Latest news with #AllTrails
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Incredible secret of gnarled 'Methuselah Tree' that sits deep in California desert
The 'Methuselah Tree' is discretely nestled in an eastern California mountain range, blending in among the other plants as the national forest's best kept secret. The Inyo National Forest - a stunning mix of landscapes spanning nearly 2 million acres between Los Angeles and Reno, Nevada - is home to one of the oldest trees in the world. A Great Basin Bristlecone Pine dubbed the Methuselah Tree has been around since centuries before the Pyramids of Giza were built. The twisted-trunked and weathered tree sprouted circa 2830 BCE and has since become a nearly 5,000-year-old symbol of the planet's history. But among the forest's other Great Basin Bristlecone Pines, visitors are unable to tell which is the famed Methuselah Tree. This is an intentional move by the US Forest Service to protect the tree from being vandalized or harmed, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Tourists can trek through the White Mountains, located in the Great Basin Desert, and explore the trails of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to witness the dense-wooded trees that are thousands of years old. While Forest Service officials have confirmed the Methuselah Tree is visible along the 4.5-mile loop, there is no sign or indicator marking its presence. The hike has been ranked moderate by the hiking app AllTrails, but is recommended visitors come prepared with water and sunblock. This trail also sits 9,000 feet above sea level, so those brave enough to take on the trail should consider the effects of the altitude, WHNT reported. The Methuselah Trail, like the others at the national forest, is open seasonally. Depending on weather conditions, this season typically runs from late spring through the fall. Great Basin Bristlecone Pines are considered the oldest non-clonal organisms in the world. The term non-clonal means the pines grew from a single seed and 'do not reproduce through cloning,' according to the National Forest Foundation. 'Bristlecone pines are a small group of trees that reach an age believed by many scientists to be far greater than that of any other living organism known to man,' USDA wrote. Scientists determine their ages by taking a sliver from their trunks to see how many rings there are. Trees' ages are determined by this number of rings, as each year they grow, another is added. The Methuselah Tree was once believed to be the longest-living tree in the world, but experts have since traced back some other Bristlecone Pines and determined them to be slightly older. Regardless, the Methuselah Tree remains the most notable natural treasure of them all among researchers and outdoors lovers. This species of trees is has been able to withstand thousands of years due to their adoptability and ability to live under circumstances other plants simply cannot survive in. Great Basin Bristlecone Pines flourish in isolated groves and 'thrive on adversity, living in harsh conditions and high elevation,' according to the USDA.
USA Today
3 days ago
- USA Today
From rock climbing to skiing, this hidden gem is perfect for outdoor-loving families
'Experience America' is a five-part series that showcases often-overlooked destinations and experiences in our backyard. FAYETTEVILLE, West Virginia ― If you had told me in January I'd be going to West Virginia twice this year, I don't think I would have believed you, but I'm so glad I can now say I have been. West Virginia is an outdoor adventurer's paradise, and although even locals don't always take advantage of the resources right on their doorstep, the state is truly a hidden gem of the great outdoors. 'West Virginia is just often an underrated destination as a whole, and maybe not the first thought for a really high adventure destination,' Lindsey Funk, a public relations assistant at the West Virginia Department of Tourism, told me during my first visit, in May. For that, she said, even West Virginians often go elsewhere. But the Mountain State is trying to remind residents and visitors alike that it's a great place for any pace of outdoor adventure. Hiking and nature Probably the lowest barrier to entry for the outdoor adventure novice is a hike or a nature walk in West Virginia. The state and national parks, almost all of which are free to access, have nearly endless trails and scenic lookouts. West Virginia is a year-round destination, with breathtaking foliage in the fall and gorgeous vistas the rest of the year, according to Funk. 'In the state as a whole, hiking is probably one of our most family-friendly activities,' she said. From the Endless Wall trail in the New River Gorge to the West Virginia Waterfall trail – an official guide to the state's most beautiful water features – there's something for everyone. Just remember to bring a sturdy pair of shoes. On a recent personal trip to the New River Gorge and Charleston this spring, I saw firsthand how stunning the scenery along the Endless Wall trail can be. With scenic vistas throughout the gorge, including a unique perspective on the famous bridge, hiking there is relatively low-intensity and well worth the payoff. The entire trail is just under 5.5 miles out and back, according to AllTrails, but can easily be shortened after taking in some of the views. High adventure: Climbing and rafting For those seeking more adrenaline, West Virginia is also a great destination for rock climbing and whitewater rafting, both of which can be found in the New River Gorge. During the spring trip, I had a chance to raft on the lower New River, with rapids up to Class V, thanks to heavy rain in the days leading up to the excursion. With swift-moving water, the entire trip took around an hour and a half to two hours to cover about 14 miles, and the rapids were characterized primarily by big, rolling waves. The guide on the trip, from ACE Whitewater Rafting, said water levels can significantly change the dynamics of the river, which is why it's important to always travel with a guide. Whitewater rafting is an extreme sport, but guides make it much safer. There are numerous outfits throughout the New River Gorge that provide guided whitewater rafting excursions. Novice climbers may also want a guide or a more experienced buddy if they're checking out the crags. For rock climbers of all skill levels, West Virginia and the New River Gorge are also almost heaven. Crags around Fayetteville offer opportunities for outdoor bouldering, top roping, sport and trad climbing for all skill levels. There are also opportunities for deep water soloing at Summersville Lake State Park during the summer. I took a trip in July to join Queerclimbtastic, an LGBTQ+ rock climbing retreat held every summer in the New River Gorge, and saw firsthand how great the climbing opportunities are in the state. It was my first time climbing outside after years of indoor-only climbing, and I'm already excited to go back next year and explore other crags closer to home in the meantime. Bike City, USA Charleston is West Virginia's urban gateway to the wilderness, about an hour from the New River Gorge. It's also home to a professional circuit bike race and is trying to grow its presence as a destination for road and mountain biking. The state's capital is also a great place to use as a home base for a trip to West Virginia. 'Charleston's more of a cityscape for us, a smaller city, but this is a great place for downtown shops and events,' Funk said. 'But then, just an hour away, is so many acres of public land and those outdoor adventure options.' Charleston has a budding food and brewery scene, an extensive farmer's market and is also home to Mountain Stage, a long-running NPR program that broadcasts two hours of performed-live country music nationwide. Winter sports Funk said West Virginia is a year-round state and also has a handful of small ski resorts, which are great for beginners interested in trying out the sport. 'We are a four-season destination,' she said. Jim and Cara Hocking are full-time travel content creators and said they visited Winter Place, one of West Virginia's ski resorts, earlier this year with their four kids. Only Cara had skied before, and she said it was a great place for the rest of her family to learn. 'It was exactly what we needed, we had someone that was there that taught us the basics, taught our kids the basics,' Jim told me. 'It was a perfect place to have your first skiing experience in my mind.' How to get there and where to stay The closest airport will depend on exactly where you're going in the state, but for both of my trips to the New River Gorge, I flew into Charleston, the state capital of West Virginia. From there, it's about an hour to an hour and a half drive to Fayetteville, which is a significant gateway to the Gorge's outdoor recreation areas. Lodging options in and around Fayetteville include campsites, cabin rentals, traditional hotels, B&Bs and more. Options are also available in Charleston for those looking for a more urban base camp for their travels. Public transit options are limited, so visitors should plan to rent a car to get around. The reporter on this story received access from West Virginia's Department of Tourism. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
People Are Absolutely Dragging RFK Jr. For His Wild Hiking Outfit
Let's talk Phoenix, Arizona. Related: Currently, the temps are a *sensible* 100-something degrees. RFK Jr. decided it was a good time to do a little hiking. He hiked this one, Camelback Mountain: Related: According to All Trails, it's a 2.6-mile hike with a pretty big 1,312 elevation gain. This is the pic he posted from the top: Related: Everyone is pointing out one thing... The jeans. Some people found it funny: "wearing jeans to hike camelback when it's 105° is hilarious." Related: Other people took joy in his (probable) misery: "Enjoying the fact that you must be chaffed and miserable af wearing jeans on a Camelback hike in July." We have this person calling it ghoulish behavior: "Hiking Camelback in jeans in the middle of July is such freak behavior I'm sorry. Get the fuck out of my city you ghoul." And this person wanted to call the FBI: "I want him arrested @FBI." I just truly cannot imagine! Also in Internet Finds: Also in Internet Finds: Also in Internet Finds:
Hamilton Spectator
21-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
North Shore Rescue brings in helicopter to assist injured teen
An injured hiker needed some help from above after hurting her leg on a steep trail in the West Vancouver backcountry Sunday afternoon. North Shore Rescue received a call just before noon Sunday from B.C. Ambulance reporting a 15-year-old teenager sprained her left ankle after a slip on a large rock hiking up to St. Mark's Summit along the Howe Sound Crest Trail in Cypress Provincial Park. Volunteers used a Talon helicopter to find the teen on the trail, where she was stranded with her mother and relatives. 'It was sore enough that she wasn't able to walk on it, so it's best not to aggravate it,' said search manager Don Jardine. 'If you're feeling that much pain, it's better to call for help.' After rescue crews found the injured hiker, two volunteers hoisted down to place her into the aircraft. From there, crews flew to the search and rescue team's Capilano Gate station so an ambulance could take her to Lions Gate Hospital. St. Mark's Summit is one of the viewpoints along the Howe Sound Trail, a 26-kilometre hike spanning from Cypress Bowl to Porteau Cove above the Sea to Sky Highway. 'It's easy to have a slip, it's fairly steep,' Jardine said. 'There's still a little bit of snow in places, and because it's melting, there's a bit of mud. There's lots of slippery roots and rocks.' In a social media post , the search and rescue team said Sunday's call highlights how quickly plans can change in the backcountry. Jardine urged people to be careful with their footing while hiking, going with a group and bringing equipment like hiking poles. 'I find hiking poles are really advantageous because you're getting four points of contact rather than just two, and if you do slip, they can stop you from twisting your ankle,' he said. 'It's a popular hike, there are a lot of people going there and it can get quite hot in the summer,' Jardine added. 'So go early and bring lots of water.' North Shore Rescue also shared in the post other recent calls they have responded to, including a tourist stuck near Eagle Bluffs after running out of water and trying to navigate steep terrain with a phone map, a solo hiker who slipped along the BCMC Trail on Grouse Mountain , a helicopter hoist operation for four teenagers on Mount Fromme who become stranded in steep terrain after leaving the trail trying to descend to Mountain Highway, and a fatal motor vehicle crash near Norrish Creek with an overnight helicopter search . After the recent calls, the search and rescue team offered a number of safety tips such as using backcountry specific apps like Gaia or AllTrails and downloading the map ahead of time, as Google Maps is not always reliable in remote terrain. Also if a hiker leaves the trail, do not keep heading downhill, but return to known ground if safe. Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
People Are Absolutely Dragging RFK Jr. For His Wild Hiking Outfit
Let's talk Phoenix, Arizona. Related: Currently, the temps are a *sensible* 100-something degrees. RFK Jr. decided it was good time to do a little hiking. He hiked this one, Camelback Mountain: Related: According to All Trails, it's a 2.6 mile hike with a pretty big 1,312 elevation gain. This is the pic he posted from the top: Related: Everyone is pointing out one thing... The jeans. Some people found it funny: "wearing jeans to hike camelback when it's 105° is hilarious." Related: Other people took joy in his (probable) misery: "Enjoying the fact that you must be chaffed and miserable af wearing jeans on a Camelback hike in July." We have this person calling it ghoulish behavior: "Hiking Camelback in jeans in the middle of July is such freak behavior I'm sorry. Get the fuck out of my city you ghoul." And this person wanted to call the FBI: "I want him arrested @FBI." I just truly cannot imagine! Also in Internet Finds: Also in Internet Finds: Also in Internet Finds:
