Mountaineering is a sport practiced in wilderness areas and often includes activities such as rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, glacier travel and ice climbing. Mountaineers have a wide variety of specific customs and etiquette designed to encourage safety and ecological conservation when they are traveling in backcountry areas. Beginning mountaineers are typically schooled very carefully in these customs and guidelines.
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Just south of Mendocino, Fort Bragg and Gualala, this location offers easy access to the coast via a series of trails that allow hikers to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
Many a hiker who has turned up a nose at the use of walking aids changes his tune after trying them out on the trail. When used properly, hiking canes and poles can dramatically reduce the strain on knees and backs during tough...
It spans 2,700 miles from Mexico to Canada, running through California, Oregon and Washington. Its elevation ranges widely, from 13,200 feet in the High Sierras to virtually sea level when it meets the Columbia River at the Ore...
This beautiful mountain community is known for its historic restaurants, cozy accommodations and numerous art galleries. But the main reason why this town is so famous is because of the many hiking trails located within the area.
No matter what the season, a natural paradise awaits your discovery. Bound through the Lincoln National Forest in search of rugged hiking trails. Strap on your snow boots and explore the slopes at the Ski Apache resort. Lodge i...
Georgia's mild weather allows camping year-round in most areas. The state's mountain ranges and forests offer good hiking.
The Gila River Trail is one of many trails in New Mexico's Gila Wilderness. Known officially as trail number 724, it is a pleasant hike that should take an average of one and a half hours each way. Hikers will find a picnic tab...
The The explorers reached the Pacific Ocean in 1805 and built Fort Clatsop on the Oregon coast to provide shelter during the winter before the group made its way back east. Oregon is home to several significant sites along this...
The lake itself is a popular destination for fishermen, but the lake's proximity to some of the state's most scenic state and national parks and wilderness areas also make it a great place for hikers. Whether your looking for a...
Today approximately 3 percent of the original forest remains, according to California State Parks. National and state park services manage vast expanses of California redwood forests, with miles of trails for visitors to enjoy....
Laughlin Nev., is located just 90 miles from Las Vegas and offers many of the same amenities as the big city with a small western town appeal. For hiking enthusiasts, there are plenty of trails that offer easy to challenging ac...
Alaska offers several fitness-inspired excursions in its popularly visited cities, such as Juneau, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. You can choose from such activities as hiking, kayaking, and bicycling, while exploring the spec...
The bountiful trails around the Blue Ridge Parkway allow you to receive the many health benefits of hiking, while you take in the natural features and geography of the Blue Ridge portion of the Appalachian Mountains. The Parkwa...
While hiking the Swiss Alpine Trails may not be a possibility for you right now, there are hiking areas closer to home that you can enjoy, and one such location is Helen, Georgia. Helen allows you to experience a little of the ...
The southern part of Utah offers three national parks, three national scenic monuments and one national recreation area along with numerous scenic byways and views. Hiking trails offer something for everyone, from an easy walk ...
The mountainous and difficult terrain also provides an excellent workout. Regardless of the area you choose to visit, numerous trails will take you on a variety of scenic and challenging routes through the park's wilderness wit...
Hiking trails provide you with an avenue through the wilderness, snaking through the park's challenging terrain. Each part of Yosemite Park is accessible from several hiking paths, some more challenging than others. You can cho...
Between the mountains, national parks, rivers and lakes there is no shortage of things to do, especially for hikers. Utah has five prominent hiking regions and a plethora of hiking trails for everyone from a beginner hiker to ...
The towns provide the hiking enthusiast an ideal place to start exploring the hundreds of thousands of acres of nearby trails. There are trails of different lengths and severity in the area, offering numerous choices for hikers...
The town is flanked by ski resorts, boasting access to both Powder Mountain and Wolf Creek within an easy 10-mile drive. When temperatures rise, however, locals take to the trails, as the fresh air, wooded paths and beautiful v...
Hikers in Colorado have a wide choice of trails and hiking paths throughout the state. Colorado's stunning views and mountainous terrain entice trekkers to hike through Colorado's terrain as they enjoy the state's environment. ...
While the focus in Las Vegas for most tourists is limited to gambling, dining and sightseeing, the area offers plenty of scenic sights and nice hikes. Within an hour's drive of Sin City you will find such areas as Red Rock Cany...
Mountain ranges dividing both states have ideal trails for beginning hikers through the most experienced hiking enthusiasts. Pack a picnic lunch and plan a day trip or load a backpack with gear for a multi-day adventure on one ...
Each trail ranges in length and difficulty, providing for a fun but challenging day for hikers of all skills. No matter which trail you choose, you are sure to get exercise as you spend your afternoon enjoying nature.
Las Vegas may be known as a gambling destination, but not all the action is indoors. Situated in the midst of the desert, Las Vegas was once an oasis on the path to California. Today, urban hiking trails act as oases for those ...
This town of 1,048 residents is 8,415 feet above sea level and it's known for its scenic mountains, canyons, lakes and rivers. The 1.5 million-acre Carson National Forest borders Angel Fire and offers several hiking opportuniti...
Famous for its national parks, southern Utah is a hiker's paradise. From the La Sal Mountains to the sheer cliffs of Zion National Park, you can find numerous hiking opportunities. The predominant landscape of southern Utah is ...
Boulder offers few amenities compared to other gateway communities, but its comfortable lodging properties and quality restaurants make it an increasingly popular base for hikers and backpackers.
Located in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs has an abundance of hiking trails within the city limits and the surrounding area. The town is sandwiched between the Kings River and Beaver Lake, which have ...
The areas numerous peaks and sprawling surrounding wilderness are home to some of New England's best hiking. From foliage hikes to wintry excursions, North Conway offers trails for trekkers of all ages and abilitie
Hiking trails in the Catskill Mountains criss-cross throughout the park's 286,000 acres. Hiking trails are grouped by region including northern, southern and western Catskill hikes. Memorable sights abound in the Catskills, inc...
The Florida Panhandle is unique from the rest of the state, as it is more rugged and less populated. Hiking the many trails is a good way to see this area, which is known lovingly to Floridians as L.A., or "lower Alabama." It ...
Aside from the golf course, Torrey Pines is also known for its State Natural Reserve. The protected land showcases the rare Torrey pine trees, a beautiful lagoon and breathtaking beaches. Visitors to Torrey Pines often come ...
With its rugged and lush mountains, however, it remains an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The cities of Eden and Liberty, sister cities four miles away from each other in the middle of Cache National Forest, offe...
This number can be substantially higher if hiking up hills or carrying gear. The Smoky Mountains provide opportunities for hiking on rugged terrain or flat ground, so it is ideal for all fitness levels. Taking a hike in these m...
Visitors come to family-friendly Angel Fire for the beautiful scenery; the high peaks popular with skiers, snowboarders and mountain bikers and the hiking trails. Hikers enjoy trails ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate ...
Mountain vistas, rocky gorges, palm oases, unusual rock formations and desert canyons are what Palm Springs offers the hiking enthusiast. Trails are abundant in this area and range from easy hikes for the beginner to more chall...
If you’re visiting southern Utah to see Arches and Canyonlands national parks, it may be worth the effort to explore one of the hiking trails near Moab. Many of the trails offer views of the Moab Valley, Colorado River an...
Hiking trails in Niagara Falls lead to several great scenes, such as an overlook of the Niagara Gorge or the Devil's Hole Cavern. The Niagara Gorge Trail system is comprised of a series of small trails that run parallel with th...
Las Vegas may be known for its nightlife and entertainment on The Strip, but it is a valley surrounded by stunning mountains to explore. The most popular outdoor attraction is Red Rock Canyon, close to the edge of Las Vegas, bu...
Hikers are sure to enjoy the terrain of Utah, which includes vast canyons, wide-open deserts, splendid lakes and panoramic mountain views. Sportsmen enjoy Utah's East Canyon for water sports and to follow the trails taken by th...
From beach hikes to thick wooded trails, the Orange County area is home to a diverse hiking environment. Hikers can experience the blooming fields of the Mojave Desert or hike the largest park above Laguna Beach in Aliso Viejo....
The Wave is formed of layers of the cross-bedded sandstone, which were once windblown dunes. Hiking through the area can be challenging, and requires a good level of fitness, but the exertion is worth the effort. The Wave is ap...
According to the county website, 39 of the highest summits in the state are located in the county, where skiing is a large source of income for the area. The high number of scenic peaks also brings great opportunities for hikin...
Located in Central Florida's Lake District, Polk County Florida has hiking trails and outdoor adventure in abundance. With over 30 parks with hiking trails, hikers of all skill and fitness levels should find a trip to suit thei...
Pine Valley, Utah sits near the Pine Valley Mountains in the 2 million acre Dixie National Forest. There are several hiking trails through the mountains that take people through stunning desert landscape. Many areas of the moun...
Outdoor recreational opportunities, including biking, skiing, camping and hiking, are plentiful. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails exist for all fitness levels. Park City is the best-known city in Summit County and is home to ...
Outdoor enthusiasts will discover ample opportunities for hiking, climbing, ATV and bike-riding, as well as golf and shooting. With Zion National Park, Great Basin National Park, Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead all with...
This city is conveniently located at the edge of Zion National Park. The area has nearly limitless hiking possibilities and trails range in difficulty from easy to advanced.
Whether you are interested in short day hikes or long haul backpacking and mountain biking expeditions, Utah will not disappoint. With so much open land in close proximity, you can also easily combine hiking and biking in a sin...
The Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, area offers hikers everything from short walks through Civil War battlefields to treks along the Appalachian Trail. Hikes in the area travel deep into history and deep into the woods of West Vi...
More than 25 miles of hiking trails snake throughout Hocking Hills State Park, located near Logan, Ohio, approximately one hour south of the capital of Columbus in the south central section of the state. The trails vary from wh...
There are over 700 miles of trails for the active traveler to take advantage of within the park, allowing you access to dozens of day hikes or extended backpacking and camping trips farther into the wilderness. Stop by a park o...
The historic town of Skagway, Alaska, offers spectacular scenic beauty with snow-covered mountains and thick forests. The area boasts a number of trails including easy trails for the whole family and longer trails great for mul...
At average heights between 250 and 300 feet tall, redwoods are the tallest trees in the world, as tall as the Statue of Liberty. The Redwood National Forest offers 200 miles of hiking trails lacing through prairies, old-growth ...
Speed hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail, or the PCT, is a feat suited for those hikers in extreme physical condition with a drive for an adventure in endurance, especially for those hikers whose intention is to complete a thru-...
Whether you are hiking a designated trail or trekking through the backcountry, survivalist skills will help you cope with the physical and mental challenges of wilderness travel. Foremost among your skills should be the mental ...
Proposing marriage is one of the biggest leaps in a relationship you can take, so you want it to be special. You may want to be traditional, or you might want to do it in a more creative and unique way. The most important aspec...
One of the many ways to choose hiking trails is to consider the difficulty of the hiking trail. Hiking trails come in a number of different levels of difficulty. Parks often have numerous hiking trails to choose from with vary...
Have your map with you and your route drawn on your map. Bring as many terrain and topographical maps of the area you are off-trail hiking as you can find. Have knowledge of how to read the map and how long it will take you
Occasionally in the news you hear about hikers lost, trapped or worse who had ventured out unprepared. We all like to believe bad things won't happen to us. However, it just takes one unfortunate event to change lives forever. ...
Steer clear of tall grass and brushy areas and avoid low branches because ticks crawl to the end of the plant and will easily attach themselves to the first live body that walks. Stay on hiking trails as much as possible, and y...