Outdoor exploration across the United States
Discover hiking destinations, outdoor experiences, travel guides, and unforgettable adventures across all 50 states. Your journey starts here.
What we cover
From first-time day hikes to wild backcountry photography, explore the topics we live for. Each category is packed with expert advice, detailed guides, and real-world experience.
Trail-tested routes, distances and elevation tips for every skill level. From gentle walks to challenging summit attempts, we've got comprehensive guides for all experience levels.
Explore Hiking →
In-depth guides to America's most iconic protected landscapes. Plan your visit with our comprehensive park guides, including best times to visit, permit requirements, and must-see attractions.
Explore National Parks →
Backcountry and car-camping know-how, gear recommendations and campsite picks for every season and region. Learn everything from setting up your first tent to advanced wilderness camping.
Explore Camping →
The most rewarding views, ridgelines and overlooks in the country. Find trails with the best panoramic vistas, sunrise spots, and sunset viewpoints that will take your breath away.
Explore Scenic Trails →
Light, composition and field craft for landscape shooters. Learn to capture the beauty of the outdoors with our photography tips, gear recommendations, and location guides.
Explore Outdoor Photography →
First-person field notes from the trail, mile by mile. Real stories from real adventures across America. Get inspired by authentic experiences and practical advice from fellow hikers.
Explore Travel Journals →
Honest reviews and recommendations for hiking boots, backpacks, tents, and all the equipment you need. We test everything ourselves so you can make informed decisions.
Explore Gear Guides →
Learn about the animals you might encounter on the trail. Safety tips, best spots for wildlife viewing, and how to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitat.
Explore Wildlife →
Trails that follow rivers, lakes, and coastlines. Discover the unique beauty of water-based hiking routes, from waterfall hikes to coastal walks and river crossings.
Explore Water Hiking →Bucket-list trips
National parks worth building a whole journey around. Each destination has been personally explored and documented by our team of experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Moderate
Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Geysers, hot springs, bison herds and the Grand Prismatic boardwalks. America's first national park offers geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife in a vast wilderness setting.
Explore Yellowstone →
Moderate-Hard
California
Half Dome, granite walls, giant sequoias and thundering waterfalls. Yosemite Valley is one of the most iconic landscapes in the world, offering world-class climbing and hiking.
Explore Yosemite →
Hard
Utah
Angels Landing chains, The Narrows river walk and red sandstone canyons. Zion offers some of the most dramatic hiking experiences in America with towering cliffs and narrow slot canyons.
Explore Zion →
Moderate
Colorado
Alpine lakes, Trail Ridge Road and high-country tundra above 12,000 ft. Experience the majesty of the Rocky Mountains with diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife including elk and bighorn sheep.
Explore Rocky Mountain →
Easy-Moderate
Tennessee / N. Carolina
Misty blue ridges, wildflower coves and historic Appalachian cabins. America's most visited national park offers trails for all skill levels and incredible biodiversity.
Explore Great Smoky →
Hard
Arizona
Rim-to-rim trekking, Bright Angel Trail and unforgettable sunrise vistas. The Grand Canyon is one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, carved over millions of years.
Explore Grand Canyon →
Moderate
Montana
Pristine alpine scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. A hiker's paradise with over 700 miles of trails through untouched wilderness.
Explore Glacier →
Moderate
Washington
Three ecosystems in one park: glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline. Incredible diversity in a single destination.
Explore Olympic →
Easy-Moderate
Maine
Rugged coastline, granite peaks, and woodlands. Cadillac Mountain offers the first sunrise in the United States for much of the year. Perfect for coastal hiking and ocean views.
Explore Acadia →
Easy-Moderate
Utah
Over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. A surreal landscape of red rock formations and balanced rocks that look like they defy gravity.
Explore Arches →
Easy
California
Home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. Giant sequoia groves and deep canyons await exploration in this majestic park.
Explore Sequoia →
Moderate
Utah
The largest collection of hoodoos (irregular rock pillars) on Earth. Hike among these surreal formations in vibrant red, orange, and white colors.
Explore Bryce Canyon →Why Jurnesia
We don't just research trails from behind a desk. We hike them, test them, and document them firsthand. Here's what makes us different.
Every route is grounded in trails we have hiked ourselves and re-checked each season. Our guides reflect current trail conditions and real-world experience, not secondhand information.
We promote responsible, low-impact travel and support trail stewardship. Every guide includes Leave No Trace principles and conservation tips to protect these special places.
Clear difficulty ratings and beginner-friendly advice for all experience levels. Whether you're a first-time hiker or seasoned backpacker, we've got resources tailored to your needs.
Every destination includes detailed trail maps, elevation profiles, and GPS coordinates. Never get lost with our comprehensive navigation guides and waypoints.
Trail conditions change with the seasons. We update our guides regularly to reflect current weather, road closures, and seasonal highlights so you're always prepared.
Our community of hikers contributes reviews, photos, and tips. Join thousands of outdoor enthusiasts sharing their experiences and helping each other plan better trips.
Top-rated hikes
Our most popular and highly-rated hiking trails across the United States. Each trail has been personally hiked and reviewed by our team.
Zion National Park, Utah
One of the most thrilling hikes in America. A steep climb with chain-assisted sections along a narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking and worth every step.
Read full trail guide →
Yosemite National Park, California
The crown jewel of Yosemite hiking. This strenuous 16-mile hike takes you past Vernal and Nevada Falls, up the back of Half Dome, and to the iconic summit with cable-assisted final ascent.
Read full trail guide →
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The most popular trail into the Grand Canyon. Well-maintained with rest houses and water stations (seasonal). Hike as far as your fitness allows and remember: hiking out is twice as long as hiking in.
Read full trail guide →
Glacier National Park, Montana
Often called the best day hike in Glacier National Park. Pass three alpine lakes, see wildlife, and end at the stunning Grinnell Glacier with its milky turquoise waters.
Read full trail guide →
Acadia National Park, Maine
Not for the faint of heart. This non-technical climb uses iron rungs and ladders to scale the sheer cliff face of Champlain Mountain. The views from the top are spectacular.
Read full trail guide →
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
A family-friendly hike that passes three stunning alpine lakes. The trail is well-maintained and offers incredible mountain scenery without the strenuous climb.
Read full trail guide →Gear up
Field-tested recommendations for the equipment you need to stay safe and comfortable on the trail. We test everything ourselves so you can trust our recommendations.
We tested 25 pairs of hiking boots across diverse terrain to find the most comfortable, durable, and supportive options for every type of hiker and every budget.
Read full review →
From ultralight 10L packs to spacious 40L backpacks, find the perfect daypack for your hiking style and gear needs. Comfort, durability, and features compared.
Read full review →
The best ultralight tents that won't weigh you down but will keep you dry and comfortable in any weather condition. Weather resistance and setup ease evaluated.
Read full review →
Stay hydrated safely with the best water filtration systems for backcountry hiking. From pump filters to UV purifiers, we compare flow rates and effectiveness.
Read full review →
Reduce knee strain and improve stability with the right trekking poles. We compare carbon fiber vs aluminum and test the top brands for durability and comfort.
Read full review →
From summer camping to winter expeditions, find the perfect sleeping bag for your temperature range and sleeping style. Warmth-to-weight ratio is key.
Read full review →What hikers say
Real feedback from hikers who've used our guides on the trail. Join thousands of satisfied adventurers who trust Jurnesia for their outdoor planning.
"Jurnesia's guide to Angels Landing was incredibly detailed. The elevation profile, gear recommendations, and safety tips helped me prepare for what turned out to be the most memorable hike of my life. I felt confident and prepared every step of the way."
Denver, CO
"As a beginner hiker, I was intimidated by planning my first national park trip. Jurnesia's step-by-step guides and gear recommendations made it accessible and fun. I've now visited three parks thanks to their advice and I'm hooked!"
Austin, TX
"The gear reviews are spot-on. I bought the recommended backpack and it's been perfect for my weekend trips. The detailed comparisons saved me hours of research and I got exactly what I needed without overspending."
Seattle, WA
"I've been hiking for 20 years and I still learn new things from Jurnesia. Their trail condition updates are always current, and the photography tips have really improved my landscape shots. A must-follow for any outdoor enthusiast."
Boulder, CO
"Planning a family camping trip was stressful until I found Jurnesia. Their kid-friendly trail guides and camping checklists made everything so much easier. We had an amazing time and the kids are already asking when we can go back!"
Portland, OR
"The Leave No Trace principles featured in every guide really resonate with me. It's great to see a site that promotes responsible outdoor recreation. Jurnesia is my go-to resource for trip planning and I recommend it to all my hiking friends."
San Francisco, CA
From the journal
Fresh stories and how-tos, updated every week. Dive into our latest articles covering everything from beginner tips to advanced techniques.
Hiking
Everything a first-time hiker needs - from picking a trail to what goes in your pack and how to stay safe on your first adventure. Start your hiking journey with confidence.
Camping
A printable, field-tested checklist covering shelter, sleep, kitchen and safety so nothing gets left behind on your next camping trip. Download and print before you go.
National Parks
Six approachable, jaw-dropping parks that deliver the full national-park experience without expert-level effort or extensive planning. Perfect for your first park adventure.
Safety
From weather awareness to emergency preparedness, these safety tips could save your life on the trail. Don't hit the trail without reading this first.
Seasonal
Experience the spectacular colors of autumn on these carefully selected trails. From New England to the Rockies, find the perfect fall hike for your bucket list.
Backpacking
Learn how to shave pounds off your pack weight without sacrificing comfort or safety. Gear lists, techniques, and expert tips for going ultralight on your next trip.
Tell us where you want to go and we'll help you get there safely and unforgettably. Our team of experienced hikers is ready to help you plan the perfect trip.
