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3 weeks ago | 
thetrek.co | Katie Jackson
Update (June 6, 2025): In addition to trailhead and camping closures within the Enchantments, a section of the Pacific Crest Trail is now officially closed due to the ongoing manhunt. The section includes the PCT within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex (Agnes Creek, Old Wagon, and Bridge Creek trails).
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3 weeks ago | 
thetrek.co | Katie Jackson
An urgent manhunt is currently underway across Washington state for Travis Decker, 32, who is sought on probable cause for three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping. These charges are in connection with the tragic deaths of his three young daughters. This search operation has led to the immediate closure of The Enchantments wilderness area and its surrounding regions.
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3 weeks ago | 
thetrek.co | Katie Jackson
Imagine standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, feeling the spray of a waterfall in Yosemite, or walking among the towering, ancient trees of Sequoia. These are our national parks, places that hold some of America’s finest beauty, history, and wildlife. They’re essential spaces for outdoor recreation, reservoirs for cultural and environmental heritage, major tourism drivers, and places of deep meaning for millions of people around the world.
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3 weeks ago | 
thetrek.co | Katie Jackson
Looking for a quick escape into nature without straying far from the city or an airport terminal? Across the country, surprising pockets of wilderness and scenic trails offer accessible outdoor experiences, often just a short drive from major city centers and airports. These hikes are all short and sweet: just enough to give you a soul-restoring dose of nature while remaining highly accessible.
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1 month ago | 
thetrek.co | Katie Jackson
Roughly 110,000 acres of federal land along the US-Mexico border in New Mexico, previously managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), was abruptly transferred into US Army control and designated a National Defense Area (NDA) last month, sparking widespread confusion and alarm among local communities and outdoor recreationists.
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1 month ago | 
thetrek.co | Katie Jackson
This winter, I had the opportunity to test out the Zpacks Groundsheet Poncho, an innovative piece of gear that doubles as both a poncho and a groundsheet, offering ultralight protection when you’re on the move. Weighing just 5.9 ounces and constructed from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), this poncho is designed for the minimalist backpacker who wants to stay dry without adding unnecessary weight to their pack. MSRP: $249Weight: 5.9 oz.
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1 month ago | 
thetrek.co | Katie Jackson
A now-familiar story emerged from the Pacific Crest Trail last month near Truckee, California, when the Truckee Trails Foundation (TTF) announced that the federal government had frozen $20,000 in funding for necessary trail maintenance. The money had been intended for much-needed upkeep in the Tahoe National Forest, especially a section of the PCT from Donner Pass Road to Interstate 80 where retaining walls and rock steps require attention to allow safe travel through the area.
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1 month ago | 
thetrek.co | Katie Jackson
Happy Memorial Day weekend! For anyone heading into the outdoors, that means serious savings on gear. Thru-hikers, backpackers, and campers can find plenty of deals to lighten their load or upgrade their current setup. This weekend is a prime chance to snag discounts on everything from ultralight tents and cozy sleeping bags to portable chargers and camping essentials.
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1 month ago | 
thetrek.co | Katie Jackson
In a victory for conservationists, language that would have allowed for the sale of half a million acres of public land in Nevada and Utah was removed from a sweeping budget reconciliation bill before the bill cleared the House Rules Committee late last night. The House Natural Resources Committee’s move to add the controversial amendment to the bill during a secretive late-night vote on May 7 had raised serious concerns among public land advocates nationwide.
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1 month ago | 
thetrek.co | Katie Jackson
Peakbagging — the pursuit of summiting all the peaks included in a set list— has inspired climbers and hikers worldwide to set some ambitious goals. From high-altitude challenges in the Rockies to the storied hills of Scotland and beyond, these lists offer unique physical challenges, breathtaking scenery, and arbitrary delineations. Below, we explore some of the most popular peakbagging lists, outlining what each entails and the unique hurdles they present.
