Madison Dapcevich

The agency just opened applications for seasonal roles across six iconic parks. Here is everything you need to know to get your application in before the deadline.

German highliner Friedi Kühne broke the world record for the highest highline when he walked between two hot air balloons thousands of feet in the air. How fear, flow, and ambition drive his desire for extreme adventure in his new book, Above the Abyss: Finding Strength, Stillness, and Survival on the Slackline.

Rescuers found a 71-year-old hiker alive after a three-day search in the northern California wilderness. A chance encounter with a local guide company, Skunk Train, saved her life.

'The Valley of Shadows,' a new eight-part podcast, examines the 1998 disappearance of former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy John Aujay, who vanished during a training run in the Devil’s Punchbowl—an unsolved mystery that endures to this day.

The Bureau of Land Management is pursuing a plan to allow drilling and fracking on public land across California, including those neighboring prominent national parks and monuments.

In the heart of Glacier National Park, a young diver’s pursuit of adventure ended in a heartbreaking tragedy that shocked all who knew her. The life and death of an 18-year-old Montana woman is now portrayed in a new documentary, ‘How to Kill a Mermaid: The Linnea Mills Story.’

Despite a government shutdown and reports of chaos, one California national park saw more than 4.2 million visitors last year.

With Outside's new text-to-speech audio feature, our top adventure stories are much easier to listen to on the go. Hear your favorite Outside classics, daring rescue stories, and breaking news while you get outside—where we all know you would prefer to be anyway.

For the first time in months, many Americans woke up ahead of the weekend to an absolute dumping of snow. Outside spoke with two meteorologists to find out who is going to get the most snow where.

After carving names into Michigan's iconic cliffs and taking 100 pounds of rocks, a group of visitors are now banished from the sandstone lakeshore for a year.

Health officials are alerting visitors to potential exposure after a vaccinated adult tested positive. Here is the timeline and what travelers need to know.

After a life-altering accident changed everything, Katie Verderber defied the odds to reach the Paralympics in record time. Her journey reveals the surprising reality of recovery and the resilience of the human spirit.

A newly published database includes hundreds of plaques, signs and pamphlets the National Park Service has flagged for review. Topics, including indigenous histories and pollution, now face potential removal.

A group of Texas border sheriffs wrote a letter of opposition in response to a proposed wall through Big Bend National Park. Big Bend represents just one portion of the nearly 2,000-mile wall slated to extend across the U.S.-Mexico border.

Amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, two Montana anglers, Stephen Simpson and Andrew Bailey, have been stranded in Dubai since February 28.

More than a dozen Democratic senators are demanding answers from the Department of the Interior about the removal of signs across national parks—displays that addressed topics including slavery, Native American history, and climate change.

In addition to quicksand, officials report that harmful algal blooms have also been found in multiple waterways at concentrations at the high end of safe exposure levels.

The eruptions began in early February. It’s unknown whether the eruptions will continue into the busy summer tourism season, but it’s a reminder that Yellowstone is an ever-changing, dynamic landscape.

The Grand Canyon is bookended by two dams on the Colorado River, the Glen Canyon Dam upstream and the Hoover Dam downstream. A new set of rules will determine how much water will flow between the two—and through Grand Canyon.

The climber, whose name has not been released, suffered severe head and back injuries. Their helmet was destroyed in the fall—but officials say it likely saved the victim’s life.

We tested the best puffies for when you want to look cute on the slopes but also, you know, not freeze your butt off.

The National Fire is estimated at more than 30,000 acres and is zero percent contained as of February 27. Extreme drought in the region is contributing to the wildfire’s rapid spread.

While plowing through waist-deep powder in California, two skiers came across a third buried below the surface. Their quick thinking likely saved the man’s life.

These garments are not your average base layers. And for people who menstruate, they can be a game-changing addition to your backcountry setup.

Timed-entry programs just vanished from three of America’s busiest national parks. Other parks, meanwhile, are keeping them. Here’s what you need to know about national park reservations in 2026.

In Yosemite, displaying flags on El Cap is a time-honored tradition dating back decades. The former National Park Service ranger, who is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, is the first person to get fired from the park for the act.

Gabriel Vaughn is what the river community would call a stout boater. He’s traveled intense sections of turbulent, dropped waterfalls, rafted whitewater all around the world, and guided countless customers down some of America’s most challenging commercially run rivers. Then, one day he disappeared.

A new clip shows three bears—what look to be a sow and two cubs—running across a powdery groomer. Skiers strapped to boards and skis stopped uphill and across from the trio, taking in the unusual sight.

In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to review how American history is portrayed at National Park Service sites. Here is the most comprehensive list yet of the signs that have been taken down or flagged for removal since.

The Government of Nepal just took a step in approving sweeping legislation that would change who is allowed to climb the country’s highest mountains. If passed, a new bill would change requirements for expeditions, define how to declare a climber dead, and require trekking staff to be Nepali citizens.

Officials say more than 243 million gallons of sewage have flowed into the river since the pipe ruptured on January 19. Environmental tests have shown that significantly elevated levels of E. coli have also been detected in the area.

The 41-year-old comeback queen of alpine skiing clipped a gate at the top of her run and was airlifted by helicopter.

Inspired by their shared love for the Mark Twain novel “Huckleberry Finn” and the desire for a great American adventure, a couple just finished their five-month canoe journey. It took them thousands of miles from Montana to Louisiana.

Water issues across national parks have been wreaking havoc on visitor experiences, and continue to shut down facilities at some of the United States’ most coveted public lands.

Sam Forstag has spent years as a smokejumper, soaring out of low-altitude planes, fighting wildfires across the entire West Coast. Now, he’s taking on Ryan Zinke in a bid for the Republican’s congressional seat.

BASE jumpers Boris Egorov, Vladimir Murzaev, and Konstantin Yaemurd take us inside their daring and historic leap from the summit of Fitz Roy.

Winter climbing in Mount Rainier National Park is technical and, when paired with extreme weather conditions, can turn deadly in an instant.

Mariah Reading was a national park ranger whose job was cut during the mass layoffs of 2025. Now, she’s fighting to save public lands one piece of trash at a time.

A new early-access process allows people willing to pay an additional fee to apply for permits ten days earlier than usual. Here is everything you need to know about booking your Havasupai Falls 2026 reservation

Wildflower sprouts have already been spotted in some parts of Southern California’s desert park. Here’s the forecast—and the best places to spot this year’s rare superbloom.

In the days leading up to an avalanche in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado experienced just a small amount of snow. What went wrong? One expert told us it was a combination of factors that led to the slide.

According to an internal directive, National Park Service employees at some of the nation’s most popular parks are now instructed to ask visitors questions about their citizenship status.

A recent video shows two hikers stranded on a perilous, extremely steep cliffside in Northern California. It joins a growing list of similar clips depicting people being rescued in the outdoors. Here’s why I can’t stop watching them.

Despite its deathly reputation, Mount Baldy is oftentimes neither a particularly precarious mountain nor an especially treacherous trail. Why, then, do so many people perish on the 10,000-foot peak?

The 40-year-old woman had mysteriously disappeared while hiking with her dog near the North Fork of the American River.

In a scientific first, trail cam photos show a moth drinking tears from a moose. It may sound like an unsavory snack, but scientists tell Outside there’s a very reasonable explanation for the bizarre behavior.

Harassing marine mammals in California is illegal, and those convicted can face fines of more than $36,000 and up to a year in prison. Anyone with information about the two individuals, a man and a woman with black hair, can call the National Park Service tip line at +1-888-653-0009.

In November, a blizzard with hurricane-force winds struck a popular hiking route in one of Chile’s most visited tourist destinations. Five people died. David Zonshayn, an emergency physician from New York, was on the trail when it happened. Here is his story.

When the iconic American television show went on a 10-day trek to the Mount Everest Base Camp, the team knew they were in for the expedition of a lifetime. What they didn’t anticipate was just how vital a role porters play—often with little recognition. Outside sits down with Cecilia Vega, host of '60 Minutes,' for an inside look at her journey.

December 21 marks the first official day of winter. It’s also the shortest day of the year, a time to turn inward and reflect on the months behind us, while also making space to embrace those ahead. Here are six ways to celebrate the shortest day of 2025.

An anonymous band of off-duty park rangers has risen up to defend America’s public lands from budget cuts, firings, and political neglect.

Hundreds of vehicles are estimated to have entered the park during the timed entry window each day during the summer, often leaving people on the road. Removing the reservation program may drive more visitors to arrive later in the day, during safer hours.

It’s said that Badwater Basin earned its name when a 1849er’s mule refused to drink from a nearby spring-fed pool, suggesting that the water in the area was bad. It’s not—just very salty.

With the memory of an elephant and instincts of a seasoned first responder, researchers say this four-legged robot could be the future of backcountry rescue. But are we ready for it?

At 267 feet tall, General Grant Tree is estimated to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old, which means the sequoia was growing alongside woolly mammoths and outlived the Roman Empire.

On March 21, 2004, a hiker discovered the body of Renaldo Burts, 18, in the hills near a strenuous trail in southern California near the city of Idyllwild. Two decades later, investigators have arrested a suspect.

Earlier this year, more than 300 piles of human cremated remains were discovered on public land south of Las Vegas. A local funeral home now holds them, but their origins remain a mystery—and federal investigators aren’t talking.

The 75-year-old experienced outdoorsman was a ritualistic coffee drinker, which makes him leaving behind a full cup with creamer—alongside his wallet, phone and keys—all the more bizarre. Those close to Pachak tell Outside that he seems to have disappeared without a trace.

As we head into the polar vortex, meteorologists are calling for up to a foot of snow in some parts of the U.S.

Inexperienced skiers and snowboarders are following TikTok videos into Vermont’s snowy backcountry, putting them in potentially dangerous terrain at a time of year when snowpack is notoriously unreliable

Esser has survived a severe dog attack, dengue fever, and bursitis in her right shoulder. Still, she’s committed to bikepacking the entire length of South America. Outside spoke with the 34-year-old to learn more about her motivations, triumphs and challenges.

Kuélap rivals Machu Picchu in size and impressiveness. But the ancient fortress provides a quieter, more intimate experience. And it’s only just now beginning to open up to the world.

Authorities say a young boy called 911 just before 7 P.M. to report that he and three other hikers had been lost for about three hours

Three individuals—two women and one man—were swept from the rocks into the ocean while visiting a popular beach in Big Sur. After the two women self-rescued, the 30-year-old man is still missing.

Lava Falls is considered to be one of the biggest rapids on the Grand Canyon’s Colorado River. Rated a Class 10, this powerful feature is characterized by massive waves, holes, and steep drops.

A UK company called Bionic and the Wires has found a way to harness bioelectric current from fungi to play a keyboard

Ron Dailey was supposed to be gone for just a day when he set out on a hunting trip. Alone and cold in the backcountry, he survived 20 days on just 900 calories.

Unstable snow and fluctuating weather conditions brought on by Cyclone Monica are believed to have caused the avalanche. Five tourists and ten Nepali high-altitude guides set out roughly an hour before the slide occurred near the base camp of Yalung Ri Peak.

Known as Moctezuma’s pod, this group of orcas have developed a unique strategy for hunting juvenile white sharks in the Gulf of California. Scientists have recorded the whales inducing what’s known as a state of tonic immobility, essentially paralyzing the shark.

The hiker was rescued while attempting the Kalalau Trail, a challenging 22-mile round-trip trek from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach. The 22-mile round-trip trek offers the only access to the rugged coastline of the renowned Nāpali Coast.

The highly specialized rescue technique involves a helicopter used to insert a rescue ranger on the cliff face above a stranded climber. A weighted beanbag, which helps in high-wind situations, is then attached to line that’s tossed to the injured climber.

For Heather Lapre, feeding park employees isn’t just a charitable act—it’s a personal one. Her husband was also furloughed during the federal government shutdown. October 28 marked the first skipped payday for National Park Service employees, like her partner, who were furloughed

It’s the first footage to show ski mountaineer Jim Morrison’s ascent, summit, and history-making first ski descent down the Hornbein Couloir on the direct north face of Mount Everest. His party was only the sixth to ascend the route, and the first since 1991.

This once-niche cowboy ski-racing sport is going big this winter with its first pro tour across the West

Winter is coming earlier in some places and later in others, but snowy conditions are just one factor contributing to a recent increase in backcountry rescues. Outside spoke with the National Association for Search and Rescue to determine what's causing the uptick, and how to avoid becoming a statistic.

After two hikers lost their way during an unexpected snowstorm in Washington’s Snoqualmie region, search and rescue personnel are urging anyone recreating in the backcountry to be prepared. Here’s a list of 10 essential items everyone should include in their daykit.

The Citadel is a technical 13er—a classification of mountains that exceed 13,000 feet—and is considered to have a standard Class 3 approach with 3,005 feet of elevation gain. The rescue occurred in technical Class 4 terrain, further complicated by high winds, making landing zones near the summit unsuitable.

At least 80 percent of funding from National Park Service recreation fees stays in the park where it is collected, and the other 20 percent is used to benefit parks that do not collect payments or parks that generate only a small amount of revenue

While the data itself suggests a new peak designation nay be in order, the summit has not officially been declared a “new” 14er. So, technically, it’s not categorized yet as such. And experts don’t seem to be in a rush to do so.

With sweeping vistas and steep elevation gains, Shadow Mountain Trail is a 2.6-mile loop just outside of Phoenix. Experts say it’s best to hike during the cooler parts of the day, but losing light on the trail can be just as dangerous as overheating.