The Early Rise Hiker Archive

Sunrise on Lost Dog Wash

In Arizona Trails, Central Arizona, Greater Phoenix Area, McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Lost Dog Wash to Ringtail Loop Trail

The Lost Dog Wash – Ringtail Loop trail is a nearly three mile loop that can be used for a 1-hour …

Ross Leap at Pinnace Peak

In Hiking Guides

Why Hike? Top Reasons to Get off the Treadmill and onto the Trail

If your workout involves a lot of staring at a television screen while walking on a belt, it may be time …

Picacho Peak

In Arizona Trails, Central Arizona

Picacho Peak State Park: Sunset Trail to the Peak

Picacho Peak State Park is relatively small at 3,747 acres, but it contains the iconic Picacho Peak, a lone craggy southwestern …

Sunrise Trail near the Saddle

In Arizona Trails, Central Arizona, Greater Phoenix Area, McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Sunrise Trail

Hiking the Trail There are several variations on this trail theme, and in this blog post I have described five ways to slice …

Andrews Kinsey Trail

In Arizona Trails, Central Arizona, Greater Phoenix Area, McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Sunrise to Andrews Kinsey and Optional Western Loop Trail

This hike is a wonderful way to see the interior of the southern part of McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and it …

Gateway Trailhead

In Arizona Trails, Central Arizona, Greater Phoenix Area, McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Gateway Loop Trail

Hiking the Trail The Gateway Loop is Gateway’s namesake trail, and it provides a moderately challenging hike which gives the …

In Hiking Guides

Staying Safe on a Desert Hike (You’re Doing it Wrong)

Hiking in a desert landscape with its sweeping, wide open views, iconic rock formations and unique foliage is an experience …

Zion Canyon from the West Rim Trail

In National Parks, Zion

Zion National Park West Rim Trail

Hiking the Trail Hiking the West Rim Trail is a fantastic way to see much of the variety of …

Backcountry Dinner Recipe: Peanut Noodles March 21, 2019
It's so good that you'll start making it at home, too
Andrew Skurka
How Joe McConaughy Set an AT Speed Record March 21, 2019
On July 17, 2017, thru-hiker Joe McConaughy set out to claim the fastest known time for a self-supported traverse of the Appalachian Trail
Outside Editors
The 900-Year-Old Abuelo at the Border Wall March 20, 2019
The wall won’t just separate two nations, it will sever the connection between a community and its native flora and fauna
Emma Murray
Why the World Needs Barry Lopez March 19, 2019
His new book, 'Horizon,' is the crowning achievement of a writer whose eyes never stray from the long view
Kate Harris
The Black Hills Are Beckoning March 15, 2019
In its ongoing series with the U.S. Forest Service, More Than Just Parks is profiling iconic landscapes from America’s national forests
Outside Editors
This Spring’s Weather Could Be Just as Wild as Winter’s March 14, 2019
All signs point to active weather continuing into the warmer months, which will bring a litany of new hazards
Dennis Mersereau
'Campfire Stories': Jeff Provenzano March 14, 2019
Jeff Provenzano narrates a wingsuit flight that resulted in a $5,000 helicopter-rescue bill
Outside Editors
Steal the Thunder March 14, 2019
Indian relay racing is sometimes called America’s first extreme sport. For years, the Brew Crew—a team from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota—were a dominant force. Then tragedy struck. This is the story of the Lakota’s spiritual relationship with the horse, and a quest to regain glory on the track.
Will Bardenwerper
Grand Canyon Superintendent Announces Resignation March 14, 2019
Grand Canyon National Park superintendent Christine Lehnertz notified park employees on March 14 that she was resigning, effective March 31. This comes weeks after a four-month investigation turned up no wrongdoing and found a series of 2018 allegations against her to be "unfounded."
Annette McGivney
The Best Powder Skiing in Japan Isn't at Niseko March 13, 2019
The world-class level skiing in Japan extends beyond the resorts and into the backcountry.
Piotr Drzastwa