The National Park Service (NPS) Excellence in Wilderness Stewardship Awards are the agency’s annual recognition of outstanding contributions to wilderness stewardship by an individual, team, and external partner, including those involving interpretation and education; management of natural, cultural, and social resources; planning; protection; and maintenance operations. Award recipients are nominated by fellow NPS staff and selected by an interdisciplinary panel. […]

Backpacker (July 15, 2025) by Alexandra Gillespie Reports of thru-hikers facing rejection and even detention at the U.S. border have left some backpackers questioning whether to cancel their long-planned trips. For hikers flying to the U.S., the most unpredictable stretch of the trip might arrive before the first mile. In recent months, hiking hopefuls with valid visas and detailed itineraries […]

Outside Magazine (July 2025) by Graham Averill Load up your bike and disappear into America’s wildest places on these incredible multi-day rides… Coconino Loop, Coconino National Forest, Arizona  Distance: 240 miles Duration: Seven days Highlights: Slick rock, canyons galore The Coconino Loop is 240 miles of singletrack and dirt roads through the canyons and peaks of Northern Arizona, combining some of the best trails and […]

KVOA-TV (July 9, 2025) by Marissa Orr A 67-year-old hiker from Alvarado, Texas, tragically passed away after hiking at Grand Canyon National Park. Officials said the incident happened on July 8, 2025, on the South Kaibab Trail. The hiker was returning from Skeleton Point and was attempting to reach Phantom Ranch for an overnight stay, according to officials. The hiker was […]

KVOA (July 4, 2025) Arizona’s military community begins 800-mile trail adventure. Watch the Operation Freedom March promo, featured on KVOA-TV here.

Treeline Review (June 26, 2025) by Meg Carney A fast-moving proposal in the U.S. Senate threatens to open the door to one of the largest public land sales in modern history. Buried within the Senate’s recent budget bill, a provision would require the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to sell off at least public lands they manage in 11 Western […]

Mountain Getaway (June 27, 2025) Dotting America’s mountain towns, wilderness, and shores are incredible trails for trail runners. They often weave through state and national forests, over sweeping landscapes, and along shimmering bodies of water. It makes for a perfect way to enjoy some of the most beautiful parts of America while getting in a workout. It’s a win-win. But […]

Copper Area News (June 21, 2025) The Tri-Community has had two recent fires centered in or around the town of Oracle. Oracle Fire District personnel were joined by Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, along with CERT and Firewise volunteers, at the Firewise meeting in Oracle on June 11, 2025. Community members were also in attendance. The recent Cedar […]

Payson Roundup (June 18, 2025) by Alexis Bechman An Eagar man injured while hiking the Arizona Trail was rescued last week by local search and rescue teams. Tonto Rim Search and Rescue (TRSAR) responded June 9 to a call to locate a missing 67-year-old hiker. He had been hiking Passage 25 of the Arizona Trail, a remote 23-mile stretch from […]

KGUN 9 (June 16, 2025) by Jim Spindle Summer months in the Sonoran Desert might be the most dangerous of the year, keeping search and rescue teams busy. Considering just how extreme our landscape and climate can be, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Posse (CochiseSAR) invited me out to their monthly training and told me it’s a […]

Payson Roundup (June 10, 2025) by Paul Aleshire A feel-good proclamation. A do-good grant application. Trails have become a hot topic all across Rim Country – from Payson to Pine. So Payson last week declared the second week in June to be “National Recreation Highline Trail Week.” Payson Ranger District Recreational Manager Angie Abel was on hand to dole out […]

Cycling West (June 7, 2025) by Charles Pekow Staff and budget cuts imposed by the Trump regime may mean fewer opportunities to ride on federal lands in the long run, but nobody knows how much, and people don’t even want to talk about it. National Parks Conservation Association representative Kati Schmidt gave Cycling West a statement saying, “Everyone, from cyclists […]