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High Country News

High Country News

A nonprofit independent magazine of unblinking journalism that shines a light on all of the complexities of the West.

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HCN has covered the lands, wildlife and communities of the Western U.S. for more than 50 years. Get to know the West better by signing up to receive HCN’s on-the-ground reporting and investigations in your inbox.

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Recreation

Posted inArticles

The EXPLORE Act is a blueprint for bipartisan conservation legislation

by Zoë Rom January 13, 2025January 10, 2025

Bipartisan support for the act highlights the outdoor industry’s growing political clout, but questions remain about its cultural and environmental impact.

Posted inArticles

How the Park City ski patrol won concessions from Vail

by Brooke Larsen January 10, 2025January 10, 2025

As patrollers and management reach an agreement, other ski patrols are learning from Park City’s example.

Posted inJanuary 2025: The West's Most Wanted

Felonious furries, bunches of bats, a coyote commune and pumpkin paddlers

by Tiffany Midge January 1, 2025December 31, 2024

Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.

Posted inArticles

How a dwindling helium supply is impacting public land management

by Zoë Rom November 18, 2024November 18, 2024

A new BLM plan for western Colorado makes a priority of helium production, worrying environmentalists.

Posted inArticles

The Forest Service is cutting its seasonal workforce and public lands will suffer

by Nick Bowlin October 8, 2024October 10, 2024

Temporary employees warn that important work will go undone all over the country.

Posted inDecember 2024: Land as Reparations

‘Rez Ball’ is no easy feat, but Indigenous communities win in the end

by Jason Asenap September 25, 2024November 22, 2024

The latest Indigenous Netflix film shows the challenges of Native life through the culture of rez ball.

Posted inArticles

Why Utah is suing the U.S. for control of public land 

by Brooke Larsen August 23, 2024August 22, 2024

The state asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday to weigh in on the future of federal lands.

Posted inArticles

Endurance and the spirit of wrestling in the West

by Michael Copperman August 20, 2024August 20, 2024

Remembering local wrestling hero Kenny Cox.

Posted inArticles

Hiking in the heat

by Kylie Mohr July 24, 2024August 8, 2024

A conversation with the head of the preventive search and rescue program in Joshua Tree National Park.

Posted inArticles

Alaska’s capital plans to limit cruise ship tourists

by James Brooks June 20, 2024August 8, 2024

‘Juneau is hitting pause on growth.’

Posted inArticles

$350M in federal land sales likely to benefit Nevada public lands and wildlife

by Amy Alonzo June 5, 2024August 8, 2024

See what projects are expected to get the funding.

Posted inArticles

Parques y vida silvestre en Nevada se podrían beneficiar gracias a ventas de tierras federales

by Amy Alonzo June 5, 2024August 8, 2024

El estado espera recibir un ingreso proveniente de la Ley de Administración de Tierras Públicas del Sur de Nevada.

Posted inJune 2024: The Idea of Wilderness

Learning how to live and die with long COVID

by Miles W. Griffis June 1, 2024May 31, 2024

The late artist David Wojnarowicz’s work has brought me back from the dead.

Posted inArticles

Lake Mead’s illegal road network is growing

by Amy Alonzo May 21, 2024August 8, 2024

People have created hundreds of miles of unofficial roads trying to reach the water as levels decline. Federal officials want funds to address the issue.

Posted inArticles

Caminos ilegales alrededor del Lago Mead plantean nuevo peligro para el medio ambiente

by Amy Alonzo May 21, 2024August 8, 2024

La gente ha creado caminos no oficiales para llegar al agua a medida que los niveles disminuyen. Funcionarios quieren fondos para atender el problema.

Posted inArticles

Desert Subdivision: The paradox of naming a development after Edward Abbey

by Zoë Rom May 7, 2024August 8, 2024

A Moab housing development named for the author of ‘Desert Solitaire’ sparks debate over Abbey’s legacy and growth in a delicate ecosystem.

Posted inArticles

When is it appropriate to call out bad trail etiquette?

by Hannah Singleton May 7, 2024August 8, 2024

With more trail users than ever before, trail etiquette is important to preserve the places we love. But it doesn’t mean the same thing to every visitor.

Posted inArticles

Can ice climbing bring life to an isolated Colorado town in the dead of winter?

by Bella Biondini April 18, 2024August 8, 2024

Lake City’s ice-climbing park is transforming the local economy.

Posted inIssues

Notes on not sending it

by Nina McConigley April 1, 2024April 1, 2024

Not all people who enjoy the outdoors do sporty things.

Posted inArticles

A hot spot for avalanche deaths in Idaho reveals forecasting gaps

by Rachel Cohen March 28, 2024March 28, 2024

Without reliable information, snowmobilers are riding eastern Idaho’s enticing terrain — and dying.

Posts pagination

1 2 3 … 74 Older posts

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