Hiker Blog

Hiking boots? Check. Freeze-dried food? Check. Economy-size box of Band-Aids? Check.

A Walnut Creek couple hiking in one of Utah's most dangerous slot canyons drowned after being swept away in a flash flood Wednesday, Garfield County spokeswoman Becki Bronson said Friday.

Still looking boyish at 49, John Harlin speaks with intimate knowledge—and a sense of pride--as he points out on a map the direct  route on the North Wall of the Eiger that his father and Scottish climber Dougal Haston attempted together in 1966. The two of us are on a Swiss train headed up to the base of the Eiger two years after the younger Harlin made his own climb of the mountain's North Face. For me, it’s my first visit to the Eiger, so I’m excited to see the legendary Alpine face up close. 

Harlin’s father, also named John Harlin, had been the first American to do the standard route on Europe’s most feared big wall in 1962. He went back four years later with Haston to try a direct line up the face—in winter. The attempt, which pushed the limits of alpine climbing at the time, ended in tragedy. The elder Harlin was killed while jumaring up to a bivouac in an ice cave during the long siege. The climbing rope suddenly broke, sending him plummeting thousands of feet to his death. 

Now, more than 40 years later, I’ve come back with John Harlin to see the Eiger for myself, and to feel it’s powerful presence. We made the journey in September, often a month for stable—if cool—Alpine weather. While only a handful of climbers, such as Harlin, are motivated to take on the daunting objective of the Eiger, this is the Swiss Alps, where any fit hiker can stroll under and among these famous peaks. Hiking among these mountains and glaciers reveals the Alps' tremendous drawing power that has been bringing hikers and climbers here for more than a century. 

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A few weekends ago, I called home and my dad picked up. In the course of the conversation, he mentioned that my mom had decided to walk a marathon to celebrate her 60th birthday.

Three months in the hospital gave James Osborne plenty of time to reflect on the mistakes that cost him a limb and a friend his life.

Driving through this small town, Pamela Almli's brother still believes he sees her driving past.

Hiking is not for everyone but those that enjoy it are generally relatively fit as this recreation can be very strenuous depending on your route and how long you are out for.

Long sections of unused railroad rights of way all over the United States have been converted into rural avenues for hiking and biking, and one of the longest and oldest is also one of the most scenic - the ...

This moderate hike over Mount Welch and Mount Dickey near Waterville Valley has almost two miles of trail with open vistas.

High fashion is the watchword for women's footwear this autumn and winter. Literally. The heels of boots, half boots, ankle boots, and pumps are generally a few centimetres higher than in previous seasons.