Mather's Outdoor Life

One Moment Can Change Your Life

In the fall of 2013, days before a government shutdown, I visited my first National Park: Yosemite. I hadn’t camped in years, if you...

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6 Reasons To Go Backpacking In Joshua Tree National Park This Winter

Backpacking in Joshua Tree is an experience unlike any other. If you’re looking to escape the hustle, load up your pack and hit the trail.

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Wildflower Blooms & You: How-To Not Ruin It For Everyone

Southern California's deserts are going to see a helluva bloom this year thanks to the rainiest February in decades. Downtown Los Angeles...

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The Government Shutdown Proved It: We Must Double America’s Wild Places

National Parks are an American idea—our best, in fact—and places like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite are as American as apple...

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Every Adult Should Become a Junior Ranger

Explore, Learn, and Protect! It's not just for little ones. Just in case you didn’t know, becoming a Junior Ranger is an activity for...

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Why Rim Trails Are Secretly The Best

Also river walks, meadow trails, or any easy hike that connects places connected by road. Walking on often-paved trails that have no...

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2019 National Park Campsite Booking Dates

If you've spent anytime trying to book a last-minute campsite on Recreation.gov, you've had that moment where it feels like the website...

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7 Eco-Friendly Food Tips for Your National Parks Trip

The Trash Problem Each year, visitors like you and me help contribute to the 100 million pounds of trash generated in our National Parks....

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6 Quick and Easy Camping Dinners You Will Actually Make

99% of these meal lists are totally useless. They all sound like they are written by foodies using a backyard firepit next to their full...

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7 Surprisingly Useful Things For Camping Road Trips

You've finally accumulated your basic camping gear. Tent, sleeping bag, pad, coolers, and stuff to cook with. Now you might just be...

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