archives: Nature
Photo Essay: 18 Places to Feel Dwarfed by Nature
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Some places have a way of making you feel really, really small. More »
Photo Essay: 15 Unusual Natural Phenomena and Where to Witness Them
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Sarah Park brings us some of the most dangerous, beautiful, and downright weird wonders of the natural world. More »
Our Strange Planet: Linkage and Photos
How to keep exploring the strangeness of Earth from the comfort of your laptop keyboard. More »
Hunting Trees in India
YD Bar-Ness shares the results of a long-term expedition to discover India's most notable trees. More »
Biking West Virginia’s Greenbrier River Trail
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Julia Phillips proves that life ain't over after having a baby. More »
How to Camp for FREE in NYC
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Ever wanted to pitch a tent in the middle of Manhattan? Here's your chance. More »
7 of Britain’s Lesser-Known Stone Circle Sites
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Marc Latham steps beyond Stonehenge to point out other stone circle sites that might be of interest on the longest day of the year (or anytime, really More »
U.S. National Parks Free Entrance Days Continue This Weekend
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Free is good. And there's more later in the year, too. More »
Photo Essay: 18 Natural Wonders of the USA
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As an American who likes to travel, I sometimes have to be reminded just how damn gorgeous my home country is. More »
Guide to Stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere
There are a billion and one reasons to visit the other half of the world. Mary Pfaffko teaches us how to enjoy night sky down under. More »
50 Sunsets [Community Voice]
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When you fill out your Matador community profile, we ask you to share your ideal place for watching the sunset. Here's what 50 members said. More »
Obama’s 14 New National Monuments
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The Obama administration wants to protect 14 new American wild spaces. More »
50 Sunrises [Community Voice]
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When you fill out your Matador profile, we ask you to share your ideal place for watching the sunrise. Here's what 50 members said. More »
Photo Essay: 12 Natural Wonders of Australia
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For the record, I'm skipping straight over Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef. More »
Photo Essay: 7 Beautifully Bizarre Beaches
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Beach sand comes in all kinds of colors. Jason Wire explores the diversity. More »
Uluru Revisited: You Can Keep Climbing
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The proposal to ban hiking up Australia's famous red rock has been overruled. More »
Meet Canada’s Newest National Park: Mealy Mountains
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Mealy Mountains National Park will be the largest park in Atlantic Canada, and bigger than Yosemite and Yellowstone combined. More »
10 Overlooked State Parks of the American West
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There are big names in the parks systems of the Southwest and West Coast. Here are some that aren't household, but maybe could be. More »
Easy Wilderness Access: A Day Hike from Santiago, Chile
Two bucks' worth of transport is all it takes to craft a weekend away in Santiago. More »
Last Chance to Visit 13 Arizona State Parks
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The Arizona State Parks Board voted on January 15 to close 13 more of the state’s parks by June. Learn which ones are shutting their doors, and when More »
Where to Find Glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere
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We've profiled big ice in the Southern Hemi -- now it's time to look north. More »
Seeing Gorillas and Saving Money in Rwanda [Community Voice]
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Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park (Parc National Des Volcans) has become THE place to see mountain gorillas. But visiting on a budget can be tricky. More »
If Chavez Has His Way, You Won’t Be Traveling to Angel Falls
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Angel Falls could be getting a new (old) name. More »
Snowshoeing and Wildlife Watching in Glacier National Park
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Solitude, spectacular views, and abundant wildlife define the winter wildlands of Glacier National Park. More »
Where to Find Glaciers in the Southern Hemisphere
Just because it's summertime in the Southern Hemi doesn't mean you can't get your fix of snow and ice. More »
Winter Wolf Watching in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley
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Explore Montana's remote winter ecosystem through the eyes of one of its most enigmatic creatures. More »
Hiking in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
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Here, sixteen lakes spread across three mountain ranges flirt with sun and stone to create a landscape of waterfalls, cascades, crags, and caves. More »
From Packed to Deserted: U.S. National Parks by Visitor Numbers
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The difference between the most- and least-visited parks is 26,332 pairs of legs per day. More »
Guide to the Redwood Groves: Where to Find the Tallest Trees on Earth
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Taller than a football field. Older than Jesus. There are only a handful of places on Earth where living things fit these descriptions. More »
Photo Essay: GIANT Redwoods, the Tallest Living Things on Our Planet
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If you want to feel small, stand next to a redwood trunk. More »
Followup: Stargazing in Scotland Confirmed as World-Class
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The International Dark-Sky Association has awarded a park in southwestern Scotland with "dark sky" status, certifying it as one of the best places in More »
Would You Live Here?
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A list of some of the most dangerous places in the world to call home. More »
Nude Trekking, German Style
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If nude sunbathing isn't enough for you, try this on for size. More »
Big Nature in St. John’s, Newfoundland
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Just minutes from St. John’s is a stretch of water and coastline dotted with icebergs, humpback whales, and puffins. More »
Introducing Lake Tourism
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You've heard of beach bums and river runners...but lake lovers? More »
Wordless Wanderlust: Mount Fortuna Summit
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Here’s some weekend wanderlust inspiration for you. Get out and explore. More »
Natural Diversity: National Parks of the UK
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Americans often forget that other countries have national park systems as varied and exciting as their own. Case in point: the UK. More »
The Great Ocean Walk: Victoria’s Coastal Hike
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Yes, driving the Great Ocean Road is nice. But walking the coastline is a much deeper experience. More »
Top Spots for Penguin Peeping
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If you’ve always wanted to get a little closer to these wobbly creatures, here’s a quick guide on where to go to get down and dirty (watch your st More »
Wordless Wanderlust: Colorado’s Dunes
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Here’s some weekend wanderlust inspiration for you. Get out and explore. More »
Greening the Iron Curtain: Redefining History in Germany
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During the Cold War, the Iron Curtain separated Germany. Today, it brings people and nature together. More »
Photo Essay: Iceland’s Fire and Ice
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Matador editor-at-large Paul Sullivan treats us to some of his landscape shots from the fascinating country of Iceland. More »
World’s Best Stargazing Destinations
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2009 is the International Year of Astronomy. What better time to rediscover the wonders of the night sky? More »
Wordless Wanderlust: Sunrise Paddling on the North Canadian River
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Here’s some weekend wanderlust inspiration for you. Get out and explore. More »
Photo Essay: Spectacular Waterfalls of the World
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Where water meets gravity, it's hard to look away. Come see for yourself. More »
Eat, Pray, Love in the USA
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The natural beauty and diversity of this land and its people put American cuisine, spirituality, and romance on par with some of the best in the world More »
Roadtrip Australia: Melbourne to Sydney Along the Sapphire Coast
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Forget the Hume Highway. Hit the coast for a memorable roadtrip. More »
Wordless Wanderlust: Garibaldi Provincial Park
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Here's some weekend wanderlust inspiration for you. Get out and explore. More »
Top 10 Spots in the Black Hills of South Dakota
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National parks, chuck wagon suppers, and cave tours. If variety is your thing, you'll love the Black Hills of South Dakota. Rita Weatherbee explains. More »
Would You Hike Uluru?
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A proposal by Australia's National Parks may lead to a ban on climbing the famous Rock within the next 10 years. More »
Fun in the Desert Sun: Pan de Azucar, Chile
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Desert and beaches and penguins...oh my! More »
Photo Essay: The Most Alien Landscapes on Earth
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Think you know which planet you live on? Here are 21 shots that'll make you wonder. More »
Photo Essay: An Amazon Adventure
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A journey through the heart of the Brazilian Amazon. More »
Photo Essay: The Stunning Colors of Glacier National Park
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13 stunning shots of wildlife, terrain, and weather in Glacier National Park. More »
Roadtripping Montana: The Beartooth Scenic Highway
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The Beartooth Scenic Byway has so many world-class options you could base an entire summer road trip right here. More »
Eat, Pray, Love in Morocco
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A country of four mountain ranges, two long coastlines, and desert, Morocco doesn't need to try very hard to be diverse in its culinary arts, sacred s More »
Big Sky Country on a Small-Time Budget
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It’s possible to come away after a week or two in Montana with solitary experiences and money left in your billfold. More »
7 Reasons to Go to Maine’s Mount Desert Island…
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...Even If Your Sister-in-Law Is Offering Free Rent on Martha’s Vineyard. More »
Trans Siberian Sidetrips: How to Break Your Train Ride
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Some folks take the Trans-Siberian without making any stops. Don't be that person. More »
A-OK Again on the Kokoda Trail
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After a brief dispute with landowners along the infamous track, the Kokoda Trail is once again open to trekkers. More »
Face to Face with South Africa’s Great Whites
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Carly Blatt gets up close and personal with the king of the marine food chain. More »
5 Best “From-a-Van” Sunsets in Europe
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Park up, pour a glass, and enjoy the colorful end to another day. More »
Afghanistan Establishes Its First National Park
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Band-e-Amir National Park is located in central Afghanistan's Hindu Kush Mountains and includes five high-altitude lakes. More »
Bolivia’s Southwest Circuit. Backwards.
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Colored lakes, hot springs, flamingo flocks, geysers, crazy rock formations, and painted volcanoes await in Bolivia's wild southwest. More »
Back to Nature: 13 Of The World’s Richest National Parks
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It's a jungle out there. Literally. Leave the concrete one behind and visit a national park near you. More »
An Angler’s Guide to Spring Fly Fishing in Montana
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The serious, pleasurable work of catching fish from the end of an elegant cast is about to start. More »
Trekking Central Laos
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This 2-day trek will take you to the heart of central Laos, its people, culture, and magnificent landscapes. More »
Katahdin: Maine’s Mountain
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It's not always towering height that makes the mountain. More »
Gateway to Pristine America: 12 Towns on the Edge of Spectacular Wilderness
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To explore the wilds of America, you need a good base of operations. More »
Boating Big Sky: Montana’s Classic River Trips
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From flatwater to class V, Montana has incredible rivers and stoked communities of paddlers. Local boater Brian French leads us down some of the class More »
Easy Does It: Quandary Peak
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Colorado's Quandary Peak is an ideal first '14er' for hikers and travelers. More »
5 Choice Spots to Enjoy Spring Blooms
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Spring has come to the northern hemisphere. Here are some of the best places to enjoy the blossoms. More »
Whistler’s Little Secret
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What world-class ski resort was named after a rodent? Here's a hint: it's not Mouse Mountain. More »
Guide to Kenya’s National Parks
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From the reaching equatorial glaciers on Mt. Kenya to petting cheetahs, you can do just about everything in Kenya's national parks. More »
Germany’s Peak: The Zugspitze
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A day spent climbing a mountain is never wasted. Here is Germany's tallest offering. More »
9 Places to Experience Now Before They Literally Vanish
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From tropical islands to glacial terrain, beloved places around the world are literally disappearing. More »
World’s Most Amazing Archipelagos
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As dynamic land masses, archipelagos tend to offer dramatic scenery. Here are some of the most stunning examples worldwide. More »
6 American Mountains to Climb for Big Adventure
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Climbers hoping for big adventure need look no further than the United States.
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California’s Most Spectacular Deserts
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California's deserts are incredibly vast and fascinating terrains. More »
The Most Spectacular Treks Worldwide
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From Africa to Asia to Europe to the American West, the best way to traverse a landscape continues to be on foot. More »
7 Classic Adventure Spots in Asia
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From Japan to Bhutan, here are some of the classic spots for Asian adventure in 2009. More »
Trekking the Sacred Mountains of Bhutan
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How to measure your country's progress? The Bhutanese use GNH, or Gross National Happiness. More »
8 Natural Wonders of Chile
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8 gorgeous reasons to put Chile on the top of your travel to-do list. More »
Exploring the World’s Most Sacred Mountains
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Whether thought to be the homes of gods or the sites of important historical events, these sacred mountains continue to draw pilgrims worldwide. More »
11 Most Dangerous Mountains in the World for Climbers
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These mountains continue to inspire awe and anxiety decades after their first ascents. More »
Shine On, America: The Country’s 8 Sunniest Cities
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Feeling down? Spending some time in these cities might just brighten your mood. More »
The Best Hikes in Puerto Rico
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Bring a backpack and boots, and leave the snorkel at home. More »
Yoga Retreat in Órgiva
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How to reach the pinnacle of relaxation in the Spanish mountain town of Órgiva. More »
Top 15 Adventure Towns Worldwide
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Even the coffee is spiked with adrenaline in these towns. More »
Trekking the Annapurna Sanctuary in Nepal
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Comprehensive guide and outline of this Himalayan classic. More »
The 5 Best Treks In Nepal
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A guide to 5 of the most beautiful and rewarding treks in the Himalayas. More »
Top 10 Most Dangerous Waves in the World
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With super advanced equipment, tow in access, and internet swell tracking, growing numbers of surfers are riding incredibly powerful waves. More »
Green Guide to (the Other) Portland
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Hal Amen helps you go green in Portland, Maine. More »
10 Birding Hotspots
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Feature photo by mikebaird. Photo above by birdfreak.com.
With brilliant colors and fascinating courtship behaviors, birds send so-called twitchers a More »
10 Caves to Explore in Bermuda
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Feature photo by Lola Akinmade. Photo above by Lola Akinmade.
Bea More »
8 Trips for Getting Close to the World’s Deadliest Animals
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Whether you're an animal lover, scientist, photographer, or just an adventurous traveler, these trips bring you face-to-face with some of the world†More »
Jungle Wonderland: Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
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Discover the humid heart of Southern Thailand in this awe-inspiring national park. More »
How To Trek The Inca Trail
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The ancient mountain path to Machu Picchu is one of the best treks in the Andes. Here's how to do it right. More »
Egyptian Paradise
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Discover an oasis of simplicity and calm on the shore of the Sinai. More »
The Best of Barbados
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There’s more to Barbados than daiquiris and duty-free. More »
Backpacker’s Secret Guide: Islands Of Trang, Thailand
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Travel to the far south of Thailand to escape the crowds. More »
Backpacker’s Secret Guide: Muang Ngoi Neua, Lao
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Escape the grimy cities of SE Asia for a tranquil riverside village in northern Lao. More »
Iguazu Falls, Argentina: Where Romance Runs Deep
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Lucia Byttebier reveals the secrets of Iguazu Falls, the most romantic destination in Argentina. More »
