Clinging to the Spine of the Teton Over the Cathedral Traverse
Are you comfortable with exposure? Cool with putting your entire life at the mercy of a single foothold? Then step right up to Grand Teton’s Cathedral Traverse.
Field Notes
Thoughts on Honoring the Dead, and the Living
Almost exactly eight years ago, in late September 2014, the mountain world lost three of its biggest stars in two separate avalanches in South America. Heartbroken and not knowing what to do with the sadness of the loss of more friends to the mountains, I wrote this essay. This week, late September 2022, we lost … Read more
The AJ Interview: Hilaree Nelson on Aging, Obsession, and Life as a Role Model
We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Hilaree Nelson this week. She leaves behind two children, a loving partner, and a hard-earned legacy of badass accomplishments on the highest mountains on earth. We interviewed Nelson two years ago and are republishing the piece today to allow casual readers the chance to learn a bit more … Read more
Ski Mountaineer Hilaree Nelson Found Dead On Manaslu
Indefatigable America ski mountaineer Hilaree Nelson, 49, has been confirmed dead after attempting to ski from the 26,781-foot summit of Nepal’s Manaslu with her partner Jim Morrison Monday morning. Morrison was able to ski down to a lower base camp. As reported by Morrison, Nelson set off a small avalanche as she was starting her … Read more
Actually, Wild Horses and Burros Deserve a Home in the West
I live in a rural county heavily dependent on ranching and agriculture, and though I often hear people talk about threats from large predators like bears or lions, I never hear complaints about wild horses living on our public lands. Instead, I hear that these animals are living symbols of the American West. From Portland … Read more
How to Bikepack the Silk Road Mountain Race
This race is gnarly. Brutal. Beautiful. All of those things at once. A few years ago, I learned a neighbor of mine in San Francisco, a quiet and humble designer, had ridden the thing and placed well. Instantly, everything about the dude seemed far more serious. Check out this 30-minute-ish film and see why.
There Are Way Too Many Wild Horses Out West
They are icons of America’s past, symbols of our pioneering spirit. Eyes flashing, nostrils flaring, tails obscured by a cloud of dust, they tear across the landscape. I am, of course, referring to feral hogs. More on feral hogs directly. But first some background on another feral ungulate. Few issues in the West are more … Read more
A New Biography Resurrects a Western Conservation Writer
Here, briefly, is the situation: The West’s public lands are under attack. National monuments are at perpetual risk of being shrunk or repealed; development threatens our wildest places; and powerful ranchers seek to neuter land-management agencies. Some conservatives yearn to transfer public lands out of federal jurisdiction altogether. This is both our West and the … Read more
When There’s Snow in the Sky and the Wave Is Six Feet High, That’s a-Norway
Norway ain’t a surfing secret any more. Hasn’t been for a decade or so. Though, it’s waves haven’t really been a secret, they just weren’t ridden. In any case, it’s a legit surf destination now and with good reason. This artsy little ditty from the Billabong crew lets the beauty of the place share the … Read more
In Defense of Camping Comfort
This week we’re out dodging the first storm of the new season up in the Sierra, and doing so in relative camp luxury, so please enjoy this piece from our archives. -Ed. I remember the first time I ever saw a Therm-a-Rest pad. I took one look at it and immediately thought, “That is the … Read more