STORIES
Field notes, adventures, guides and the stories behind the people who choose the life outside.
LATEST STORIES
BLM’s Lava Lookout Hike Turns Valley of Fires Into an Easy Guided Desert Walk
BLM’s Lava Lookout Hike is a guided two-mile walk on the Kipuka Trail at Valley of Fires, designed for all ages and no prior hiking experience.
Asilomar State Beach: A Coastal Walk Among Dunes, Rocks and Wildlife
Plan a coastal walk at Asilomar State Beach with practical information on trails, beach facilities, dogs and wildlife protection.
Balmorhea State Park: Plan a Spring-Fed Swimming Day
A practical guide to Balmorhea State Park’s spring-fed pool, with reservation planning, supervision requirements and pool rules.
Dispersed Camping on BLM Land: What “Free Camping” Actually Allows
A practical guide to dispersed camping on BLM land, including stay limits, road access, camp placement and the local rules you should verify before arrival.
Florida’s 2026 Atlantic Red Snapper Experiment: What Anglers Need to Know
The 2026 Atlantic red snapper plan is an experiment in state management. Here is what FWC says about trip declarations, bag limits and the postponed season.
Metal Detecting on Public Land: Where Treasure Hunting Becomes Illegal
Before swinging a detector on public land, know which agency manages the site and whether digging, detecting or removing artifacts is prohibited.
Life Happens Out There
An outdoor-focused AATL design celebrating mountains, forests, hiking, camping, road trips, and the simple idea that life happens when you get out there and explore.
Sunny Beach, Dangerous Water: Why Rip Currents Don’t Need a Storm
Rip currents can develop on otherwise inviting beach days. Learn what they are, how to check the risk and what to do if you are caught in one.
Life Jackets: What Actually Counts as Ready for an Emergency?
A practical look at what makes a life jacket truly ready: the right device, the right fit, good condition and immediate accessibility.
Bear-Safe Camping: The “Food” You Might Not Realize Attracts Bears
Bear-safe camping goes beyond locking up groceries. Toiletries, trash, pet food, grills and other scented items can also attract wildlife.
How to Read a Marine Forecast Before You Leave the Dock
Learn how to read marine forecasts, advisories and Special Marine Warnings before a fishing or boating trip.
The Float Plan Most Boaters Skip Until They Actually Need One
A Coast Guard float plan is useful for everything from a kayak trip to an offshore fishing run. Here is why it belongs in the pre-departure routine.
Campfire Restrictions Aren’t All the Same: What Stage 1 Can Really Mean
Current BLM Colorado Stage 1 rules show why campers should read the actual fire order instead of relying on the stage number alone.
Grand Canyon flash flooding: What visitors need to know
A clear look at Grand Canyon closures, water restrictions, what remains open and how to check conditions before your trip.