Every year, thousands of hikers head into the wild to experience the thrill of exploring untouched landscapes. But here’s a reality check: more than a dozen hikers go missing in the U.S. every day.

From desert season to high-alpine prime time, these trails—and the skills and mini-trips behind them—will shape your 2026 ...

While slogging through a Florida swamp in shin-deep water might not be everyone’s idea of a good time, that was precisely how I chose to spend a long November weekend on a bucket-list backpacking trip ...

Editor’s note: Explore contributor Gensheng Tian hiked a part of the Pacific Crest Trail in July. This is the second of two installments. Read day one at yhne.ws/pctday1. The Pacific Crest Trail is ...