Sykes Hot Springs is a backcountry natural thermal spring tucked deep within Big Sur's Ventana Wilderness. Reached via a tough 19.5-mile round-trip trek along the Pine Ridge Trail, it features natural rock tubs (~100°F) sitting right along the edge of the rushing Big Sur River, surrounded by towering coastal redwoods.

What if I told you there’s a stunning, high-alpine loop tucked right next to Kings Canyon National Park where you never need a permit in advance, gets you alpine views without agonizing elevation, and features two pristine lakes?

Hidden deep within a remote offshoot of the Grand Canyon, backpacking Havasupai is a bucket-list adventure famous for its striking contrast of towering red sandstone cliffs and spectacular, travertine-born turquoise waterfalls. Located on the sovereign land of the Havasupai Tribe ("People of the Blue-Green Water"), this challenging trek requires a coveted, pre-secured permit to complete the rugged 10-mile hike down to the canyon floor community of Supai and its lush creek-side campgrounds.

The Trans Catalina Trail (TCT) is a rugged, 38.5-mile thru-hike that spans the entire length of Santa Catalina Island, located just off the coast of Southern California. Combining panoramic Pacific Ocean views with stark, desert-like interior ridges, this classic coastal trek offers a unique island backpacking experience where you can camp directly on pristine beaches and spot free-roaming American bison.

The Kalalau Trail is a legendary and brutally demanding 22-mile thru-hike stretching along the iconic Na Pali Coast of Kauai, Hawaii. Traversing towering emerald sea cliffs, lush tropical valleys, and hidden waterfalls, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful—and dangerous—hikes in America. The trail serves as the only land access to the pristine, isolated Kalalau Valley and its paradisiacal beach.