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Sarah Joseph

Sarah Joseph

Contributor

Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always thrilled to share nature with others through both pen and keyboard.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

Big Bend National Park in Texas

Big Bend National Park will initiate trail closures because of this bird

Though these birds have recovered somewhat, they are still a protected species, which is why the NPS is closing parts of Big Bend National Park during the nesting period. 
Yosemite National Park in winter

Embrace the cold: The best places to camp in the winter

If you're looking for the best places to camp in the winter, there's nowhere better than our beloved national parks. Here are our top 3.
The Garden Wall along the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park.

Construction at Glacier National Park means changes for your trip — what to know

Since the construction project encroaches on parking, the National Park Service has announced that personal vehicle access to Many Glacier will be restricted. 
Baseplate compass on top of a map

How to use a compass for navigation when GPS fails

It's a shame how many people don't know how to use a compass, especially when the National Park Service lists it as a top 10 safety item. Here's how to get started.
Skiers on Mountain Quail at Telluride Colorado

How to stay warm outside: Essential tips for winter adventures

In my experience, staying warm is the key to your wintertime enjoyment. Follow these tips, and you are sure to stay out longer than ever. 
Closeup of two friends setting up a tent in the woods.

3 duct tape camping hacks: Why it should always be in your hiking or camping kit

One of the most useful scenarios for duct tape is out in the wilderness, so be sure to pack some on your next camping outing. Here are some uses for duct tape while camping.
Learning all the features of your tent can help make sleeping in it more comfortable.

Camping essentials for beginners: How to tackle the wild with comfort

Here are some struggles you may encounter while out in the wild, as well as some camping essentials for beginners to help mitigate those challenges. 
Yosemite Firefall at Yosemite National Park in Winter

Visit Yosemite’s Firefall in 2025 — without a reservation

If you're unfortunate enough to not snag a reservation for Yosemite's firefall, here's how you can experience it in 2025 without one.
Reflections of mountains at Yosemite National Park

Planning a visit? These national parks will require reservations in 2025

As outdoor enthusiasts gear up for the 2025 season, it's always a good idea to check out which national parks require reservations this year.
Moraine Lake at Banff National Park in Canada

5 must-see Canadian national parks that will take your breath away

From turquoise waters to arctic landscapes, Canada has so much to explore. Here are five of my favorite national parks in Canada and what you can do there.
Man at a campground stargazing

Zipper pull camping hack: Exit your tent and disturb no one

One of the worst challenges while overnight camping is needing to exit the tent before dawn. Here's a camping hack to fix it so that you don't disturb anyone.
Cast-iron skillet over campfire wood

How long can you go without food if you’re lost in the wilderness?

In the U.S., about 600,000 hikers get lost in the woods every year. If you've ever wondered how long you can go without food, here's what you need to know. 
Camping fire

Forget your matches? Here’s a camping hack that will save your trip

You can create a fire without matches in just a few minutes. For this camping hack, all you need is a little ash, some flat pieces of wood, and a cotton ball.
A fresh-caught rainbow trout sits awaiting an adjacent knife on a cutting board

How to sharpen a knife for camping: The ultimate guide

The last thing you want on your camping trip is for your knife to be blunt. Here's everything you need to know about sharpening a camping knife.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This popular Great Smoky Mountains trail will be closed for 18 months — where to hike instead

The National Park Service is committed to the safety of the Laurel Falls Trail, so the park has funded a rehabilitation project to give it a well-deserved makeover.
Amphitheater Mountain at Yellowstone National Park in winter

Your guide to Yellowstone’s winter secrets

While you do need to do some advance planning, and not everything in the park will be accessible, it's possible to have an amazing winter visit to Yellowstone.
camping hack for laundry toby wong fttvcvu89 m unsplash

No laundromat while camping? Try this classic laundry solution

If you've ever been on the road for any length of time, you'll know that one of the biggest challenges is the laundry. Here's how to wash your clothes on the trail.
A camp stove cooking food with a desert landscape blurred in the background

Try an empty Tic Tac box for this weird camping hack

A flavorful meal while in the outdoors can elevate your camping experience to a whole new place. Here's a hack on how to do that with empty Tic Tac containers.
a man standing on a stone pillar in Grand Canyon National Park

Fire restrictions and water shortages hit Grand Canyon visitors—what to know

The Transcanyon Waterline springs a nasty break that's bad enough to shut it down. Here's how to handle the newest hiking challenge at the Grand Canyon.
Joshua Tree National Park sunset

Joshua Tree camping: Where to stay for for every type of camper

With nine distinct campgrounds to choose from, camping at Joshua Tree National Park has something for everyone.
Yosemite National Park in winter

This is when you can go to national parks for free in 2025

The National Park Service has just announced six free entrance days for 2025 so visitors to enjoy the beauty and history of America’s national parks.
Yosemite National Park in winter

Why winter is secretly the best time to visit Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park has so much winter fun to offer you and your crew. Here's everything you need to know (and more) about Yosemite in winter.
camping in the fall around campfire.

7 camping accessories that take your adventures to the next level

If your camping experience is starting to feel lackluster, you might just be in luck. Here are our favorite camping accessories to take on the road with you.
Woman with a headlamp camping in a winter tent surrounded by snow.

How to choose the perfect sleeping pad for winter camping (plus, top picks)

By investing in a quality sleeping pad, you'll ensure great rest while you're camping in the winter. Here are our best recommendations for winter sleeping pads.
best camping clothes jan valecka lt9mncyftm8 unsplash

Why it’s time to upgrade your camping clothes

Upgrading your camping gear is bound to take your experience to the next level. We hope these tips get you through your shopping trip!
Woman with a headlamp camping in a winter tent surrounded by snow.

Winter camping made comfortable: The best tents for cold-weather adventures

Camping during the wintertime is bound to stretch your limits, but you'll be able to reach new heights with one of these winter tents. 
Lava at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Good news if you’re visiting Hawaii: This stunning attraction has reopened

Due to the trail crew's hard work, trail crews have wrapped up construction on Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's Sulfur Bank Trail a whole month early.
Man at an overlook during the fall

7 hiking attire myths busted: What to wear and when to layer

Are you believing in a hiking attire lie? Not everything you read on the internet is true, so here are seven hiking attire myths debunked. 
Danish Endurance Merino Wool Hiking socks hanging off a deck

How Merino wool socks can elevate your hiking experience

Wool socks are highly recommended for hiking, so today, we're going to explore why that is as well as give you a few recommendations to get you started. 
Mount Rainier National Park in the winter

Mount Rainier to transform in 2025: How it will affect your trip

Mount Rainier National Park is about to undergo two exciting construction projects in the coming year.
Hiker relaxing in his tent with a great view of the snowy mountains

Winter camping made comfortable: Top tent heater tips and picks

One of the most effective ways to keep your tent cozy is to use a tent heater. However, there can be some safety risks.
Mount Rainier National Park in the winter

Going to Mount Rainier National Park this winter? Here’s what you should expect

Winter is almost here, and Mount Rainier National Park is gearing up for the 2024-25 winter recreation season with updates to its schedule.
A man hiking to a mountain top

Essential camping gear: The best power banks for your trip

Losing charge on your device could mean that you no longer have access to maps or other important resources, so it's important to pack a great power bank.
A view of the grand canyon during the day

The Grand Canyon might be raising campground prices for the first time in 20 years

The National Park Service hasn't raised fees for over 20 years, but as the Grand Canyon has increased in popularity, and so have the operational costs. Here's what that might mean.
Camping views through larch trees in the Enchantments during fall

5 camping rules everyone should know to become a great campground neighbor

Camping is more than just setting up a tent and spending time in nature. By learning unspoken rules of camping, you contribute to a positive outdoor culture.
Woman with a headlamp camping in a winter tent surrounded by snow.

Insulating your tent for winter camping isn’t as hard as you think

In this article, we'll explore the various ways that heat can sneak away from your tent, as well as how to insulate a tent for winter camping.
Hiking Glacier National Park in Montana.

How to plan your Glacier National Park visit for 2025: Reservation deadlines and key rules

Because of the congestion in recent years, the National Park Service has been enacting a reservation system for entry to the park.
grand canyon in the winter

December at the Grand Canyon: Enjoy the beauty without the crowds

Whatever you end up doing, December remains one of the best time to visit the Grand Canyon — especially for introverts. 
Snowy backcountry with ski tracks.

Winter camping gear essentials: What to bring for the ultimate cold-weather trip

It can be difficult to figure out what to pack for a winter camping trip, but fortunately we've put together a great list to get you started.
West ridge of Amphitheater Mountain at Yellowstone National Park in the winter

National parks nationwide waive entrance fees for Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, national parks across the United States invite all visitors to enter free of charge in honor of the service and dedication of America’s veterans
what to do if you see bear poop daniele levis pelusi wxmzt3sie4g unsplash

Seeing bear poop on the trail? Here’s what you should do

Here is everything you need to know about bear poop and what it means if you come across it in the middle of the woods.
Two people hiking the W Trek in Chile, mountains in the background.

Can you get altitude sickness at 5,000 feet? What you need to know

While altitude sickness is rare at 5,000 feet, some people may experience mild, temporary symptoms. Here's what you can do about it.
Man at the top of a mountain wearing a Merino wool sweater

This easy trick tells you which merino wool base layer is right for your activity

Among the essential pieces of gear for staying warm is a merino wool base layer, and one crucial factor to consider when choosing a base layer is its weight.
Man winter camping with a green tent

Your ultimate guide to delicious winter camping meals

Winter camping meals require a bit more preparation, but it’s worth it for the crisp, beautiful experience of camping during the most magical time of year.
Lava at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

This is when you should avoid visiting Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park this month

Currently, flight operations are scheduled for November 12, 15, 20, and 22. Visitors may experience noise and trail closures.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

You’re now able to visit most of the Blue Ridge Parkway after hurricane damage

Restoration efforts have been under way at the Blue Ridge Parkway as the National Park Service clears 55 miles of debris from Hurricane Helene.
sediment slide alters water flow at canyonlands national park fishmouth slump 10 29 2024 d ippolito

How a recent sediment slump will affect your trip to Canyonlands National Park

tay informed about current river conditions by checking the Canyonlands National Park website, and heed all safety recommendations while out and about. 
Sunset at "The Window" near Chisos Mountain Lodge at Big Bend National Park

Discover Texas through its stunning national parks

The Lone Star State has a lot to offer when it comes to national parks. There are two official national parks: Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains. 
least visited national parks three bright yellow tents on red autumn tundra with mountains blue sky  amp survey equipment

Looking for solitude? These are the 3 least visited national parks in America

If you're sick of crowds at your favorite national park, you're not alone. Here are some of the least-visited national parks according to 2023 statistics.
A stand of Giant Sequoia trees in California.

Plan your adventure: The best time to visit Sequoia National Park

So which time of year is the best time to visit Sequoia National Park? No matter what time of year you go, this national treasure has a lot to offer.