Mather's Outdoor Life

In the fall of 2013, days before a government shutdown, I visited my first National Park: Yosemite. I hadn’t camped in years, if you...

Backpacking in Joshua Tree is an experience unlike any other. If you’re looking to escape the hustle, load up your pack and hit the trail.

Southern California's deserts are going to see a helluva bloom this year thanks to the rainiest February in decades. Downtown Los Angeles...

National Parks are an American idea—our best, in fact—and places like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite are as American as apple...

Explore, Learn, and Protect! It's not just for little ones. Just in case you didn’t know, becoming a Junior Ranger is an activity for...

Also river walks, meadow trails, or any easy hike that connects places connected by road. Walking on often-paved trails that have no...

If you've spent anytime trying to book a last-minute campsite on Recreation.gov, you've had that moment where it feels like the website...

The Trash Problem Each year, visitors like you and me help contribute to the 100 million pounds of trash generated in our National Parks....

99% of these meal lists are totally useless. They all sound like they are written by foodies using a backyard firepit next to their full...

You've finally accumulated your basic camping gear. Tent, sleeping bag, pad, coolers, and stuff to cook with. Now you might just be...