Is Grand Canyon West (Skywalk) part of Grand Canyon National Park?
If you are planning a trip to Arizona from California, Texas, New York, or Washington, one of the most common points of confusion is whether Grand Canyon West—famous for its glass-bottom Skywalk—is part of Grand Canyon National Park. The short answer is…
How hard is it to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back in one day?
Hiking to the floor of the Grand Canyon and returning to the rim in a single day is widely considered one of the most grueling, deceptive, and physically demanding day hikes in North America. While the prospect of standing on the banks of the Colorado…
How many days do you need at Grand Canyon National Park?
Planning a trip to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World is a bucket-list dream for travelers across the globe. Yet, whether you are planning a weekend escape from San Francisco, flying in from New York, or driving across the Southwest from Texas…
Can orthotic insoles make hiking boots safer for walking long distances?
When you slip your feet into a brand-new pair of premium hiking boots, you are stepping into a heavily engineered piece of protective armor. These boots are built to deflect jagged rocks, seal out torrential rain, and keep your ankles stable on…
Do hiking boots require a break-in period before a long walk?
You are standing in an outdoor retail shop, eyeing a pristine pair of premium leather hiking boots. They feel sturdy, armor-plated, and ready to conquer the world. You have a massive long-distance trek planned in two weeks—perhaps a stunning loop through…
Why do trail running shoes have better traction than casual sneakers or gym shoes?
You’re halfway up a steep, gravel-strewn switchback on a misty morning. One foot slips, your core tenses, and you barely catch your balance. If you’re wearing standard gym shoes or everyday casual sneakers, this scenario is all too familiar. If you…
Are trail running shoes a good compromise for long-distance hiking?
The great debate over outdoor footwear has reached a tipping point. For decades, the towering leather hiking boot was an undisputed king of the backcountry. If you stepped onto a long-distance trail with anything less than a heavy-duty, high-top boot,…
Are hiking boots good enough while walking or running for long distance
When you are staring down a long-distance trek—whether it’s a grueling 20-mile thru-hike or a cross-training endurance run—your footwear is the single most critical variable. A common question echoes through the outdoor community: Are hiking boots…
Which macro-nutrient is best for keeping your internal body temperature stable?
Imagine waking up before dawn to catch the sunrise at a high-elevation campsite in Washington’s Cascade Range. The temperature has plummeted overnight into the low 30s. Or picture yourself navigating a biting winter wind off the Atlantic while…
Does physical activity really generate enough heat for body temperature
When you step out onto a windswept trail in Washington’s Cascade Range, brace against a damp, freezing morning fog rolls past the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, or prepare for a crisp autumn hike in the New York Adirondacks, your body undergoes an…