There have only been a couple people I've hiked with that made the hike more fun than doing it alone. I usually hike faster/longer/more challenging than people I know. I also enjoy the solitude. I once went west from Hermits Rest along the river in the Grand Canyon for a few days. I didn't see anyon...

I'm looking for suggestions on doing a backpack trip over New Years. My plan is to arrive early Wednesday afternoon and hike in a few miles and then need to be back to the trailhead by mid-morning on Monday. This assumes driving time from Colorado to Phoenix area. I'll just have my dog so I can do 1...

I have done several 1-2 week backcountry trips even in Alaska grizzily country and never felt I needed a gun. Close to trailheads humans scare me the most but deep in the backcountry, I've never run into too scary of people, wierd but not scary. Seeing people carrying guns in a holster doesn't bothe...