California

Rescue crews in Siskiyou County, California rescued two budding alpinists, age 19 and 20, after they had an emergency on the legendary volcano

Officials say someone chopped the blooms in Big Sur’s beloved Calla Lily Valley. Rangers are still searching for a motive, but some suspect the removal could be tied to overtourism.

Two ski industry mavericks believe they’ve discovered the secret of operating a heli-skiing business in the Golden State, where red tape, finicky snowfall, and plenty of danger have torpedoed past operations

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.

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.

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.

A Tahoe avalanche expert explains how the state’s fickle winter weather has changed the way guides assess risk in the mountains.

Three dogs were rescued from a remote gully near Texas Canyon, a popular climbing area near Santa Clarita, California. Watch the now-viral video where responders describe their heartwarming rescue.

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.

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.

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.

The triathlete went missing while swimming off the coast of California during her weekly swim club meeting. Eyewitnesses report having seen shark splashes in the water shortly before her disappearance.

At an age when most people are in retirement, the civil rights activist returned to work at 85 to serve as a park ranger in California. For the following 15 years, she continued in the service of public lands, giving historical talks and tours.

Cost of living in California near Yosemite National Park is notoriously high. Even so, federal officials are slashing wage rates for blue-collar workers, sparking outrage from the local union.

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.

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.

After 175 years of displacement, the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation has reacquired 900 acres south of Yosemite National Park

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.

Although BASE jumping is not allowed in national parks, sources tell Outside the activity is not all that uncommon.

Ultrarunner Olivia Amber recently spent four days climbing California’s highest peaks to set the women’s speed record on a famed route

Both parties were on the non-technical Clear Creek route. Outside spoke with climbing officials to find out what happened and why.

Think our national parks are only good for hiking and scenic drives? Think again, says our national parks columnist.

Think the beach is just for lounging? Think again. These stunning hikes trace the coast, from quiet beach walks to heart-pounding cliff treks.

Whether it’s your first time paddling out or you’re looking to fine-tune your bottom turn, surf lessons can take your skills to the next level.

The Golden State might have more campgrounds than any other in the U.S.—and more visitors, too. From desert to coast to mountains, here are the best uncrowded spots to get a site.

“Route is much easier if you hire a mule”

Homewood, a small ski area on Lake Tahoe’s west shore, is experiencing growing pains that pit developers trying to run a business against ticked-off locals who just want to go skiing. Can everyone win?

Our columnist shares his favorite desert destinations and tips to get far from the beaten path

Two hikers are lucky to be alive after one of them plummeted down a cliff along Northern California’a famed trekking route

The ‘Los Angeles Times’ recently shed light on freight train robberies that targeted Nike sneakers. Two security experts explain the world of cargo theft.

From a music-centric journey across the northern U.S. to a national park-studded road trip through the heartland, we’ve got itineraries for your next great cross-country adventure.

From exploring Arizona's canyons to surfing California'a beaches and hiking Utah's buttes, our national parks columnist shares his dream Southwest road-trip itineraries. Just gas up your rig, grab the sunscreen, and go.

From a lookout tower with a wood-fired sauna to a sleek cabin with volcano views, these imaginative, forested forts go way beyond your best childhood dreams

Californian Ben Schuck says the secret to kiteboarding in your eighties is assessing risk and never taking a ride for granted

I found big adventure and warm weather in these national-park units spread across the Southeast and Southwest

Whether you like to camp, paddle, take long walks, or bike flowy singletrack, these are the coolest ways to spend your precious time off in 2025

Most national parks have an entry fee, but not these. And they’re all awesome places to visit.

The fires in Southern California have impacted millions of lives. These outdoor athletes share their stories of evacuation, loss, and community relief amid the disaster.

These are our favorite healthy trips in North America, from a desert hot-springs lodge to a quiet island off the Pacific Coast.

Trying to prevent forest fires with more logging may only make them worse, fire ecologists say. Will the federal government listen?

Five questions with UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain, who warned of “extreme fire danger” in Southern California days before the devastating blazes

Our travel writers spent weekends at some fabulous places: a red-rock retreat, stargazing domes, and one of the national parks’ hardest-to-book cabins. Here’s where we’re sending our friends next year.

Experience two of SoCal's stunning desert landscapes—the low Colorado to the east, and the mountainous Mojave to the west—with these gorgeous treks, ranging from 1 to 37 miles

We love to travel, but most airports suck. Here are ones that don't.

Discover the ultimate winter base camp in Reno Tahoe

Four Klamath River dams are being removed for environmental benefit. Yet even positive change feels traumatic to the many residents who’ve built livelihoods around the lakes and whitewater that have disappeared.

The author breaks down a bizarre story involving a trashed car, grainy surveillance video, and a fuzzy bear suit

My family traded stressful air travel and an exhausting day cooking and cleaning for crowd-free campsites and an outdoor feast around the fire. Best decision ever.

After SAR rescued two heavily-laden, inexperienced hikers from the lower 48’s highest peak, they had some strong advice to share with anyone thinking of following in their footsteps

Jason Crist was charged with 29 counts including nine felonies

Hidden along Highway 1, not far from Point Reyes National Seashore and celebrated oyster farms, this camp-like retreat is drawing city-goers eager to be surrounded by wilderness

Aaron Lopez opened Ursa to pay homage to the desert ingredients of the Southwest

What’s better than leaf-peeping? Leaf-peeping with Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop.

Trust us: the puppies, kittens llamas, and pigs are worth the trip

He earned an A for resourcefulness and an F for sharing

A lifetime cyclist, our columnist pulled the data and weighed other factors to determine the most bike-friendly small towns across America

These cool new lodging options are within striking distance of some of the country’s most popular national parks

YouTubers are illegally climbing California's famed trees, prompting the NPS to protect them from visitors. We asked tree expert Tim Kovar why the illicit ascents are so damaging.

Could the climate crisis be solved in the courtroom?

Our photographer traveled the Western States Trail Ride, covering its 100-mile length through California’s Sierra Nevada, to document the horses and riders taking on this grueling challenge

Our columnist has spent over 20 years in lineups across the country and says these coastal towns offer good waves, food, and vibes—and embody surf culture

Explore the Golden State on a journey from San Francisco to Kings Canyon

A longtime Golden State hiker reveals her dream list of the most beautiful, must-see routes in California

Our parks expert has put together long weekend trips for as little as $204, with details on free entrance fees and campsites, and active itineraries that keep costs down

Looking to try this 211-mile route through the Sierra Nevada? The FKT holder on the JMT provides key advice on landing a coveted permit, picking the best resupply points, the most beautiful campsites, and essential gear.

I like the mountains, not boats, which make me sick. Then came a chance to see the beautiful landscapes of California’s Channel Island National Park.

Five questions with Amy Appelhans Gubser, the 55-year-old California woman who became the first person to swim from the San Francisco Bay to the Farallon Islands

Starting this fall, backpackers will have to pay a new fee to hike the popular Lost Coast Trail. For some, it will triple the cost.

The two backcountry climbers never reached the splitboards and skis they stashed to descend the California fourteener

From western landscapes to the Blue Ridge Parkway, our national park expert maps out five beautiful road trips—all doable in a week

From campgrounds that only accept bookings two weeks out to websites with immediate inventory, we’ve got solutions for late planners

Every great adventure needs a staging area. Here they are, from simple and affordable to dreamy and luxe, in unbelievable locations, with endless terrain to explore and a warm bed to return to at night.

The ski mountaineer left the door open to pursue the last four ski descents, but his timeline remains unclear