The Alpine Journal

Find a Ski Swap Near You | Alpine Extreme
Illustration of Ridge browsing used skis and snowboards at a community swap
September 28, 2026

Find a Ski Swap Near You | Alpine Extreme

Search verified 2026 ski and snowboard swaps by ZIP code. See dates, venues, shopping hours...
First snow is here, and El Niño is building: the 2026–27 ski-season outlook
Illustration of Ridge with a snowboard against snowy peaks and autumn aspens
September 28, 2026

First snow is here, and El Niño is building: the 2026–27 ski-season outlook

Snow has reached the high peaks. See what fell and where the winter outlook leans.
Planning the Arizona Trail This Fall? What the Grand Canyon Closures Change
AI-generated editorial illustration of a backpacker studying a paper map above a canyon.
  • Arizona Trail
September 16, 2026

Planning the Arizona Trail This Fall? What the Grand Canyon Closures Change

The normal Arizona Trail crossing of the Grand Canyon is interrupted. Separate trail access, transport,...
Who Uses the Trail After We Leave? What 59 Wildlife Cameras Revealed
AI-generated editorial illustration of a trail camera and deer, not an image from the Arizona Trail study.
  • Arizona Trail
September 16, 2026

Who Uses the Trail After We Leave? What 59 Wildlife Cameras Revealed

A newly released Arizona Trail report opens a window onto the trail's other users. Discover...
Is National Public Lands Day Free in 2026? What September 26 Actually Means for Your Visit
AI-generated editorial illustration of volunteers working together on an autumn mountain trail.
  • Conservation
September 16, 2026

Is National Public Lands Day Free in 2026? What September 26 Actually Means for Your Visit

September 26 is National Public Lands Day, but that does not automatically mean free national-park...
Before You Lose Signal: The Satellite-Messaging Checklist for You and Your Emergency Contact
AI-generated editorial illustration of a hiker checking a smartphone beneath an open evening sky.
  • Camping
September 16, 2026

Before You Lose Signal: The Satellite-Messaging Checklist for You and Your Emergency Contact

The person at home needs a plan too. Prepare both ends of an off-grid conversation,...
Chasing Monsters by Bike: Which Mountaineer Monster Route Fits Your Fall Adventure?
AI-generated editorial illustration of autumn bikepacking and a fictional folklore sign in wooded hills.
  • Adventure
September 16, 2026

Chasing Monsters by Bike: Which Mountaineer Monster Route Fits Your Fall Adventure?

West Virginia's cryptid-themed bikepacking routes combine folklore with serious climbing. Compare the 110-, 275- and...
Missed Your First Camping Night? California's New Cancellation Rules Explained
AI-generated editorial illustration of a reserved campsite, tent and picnic table in an autumn forest.
  • California
September 16, 2026

Missed Your First Camping Night? California's New Cancellation Rules Explained

Arriving late is not the same as canceling. Understand California State Parks' July 2026 rules,...
Can Your Gravel Bike Actually Go on Amtrak? Check These Things Before Booking
AI-generated editorial illustration of a traveler with a loaded gravel bicycle beside a passenger train.
  • Bikepacking
September 16, 2026

Can Your Gravel Bike Actually Go on Amtrak? Check These Things Before Booking

A bicycle reservation is only part of the answer. Check tire width, stations, transfers and...
Half Dome Permits 2026: What to Do After Lottery Results
Half Dome Permits 2026: What to Do After Lottery Results
April 11, 2026

Half Dome Permits 2026: What to Do After Lottery Results

If you applied for the preseason lottery, the next thing to watch is the results...
Yosemite Reservations 2026: Do You Need One This Year?
Yosemite Reservations 2026: Do You Need One This Year?
April 4, 2026

Yosemite Reservations 2026: Do You Need One This Year?

No, Yosemite is not requiring a timed-entry vehicle reservation to enter the park in 2026....
Pond Skim 2026: April Dates, Registration, and What to Bring
Pond Skim 2026: April Dates, Registration, and What to Bring
March 31, 2026

Pond Skim 2026: April Dates, Registration, and What to Bring

March gets most of the spring-ski headlines, but April is when a lot of pond...