backpacking

California State Parks Backpacking Adventures 2023!

Explore the mountains on great guided trips this summer! California State Parks photo.

This is a great opportunity for a guided outdoor experience.

Camping in The Great Park

Want to sleep under a redwood? The Great Park has almost 500 campsites designed for that very purpose.

Sleep beneath towering redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

State Parks Winter Closures

Seasonal bridges come down for the winter in Nisene Marks, but Aptos Creek is often passble anyway. Hilltromper photo.

The times are a-changin’ as autumn descends upon us. Keep on top of seasonal changes to your favorite state parks!

Surviving Alaska: 15 Things to Know

The Prince William Sound has breathtakingly beautiful views of huge mountains and tidal glaciers.

Number 7: Name your bear spray. This is guaranteed to maximize the strength and accuracy of its firing power.

The One-Page Backpacker's Guide

You don't need a $400 two-pound tent like Carl's to be warm and comfy in the backcountry. Carl Uebelhart photo.

Our backpacking oracle spills the beans on what you really need to tromp the backcountry.

Dog And Pony Show

What will the People say they want allowed at Cemex? Only time will tell.

Early results from Cemex access surveys suggest dogs and horses could become points of contention.

Berry Creek Falls from Waddell Beach

The lower half of the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail—basically a fire road between Waddell Beach and Berry Creek Falls — follows West Waddell Creek. Hilltromper photo.

12 miles RT; 600 ft elevation gain; 4-5 hours; moderate to strenuous
Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail from Waddell Beach to Berry Creek Falls Trail in Big Basin

Quest for The Storyteller's Hot Springs

The swimming hole near Indians—with rope swing and rocks for high noon sunning. Photo by Brooke Wright.

Chasing a rumor in Ventana Wilderness

Blundering into Desolation

Desolation Wilderness, just south of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada, draws throngs to picturesque spots like Island Lake. Photo by Brooke Wright.

Even making every rookie mistake in the book can't spoil the splendor.

Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail Report

Skyline to the Sea Trail overlooking Waddell Beach. Hilltromper photo.

Thinking about hiking the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail? Read this first.

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