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Are you being a responsible hiker during your 52 Hike Challenge? And what does it mean to recreate responsibly while on-trail? Find out how to practice hiking etiquette. Discover the 7 Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles. Get hiking tips to stay safe during Covid-19, and more. Learn how to #RecreateResponsibly right now.

Are you just starting your #52HikeChallenge and need a little help finding trails and/ or planning your hikes?

Planning your hikes may seem challenging when you first begin the 52 Hike Challenge, but we're here to help.

Since you’re going to be getting outside a lot, we would like to guide you through how to plan your hikes and set goals to help you succeed on your 52 Hike Challenge journey.

Read on to start planning your hikes now!

Do you know what to do if you encounter an aggressive animal on the trail? What about if your hiking partner shows signs of dehydration or heat stroke? What if a thunderstorm or wildfire comes out of nowhere?

While hiking is usually a pleasant experience full of great views and bonding time with your hiking buddies, the unexpected can happen at any time.

When you practice hiking safety, you reduce your risk of…

• Dehydration
• Heatstroke
• An animal attack
• Getting stuck in inclement weather 
• Getting lost in the wilderness

And much, much more.

 Of course, most of these hiking mishaps are out of your control. That’s why knowing how to react to hiking emergencies is not only important - it’s essential.

We want you to have fun and enjoy nature, but we also want you to be safe on the trails. 

Keep reading to learn…

• What to carry with you on ALL your hikes
• How to avoid dehydration, heat stroke and injuries
• What to do if you see a bear, mountain lion or rattlesnake
• How to plan for and react to extreme weather
• What to do if you get lost in the wilderness

And much more.

We were humbled to see our name on Fox40 not too long ago, and we're so excited about our new partnership with Camp California! It's great to see that our hiking challenge is making a difference in the community. Read on to find trail recommendations from Camp California, and sign up for your 52 Hike Challenge 2020 now!

Havasupai Indian Reservation, surrounded Grand Canyon National Park, is known for its cascading waterfalls with crystal clear bright blue water. ...

Are you a hiker?

Do you know what the 7 Leave No Trace Principles are?

If you're taking on the 52 Hike Challenge, you should know these important guidelines. Think of the Leave No Trace Principles as a way to help you and your hiking buddies minimize your impact on wild spaces and protect the great outdoors. That way, we can all continue to enjoy nature for many years to come.

Guest Blogger: Kaitlin Musser I live full time in a Thomas short school bus that is a roomy 18 feet in length and less the 100 square feet of livin...

Thank you for joining us this year for #OptOutside! Since the new Opt to Act initiative was such a success, now we are encouraging you to continue the effort into the new year and all year long! Join us and REI as we continue to Opt to Act into the new year. In this blog, you will discover the first of 52 action steps to help you Opt to Act all year! Clean up the trails, go on stewardship hikes, and give back to nature when you pursue your 52 Hike Challenge 2020. Read the blog to get started right now.

Discover the best Bay Area hikes from a local! Find the best hiking trails in the Bay Area at California state parks and natural areas. Learn where you can find redwoods, ocean views, wildlife sightings, and much more.

Are your hiking shoes providing enough comfort and support so you can go the extra mile? In this blog, you will find out how to make sure your hiking boots fit, what to look for when selecting hiking footwear, why the sole of your trekking shoe is most important, and why we love Vibram soles for all our hikes. Get the tips now.

There are different types of hikes to take: easy day hikes, hikes that require camping or longer than a day, long treks, etc… no matter what type o...

In this guest blog by Kevin Neft, you will learn why hiking is one of the best ways to explore a foreign country. Not only is hiking inexpensive, but it will also leave you with  memories you'll never forget. Hear from Kevin why he loves to hike while spending time over seas. Keep reading to discover the many benefits of hiking abroad right now.