditions for winter hiking or snowshoeing.

Recommended Hikes:

  1. Ouzel Falls 5.5 miles, 905 feet elevation gain
  2. Dream Lake, 1.8 miles, 735 feet elevation gain
  3. Fern Lake, 3.7 miles, 1,391 feet elevation gain

Winter Tip: The east side of the park attracts more visitors in winter months than the west side. The west side of the park gets more snow and offers more solitude.  

Snowy river rocks backdropped by snow covered El Capitan, Yosemite Valley's most prominent monolith.

7. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite’s 3,000-foot granite monoliths and giant pine trees dusted with snow make for a magical winter visit and well worth the 170-mile drive from San Francisco. What’s even more magical about Yosemite in winter is its lack of crowds. Anyone who has ever been to Yosemite in the peak seasons of late spring and summer will appreciate viewing the iconic rock faces of El Capitan and Half Dome in relative solitude. 

The elevation of Yosemite Valley is close to 4,000 feet. Snow can accumulate on the valley floor but usually not enough for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Trails that ascend from the valley can be snow packed and icy. In addition to hiking, try ice skating at the Curry Village Ice Rink, snowshoeing to Dewey Point, or cross country skiing to Glacier Point. Yosemite also offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at the Badger Pass Ski Area.

Recommended Hikes:

  1. Mirror Lake, 2.2 miles, 100 feet elevation gain
  2. Mist Trail, 1.5 miles, 1,217 feet elevation gain
  3. Dewey Point, 4.6 miles, 3,018 feet elevation gain

Winter Tip: Yosemite’s Tioga Pass is closed in winter, making Tuolumne Meadows inaccessible to everyone but backcountry skiers who are interested in a long skin up into the park. A 10-bunk ski hut is available in Tuolumne Meadows on a first-come, first-served basis, firewood included. Wilderness permits are required for overnight visits to the backcountry. 

A frozen waterfall creates an ice column in the forest of Smoky Mountain National Park.

8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the nation with more than 11 million visitors annually. Winter is your chance to ditch the crowds. But the price you pay for a lonely, offseason visit will be cool temperatures in the 50s F and the possibility of hiking on snow-covered trails.

The trails in Smoky Mountain National Park wind through old growth forest, along a creek bed, and sometimes lead to a waterfall. If you’re lucky enough to visit after a cold snap, you might get the chance to see interesting ice formations and frozen waterfalls. Expect high temperatures in the 50s and 60s F in the lower elevations of the park with near freezing temperatures at higher elevations.

Recommended Hikes:

  1. Laurel Falls, 1.3 miles, 366 feet elevation gain 
  2. Alum Cave, 2.3 miles, 1,260 feet elevation gain
  3. Andrews Bald, 1.8 miles, 584 feet elevation gain

Winter Tip: Hike in the park’s lower elevations, where light snow falls just a handful of times each year.

Tropical Adventures

Black rocks along the ocean coast line view of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

9. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

With year-round temperatures in the 80s F, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is your best bet for summer-like hiking in the middle of winter. Better yet, the Big Island’s sunniest days occur in December and January when there is only a 40-percent chance of cloud cover on average. So get out your shorts and sunglasses, and check out the park’s Mauna Loa volcano, considered the largest volcano in the world by both mass and volume, and the Kilauea volcano, the Big Island’s youngest and most active volcano. 

In 2018, the Kilauea volcano erupted. Lava flows gushed into residential areas, destroying hundreds of homes and much of the park’s infrastructure. At the same time, the park experienced thousands of earthquakes that collapsed the Kilauea caldera. Kilauea’s active lava flows are no longer present, and according to the park’s website, there is no molten lava to be seen anywhere in or out of the park. Even so, the park offers an impressive volcanic landscape of old lava flows, steam vents, and craters. 

Recommended Hikes:

  1. Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs, 1.2 miles, 33 feet elevation gain
  2. Waldron Ledge Loop, 2.9 miles, 463 feet elevation gain
  3. Mauna Loa, 13 miles, 2,641 feet elevation gain

Winter Tip: Believe it or not, winter weather can pummel the summit of Mauna Loa volcano which rises 13,678 feet above sea level. Temperatures at the top of Hawai’i’s volcanoes are often 20 degrees F cooler than at the park entrance. If you’re planning to tag the summit, wear layers and check in with the Visitor Center about weather conditions before going up top.  

An aerial view of green coastal lowlands surrounded by water in Everglades National Park.

10. Everglades National Park

Moderate temperatures, low humidity, and a lack of mosquitoes, make December through March the perfect time to visit south Florida’s Everglades National Park. At 1.5 million acres, the park’s considerable size includes coastal lowlands, pine forests, and freshwater slough ecosystems. Considered the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., Everglades is home to a wide variety of species, including an abundance of alligators, dolphins, manatees, panthers, and turtles. Wildlife viewing is at its best in the winter season. 

Pick your mode of travel: hike, bike, or kayak through the park. Pine Island and Flamingo trails, near the park’s main entrance in Homestead, Florida, offer a number of short, interpretive walks. Though it doesn’t sound inviting, Shark Valley offers the best bike trail along with an excellent chance to view alligators in the wild. Take a seven-day kayak or canoe trip on the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway, accessing some of Florida’s most remote coastline. 

Recommended Hike, Bike, and Kayak Trails:

  1. Shark Valley Loop, 14.7 miles, 24 feet elevation gain
  2. Pine Island and Flamingo Trails, interpretive trails
  3. Wilderness Waterway, canoe and kayak route 

Winter Tip: Winter is Florida’s dry season, making the park’s water holes the best chance to view wildlife. 

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Get ready to cover more ground, more quickly. (Photo: Andy Cochrane)
AdventuresGaia GPSHikesHow-To

Fastpacking 101: What You Need for This Running-Backpacking Hybrid

by Andy Cochrane
written by Andy Cochrane

This article was first published by Outside Online. Get full access to Outside content along with Gaia GPS Premium by joining Outside+.

I have to confess, I find backpacking quite boring. And not for a lack of trying, either—I grew up backpacking with my parents and high school friends, and was even a guide on youth trips in Montana. I still get talked into a trip once in a while, but besides the camaraderie, backpacking feels monotonous, slow, and more complex than it needs to be. 

Fastpacking—or “shufflepacking,” as my friends and I call it—is the next evolution of wilderness trips for those who want to go farther and faster. Practically speaking, such an endeavor entails jogging the descents, shuffling the flats, power-hiking the hills, and eating a lot of snacks, all while carrying a minimalist pack.

To be clear, fastpacking is different from ultrarunning. It’s not a race, and you carry everything necessary to camp in the backcountry. It’s not exactly backpacking, either, but ultralight backpacking might be the closest analogue, since you pare down your kit to the absolute essentials in order to travel fast and light. Simply put, the biggest difference between backpacking and fastpacking is how you’re moving: by jogging instead of walking.

How to Get Started 

Generally, my life philosophy for attempting new activities is “Just wing it, learn from the mistakes, and do better next time,” but that’s terrible advice for fastpacking. Most of these trips go deep into the backcountry, and being so remote is inherently risky. You’re as likely to get into life-threatening trouble fastpacking as you are hiking or running, so take similar precautions. It’s important to understand your route, watch the weather, plan out your meals, and pack the right gear. And be ready for problems to arise—a sprained ankle 20 miles from the trailhead is not a headache to be underestimated but addressed with a first aid kit, layers, and a means of contacting help back home.

If you’re not already a proficient distance hiker and trail runner, fastpacking might feel like learning two or three sports at once. It’s possible to jump right into the deep end, but expect some miscues along the way. For example: on my first trip, I overpacked, and my shoulders paid the price. Hopefully, this guide will help you get started and avoid the most common mistakes. Most of it focuses on three main knowledge buckets—gear, nutrition, and fitness—plus some suggestions on where and when to fastpack and why you should consider it.

The author’s shufflepacking buddy on their second morning in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, preparing for another 25-mile day. (Photo: Andy Cochrane)
The author’s shufflepacking buddy on their second morning in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, preparing for another 25-mile day. (Photo: Andy Cochrane)

Gear 

Few brands make gear specifically for fastpacking, since it’s still a niche sport. But with a mix of ultralight backpacking equipment and trail-running apparel, you’ll be ready to tackle your first shuffling adventure in no time. The goal is not to buy the lightest or smallest pack (even though more weight and bulk are generally not your friends). Rather, think about bringing only essential items worth the weight and comfortable to wear while running.

The most crucial piece of gear is your pack. If you’ve ever tried to run with a heavy, traditional backpack, you know it can be uncomfortable, awkward, and cause injury. The ideal shuffling pack should be snug while running and should not restrict your form. It should also have enough storage to carry your gear, without dangling pots and pans like Frodo Baggins. A good target weight for a fully loaded pack is 15 pounds, give or take. 

This 30-liter Ultimate Direction pack ($180) is the best I’ve tried, because it has large front pockets, weighs just 1.5 pounds, and proves to be very stable on my back. You might notice that it doesn’t have load-bearing hipbelts, which actually is normal for shuffling packs, as it’s harder to run with weight on your hips; instead, packs employed by fastpackers are similar to packs and vests for running, putting the bulk of the weight on your back and shoulders. 

The next riddle to solve is clothing, which will vary somewhat depending on the conditions. Unless the forecast calls for extreme weather (in which case bring additional appropriate gear or consider rescheduling), keep your pack light and stick to just one set of clothes. I always bring an athletic shirt and running shorts for the daytime, then thermal base layers, hiking pants, and a puffy for at night, and an extra pair of socks. When it’s cold or wet, add in a rain jacket, hat, and mittens or gloves. As with most backcountry trips, avoid cotton, which will chafe when you sweat and doesn’t keep you warm when it gets wet. And don’t take this list as gospel—if conditions change, so should your gear.

Trail-running shoes with good grip and a high stack height make for ideal footwear, because the pack’s weight adds impact to each step. I like the Hoka Speedgoat ($145), because it’s well cushioned and light yet durable. Hiking boots are less than ideal, because they aren’t designed for the agility and movement of running. Of course, your own ideal shoes will vary depending on foot shape and running style, so test a few pairs before bringing them on a long trip in the backcountry.

Other essentials include a first aid kit, bear spray if you’re in bear country, a small knife and spork, and cord. Lastly, lightweight poles—I use the Black Diamond Distance Carbon ($150)—will protect your knees and help you climb up steep passes faster. 

There are a few electronics you should always bring, such as a headlamp, satellite phone or other backcountry communication device, and cell phone. You’ll want the headlamp not just for nights around camp—in the spring and fall (or on any trip ambitious in length), you’ll likely start or end at night. A Garmin InReach satellite phone helps provide communication from nearly anywhere, so you can bail out if things go wrong. And apps like Gaia GPS turn your cell phone into the best navigation tool out there. For long trips, an external battery to recharge your devices is handy to ensure that these crucial safety devices remain functional.

Last but not least, give some thought to your sleep system: a light tent, bivy, or tarp that will keep you sheltered and warm at night—but that doesn’t fill up your pack and weigh you down—is critical. I’m a big fan of the MSR Front Range ($320), which can fit up to four friends fairly comfortably. With an inflatable pad like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite ($190 and up) and a seasonally appropriate sleeping bag (a light bag or quilt for summer, and something rated down to 30 or 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the shoulder seasons), you’ll be ready to go.

Eat, Run, Repeat

Like all long-distance activities, the name of the game is caloric intake. As we know, not all calories are created equal. For races like a marathon or a 50K, you can and should focus on foods high in sugar and carbs, because they are easy to digest and burn quickly. But this strategy omits the fats, proteins, and other nutrients necessary for multiday outings. When you’re out for hours and hours, you need to give your body a chance to recover each night, so fast-burning foods are only half the game plan.

While on the move, carb-heavy snacks like gels, chews, stroopwafels, and electrolytes are key to avoid bonking. Balance these with calorie-dense fatty foods, like nuts, peanut butter, seeds, cheese, and meat, which burn longer and help you recover. Bringing dehydrated or freeze-dried meals for dinner will help keep your pack light and manageable.

While some fastpackers go without a stove entirely, I am not such a masochist. The MSR Pocket Rocket ($80) weighs just three ounces and enables hot meals at night and hot coffee in the morning, making its inclusion worth the weight. 

For hydration, I bring the easy-to-use Katadyn BeFree filtration system (from $45), which screws onto most flasks. You may be able to get away with drinking straight from the source, depending on the environment and water quality, but if you’d rather not risk it, bring along something like the MSR Guardian Purifier ($390) to filter out any bacteria or parasites.

Fitness

You technically don’t need to train before you go fastpacking, but it’ll make the trip much more enjoyable if you’re in sufficient shape for your itinerary. Start by running and building up your aerobic endurance, prioritizing distance over pace. You’re training to spend a full day on your feet without being completely wrecked at the end of it, not to win your local 10K.

Consider tailoring your training plan to your exact trip and the terrain you’ll be shuffling across. For example, if your route has a lot of vertical gain, do some weighted hikes and strength training. For my first trip, I followed an ultramarathon training plan and swapped the tempo workouts for hikes up the local ski hill. Just like running, the ramp-up for fastpacking should be slow and steady. To mitigate chances of injury, increase your mileage by 10 percent per week at most.

Takeaways

It’s easy to get started fastpacking; a trip can happen on any trail and at any time of the year. (I personally don’t necessarily recommend winter fastpacking trips, because cold and stormy weather requires more gear and thus a heavier pack, but they aren’t impossible, either). For first-timers, picking an established backpacking route and doing it faster and lighter, in mild weather is a great way to begin. This will help you nail down the basics while keeping it safe. Fastpacking trips don’t have to cover incredibly long distances, and they certainly don’t have to be in the backcountry. They’re just a way to unlock a new type of adventure—the rest is up to you.

When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.

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AdventuresGaia GPSHikes

The Best National Parks to Visit in October, Plus Top Recommended Hikes

by Julien Friedland
written by Julien Friedland

Once a year, fleeting reds, yellows, and oranges light up national parks across the country. Hikers favor fall for its crisp cool air, stunning scenery and fewer crowds that make the trails more enjoyable. So, if you’re looking to take in the foliage from the trail, how do you choose which parks to visit of the 61 in the U.S.? Learn about the best national parks to visit in October, top hikes for fall foliage, and helpful tips for the trail.

Waterfall in Cuyahoga National Park covered in fall leaves.

1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Ohio

Explore 125 miles of hiking trails bursting with bright yellow birches and deep red oaks each October. You might not know the name, but Cuyahoga Valley National Park harbors exceptional fall colors, rivaling the best in the country. Just 30 minutes outside of Cleveland and less crowded than many other parks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park makes for a convenient and beautiful adventure in the fall.

Recommended Hikes:
Wildlife, plant diversity and rock formations fill the mellow, low elevation trails of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Visit the Ledges Trail for a seven-mile view of the valley and the 65 foot Brandywine Falls.

  • Ledges Trail
    • Rating: Difficult
    • Length: 6 miles
    • Along the trail: valley views, rock formations, caves
  • Brandywine Falls
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 4.8 miles
    • Along the trail: boardwalk access, Brandywine gorge, 65-foot Brandywine Falls
  • Meadowedge Pond Loop
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 4.7
    • Along the trial: creek crossings, pond views, dense forest

Before You Go: Entrance to the park is free and dogs are allowed. Brandywine Falls is best visited early in the morning or later in the afternoon due to its popularity.

Browse Hikes in Cuyahoga NP
Moss-covered trees in Olympic National Park temperate rainforest surrounded by fall leaves on the ground.
Photo courtesy of Gaia GPS

2. Olympic National Park – Washington

Experience temperate rainforests popping with color, elks bulging, and chanterelle mushrooms growing in the forest in Olympic National Park. Rainy season on the peninsula coincides with mystical changes in the park. Vibrant highlights of crimson maples and lemon yellow cottonwoods speckle the hanging beards of moss in the Hoh Rain Forest. Explore glacial peaks to coastal trails that span almost a million acres – then warm up at the Sol Duc Hot Springs or another natural hot spring in the park.

Recommended Hikes:
Trails range from easy to difficult and span a bevy of wildly varying climates. Hike along the 73 miles of coastal beaches, backpack through one of four separate rainforests in the park, slosh into salmon-filled rivers or bag a peak in the Olympic Mountain Range.

  • North Fork Skokomish River:
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 2.2 miles
    • Along the trail: low elevation, salmon swimming upstream during the fall
  • Hurricane Ridge:
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 2.1 miles
    • Along the trail: panoramic Olympic Mountain Range views, sunset
  • Bogachiel Peak Loop
    • Rating: Difficult
    • Length: 17.9 miles
    • Along the trail: dense forests, creeks, alpine lakes, Mt. Olympus views

Before You Go: Temperatures vary from 10-20 degrees even in the summer. Expect snow as early as September in high elevations. Prepare accordingly with warm and waterproof layers.

Browse Hikes in Olympic NP
Scenic overlook of ridge lines covered by fall foliage in Shenandoah National Park
Photo courtesy of NPS / Neal Lewis

3. Shenandoah National Park – Virginia

Wander through purple dogwoods, golden beech trees, and fiery red oaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Wherever you hike in the park, overlooks of the Shenandoah Valley burst with a mix of reds, oranges, and yellows. If your legs need a rest, drive down the Skyline Drive National Scenic Byway which runs north to south through the park. 75 scenic overlooks offer many opportunities to step out of the car and take in the crisp autumn air.

Recommended Hikes: Power through an out and back that packs a punch to the summit or spend a few days brushing shoulders with thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail. With over 500 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, every hiker can find a trail with a length and view that suits them.

  • Old Rag Mountain Loop
    • Rating: Difficult
    • Length: 9 miles
    • Along the trail: boulder scrambling, forest paths, summit views
  • Mary’s Rock
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 1.5
    • Along the trial: challenging steep terrain, summit views of the Shenandoah Valley
  • White Oak Falls
    • Rating: Difficult
    • Length: 5.4
    • Along the trail: creeks, small waterfalls, dense forest

Before You Go: Shenandoah National Park sees a spike in visits during fall so make advanced arrangements before visiting the park.

Browse Hikes in Shenandoah NP
Overlook of Maine's Atlantic coast with fall foliage in the foreground
Photo courtesy of NPS / Victoria Stauffenberg

4. Acadia National Park – Maine

Visit the gem of the northeast along Maine’s Atlantic Coast. Hikers flock to Acadia National Park in the fall for its diversity of hardwoods and coniferous forests spread over 49,000 acres. The blazing red maples, golden birches, and shimmery aspens against the waters of the Atlantic will satisfy even the most discerning leaf peepers.

Recommended Hikes: Acadia’s 160 trails run through and alongside forests, summits, lakes, and coastal lines. From leisurely, low elevation strolls to 1,000 foot peak summits, the park accommodates a variety of hikers looking to enjoy Maine’s coast.

  • Bubble Trail
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 2.3 miles
    • Along the trail: rocky ascents, views of Jordan Pond and teetering boulder
  • Jordan Pond
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 3.4 miles
    • Along the trail: sprawling pond views, wooden footbridges, views of North/South Bubbles
  • Sargent Mountain Loop
    • Rating: Difficult
    • Length: 6 miles
    • Along the trail: summit views of the Atlantic

Before You Go: Read up on entrance fees and road and trail closures, which include nesting peregrine falcons, construction, and weather.

Browse Hikes in Acadia NP
Rocky river surrounded by golden fall foliage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Photo Courtesy of NPS

5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – North Carolina/Tennessee

Bordering North Carolina and Tennessee and teeming with over 100 species of trees, Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts awe-inspiring landscapes in the fall. Traverse the spiny ridge-line of the park for a flood of fall color unique to this region. Located in the heart of Appalachia, the Smokys offer the quintessential fall experience including corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and apple-picking. Venture into nearby Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge after you’ve worked up an appetite on the trails.

Recommended Hikes: 850 trails crisscross the ridges of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers can enjoy a short and sweet taste of the AT or take on a strenuous summit hike with a sack-lunch and plenty of water. Hikers will find picturesque views on trails rated easy to difficult.

  • Ramsey Cascades
    • Rating: Difficult
    • Length: 7.9 miles
    • Along the trail: largest old growth forest in the Smokys, footbridges, cascades
  • Chimney Tops
    • Rating: Difficult
    • Length: 3.9 miles
    • Along the trail: rocky, steep trail, panoramic views, creek crossings
  • Cigman’s Dome Loop
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 3.7
    • Along the trail: highest point in Tennessee, 100-mile views, 360-degree views of the Smokys

Before you Go: Go early or arrive late to avoid crowds when visiting the park. Cades Cove and Newfound Gap Rd. see the most traffic.

Browse Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains NP
Close-up of red dogwood tree leaves with sequoia in the background
Photo courtesy of NPS / Emily Fedorko

6. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park – California

Note: these two parks are currently closed due to wildfires. Please check in with the NPS before making plans to visit.

Experience the magic of the world’s largest trees accented by fall colors. Stare up at Sequoia National Park’s “living giants,” made perhaps grander by the highlights of red dogwoods in the backdrop. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park’s unique vegetation between the foothills and high alpine offers oaks, perennials, and pines among many other tree species. Visiting in the fall provides a break from the heat and crowds at the park, making October the ideal time to visit.

Recommended Hikes: From the worlds largest tree to the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, these parks have a wide variety of terrain for exploration. Get off the beaten path and discover canyons, granite cliffs, and wildlife. For the best fall colors, visit the less-traveled and lower elevation foothills to see the blue oaks, gold fern fields, and dogwoods.

  • General Sherman
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 1.6
    • Along the trail: world’s largest tree, monarch sequoias
  • Marble Falls
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 1.6
    • Along the trail: foothills vegetation, oaks, waterfall
  • The Watchtower
    • Rating: Difficult
    • Length: 5.1
    • Along the trail: Heather Lake views, alpine hiking, exposed rock faces

Before You Go: Fees are required to enter the park. Read up on them here.

Browse Hikes in Kings Canyon NP
Browse Hikes in Sequoia NP
Zion Canyon with cottonwood foliage in the foreground
Photo courtesy of NPS

7. Zion National Park – Utah

Dramatic red rocks and canyons, and blue bodies of water put Zion National Park on the map. Coupled with autumn colors, those striking visuals only intensify in the fall. Plus, the crowds and temperature remain lower and more manageable during this season. Like other parks located in the west, the contrast of dark green conifers and bright yellows create distinct bursts of color.

Recommended Hikes: Wind through a slot canyon, ramble on an out and back or backpack into the wilderness. Zion Canyon has the most popular trails in the park but visitors can also find less frequented but equally stunning hikes in Kolob Canyons and Zion Wilderness.

  • Angel’s Landing
    • Rating: Difficult
    • Length: 6.5 miles
    • Along the trail: Emerald Pools, panoramic canyon views, climb along chains
  • Observation Point
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 3 miles
    • Along the trail: views atop East Rim of Zion Canyon, Watchman peak crag
  • Riverside Walk
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 2 miles
    • Along the trail: river access, weeping walls, cliff wall views

Before You Go: Backpacking and canyoneering require permits, including popular routes in the Narrows. Make sure to check the weather, as flash-floods and hypothermia can be extremely dangerous.

Browse Hikes in Zion NP
Foggy red, yellow and green foliage in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest

8. Green Mountain National Forest – Vermont

Cider donuts, a cool morning on the trail and Vermont’s scarlet red maples bursting in the valley— what more could you ask for? This National Forest made the list for it’s famed fall foliage in New England. Home to several 4,000 footers, Green Mountain National Forest makes for big grins and tired legs in the fall. Try your legs on one of these peaks for views of the crimson reds, bright yellows and burnt oranges that set the landscape on fire. If you can’t make it till later in the season, be prepared for “snowliage” when a coat of white snow makes for extra pop against the foliage.

Recommended Hikes: Green Mountain National Forest contains over 900 miles of trails including Vermont’s Long Trail which overlaps with the Appalachian Trail. Hike a portion of these renowned trails or pick your way up a rooty, rocky gap trail. Shorter loops also offer terrain better suited for kids and families.

  • Gap to Gap
    • Rating: Difficult
    • Length: 10.1 miles
    • Along the trail: two 4,000 footers, Lake Champlain views, dense forest
  • Little Killington
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 2.7 miles
    • Along the trail: summit views
  • Ice Bed Trail
    • Rating: Easy
    • Length: 1 mile
    • Along the trail: multiple lookouts, talus piles, ice beds year-round,

Before You Go: Check foliage reports here. Because this is a National Forest, dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed.

Browse Hikes in Green Mountains NF

Can’t make it to one of these parks? Search your local area to find a park/hike near you..

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screenshot of route planning in the Wind River Range in Wyoming.
AdventuresFeaturedGaia GPSHikesHow-To

How To Plan a Route on gaiagps.com: Exclusive Tutorial

by Julien Friedland
written by Julien Friedland

In this first-ever Gaia GPS webinar, our Gaia GPS expert walks you through how to plan and build a multi-day backpacking route using the web map and tools on gaiagps.com. This in-depth 30-minute live webinar was an invite-only lesson that sold out within minutes and we’re excited to share it with you now. Always have a plan before you head into the backcountry with the best tools in trip planning.

How to Plan a Multi-Day Route Webinar

Learn how to use the Gaia GPS web map, drop waypoints, and create routes. Save all of your route planning in one shareable folder for offline use. You’ll also come away with a deep understanding of the web map tools, different route creation options, and where to find key details about your hike.

To help you find the most relevant pieces of the webinar, reference the time stamps below and skip ahead.

  • 4:21 – webinar overview, find out what type of trip you’re planning
  • 5:25 – how to use the web map and sidebar tools
  • 12:12 – creating waypoints
  • 14:40 – creating routes, linking multiple days on the trail
  • 19:40 – using and editing snap-to trail function
  • 23:24 – editing your route to go off-trail
  • 25:55 – using different map layers to pick your off-trail route
  • 34:04 – sharing your route with a friend

Before you head out, make sure you check out more tips for planning your trip, including how to choose your destination, what to pack, and the hazards you might encounter along the way. For more tutorials on using the Gaia GPS app, visit Visit youtube.com/gaiagps.

To access the entire Gaia GPS map collection and to download your maps for offline use and save your routes, get a Gaia GPS Premium Membership. You can save up when you purchase on gaiagps.com

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image of groups of amenity icons on Gaia Topo
Gaia GPSHikesNew Features

Discover Recreation Amenities with New Symbol Groups on Gaia Topo

by Julien Friedland
written by Julien Friedland

Get a snapshot of the amenities in any recreation area with new symbol groups on Gaia Topo. Now you can view hotspots, including campsites, viewpoints, trailheads, and more in symbol groups, without zooming deeper on the map. Styled after popular outdoor recreation maps, Gaia Topo is the first global topo map to display point of interest symbol groups.

Before and after view of new symbol groups on Gaia Topo

As you scour the map on a broader scale, notice groups of icons displaying essential amenities. For example, campsites, lodging, restrooms, food, and gas symbols appear in clusters, indicating developed recreation areas. This makes it easy to identify the best places to set up camp or stop for a resupply. Alternatively, if you’d rather avoid crowds, plan to steer clear of the developed areas, as indicated by the map.

The point of interest groups provide a clear picture of what amenities exist while zoomed out on the map. Once you identify an area of interest, zoom in closer to see smaller groupings of amenities, or individual amenities by zooming more.

On gaiagps.com, you can click on any symbol group to automatically zoom closer and reveal other subgroups of amenities. Continue to click subgroups to fully expand all points of interest. The same function, ‘tap’ to zoom, is coming soon for iOS and Android.

Zoom in closer to explore different amenities in recreation areas.

To view symbol groups while you plan, set Gaia Topo as your base map on your Gaia GPS iOS or Android app or on gaiagps.com. Available to all users, Gaia Topo continues to provide the best tools for planning trips of every nature.

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HikesNew Maps

Complete National Geographic Pacific Crest Trail Maps Now Available in Gaia GPS

by Julien Friedland
written by Julien Friedland

Now, you can hike the Pacific Crest Trail with digital maps born of a partnership between National Geographic Maps and Halfmile.

In 2017, National Geographic teamed up with thru-hiker and mapmaker Lon “Halfmile” Cooper to produce maps that included both NatGeo’s meticulous cartography and Halfmile’s firsthand notes and insider information. The result contains careful annotations about trail mileages, official and unofficial campsites, water sources, and other points of interest.

Gaia GPS started converting and uploading those maps this spring, adding first Washington, then Oregon. Now, we’ve reached the finish line with one final push to add the entirety of the trail through California. (National Geographic has also released the PCT California maps in print.)

About the PCT in California

For most thru-hikers, the journey starts in California. North bounders hikers toe the Mexican border, then set off through Campo and into the Laguna Mountains and the stark beauty of the Southern California desert. The following sections of trail contain some of the most iconic landmarks along the entire PCT. Think giant sequoias, the granite monoliths of Yosemite National Park, and 14,491-foot Mount Whitney, the highest point in the Lower 48.

In total, California holds 1,692 miles of the PCT—over half the trail. Whether you’re out to hike the whole thing, hunting for your next big backpacking adventure, or scouting scenic day hikes near Los Angeles or Sacramento, the NatGeo Pacific Crest Trail map layer has everything you need to plan and execute a smooth trip.

How to Use the NatGeo Pacific Crest Trail Map Layer

You can access the NatGeo Pacific Crest Trail map layer—in addition to weather forecasts, wildfire overlays, and other premium maps—with a Gaia GPS Premium Membership.

To access the map layer, follow these steps:

  1. First, download the Gaia GPS app. It’s available on the App Store for iOS devices and on the Google Play Store for Android devices.
  2. Open up the Map Manager. Go to United States > NatGeo Pacific Crest Trail, and tap the green plus-sign to add it to your main map.
  3. Scroll across the main map to find your upcoming section of trail. Then, download maps for offline use.
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FeaturedGaia GPSHikesHow-To

Using the Gaia GPS App on Your Thru-Hike

by Corey Buhay
written by Corey Buhay

First off, congratulations: If you’re reading this, you’ve either committed to going on one of the most memorable adventures of your life, or you’re seriously considering it. The people you meet, the landscapes you see, and the experiences you have—whether it’s downing a half gallon of ice cream in Cumberland Valley, or dodging a bear encounter in the Yosemite backcountry—will stick with you forever.

One of the best and worst things about thru-hikes is how tough they are. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources out there that can make your life on the trail a little easier and let you focus on getting your miles in. Gaia GPS is one of those things.

The Gaia GPS app shows you your realtime location on the map, the exact distance to the next camp or water source, and potential bail-out points to help you strategize on the trail. Plus, making sure you never miss a turn will save you from adding any extra mileage to the thousands you’re already hiking.


The Best Maps for Thru-Hikers

The Gaia GPS map catalogue contains over 250 maps. A Premium Membership gives you access to all of them, but these are some of the most useful for thru-hikers.

NatGeo Trails Illustrated. This map layer provides detailed topographic information, points of interest, and trail beta for the entire Appalachian Trail. Coverage also encompasses many national parks, forests, and wilderness areas throughout the West, including large portions of the PCT and CDT trail corridors.

Snowfall and Precipitation Forecast Overlays. Check these maps during resupplies (or whenever you get wifi or 4G) to see an updated NOAA forecast over your proposed route. They’ll help you stock up on the right gear for the weather and plan your mileage accordingly. You can also view them in the app up to 24 hours after you leave service.

Recent Wildfires Overlay. There’s nothing worse than planning to hit a shady section during the heat of the day and finding a sun-blasted burn scar instead of lush forest. Prepare for or reroute around burn zones and active fires with this overlay. In iOS, you can tap an area to learn the year of the fire and the acreage burned.

Satellite Topo Base Map. Satellite imagery gives you the most accurate picture of the trail ahead. Use it to scout safe water crossings, find durable surfaces for setting up camp, and identify loose or rocky terrain. You can access high-resolution ESRI World Satellite imagery with built-in contour lines on the Satellite Topo Base map in Gaia GPS.

Public Land Overlay. In areas where where the trail crosses a patchwork of private and public land, figuring out where to camp can be tough. Referencing land management boundaries can help you determine where dispersed camping is permitted—and make sure you never get woken up by a disgruntled ranger.

Slope-angle shading. When there’s snow in the high country of the Rockies or the Sierra, following the summer footpath may not be your best option. This overlay, coupled with satellite imagery, can help you find low-angle routes, snow-free ridges, and winter-only shortcuts for a safer shoulder season.

A Few More Ways Gaia GPS Can Make Your Life A Whole Lot Easier

For many, thru-hiking is about the social experience. And one of the best ways to make friends on the trail is to always know how far it is to the next spring, shelter, or laundromat. Here are a few features that will help you pull off a seamless hike, and ensure your map is the most envied in camp.

1) See your location on the map at any time. Using the built-in GPS in your smartphone, the Gaia GPS app allows you to view your realtime location on the map, even when you’re offline and out of service. (And when the trail is under snow.) It’s an invaluable resource for finding your way off passes in whiteout conditions.

2) Always know the distance to the next campsite or water source. Gaia Topo includes comprehensive coverage of springs and water sources. Plan your day, maximize your efficiency regarding water refills, and boost your hiking partner’s morale by quickly measuring the distance to any point on the map.

3) Quickly reroute on the fly. With Gaia GPS, it’s easy to reroute to avoid trail closures, scout safer water crossings, determine the quickest route to town, or bail in case of emergency. Simply click and drag to edit a route. If you have an internet connection, use the snap-to-trail tool to quickly determine the best way around an obstacle. You can also drop waypoints to mark points of interest or draw trail closures on your map as you get beta from locals, posted bulletins, and other hikers.

4) Share your location with family and friends. Set your data to public, and the folks back at home can monitor your progress. Your map will update whenever you get enough wifi or cell service to sync your phone with your account online. You can also post to social media directly from your Gaia GPS account, or embed your data into your website or blog.

5) Cross-reference sections of the route on multiple maps. With Gaia GPS, you can choose from dozens of relevant map sources, including the USGS, USFS, NPS, and NatGeo. (See above for more recommendations.) Having multiple map sources can be incredibly useful for double-checking dubious turnoffs and water sources when the way is unclear.

We recommend downloading the maps for each upcoming trail section during resupplies in town rather than all at once. This will give you more space on your phone for music and podcasts while you’re hiking.

6) Record a track to monitor your stats. Monitor your pace and progress by recording a track. You’ll get a user-friendly display showing stats like your hiking speed or elevation gain.

7) Backtrack easily if you get off course. You can also start recording a track if you suspect low-visibility weather or if you’re entering an area where route-finding seems difficult. That way, you’ll be able to follow your own track to retrace your steps.

8) Download GPX files to customize your route. Being spontaneous and hiking your own hike are part of the thru-hiking experience. It’s easy to mix and match side-trips and variations to create your trip—or add onto it mid-hike—by searching for and downloading GPX files online. You can sometimes find GPX files of entire long trails online, as well.

Backups and Other Resources

While Gaia GPS is the standard for GPS navigation and digital maps, you should also consider downloading other information and bringing paper maps as a backup in case your phone gets wet or your battery dies. Most hikers who opt for paper maps mail themselves relevant pages for upcoming sections in resupply boxes. (Keep in mind that resupply boxes are usually reliable but sometimes get lost or compromised, which is another argument for having an app downloaded just in case.)

There are several thru-hike-specific apps like Guthook and Halfmile that contain guidebook-style information on trail towns, points of interest, and other stops along the way. They make a great supplement to the navigational capabilities of Gaia GPS.

Many Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers download or print out the PCT Water Report, a crowd-sourced database of water conditions along the trail, to cross-reference with any downloaded maps. Water is less of a concern along the Appalachian Trail, but the AT Guide is a popular, regularly updated equivalent, and it includes campsites and other points of interest as well. Both of these are valuable additional resources and backups to Gaia GPS.

This article was written with the help of thru-hikers from all of America’s big long trails, including three members of the Gaia GPS Staff.

Lucas Wojchiechowski Gaia GPS Senior Software Engineer (CDT NoBo 2017)
Erik Baily Gaia GPS Customer Support Specialist (PCT NoBo 2015)
Ashli Baldwin Gaia GPS Operations Manager (AT NoBo 2014)

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AdventuresFeaturedGaia GPSHikes

Top 10 Day Hikes Near Seattle

by Elisa Wirkala
written by Elisa Wirkala

A city ringed by emerald waters, glaciated volcanoes, and jagged peaks, Seattle has no shortage of great hikes within a short drive of downtown. But with so many options, the biggest challenge is deciding where to start. Save yourself some time and reference this guide for the best trails and views within a 3-hour drive of the city.

Whether you’re looking for a weekday trek close to home or a chance to push your limits in the mountains, you’ll find what you need in this list of top Seattle-area day hikes. Check out the links for full descriptions, plus detailed maps, and driving directions.

1. Heather-Maple Pass Loop

The Gaia GPS community ranks this hike #1 within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and the views of alpine lakes, meadow, and craggy ridges covered in wildflowers make it easy to see why. If you can’t carve out a weekend to experience this trail in the summer, don’t feel like you’re settling: Come fall, larch trees beckon hikers with dazzling gold foliage.

Length: 7.2 mile loop
Elevation gain: 2,051 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 3 hours

2. Alta Mountain via Rampart Ridge Backdoor Trail

While many hikes feel incomplete if you turn around halfway, this trail’s non-stop views and a seemingly endless string of alpine lakes means you can call it a day just about anywhere. Plan a casual day out by setting your finish line at the easier-to-access Lake Lillian, Rampart Lakes, or Rachel Lake, or push your limits and complete the whole trek up to 6,151-foot Alta Mountain.

Length: 8.8 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 2,438 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 1.5 hours

3. Mount Pilchuck

Ask a Seattleite what their first mountain summit was, and chances are it was Mount Pilchuck. The iconic hike’s trailhead starts right around 3,250 feet above sea level, which means the relatively short (albeit steep) climb deposits hikers high above the surrounding landscape for big visual payoffs. Soak up the 360-degree views of Mount Rainier, the Olympics, and Mount Baker from the summit shelter lookout.

Length: 5 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 2,020 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 1.5 hours

4. Kendall Katwalk Loop via PCT

Experience the wonders of the PCT without the months of body odor and blisters. Often regarded by thru-hikers as the most scenic spot along the whole Washington PCT, Kendall Katwalk shows off the best of the Pacific Northwest. And it won’t just be the altitude pumping up your heart rate: Hikers are rewarded with views of the surrounding mountains above Snoqualmie Pass via a narrow path blasted out of the cliff face. This is a local favorite in the summer, and frequented by backcountry snowshoers and skiers in the winter.

Length: 12 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 2,550 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 1 hour

5. Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls

Nestled in by jagged peaks, Lake Serene is the perfect spot for a swim and an idyllic picnic atop Lunch Rock. With lush forest, alpine surrounds, and snow-capped mountains, it lives up to its name and calls hikers back year after year. On the way up, the short one-mile round-trip excursion to see Bridal Veil Falls is well worth the bit of extra effort and makes a fine turnaround point for hikers with young children. It’s also not very far from Seattle, making it an ideal retreat for those looking for pristine nature without a long drive.

Length: 8.3 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 2,067 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

6. Sahale Mountain

If the idea of climbing a non-technical peak in the mountaineering haven of the North Cascades National Park piques your interest, don’t miss this summit trek up Sahale Mountain. Though the nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain might seem daunting, smart trail construction and 30-something generous switchbacks make this hike surprisingly manageable. Plus, it’s hard to focus on the quad burn with near-constant North Cascades views putting you face-to-face with peaks to add to your tick list.

Summiting Sahale Mountain is a great first step for aspiring mountaineers as it includes a short snow crossing and an exposed 4th class scramble to the summit block. For those less inclined to try the steep final pitch, there are equally beautiful views to be had from just below the summit. Go in summer when the snow has receded and purple lupines blanket the slopes.

Length: 13.4 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 4,941 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 3 hours

7. Little Si

The Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area is home to a couple of classic Seattle-area hikes. Though well-loved and busy, the Little Si trail is a great choice year-round, with less snowfall than surrounding alpine areas during the winter months. It also makes for great training grounds for those looking to get some miles in not too far from the city and is perfect for new hikers, families, runners, and those with dogs. Whereas the nearby Mount Si trail has a series of switchbacks over steeper elevation, Little Si meanders more easily through lush woods over undulating terrain. The straightforward but scenic trail through Pacific Northwest forest culminates with stellar views of the valley below.

Length: 7.6 miles and 3.6 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 3,252 feet and 901 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 45 minutes

8. Camp Muir

Get high in Washington’s alpine country at Mount Rainier’s 10,000-foot base camp. Reaching Camp Muir is considered a right of passage for some Seattleites, and a worthy summer hike for those looking for a challenge. It’s also the highest you can climb on Mount Rainier without a climbing permit. And if you decide you can’t make it the whole way, even the first section will give you a mountain experience you won’t soon forget. Get awesome views of the volcano and glaciers while ascending to the Muir Snowfields and historic huts dating back to the early 1900s. Mountain weather can change quickly, so make sure you’re prepared for high winds and precipitation no matter how the sky looks at the trailhead.

Length: 8 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 4,639 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

9. Rattlesnake Ledge

Like on nearby Mt. Si, this hike’s easy access and moderate elevation gain belie the vastness of its views. It makes a great hike for beginners, families, or those looking to stretch their legs without the commitment of nearby alpine trails. Though it does get a lot of traffic, it’s a great choice for a mid-week outing or an easier jaunt with your pup. That said, the trail does continue on through the Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area for those looking for a bigger workout and further viewpoints from above, and is worth extra time and exploration.

Length: 4.3 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 1,117 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 40 minutes

10. The Enchantments Thru-Hike

Due to its unique geography and delicate ecosystem, the alpine Enchantments zone is highly protected, making backpacking permits difficult to come by via the annual lottery system. But those with a strong will and sturdy legs can complete the whole 18-mile thru-hike in a single day without a permit. If you’re not ready for the whole shebang, build up your strength and get a taste of the untamed peaks with one of the shorter out-and-back trails to Snow Lakes, Colchuck Lake, or Eightmile Lake on the periphery of the Enchantments.

Length: 17.8 mile thru-hike (with much shorter out-and-back variations possible)
Elevation gain: 6,484 feet via Snow Lakes
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 2.5 hours

Want more? Search for hikes near Seattle using the Discover tab in the Gaia GPS app, or go to the web and use the Seattle hikes page as a launching point to find your next adventure.

Note: These hikes were checked for accuracy, but the routes themselves were ultimately sourced from the Gaia GPS community. The exact mileage and elevation gain tracked may vary from device to device.

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