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BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY & HEALTH

Learn about safely and responsibly caring for yourself and others in the wilderness

“1.21 Gigawatts!”: The Real Facts About Lightning

“1.21 Gigawatts!”: The Real Facts About Lightning

On July 19, 2003, Rick and Lisa Goff were enjoying an idyllic afternoon of fishing with their three children. They...

Mountain Lions in the Southwest

Mountain Lions in the Southwest

Genetically speaking, mountain lions have more in common with housecats than they do with the proud lions of the Serengeti....

The Dangers of Heat and Cold: Heat Stroke

The Dangers of Heat and Cold: Heat Stroke

As soon as the ambient temperature rises above that of your body, it can no longer lose heat through radiation....

The Dangers of Heat and Cold: Frostbite

The Dangers of Heat and Cold: Frostbite

Exposure to cold temperatures causes blood vessels near the surface of the body to constrict, reducing blood flow and loss...

The Dangers of Heat and Cold: Hypothermia

The Dangers of Heat and Cold: Hypothermia

Introduction Every chemical reaction has an optimal temperature range. Stray outside that given range and undesirable things happen; that’s why...

Dispelling Snakebite Myths

Dispelling Snakebite Myths

Snakes are exceptionally fascinating, although I don’t find them fascinating enough to own one. If you ever happen to be...

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GEAR GUIDE

Learn how to find the right gear for your wilderness and outdoor adventures.

Hiking boot

Hiking Boots: Finding the Perfect Fit

Few things can make or break an outdoor adventure like boots can. When it comes to choosing the right pair of boots for traipsing across the backcountry, follow these tips to ensure an ideal fit.

Backpacking tent in Denali National Park

Backpacking Tents

If you spend more than a couple of nights a year outside, your tent is probably one of the most important pieces of gear you own. Use this information to choose one that suits your needs: whether it's staying warm on cold nights or keeping dry during vicious storms.

LEARN A SKILL

Pick up new skills and knowledge to get the most out of your wilderness adventures.

How to See More Wildlife

How to See More Wildlife

Spotting wildlife can profoundly impact an outdoor experience. Unfortunately wild animals are usually in the business of avoiding humans. Still, there are a few things you can do to increase your likelihood...

HISTORY & PLACES

The American wilderness has served as the setting for a rich and dramatic history. Learn more about it here.

Water Trails of the Ancients

Water Trails of the Ancients

The deserts of the American Southwest abound with ancient literature. Carvings litter the desert like windblown newspaper clippings. Countless people...

Gold Deposits in Utah

Gold Deposits in Utah

Element number 79 on the Periodic Table, also known as Au, has driven humans to strange extremes over the years....

Utah’s Gold Mining History

Utah’s Gold Mining History

In 1847, Mormon pioneers first entered Utah Territory and settled in the Salt Lake Valley. Their arrival heralded a new...

The Prospect of Prospecting

The Prospect of Prospecting

by Harold Kirkemo, USGS Anyone who pans for gold hopes to be rewarded by a colorful glitter in the fine...

The Ice Age in Utah

Utah has not always been home to humankind. Before Utah was a state, before Europeans claimed the New World as...

Utah In The Age of Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs lived only during the Mesozoic Era, which is often called the “Age of Dinosaurs”. Utah has perhaps the best...