A series of petroglyphs estimated to be between 700 and 1,000 years old was allegedly听damaged by construction crews renovating a church north of Phoenix, Arizona.

According to news outlet , the rocks containing the ancient symbols were damaged by construction workers in early September. On September 10, news station toured the site where the petroglyphs used to sit. The site is now an empty field of dirt.

Phoenix city officials told 国产吃瓜黑料 that when city staff went to the site on September 12, it appeared as if rocks, including those that听contained the petroglyphs, may have 鈥渂een pushed around by heavy machinery.鈥� The stones were not removed from the property, officials said.

鈥淭he City of Phoenix is working with church leaders and representatives from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa and Gila River Indian Community Tribal Historic Preservation Office to assess petroglyph damage,鈥� city officials told 国产吃瓜黑料 in an email.

鈥淭he City will coordinate a site visit with Tribal representatives, conduct an archaeological survey, and educate the community and church about the significance of these petroglyphs and hilltop archaeological sites to local descendant communities and the importance of their preservation for future generations. We remain committed to a respectful and informed resolution.鈥�

The full extent of the damage is unclear, though some social media users have stated that the petroglyphs were 鈥�bulldozed.”

Local news outlets and reported that the petroglyphs were located on property owned by Christ鈥檚 Church of the Valley in North Phoenix. Even so, petroglyphs in Arizona are by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. State laws also provide for both felony and misdemeanor prosecution with imprisonment and fines.

国产吃瓜黑料 also contacted Christ鈥檚 Church of the Valley for more information on the petroglyphs, but did not receive a response. In a statement to Arizona television station , the church wrote: 鈥淒uring routine perimeter campus maintenance a neighbor raised concern that work on our property might affect nearby petroglyphs. We are in consultation with Dr. Christopher Schwartz, city of Phoenix Archaeologist, to review and advise any appropriate next steps. None of the petroglyphs have been removed from our property and our priority is ensuring preservation standards are upheld and that any work on our property reflects the proper precautions. We will continue to follow the city鈥檚 guidance closely.鈥�

As the Arizona NBC affiliate station 12 News reported, the carvings are believed to be linked to the Hohokam people. Nearby similar petroglyphs are estimated to be between 700 and 1,000 years old.

Petroglyphs are ancient illustrations created by carving away the outer, darker layer of stone to expose lighter stone beneath. They differ from pictographs, which are rock paintings created using mineral pigments, such as hematite or charcoal.

According to the , petroglyphs in the region were primarily created by the Hohokam, who occupied the area from 450 to 1450.

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A search and rescue team in Kentucky鈥檚 Red River Gorge responded to an SOS call on September 15, but when responders reached the coordinates from where the message was sent, they found no sign of anyone in trouble. Hours later, the rescue team discovered that the party had self-rescued, simply hiked out of the woods on their own.听It was a happy ending, but one that tied rescuers up for several hours.

The Emergency SOS feature,听introduced on the iPhone 14 in 2022, enables users to call for assistance in areas with no听cell service using their phone. In some instances, it eliminates the need for a dedicated satellite messenger device, like a Garmin inReach. This built-in SOS capability has proved invaluable for long-distance hikers and even for , and can be helpful in countries where dedicated satellite messengers are illegal.

Responding agency, Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team (WCSART), reported on Facebook that it had received an SOS Alert from an Apple Dispatch Center. According to WCSART, a team of hikers had used the 鈥淓mergency SOS鈥� feature on their iPhone to call for assistance via satellite. Dispatch communicated with the hikers, instructing them to remain at their location and wait for rescue teams. They then provided the hikers鈥� coordinates to WCSART, who promptly dispatched a team of rescuers on foot to reach the stranded party.

However, when the rescuers arrived, the hikers were no longer in the area.

鈥淎fter hiking in approximately four miles, the group was not located at the coordinates,鈥� wrote WCSART on Facebook. Despite instructions from the dispatch center, the hiking party decided to continue on their own. Unfortunately, they also hiked away from the direction that rescuers were approaching.

鈥淎lthough the group made it out on their own, team members spent many hours hiking over eight miles in very rugged terrain. Fortunately, we were able to make cellular contact with our team members to advise them that the hikers had self-rescued,鈥� wrote WCSART. The agency added that although it was happy with the outcome, it was ultimately a waste of time and resources鈥攁nd could have been prevented.

Vast and rugged, the wilderness around the Red River Gorge isn鈥檛 a place where rescue services go unused, either. Just two weeks ago, a young hiker died in the area after falling 40 feet from the top of a sandstone arch.

In its online post, WCSART reminded hikers to follow the directions given by rescue officials鈥攅specially after making an SOS call.

鈥淭he lesson here is that if you call for assistance, please follow the directions provided. The result of the group not following those directions tied up valuable resources for hours. If we were not able to contact our search party, they could have been searching for many [more] hours,鈥� wrote WCSART.

For more on Apple鈥檚 Emergency SOS feature, see this in-depth review from our columnist, Alex Hutchinson.

The post Rescuers Responded to a Backcountry SOS, But Found No One There appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

With fall and winter on the horizon, it鈥檚 easy to forget about our favorite sun-drenched backcountry trails and campgrounds. But spring will be here sooner than you think鈥攁nd by then, the spots for permit-only adventures may be snapped up.

Many of the country’s most popular hikes, trails, and recreation areas now require a reservation, or maintain a daily quota to reduce crowds and protect delicate ecosystems. Some book up just hours after their reservations open. That means if you daydream of summiting Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, or sleeping in the Grand Canyon, or checking the Teton Crest Trail off your bucket list, you will want to plan ahead.

So, open your calendars, grab a pen, and read on for how to reserve your bucket-list adventure in 2026.

Angels Landing, Zion National Park

What to Know: Angels Landing is a short 4.3-mile hike that ascends 1,800 vertical feet to the top of an ochre-and-rust sandstone pillar. Atop, you’ll see a panoramic view of Zion National Park, the Virgin River, and much of Southern Utah. The National Park Service instituted a permit requirement for this hike in 2022 to ease heavy traffic on the narrow trail, and a reservation is now required throughout the year to ascend past Scout Lookout. Be sure to wear light clothing and carry plenty water due to the desert heat.

Important Dates: A opens one to three months before your hiking date. A day-before lottery is also available. To get a spot in the summer lottery (June through August), you must submit your entry between 8 A.M. on April 1 and 11:59 P.M. MST on April 20. You鈥檒l be notified on April 25 whether or not you got a spot. A smaller lottery opens from 12:01 A.M. MST-3 P.M. MST the day before your hiking date. Expect a $6 application fee.

Reservation Details: Holidays and sought-after weekends are extra competitive, and we suggest applying for a spot on a weekday. The online system asks you to rank up to seven dates, choose a start time (before or after 9 A.M.), and identify group size (up to six) when you reserve. If you don’t get a permit, you can still hike the West Rim Trail to Scout Point鈥攏o reservation is needed and it鈥檚 nearly as spectacular.

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park

What to Know: Prepare to cover roughly 16 miles round-trip with 4,800 feet of elevation gain as you pass beloved landmarks such as Vernal and Nevada Falls and Liberty Cap. After a thigh-burning, gravity-defying cable climb up a steep granite slab, you鈥檒l gawk at the 360-degree view of Yosemite Valley听and the High Sierra from the summit. Competition is stiff for this one鈥� Yosemite instituted a quota in 2010, and only 225 day-use and 75 backpacker passes are issued daily. Sturdy boots and gloves are a must for safety on the cable section, and be sure to keep your photo ID and printed permit handy. You鈥檒l show both at the sub-dome.

Important Dates: The Half Dome cables are usually installed around Memorial Day and remain through mid-October. The opens March 1 and runs until March 31 on Recreation.gov. Hikers will be notified in mid-April. There鈥檚 also a last-minute lottery鈥攁pply for this one online two days before your hike-out date between midnight to 4 P.M. PST and expect to hear back the same day. The application fee is $10.

The runs Sunday-Saturday from mid-November to early May (24 weeks to seven days before your hike-out date). You can also grab a last-minute backcountry slot online from seven to three days before your start date right at 7 A.M. PST. This permit runs $10 per application.

Reservation Details: You get to apply for up to seven dates, so shake it up鈥�. Remember if you鈥檙e an alternate, you can鈥檛 also be the primary permit-holder on another application (or the park will revoke both). For backpackers, only a few wilderness treks can include Half Dome. Be sure to add the Half Dome spur when you pick up your in-person permit. You can also request to add Half Dome to a southbound John Muir Trail itinerary upon permit pickup.

John Muir Trail, California

What to Know: The 211-mile John Muir Trail (JMT)听is a crown jewel thru-hike that passes gems of the High Sierra such as Yosemite National Park, Ansel Adams Wilderness, King鈥檚 Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park鈥� and includes bagging 14,055-foot Mount Whitney. This hike usually takes two to three weeks to complete, and it takes in nearly 46,000 feet of elevation gain. Only a third of hopefuls nab a permit through the rolling lottery for peak summer season.

Most people begin the JMT from Yosemite in the north or Whitney Portal in the south, but you can also section-hike from Inyo National Forest. Yosemite is the most popular start and in 2015, the park instituted a 45-person daily JMT exit quota to reduce trail over-use. Have a reliable GPS and lock down your resupply strategy for this one鈥攊t can take a few weeks for the goods to land at . JMT permits aren鈥檛 transferable.

Important Dates:

Southbound (Yosemite to Mt. Whitney):

Check out the from Yosemite National Park on 24 weeks (5.5 months) before your hike-out date (for example, for a July start, apply in January). You鈥檒l be notified within two business days if successful and have three days to accept. Unclaimed passes become available at 9 A.M. PST on a first-come, first-served basis the fourth day. The rolling weekly lottery ends in early May and is $10 per application.

Northbound (Mt. Whitney to Yosemite):

The runs February 1 through March 1. Results are released March 15, and you鈥檒l have until April 21 to accept. Unclaimed slots become available at 7 A.M. PST on April 22 and go immediately, so log on early. Each reservation is $15.

Reservation Details: Smaller groups are more likely to snag a JMT permit. An early or late season start is also a boon鈥� 50 percent of people who apply for mid-September snag one. While the most requested JMT start is Happy Isles to Past LYV, you might be luckier from Lyell Canyon. Just be sure to select 鈥淒onahue Pass eligible鈥� for both.

Mount Whitney releases 100 day-use and 60 overnight passes daily, and a permit is required 24/7 between May 1 and November 1. Select 鈥淢ount Whitney Overnight Zone鈥� on your application to apply for multiple starts.

For an Inyo National Forest permit, apply at 7 A.M. PST 24 weeks before your hike-out date. An additional 40 percent of slots open two weeks before at 7 A.M. PST sharp and run out in a flash. Select 鈥淥vernight Exiting Mount Whitney鈥� on your application to tack on a summit attempt.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park

What to Know: This iconic 50-mile, two-lane highway meanders past vibrant peaks, frothy waterfalls, and lush, wildflower-dotted alpine meadows, and usually opens fully by early July. In 2026, a vehicle reservation will be required eastbound from Apgar between 7 A.M. and 3 P.M. MST, June 13 to September 28. Under this system, you can enter in two-hour time blocks and stay in the park for the rest of the day. A reservation is no longer required westbound from St. Mary鈥攁 great Plan B.

Important Dates: The becomes available 120 days prior to your visit date at 8 A.M. MST. This means for an August 10 visit, you should apply on April 10. For multi-day trips, plan to repeat this process for each day you plan to visit.

For those who don鈥檛 nab an advance spot, a limited number of passes free up at 7 P.M. MST the night before. A backcountry campground lottery for up to eight people runs on March 15 from midnight and 11:59 P.M. MST. Unreserved slots are available May 1 – September 30 online on a first-come, first-served basis. This one has a $2 processing fee.

Reservation Details: Log in to Recreation.gov ahead of time and have a flexible backup plan鈥攖his one goes in no time. Popular routes from Logan Pass like Hidden Lake Overlook, the Highline Trail, and Avalanche Lake melt out by mid-July, so summer permit competition is fierce. Grab a weekday in mid-September instead, when the road is still passable but quieter. Any reservation to camp or backpack within Going-to-the-Sun Road (i.e. west of Logan Pass, like Avalanche Creek and Sprague Creek) comes with a vehicle permit. You鈥檙e also allowed to enter from Apgar without a permit before 7 A.M.鈥攇orgeous morning light, fewer people, and open parking make the early wake-up worth it.

Teton Crest Trail, Grand Teton National Park

What to Know: The Teton Crest Trail (TCT) is a 40-mile point-to-point journey over 9,000 feet of elevation gain. Swaying lupine, paintbrush, and eastern coneflower fade into glacier-carved canyons and up jagged granite peaks where moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and grizzlies roam (bear spray is essential). This high-altitude trek peaks between mid-late July and Labor Day, when the high passes are snow-free. Micro-spikes are an ally during the shoulder season due to unpredictable snowfall.

Important Dates: You need the , and the reservation system opens at 8 A.M. MST on January 7 for starts between May 1 and October 31. Walk-ups are available on a first-come, first- served basis one day before your hike-out date in-person only between May 1 and October 31. There鈥檚 a $20 flat permit fee for this one.

Reservation Details: Grand Teton National Park releases one-third of all backcountry zones in advance online and holds the rest for walk-ups. Act fast to scoop up your ideal itinerary鈥� camp zones on the TCT are generally snapped up within the hour. One backcountry permit will allow you to camp for up to ten consecutive nights and is valid for up to six-person groups.

When you apply, select 鈥淢ountain Camping Zone鈥� to see available . The 11 zones on the TCT vanish fast, so map your route in advance and have a solid backup plan. Each camp zone is a few miles long and once in it, you can pitch camp anywhere used before.

The Enchantments Traverse, Washington

What to Know: To experience the otherworldly, tucked-away Core Enchantments Zone鈥� a glacier-carved necklace of placid, ice-blue lakes strung together by a winding creek鈥攅xpect to climb 4,845 feet over 18.5 miles. This includes the grueling Asgard Pass, which ascends 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile (look out for mountain goats and have an offline map handy). A permit is required May 15th to October 31 and only 24 people are allowed to camp in the Core Zone each day. Beware early-season snow in May and June and pack a head net for mosquito-heavy July. September-early October is a popular time to hike, when the abundant larches turn yellow and set the mirrored lakes ablaze.

Important Dates: The opens February 15 and runs until March 1. Results land March 15 on Recreation.gov. Unclaimed slots become available on April 1 at 7 A.M. PST and go in a flash, so set your alarm. Unlike past years, there weren鈥檛 any walk-ups in 2025. There鈥檚 a $6 fee to apply for this permit.

Reservation Details: The Enchantments are divided into five zones (Core Enchantment Zone, Snow Lake Zone, Colchuck Lake Zone, Stuart Lake Zone, and Eightmile/Caroline Zone). During the lottery, you must choose an entry date, group size (up to eight), and permit zone. Snagging a Core Zone permit is a miracle鈥攑eople have better luck with Snow or Colchuck. Both allow you to hike through the Core Zone, though you must camp in your designated zone. The Core Zone has a per-person quota, while Colchuck and Snow are per-group. Smaller crews therefore have a better shot at the Core Zone, while larger groups should aim for Snow or Colchuck.

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, Grand Canyon National Park

What to Know: For many backpackers, the hike from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list trip. Prepare to cover 20 to 24 miles and over 6,000 feet of elevation gain over two to three days among painted redwall limestone monoliths, desert scrub, and aquamarine waterfalls.

There are three places to camp along the Rim-to-Rim corridor (Cottonwood, Bright Angel, and Havasupai Gardens) with limited availability. You鈥檒l need to decide whether to begin at the North or South Rim and whether to follow the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trail when you apply. Hiking North to South has a shorter uphill push, but knee-busting 8,000-foot, 14.3-mile descent along the strenuous North Kaibab Trail. Temperatures can soar in June, July, and August, so consider a hike in mid- to late-May or September through mid-October.

Important Dates: Grand Canyon National Park once a month over a two-week period. The lottery awards you a time slot to apply for a permit four months before your intended hike-out date. Recreation.gov has a helpful chart of lottery dates based on when you aim to depart. The North Rim Entrance Station closes for winter, so Rim-to-Rim is only available mid-May to mid-October. This one has a $10 lottery application fee.

Reservation Details: Those with an earlier date and time slot have more luck with a Rim-to-Rim itinerary, so pump your whole group up to apply. You can find specific backcountry zone codes . The park has limited large-group backcountry availability, so try a smaller group to juice your chances. If you don鈥檛 receive a time slot, log in to Recreation.gov on the first day of the month four months before your hike-out date to try again. Walk-ins are available in-person the day before at the South or North Rim Backcountry Information Centers. You won鈥檛 likely secure the entire Rim-to-Rim corridor this way but can still build an unforgettable Grand Canyon adventure.

The Wave, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

What to Know: The Wave sweeps like a golden, molten brushstroke across the desert and draws thousands of people each year. Only 64 people are allowed to visit this 6.4-mile out-and-back hike daily. If you nab a permit, know The Wave can be both hot and muddy. Carry plenty of water and sunscreen for no-joke spring and summer heat and come equipped with a four-wheel drive for the bumpy road to the trailhead.

Important Dates: opens the first of the month four months in advance (i.e. to hike in June, apply in February) with results the first day of the next month. A daily lottery is available two days before your hike-out date from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M. MST. Expect same-day notification and accept by 8 A.M. the next day. You鈥檒l also need to pay a $6 application fee.

Reservation Details: You鈥檙e allowed to choose three dates in the advance lottery, which has the higher success rate. The daily lottery is only accessible from Using the Recreation.gov mobile application will make for a smoother experience. Group size is capped at six people, but only four groups (or 16 people鈥攚hichever comes first) receive the daily lottery, so consider a smaller crew. Dogs can join for The Wave鈥攁dd your furry pal to your permit after you鈥檙e selected. Daily lottery holders must also arrive with photo ID in-person by 8:30 A.M. on hike-out day to pick up the permit and hear the mandatory safety brief.

Kalalau Trail,听 Napali Coast Kauai

What to Know: After 19.8 miles and 6,512 feet of elevation gain, you鈥檒l be glad to relax at secluded Kalalau Beach. Tropical jungle gives way to never-ending views of the jagged, jaw-dropping Napali Coast听on this narrow, adrenaline-filled trail (don鈥檛 look down on Crawler鈥檚 Ledge, where sturdy poles are a lifesaver). Most people camp at Hanakoa (six miles in) one night then press on to wild Kalalau (11 miles in). In the Kalalau Valley, build in time to explore paths to secret swim spots (nestled among guava trees and farm ruins), and hidden sea caves accessible from May-September. Grippy waterproof shoes and a good rain jacket are essential on this one for mud, streams, and steep, slippery descents.

Important Dates: Grab a permit year-round on a rolling basis, 90 days in advance of your hike-out date right at midnight Hawaii Standard Time (HST). You can also snag a walk-up permit first-come, first served from 8 A.M. 鈥� 11 A.M. Tuesday-Thursday in summer. Camping fees are $35 nightly for non-Hawaii residents.

Reservation Details: There is a 60-person daily quota for non-Hawaii residents and that goes fast in summer. 滨迟鈥檚 helpful to create an account on ahead of time. You鈥檒l also need to snag parking for Ha鈥檈na State Park at with your permit number. While mild year-round, the dry season generally runs May-September. Storms and slip-outs on the narrow trail are common in the off-season.

The Lost Coast, California

What to Know: The dramatic 25-mile point-to-point Lost Coast Trail spans flat, sandy terrain along one of the few untouched Californian coastlines. You鈥檒l hike on the misty beach with sea otters and elephant seals for isolated miles, hiking in harmony with the tides (which can make some parts of the trail impassable).

Travel southbound from Mattole Beach to Black Sands Beach to keep the powerful coastal wind behind you and be sure to check the often-fickle Northern California weather, which can bring dense summer fog. Layers and spare footwear for wet sand and choppy surf come in clutch.

Important Dates: Reserve first-come, first-served 90 days ahead of your hike-out date at 7 A.M. PST. Walk-up passes are also available for three people per day at the King Range Visitor鈥檚 Center from Monday-Friday at 8 A.M. PST via lottery ($6 per application).

Reservation Details: Grab this one ASAP. The maximum group size for this trail is three people, and the hike generally takes two-four days. The Lost Coast is open year-round, but generally drier and warmer in spring and summer. Double the slots are available between May 15-September 15 as the off-season. Be sure to check a tide map and schedule before you apply to ensure the trail will be passable. NOAA maintains a .

Madison Chapman is a writer and humanitarian worker based in Washington, D.C. with work appearing in The Washington Post and Ms. Magazine. When she鈥檚 not traveling or working, you can find her throwing pottery, practicing yoga, biking, and backpacking with her husband.听

The post Planning the Perfect 2026 国产吃瓜黑料? Here鈥檚 How to Nab a Permit. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Dogs undoubtedly have a place in the outdoors, but how that looks depends on who is asked. Some insist听that if the owners are responsible, the presence of off-leash dogs can actually make the outdoors a better place. Untethered pups can spark joy and wonder both on and off the trail. Still, many argue that if a trail says “Dogs on Leash,” recreationalists should respect the rules.

In two recent听incidents in Arizona and Colorado, police say that three individuals walking dogs assaulted or threatened other hikers after allegedly . Following the altercations, 国产吃瓜黑料 spoke with a dog behavioral expert for insight into what triggers our trail comrades and how best to respond during stressful situations.

is a researcher studying animal behavior at Virginia Tech University. She is also the author of a published in September that investigates how a dog鈥檚 environment influences its behavior. And when it comes to issues on the trail, Sexton said how our dogs respond is due to a combination of factors, including nature and nurture.

Certain behaviors might be expected with a particular breed or breed makeup. Australian shepherds, for example, are herders, and it’s in their nature to corral people and animals on the trail.

鈥淪ome of that drive, some of those instincts, are just going to come out,鈥� Sexton told 国产吃瓜黑料. She adds that while the concept of nature versus nurture is somewhat oversimplistic, there is truth to the argument when it comes to dog behavior.

鈥淒ogs are individuals, and there are critical development periods that they go through, just like human infants. Whatever they鈥檙e exposed to during those periods is going to influence, to an extent, their outcomes later in life, and that may be behaviorally,鈥� she said.

Drive, breed, and instinct can all influence how a dog responds to their environment. In addition to their nature, a dog鈥檚 discipline and past negative associations may also affect how they react to certain stimuli.

Leashes Can Be Counterintuitive to Dogs

Dogs are searchers, seekers and hunters鈥攁ll characteristics that make them both endearing and challenging to be on leash.

鈥淏eing on a leash is not a preferred state of being. 滨迟鈥檚 requiring them at every step to match our pace and to override their instinctive operating procedure,鈥� said Sexton. 鈥淭hey experience the world through smell, and we鈥檙e limiting them by keeping them tethered. That automatically is causing both a literal and an experiential emotional tension for them.鈥�

Pay Attention to Subtle Cues

The source of a dog鈥檚 trigger may not be fully understood, but an owner needs to pay attention and understand when and how their dog is activated, especially in reactive dogs.

Sexton advises owners to pay attention to their dog鈥檚 subtle cues, learn how they communicate, and understand what their experience of the world is鈥攖his is our job as their guardians.

鈥淲e have first to acknowledge that dogs are individuals. There are groups of traits that we might anticipate them to display, but just like a person, if you had a bad day, you might act differently,鈥� notes听Sexton.

Sudden Changes in Behavior May Indicate a More Serious Issue

Just like a baby may be fussier than usual when sick, unusual or sudden behavioral changes in a dog can indicate a physical issue. Dogs can鈥檛 communicate that they鈥檙e ill, but they may act more aggressively or intensely than normal when they鈥檙e injured or not feeling well.

Sexton adds that environmental changes can also impact how a dog is feeling and responding to the world around them.

Become Your Dog鈥檚 Main Source of Fun

This is听where reward-based training comes into play. Reward-based training involves offering treats, praise, or toys to your dog when they exhibit behaviors that you want to reinforce. These 鈥渂onding exercises鈥� also reinforce the human-dog relationship, deepening the connection while the dog creates a positive association with their owner.

鈥淵ou can do them for five minutes a day. That鈥檚 just reinforcing the relationship you have with your dog so that when you are out on the trail and something more exciting has caught their attention, there鈥檚 a higher likelihood that they鈥檙e going to remember you and tune back in quicker before a situation gets potentially dangerous,鈥� said Sexton.

Bonding exercises can be as simple as revisiting an old trick or playing hide-and-seek. Any activity where the dog sees you as a source of fun will deepen their attachment and make them return to you time and again.

When it comes to taking your dog outdoors, having a clear understanding of their behavioral triggers will also help them perform better on the trail.

The post What Triggers a Dog on the Trail? An Expert Weighs In. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

In August 2024, the National Park Service released a trove of data about deaths at NPS sites over a 17-year period. Since then, a growing number of independent media sites, nonprofit groups, and even travel companies have published reports on the deadliest parks by comparing mortality data with visitation numbers for each park.

The latest report, reportedly by travel company , assesses the death rate at NPS sites that feature prominent canyons. According to Antelope Canyon Tours, the deadliest U.S. canyon park isn’t the Grand Canyon or Zion. 滨迟鈥檚 not the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Canyonlands, or even Yellowstone.

滨迟鈥檚 Big Bend National Park in Texas, which also happens to be our columnist鈥檚 favorite national park.

Since 2014, 30 people have died in the remote 800,000-acre park, which encompasses sprawling canyons and deserts along the U.S.-Mexico border. That’s roughly six deaths per million visits, which says is the most of any of the . Although other, more popular parks like the Grand Canyon have far more overall fatalities (164 reported since 2014), Big Bend had more deaths per capita than any other national park canyon.

What makes Big Bend so dangerous? 滨迟鈥檚 hard to say.

For example, in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, home to 14,505-foot Mount Whitney听and other iconic peaks, roughly half of all deaths in the past decade were due to falls. But the majority of the deaths in Big Bend were either classified vaguely as 鈥渕edical emergencies鈥� or hyperthermia, when the body overheats. Only two individuals died in falls.

Big Bend’s immense size鈥攊t鈥檚 one of the largest in the contiguous U.S.鈥攔emote location, and extreme climate create a trifecta of risks. Daytime summer temperatures in the park regularly reach above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat, combined with an arid desert landscape that offers little to no shade, can quickly lead to dehydration and hyperthermia.

Cell service is poor to nonexistent in many areas of the park, and the NPS that 鈥渕any GPS and app mapping services do not work well鈥� inside park boundaries. These services may 鈥渞ecommend incorrect [or] dangerous roads and itineraries,” and visitors should “be prepared to use paper maps to navigate.鈥�

Unlike many other national parks, Big Bend is also hundreds of miles from a major metropolitan area. The nearest major city is El Paso, Texas, roughly 300 miles away. This remoteness means Big Bend is often crowd-free, with around 500,000 annual visits. It also means that medical assistance can be hours away, a critical factor when dealing with a time-sensitive emergency like a heart attack or severe heatstroke. Self-reliance is crucial.

Deadly or Hazardous?

Overall, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, located outside Las Vegas, records the most overall deaths in the NPS system, according to data published by .听Lake Mead isn鈥檛 a national park, but as a national recreation area, it is managed by the NPS. Approximately 19 people die every year in Lake Mead, primarily from drowning, as the lake is popular for boating, swimming and paddling. In overall deaths, Lake Mead is followed by the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, and then the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, which sees most of its deaths from traffic accidents. (Notably, these parks are also among the most heavily visited.)

However, in , the NPS refutes the idea that one park is more deadly than any other.

“There is not a 鈥榤ost dangerous national park.鈥� Parks have hazards. Hazards are potential sources of harm. Some hazards, like wildlife, rocky terrain, heat, high elevation, rip currents, naturally exist in the environment at the park,鈥� wrote the NPS.

The Service adds that when the national park system鈥檚 mortality data is used to compile rankings of the most dangerous parks, 鈥渋t can lead to a fundamental misunderstanding of the complexities of risk associated with the multitude of park experiences.鈥�

鈥淩ather than asking, 鈥榳hat is the most dangerous park,鈥� we think the better question you should ask is: What hazards do I need to prepare for so I have a fun and injury-free national park visit?鈥� says the NPS.

To stay as safe as possible, the agency recommends planning your well in advance and keeping an eye out for these common hazards:

• Severe weather like lightning, blizzards, extreme heat, or cold temperatures
• Wildland fires
• Geologic activities like volcanoes, hot springs, rockfalls, and geysers
• Water hazards like rip currents, flooding, rapids, and cold water temperatures
• Terrain features like steep slopes, sheer cliffs, waterfalls, sinkholes, and high elevations
• Condition of walking surface, such as gravelly, rocky, wet trails, or uneven steps in historic structures

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Trail runner Michelino Sunseri, who skipped a switchback during his 2024 fastest known time attempt in Grand Teton National Park, was found guilty of leaving the designated trail, a federal judge ruled. Court documents obtained by 国产吃瓜黑料 note that while jail time will 鈥渘ot be imposed,鈥� the endurance athlete could face a potential ban from the park and a fine of up to $5,000.

鈥淭he Defendant is adjudged GUILTY,鈥� wrote federal magistrate judge Stephanie A. Hambrick of Wyoming in her September 2 verdict. Sunseri left 鈥渢he Garnet Canyon Trail to use the shortcut of the Old Climber鈥檚 Trail,” violating on designated trails and prohibiting shortcuts in certain areas,听according to the verdict.

In an email to 国产吃瓜黑料, Sunseri鈥檚 legal team at Pacific Legal Foundation said it will appeal the decision.

“We respectfully disagree with the magistrate judge鈥檚 ruling. It reifies the enormous claims of power by park superintendents to write federal criminal law. This is well beyond any power the Constitution contemplates for inferior officers鈥攖hose not confirmed by the Senate鈥攖o have. We will appeal,” Michael Poon, an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, told 国产吃瓜黑料.

Sunseri broke the speed record in 2024 for ascending and descending the 13,775-foot Grand Teton trail in 奥测辞尘颈苍驳鈥檚 Grand Teton National Park, completing the ascent and descent in two hours, 50 minutes, and 50 seconds. He edged out the previous time set by Andy Anderson in 2012 by just two minutes.

But official chronicler rejected Sunseri鈥檚 record after his GPS track showed he cut a switchback while descending.

The revelation didn鈥檛 just ignite an ethical debate over cutting switchbacks and setting speed records鈥攊t also put Sunseri in hot water legally. For cutting off-trail, Sunseri was subsequently charged by the National Park Service with a Class B misdemeanor.

Sunseri’s guilty verdict was issued exactly a year after his botched record.

Sunseri took Old Climber鈥檚 Trail, an informal shortcut on the Grand Teton that cuts the 13.1-mile out-and-back route by about a half-mile.

For decades, the informal cut-through was commonly used by climbers descending from the peak. Even so, signs have been placed at the bottom and the top of the shortcut as early as the 1980s, according to testimony from former record holder Bryce Thatcher. Galen Woelk also testified that the signs were there in the 1990s and 2000s

鈥淐losed for regrowth,鈥� reads the bottom sign, facing downhill. A sign at the top of the cut faces uphill, reading “shortcutting causes erosion.鈥�

After ultra-runner Kilian Jornet cut switchbacks in his own record attempts in 2012, lawmakers updated the legal code in 2022 to criminalize cutting switchbacks.

The code Sunseri violated, , states that a park superintendent 鈥渕ay restrict hiking or pedestrian use to a designated trail or walkway system鈥� and specifies that 鈥渓eaving a trail or walkway to shortcut between portions of the same trail or walkway, or to shortcut to an adjacent trail or walkway鈥� is illegal.

Sunseri鈥檚 legal team says it is appealing his guilty verdict, arguing that the case is an example of government overreach. They add that the trail hadn鈥檛 been properly marked closed in the downhill direction Sunseri was traveling.

鈥淭he U.S. Attorney and the National Park Service claim that Michelino broke the law because the Grand Teton superintendent had ordered that foot travel be restricted 鈥榳hen traveling through signed revegetation and restoration areas,鈥欌�� wrote Pacific Legal in a .

鈥淭he only indication in the direction he was traveling was a small sign off to the side of the trail that said 鈥榮hortcutting causes erosion鈥欌�攏o mention that the trail was closed.鈥�

Additionally, Sunseri鈥檚 lawyers argue that the trail closure is unlawful because it stems 鈥渇rom an unconstitutional delegation of legislative power.鈥�

鈥淥nly Congress can decide what behavior is and isn鈥檛 criminally prohibited, and it cannot delegate that authority away. If Congress wants to define behavior as criminal, it must do so itself, or at the very least, set clear limits that dictate how and why officials can do so,鈥� reads the case summary.

Sunseri’s defense said the athlete was offered several plea deals, all of which either banned him from the park or required him to admit guilt.

鈥淭hese mountains mean everything to Michelino,鈥� Pacific Legal wrote. 鈥淎greeing to give up such an integral part of his life because of a law he didn鈥檛 know he was breaking was unthinkable.鈥�

Correction note: A previous version of this article stated NPS staff formally closed and marked the shortcut. On September 8, 2025, this story was updated to specify that the legal code was changed in 2022 to criminalize cutting switchbacks.

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North American treasure hunters have cause to celebrate, as the first clue for the Great Canadian Treasure Hunt is听posted online, offering a hint to find a chest of gold worth just under听$1 million (approximately $1.3 million CAD).

According to the mining trade publication The Northern Miner,听a mining group hid the trove somewhere in the country鈥檚 vast wilderness, and the fortune is waiting for the first scrappy hunter to solve the clues and find it.

Just like art dealer Forrest Fenn鈥檚 legendary hidden treasure, which had hunters scouring the American West for a decade, clues for the Canadian hunt are so far provided through cryptic poetry.

The 鈥溾�� is a 13-stanza poem that mentions everything from phoenixes and chalco fever to salt air bearing copper songs, sunken whispers, gilded desks, and singing iron.

Mining publication The Northern Miner and a collective of organizations are sponsoring the to promote Canada鈥檚 mining industry. In addition to the听grand prize, which consists of 217 one-ounce coins, the group will hide a dozen smaller treasures around Canada over the next year, each worth $20,100 ($27,000 CAD).

鈥淭aking inspiration from Canada鈥檚 long-standing mining legacy and the pioneering spirit that drives mineral exploration, the adventure is designed to spur discovery while highlighting the role that mining and critical minerals play in the country鈥檚 future,鈥� wrote .

鈥淭hese metals and minerals are the foundation of modern life, powering everything from electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies to smartphones and life-saving medical devices.鈥�

Although The Northern Miner says all the clues to find the treasure are hidden inside the master poem, the hunt鈥檚 was released on September 3. It read:

Though crystal clear and calm it seems,
This mirror hides more than it gleams.
A single step may seal your fate,
Best not disturb the water鈥檚 state.

The Northern Miner will publish future hints monthly, as well as on its sister publications,听 and .

鈥淭he Great Canadian Treasure Hunt is more than a contest, it鈥檚 an invitation to explore Canada鈥檚 legendary mining roots while flexing your brainpower,鈥� Anthony Vaccaro, president of The Northern Miner, told the publication. 鈥淲e want to inspire a new kind of exploration, grounded in curiosity, logic and appreciation for Canada鈥檚 rich natural history in a way that鈥檚 never been done before.鈥�

Sound like your cup of tea? Well, there are a few catches.

First, the contest is open to Canadian residents. Secondly, the chest doesn鈥檛 contain real gold. Instead, it includes an 鈥渁lphanumeric code,鈥� like a lottery ticket, that will allow the winner to phone in and claim their gold coins.

Although participating in the treasure hunt is open to all Canadian residents aged 18 and older, paying subscribers to The Northern Miner have an advantage. They get access to new clues ahead of time, using the site鈥檚 Treasure Hunt听portal. Unlike Fenn鈥檚 treasure hunt, which was indefinite, the Canadian hunt runs for a limited time, ending on December 31, 2026. If the treasure isn鈥檛 found by then, the prize is forfeited.

Luckily, similar to Fenn鈥檚 treasure鈥攚hich was allegedly found near his favorite fishing hole in Yellowstone National Park鈥�The Northern Miner seems to have hidden its treasure in an easily accessible location, one reachable on foot without any special equipment.

The group provided a few stipulations for the hunt, noting that the treasure will not be found on private property, underwater, or anywhere underground. (Participants won鈥檛 actually need to mine for it!) It is also not hidden in any man-made structure, near graves, cemeteries, or memorials, active construction sites, or inside industrial or hazardous waste areas.

The Northern Miner notes that no ropes, ladders, climbing gear, diving equipment, or off-road vehicles are required to locate it. Just a head for puzzles and a keen eye.

The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt isn鈥檛 the only ongoing search in the world, either. Part of Fenn鈥檚 treasure has already been rehidden, and the clues to find it are offered in this Netflix documentary.

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Two hikers fell to their deaths in separate events at different popular wilderness areas in late August. The tragedies prompted rescuers to reiterate the importance of practicing safety on both technical and non-technical hiking trails.

After motor vehicle deaths and drownings, falls鈥攗sually while hiking鈥攁re the in U.S. National Parks. Incidents like these highlight the importance of both hiking within one’s physical limits and staying on established trails.

On August 27, a 73-year-old woman fell from the Highline Trail in Montana鈥檚 Glacier National Park, according to the National Park Service. She was hiking with a large group between the Big Bend and Triple Arches formations when she stumbled and slipped off the side of the path, out of sight of her companions. Rescuers found her body 450 feet below the edge of the trail.

The accident marks the second major accident involving a fall in Glacier this year. In July, three hikers in the park were rescued after falling into a gorge while trying to take a selfie, two of whom were revived with CPR.

Two days after the tragedy in Glacier National Park,听a 24-year-old man fell 40 feet from the top of Whittleton Arch, a sandstone formation located in听Kentucky鈥檚 Red River Gorge.

鈥淲hile alert and oriented, it became readily apparent the patient鈥檚 condition was critical,鈥� the responding outfit, Powell County Search and Rescue, posted on . Though the hiker was successfully evacuated to a local hospital, he later died from his injuries. Officials did not release the man’s identity.

The same unit responded on September 1 to another hiker who had fallen 15 feet at the base of a large sandstone formation known as Gray鈥檚 Arch. The hiker was safely evacuated after being found with 鈥渁 laceration on his head, arm, and potentially a sprained ankle.鈥�

The incidents prompted Powell County Search and Rescue to post a warning to hikers on its Facebook page.

鈥淲hat may usually be a simple slip can be life-threatening when at height. Stay vigilant of the ground around you and be sure to always stay a safe distance from the edge!鈥� the SAR team wrote.

In addition to proper planning and packing, the NPS notes in its 鈥溾�� tips that it鈥檚 crucial for hikers not to overestimate their abilities and experience level when embarking on outdoor adventures. Elevation and climate are just two factors that can dramatically change a hiking experience. A five-mile hike at sea level, for instance, is quite different from a five-mile hike at 9,000 feet.

When considering whether to venture into an area, NPS hikers to ask themselves the following questions:

• What is my experience level with hiking? Do I go hiking often or is this my first time hitting the trails?
• How much equipment, food, and water (weight) can I comfortably carry in a backpack? How long can I carry a backpack with all the essentials?
• Am I physically fit for the hike I would like to do? Have I practiced hiking up and down steep hills or am I more comfortable on flat, paved paths?
• Have I ever hiked in this type of environment before? Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity take time to get used to, especially if you live in a different environment from the park you are visiting.
• Am I able to go to higher elevations? More effort is required to hike at higher elevations due to the reduced amount of oxygen available in the air. Remember that at 8,000 feet you are at risk of altitude illness, a potentially life-threatening condition. If you don鈥檛 know, ask your healthcare provider.
• Am I hiking alone or do I plan to bring a friend? It is safer to hike with a companion, but if you prefer go solo, take extra measures to ensure that you are prepared since you will be traveling alone

The NPS also recommends setting a gentle pace to avoid exhaustion that could cause stumbles and falls. If you can鈥檛 talk to your companions while you鈥檙e hiking, you鈥檙e probably moving too fast.

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Hikers in British Columbia and Montana used bear spray to fend off attacking bears in two separate incidents this week, supporting use of the deterrent in backcountry settings.

In a听, hiker Shalee Super said that she was camping near Assiniboine Lake in British Columbia when a grizzly bear visited her campsite. The Michigan native was alone鈥攕he had been backpacking with her partner, but he had set out before sunrise to climb a nearby mountain. Super had stayed at the campsite and was planning to hike out to the trailhead that morning. As she was getting ready to leave the tent to use the restroom, she 鈥渉eard something that sounded very big outside.鈥�

Remaining as quiet as possible, Super grabbed her bear spray, an aerosol repellent loaded with the chemical compound capsaicin, which is also found in human pepper spray.

鈥淔ive seconds later, I had a bear claw in my tent,鈥� she said, recounting seeing a grizzly bear 鈥渁bout one foot from me, staring me in the face.鈥�

Super sprayed the bear in the face, point-blank, deterring it long enough for her to escape the tent and scramble up a nearby loose-rock talus slope. Soon after, the animal returned with another bear and ransacked the tent as she watched from a nearby hillside a few hundred feet away. The event occurred on August 21.

In a separate incident on August 28, a pair of hikers in Montana鈥檚 Glacier National Park also came face-to-face with a bear.

鈥淭he hiking party of two was hiking westbound near Lake Janet, when a medium brown colored bear with two cubs charged out of the brush, toward the woman,鈥� NPS wrote in a .

鈥淭he woman dove off the trail, while covering her head. The bear swiped at her, injuring her shoulder and arm.鈥� The woman鈥檚 hiking partner quickly deployed bear spray, and almost as soon as the bear had attacked, it was gone. The woman was only mildly injured, and 鈥渢he entire incident lasted fewer than 30 seconds.鈥�

NPS did not identify the species of bear involved, noting that it could have been either a black or grizzly bear. No punitive action is to be taken against the animal, as there was no indication that the bear听was behaving more aggressively than usual.

鈥淭he encounter was a surprise to a sow with two cubs that reacted defensively,鈥� the NPS said. 鈥淭he area of the trail the hiking party was on is confined by the lake and dense brush, which the bear came out of.鈥�

The release added that visitors to Glacier National Park should exercise extra caution when hiking during the fall months, when bears are more active while they consume more food in preparation for their winter hibernation.

The Efficacy of Bear Spray

Some experts suggest that is more effective than firearms when it comes to fending off an aggressive bear鈥攕o听long as a person doesn’t accidentally spray themself in the face. Bear spray can also be lighter, less expensive, and easier to use than a firearm.

However, 国产吃瓜黑料 columnist Wes Siler wrote that many studies supporting bear spray鈥檚 efficacy show discrepancies between the spray鈥檚 utility in deterring a curious bear, like the one poking its head into Super鈥檚 tent, and fending off a full-blown attack.

A decade-long study of bear spray found that 鈥渋n 15 of 16 close encounters with aggressive brown bears, bear spray was effective in stopping the bear鈥檚 unwanted behavior.鈥� In six of those cases, 鈥渢he bear hung around and continued to act aggressively.鈥� In another three cases, the bear attacked the human after being sprayed, despite receiving what the study refers to as 鈥渁 substantial dose of spray to the face.鈥�

Bear spray is shown to be 85 percent effective at deterring a curious bear, another study found. However, when it came to stopping a bear that was already charging, success dropped by one-third.

鈥淭he exaggerated effectiveness of bear spray is getting in the way of more important advice on bear safety,鈥� Siler concluded in his 2019 report.

Being Bear Aware Saves Lives

For both hikers in the incidents this past week, however, carrying bear spray prevented an attack. Super said that although the bear destroyed most of her and her partner鈥檚 belongings, she harbored 鈥渘o ill will鈥� towards the animal.

鈥淚 am well aware that I was the outlier in his home, the unfamiliar weed in his garden,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ear vs. man debate? Still bear, every time. Although I would like to never see one even remotely close again.鈥�

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Apple Watch wearers just got a whole lot more outdoorsy. In a long-awaited push toward greater accessibility, the global mapping platform Trailforks (which is owned by 国产吃瓜黑料’s听parent company, 国产吃瓜黑料 Inc.) announced the rollout of its new Apple Watch app this month. The move provides mountain bikers, trail runners, gravel grinders, moto riders, and hikers with instant, phone-free access to real-time trail maps and activity statistics鈥攄irectly on their wrist.

Nearly 800,000 already connected Trailforks users across 141 countries now have access to an unmatched database of global trails across mountain biking, trail running, ski touring, and hiking disciplines.

鈥淥ur community asked鈥攍oudly鈥攆or Apple Watch support. Today we鈥檙e delivering a true map-on-wrist experience that lets athletes stay present on the trail while still capturing every stat,鈥� said Trailforks general manager Devin Lehman.

is the world鈥檚 most comprehensive crowd-sourced trail discovery and management platform. For more than a decade, it has helped outdoor enthusiasts get outside by providing users with the best tool for planning their next destination and navigating on-trail experiences with safety in mind.

Now, those tools are ready to hit the trail鈥攋ust like you.

App users can access real-time map information and multi-activity stats right on their wrist, keeping recreationalists on route and off their phone. Users can view their exact position on the Trailforks basemap and scope out nearby trailheads and points of interest.

Detailed offline maps can be downloaded, allowing the adventure to continue even when cell service is unavailable. Traildar proximity alerts gently buzz or notify users as they approach waypoints, intersections, or user-defined POIs to stay on course.

Multi-activity recording provides users with a one-tap start for various activities, featuring auto-pause, distance, speed, vertical, heart-rate, and calorie metrics displayed live. Health and performance-tracking metrics ensure users are pushing their limits. Every session can be synced into Apple Health through HealthKit integration, closing rings, and providing insight into long-term trends.

Together, these tools keep users in the flow, regardless of their location.

The Trailforks Apple Watch app is available as a free companion download with the latest Trailforks iOS release on the . As part of the 国产吃瓜黑料 Interactive network, Trailforks empowers millions of adventurers to explore confidently, plan responsibly, and give back to the trails they love.

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