Experiencing the Rut First-Hand

While all animals in the deer family, including moose and mule deer, go through the rut each fall, none is quite as impressive as the elk (wapiti). A bugle, the guttural sound a male makes throughout the rut season, can be heard beginning at the end of August through October. 

The bugle itself changes throughout the rut. As bull elk shed their velvet, they bugle short high sounds to locate females (cows) within distance and communicate with other bulls. As daylight shortens, the call changes in both sound and meaning. The short bugle becomes louder, longer, and more frequent. Sometimes referred to as more of a “scream,” this call establishes territory and dominance. This call is most often bull to bull, but a cow knows that it means to stay close to her chosen bull. 

It was in search of hearing this noise in person that brought me, my husband, and our then four-year-old daughter to Rocky Mountain National Park during rut season for the first time back in 2017. Ever since that first early-morning experience of hearing bull elk going back and forth with each other across the mountainside, we have headed to the park yearly to watch the machismo and delight in the bellows. Seeing a male stand his ground, corralling his group of females while another male approaches is nature at its finest. 

The calls of bulls in the middle of the night while snuggled in a tent in early September, the sound of a bugle carrying through the valley while on a hike, bulls chasing females back to the herd, two bulls fighting over a cow—we have experienced all these memorable moments within the park. But nothing can replace that first experience and the delight when we heard that first call. 

The rut is just one interesting animal behavior to watch out for this fall while you’re exploring the outdoors. Here are a few more.

Migration 

Migratory birds begin their journey south for the winter in the fall months. Some birds head straight south, while some make stops during the long journey. If you notice different birds in your area during autumn that seem to only make a short stay, it’s probably a species that needs to stop for rest, eat, or even molt. For instance, eared grebes flock to the Great Salt Lake in Utah, while warblers stop to rest in cottonwoods while the leaves turn bright yellow. 

Some animals are nomadic migrators that move seasonally but not over long distances.  If you are spending time outdoors, you may see these animals making their journey to warmer climates. 

Pronghorn migrate to lower elevation areas, along with mule deer and elk, for milder weather and more access to food during the winter. American bison often migrate south for more open areas for grazing.

Hyperphagia and Food Intake

In North America, bears begin hyperphagia in preparation for winter sleep or “torpor.” This means they drink and eat as much as possible throughout the day. While bears are most active in the early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer, during the fall, they are more active throughout the day, meaning there are more chances for sightings. For this reason, it is important to be extra diligent with food and trash, making sure it is stored and disposed of properly. 

You may see other mammals, including marmots and woodchucks, hunting for food throughout the day during these transitional months. These animals are also trying to build up reserves of fat within their bodies to help get them through the cold months. 

Animals like mule deer that stay active during the winter also tend to eat more food before the season sets in to build up energy reserves. This allows them to be more sedentary, lower their heart and respiratory rates, and conserve heat as they battle the elements of winter.

Scatter-Hoarding and Larder-Hoarding

Scatter-hoarding refers to the act of spreading food items across many hiding places. Birds and small mammals use this technique to make sure they do not go hungry over the cold months when food is scarce. Squirrels are notorious for taking nuts and hiding or burying them. 

Blue jays are also known to use a wide area of space to scatter acorns—sometimes as far as a mile long. Scatter-hoarding is also helpful for germination and seed dispersal, allowing for plant populations to continue to thrive and stay healthy. 

Larder-hoarding is when an animal puts food items in one place for consumption at a later time. Larder-hoarding animals will bury their food stores to hide it from other animals. Food stores are often near where the animal calls home, like its nest or burrow. 

Winter Coats 

Animals that do not hibernate or migrate in any form go through a change in coat to help them survive the winter. These changes typically begin in October, peaking in November, depending on altitude and climate. There are two benefits to changing to a winter coat. The first is that these coats are often a lighter color than summer coats. For animals like the arctic fox and snowshoe hare, their white winter coats help camouflage the mammals from predators. It also is beneficial for the animals to blend in when they are on the hunt for their own food. 

Mammals, including bison, deer, and moose, grow a thicker multi-layer coat during the winter. The underlayer (underfur) is thick and provides much-needed insulation from the snow and cold temperatures. Guard hairs grow on top of the underfur to provide a waterproof layer and to protect the underfur from wear and tear.

The transition from summer to winter is a big one for the animal kingdom. For outdoor lovers, fall is for more than just foliage; it’s for observing the incredible changes taking place among the wildlife in whatever area you’re exploring. Which transition is your favorite to observe?

The post Rut Season at Rocky Mountain National Park, Plus Other Fall Animal Behavior appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Numerous studies prove spending time outdoors is packed with mental health benefits. Even more surprising, newer studies show simply looking at nature may have positive results. In the study shared earlier this year, around 50 college students were exposed to nature virtually. As a result, many had decreased anxiety. The study found those who were passionate about the outdoors benefited even more from the virtual experience.

So whether you just like to watch live cameras or need a mental vacation, here are some of the best livestreams you can find on Explore.org. 

Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park

If you love grizzly bears, fishing, or grizzly bears fishing, this is the camera for you. Positioned in Alaska’s Katmai National Park, the camera often captures grizzly bears fishing for salmon. A few other types of wildlife occasionally show up as well, but the bears are the highlight. The best part is it’s relatively easy to catch a glimpse of some bears, even in the dark and early hours of the Alaskan morning.

Orcalab in British Columbia

This is the destination for foggy seaside cameras capturing the Pacific coast. Orcalab is an organization that has studied whales for five decades. The organization’s set of cameras gives viewers worldwide an occasional glimpse of a pod of orcas moving through the area. Other wildlife you could spot include sea birds, dolphins, and sea lions.

Northern Lights in Manitoba, Canada

This camera located in far northern Canada is something you’ll have to keep in mind for the evening. The camera is positioned directly under the aurora oval, one of the best places to spot the aurora borealis or Northern Lights. Outside the Churchill Northern Studies Center, the daytime livestream won’t bring much, but good things come to those who wait. Be sure to watch this camera closely, especially in late winter and early spring.

Underwater Manatee-Cam at Blue Spring State Park, Florida

For some relaxing zen moments, few animals are gentler and more calming to watch than a manatee. The animal, nicknamed sea cow, quietly grazes underwater. This camera at a Florida state park is a great way to see the animals up close. The warm spring water at the park attracts hundreds of manatees a year.

Waimea Bay Cam in Oahu, Hawaii

You can go on vacation from your desk chair with this live stream on the north shore of Oahu. The beach is known as the birthplace of big wave surfing, so expect to catch a talented surfer shredding the massive swells occasionally. If nothing else, watching the relaxing crashing of the waves almost lets you smell the salty air. 

Have you checked out any livestreams on Explore.org? Which is your favorite?

The post How to Get Outdoors When You’re Stuck at Work: The Best Livestreams to Enjoy From Your Desk appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

With two rims offering very different views, you’ll be able to head to the Grand Canyon multiple times and experience different views and vivid imagery that cannot be compared to one another. They do call it the Grand Canyon, after all.

Here are five facts you may not have known about this incredible place.

5. The Exact Age of the Grand Canyon Is Unknown

The Grand Canyon exists due to tectonic uplift, and parts of the Grand Canyon are older than others. While scientists have been arguing over the exact age of the rocks for over a century, it is believed that the Grand Canyon is somewhere between 70 million and 5 million years old, which is a big range. Depending on the area of the rock you test, either could be considered right, as the rocks have continued to form and change over time.

4. There Are Fossils in the Park, But None Belong to Dinosaurs

There are a variety of fossils within the Grand Canyon, including ancient marine fossils that date back over a billion years. Unfortunately, if you’re looking to find some dinosaur remains and fossils at the park, there is a very low chance of finding them. Though the rocks in the Grand Canyon are significantly older than the dinosaurs, the formations didn’t come to be until after the dinosaurs went extinct. So if you’re looking for dinosaur fossils, you might want to pick a different national park.

3. It Is Considered to be a Gateway to the Afterlife

The Hopi tribe is one of the oldest tribes in documented history, and they spent much of their time in the Grand Canyon. According to the Hopi, the Grand Canyon is where they emerged, at a place called the Sipapuni, which is the gateway to the afterlife.

2. It’s Home to a Tiny Town

At the bottom of the Grand Canyon is the city of Supai, and is not actually a part of the national park. The town consists of about 200 people and is usually not a traveler’s final destination. To visit, you’ll have to apply for—and receive—a permit. To get to Supai, you’ll need to hike the eight miles, travel via horse or mule, or fly in via helicopter. When you arrive in Supai, you must stay at least one night. The citizens of Suapi are not tour guides, so please be respectful.

1. The Pink Rattlesnake Can Only Be Found in the Grand Canyon

There have been at least 11 documented rattlesnakes in the national park, and the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake has never been found anywhere else in the world. This specific species of rattlesnake is often described by the pink color of its scales. The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake has been seen in areas such as Lees Ferry all the way to National Canyon.

Read more facts about the National Parks:

• Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Isle Royale National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Zion National Park
• Voyageurs National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park

The post 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Grand Canyon National Park appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

We caught up with the world champion for a Q&A, and here’s what she had to say.

Outdoors.com: Why do you love surfing?

Caroline Marks: No one can tell you what to do on the wave, and you just have this open canvas to do whatever you want. And everyone’s got such a unique style and such a unique way to approach the wave, and I think that’s what’s so special about surfing, you can just do whatever you want. It’s such a free feeling, and there’s just nothing like it. I don’t really know how to explain it. It’s just such a beautiful feeling to ride a wave and ride it until it stops, breaking into oblivion. It’s pretty cool.

Outdoors.com: Tell me about your outlook on life.

Caroline Marks: Look, I’m still trying to figure out life. I’m 21, and I think I’m still learning every day. I forever will be. The thing I try to do every day is just have a positive outlook on life and surround myself with good people, and I think that is really important. I just try to look through everything with a good lens, and I think that’s definitely a better way than looking at it through a negative lens. So, I just try to look at everything in a positive way. I also believe things do happen for a reason, so be a good person, be honest, all that good stuff.

Outdoors.com: What are three things about you that would surprise us?

Caroline Marks: I used to be a horseback rider. I feel like a lot of people don’t know that. I’m one of six. So, I’ve got a big family. And I was born on Valentine’s Day.

Outdoors.com: What is your most memorable competition and why?

Caroline Marks: Wow. I feel like I have a couple of different ones. My first-ever contest was really special. It was in this wave I grew up surfing called Melbourne Beach, and it was put on by my neighbor. It was an open division, so I surfed against boys and girls. Just surfing against my brothers, I remember that being such a cool feeling. I was like, wow, this is my first contest, and I surf out here every day but now if you make the final you get a trophy, and I thought that was so cool. Another one that really sticks out was the Gold Coast in 2019. My first CT [Championship Tour] win and the first event with equal pay, which was really special. So those two events really stick out to me.

Outdoors.com: What is your greatest fear?

Caroline Marks: My greatest fear is probably losing somebody I love.

Outdoors.com: What things do you think contributed to you becoming an Olympian in 2020?

Caroline Marks: I think, obviously, a lot of hard work, the right people around me, and just my love for surfing is a huge one. And just tons of hours in the water. Also my family. They’ve been just my rock. I was pretty young when I made the Olympics, so I think just having their support, being super young on tour, it was just so helpful. So yeah, my family, a lot of hard work, and my love for surfing got me there.

Outdoors.com: What trait do you most love in yourself?

Caroline Marks: I think I’m pretty funny. I don’t know if a lot of people really know that, just my inner circle, kind of, but I do think I’m pretty funny. I keep things pretty light-hearted, which I’m sure people like, hopefully.

Outdoors.com: Who is your biggest rival and why? 

Caroline Marks: I just feel like there’s a bunch of new girls on tour, and I think we’ll probably all be battling for a long time and that’s really fun. When I first qualified on the tour, the age gap between me and the next person was pretty significant, so I think now it’s really cool to have girls that are younger than me and girls that are my age. We still have Carissa, Stephanie, and Tyler who have been dominating for so long, so I feel like within the next few years there’s gonna be some really good battles between me, the younger girls, and the girls my age. I think it’s gonna be really fun.

Outdoors.com: What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?

Caroline Marks: There’s been some cruel things out there, that’s for sure. I honestly don’t really read the comments that much anymore. I think that was a big mistake I made in my first couple of years on tour. I would read everything, and I am a people pleaser. I do care about what people think, so I’ve just learned it’s pretty impossible to please everybody and that’s okay. And there’s gonna be some keyboard warriors out there that don’t say the nicest thing about you, but I feel like when people say mean things it’s most likely their own insecurity, and you just have to remember that. No matter how strong-minded you are, it definitely affects you. It definitely affects me, so I don’t really read the comments that much anymore.

Outdoors.com: What is your craziest surfing story?

Caroline Marks: I’ve definitely had some shark encounters in Florida. Growing up in Florida, I think it’s one of the shark-bite capitals of the world. I remember I was surfing in this local event, and two people got bit by a shark, and they continued to run the event. That’s just Florida for you. There are just a lot of sharks. They’re not the biggest, but they bite a lot, so that’s a pretty crazy surfing story. The bites weren’t too bad, but still, that’s pretty gnarly.

Outdoors.com: What advice would you give someone trying to improve their surfing?

Caroline Marks: I’d say spend a lot of time in the water. Obviously, in surfing there’s never the same wave, and it’s just a constantly moving environment. Sometimes, it can be a little discouraging if the waves are bad or it’s crowded and you don’t get many waves that session. All of that’s gonna happen. I think just spending more and more time in the water and just being consistent is key. And just having a love for it, I think, is the most important thing. If you love it, you just kind of keep going, no matter how bad of a session you had.

Outdoors.com: What is the most important piece of advice you give to young girls like those in Rising Tides?

Caroline Marks: It’s been really cool to have Rising Tides at every different event this year. It’s been really special. You see new faces, you see familiar faces, and a lot of the girls are ripping. It’s crazy. I’m like, dang you guys don’t need our help. I tell younger girls the reason why I’m continuing to surf is because I just love it, so do what you love, do what makes you happy. Go grab a buddy, go grab a friend. To me, surfing with my brothers is the most special thing ever. It’s the people you love, and you’re doing what you love. So, find what you love and dream big, because it’s pretty amazing when you put your mind to it, what you can accomplish.

Outdoors.com: What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Caroline Marks: I mean, there are things that I’m learning every day. I’m still 21. I definitely do not have it figured out at all. I do think, especially growing up, always competing my whole life, whether it’s in horseback riding or now surfing, I always was basing my happiness off results, and I think you can’t do that. You have to realize there’s more to life than just that and enjoy the people around you. Don’t let results define your happiness. Obviously, when you win, it’s the best feeling ever, but don’t let that define your happiness. And also, good things come to good people, so just be a good person, be honest, and be nice to everyone. People remember how you make them feel, so I think that’s been a really important thing. No matter how cool you are or what you’ve accomplished, people are going to remember how you make them feel. Be you, because no one’s you. That’s what’s really cool, there’s only one of you, so just be yourself.

Outdoors.com: Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Caroline Marks: Billie Eilish, for sure. I would love to have dinner with Billie Eilish and just pick her brain. She’s super inspiring to me, and I think it’s really cool how she’s done a lot of work with her brother, because I’m really close to my brothers. I got into surfing because of my brothers. She seems like a legend.

Outdoors.com: Who inspires you and why?

Caroline Marks: I feel like my family has just been so inspirational to me. Everyone’s just got such a great work ethic and a good outlook on life, and we all really support one another. But we also want to be better than one another. It’s pretty cool. It’s a little competitive, but we also really want to see everyone in our family doing really well. I feel like my whole family is just inspiring. My parents and how they brought us up and the lifestyle they gave us is just so rad. 

The post Surfing World Champion Caroline Marks on Life, Competing, and Staying Inspired appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

While it’s important to consider many “facts” on social media more of an opinion, there are usually at least some informed ideas that you can use to start researching a subject. 

Here are some of the questions and popular responses on the r/Survival sub-Reddit:

Best Tips For Those New to Learning Survival Tactics?

This is a great place for beginners to start on the basics needed to increase your survival skills. Here are some responses.

R/Nilrin:

“Be sure to tell someone you’ll be out in the woods and for how long. Also, cordage making, shelter building, fire making, making pine needle tea, pottery, etc. It’s almost all good for beginners. Most outdoors skills are one of those things that take a few minutes to learn but a lifetime to master.”

R/YardFudge:

“Build a fire. 

Build a fire at night. 

Build a fire after a rain. 

Start a fire without a lighter or matches. 

Build a fire that will last overnight. 

Build a covert fire. 

That’s about 4 full days of training right there.”

R/Capt_Myke:

“Survival Skills are often best learned with a smart friend and at home. 

1. Land nav is king: Take a friend and GPS, go hiking learn to navigate without a GPS. That alone is a great skill to learn without all of the other skills. You need a compass, learn your pace count and map reading skills. Once you have that, create small challenges to test your skills near safety. And with a cell phone. 
2. While you are out there, grab fire-making stuff, moss, sticks, small logs, etc. and learn to make a fire in your backyard or campground.”

What Are the Best Offline Apps to Have On Your Phone?

While over-reliance on your phone can cause trouble, there are still plenty of ways to use modern technology to help you navigate and even call for help. However, what do you do when you’re out of service? Here are a few recommended apps that will work wherever you are.

R/WaffleIronChef:

“Maybe not exactly what you’re looking for, but there are tons of free books in the Kindle store about all different aspects of survival/off-grid living and bushcraft. The nice thing is that you don’t need a Kindle. You can download the books into the app, and they should work just fine without any kind of service.”

R/Top-Feed6544:

“First aid app, survival manual.

The big one for me is a drawing app map to which I can import and draw over QGIS maps I’ve made and exported to my phone to plot routes and examine the terrains over where I’m going.”

R/SimoTheFinlandized:

A phone can be a versatile tool when you install and use the right apps. Make sure you check that the apps work offline since you probably won’t have an internet connection. 

• MAPS & NAVIGATION: Have a mapping and navigation solution that can work offline like OsmAnd. Download the data for your area and any other areas that you may need. Try it out offline (enable airplane mode). It may take a little longer to acquire a GPS signal, but you want to make sure it works now, in advance of the need for it to work later. 
• OFFLINE DICTIONARY AND TRANSLATION: Install an offline working dictionary and the languages you are most likely to face. 
• RECORDER: In survival situations, you will get yourself in a stable situation more easily by keeping the willpower to fight on. To keep going, many people in a survival situation write diaries to combat loneliness and keep track of their life and their unexpected events. 
• TRAILSENSE: The compass can be used to determine the direction to north, and when combined with the GPS, it can be used to navigate to predefined locations. The predefined locations, known as beacons, can be created while at a location and at any point, you can use the compass to navigate back to where the beacon was placed. 
• MUSIC: Have a Music app that is not a streaming solution and some uplifting music. 
• SOURCE: Ligi’s Survival Manual

What Are the Best Survival Items to Add to a Lifejacket?

If you’re a big-time kayaker or it’s your first time camping your way down a river, there are certain items you’ll want to keep handy. This is especially true with a personal floatation device, or PFD, that hopefully you’re wearing. 

These are the additional items that may be worth connecting to your lifejacket: 

R/carlbernsen:

“In a real situation, your best friend would be a PLB or satellite messenger like a Garmin. They can be rented fairly cheaply for specific trips. It’s especially important if you’re alone and in danger of being injured out of radio range.

R/uhnotaraccoon:

“Former guide here. Ditch the tablets and pick up a Life Straw. In an uh-oh scenario, you won’t want to worry about finding a container and waiting for the tab to do its thing.”

R/Sad-Truck-2579

“In my opinion, shelter is more important than fire. You need a tarp or Emergency blankets. Paracord is great if you practice taking it apart and using it. If you are really concerned about survival, get a GPS transponder they come with a strobe light. Being found fast is better than trying to survive for even one day.”

You can find some of the recommended items in the Outdoors.com store. Including:

• Satellite messengers and GPS
• Water filtration systems
• Emergency Blankets
• Tarps

The post The Best Survival Tips From Reddit appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

In this list of the top films about the outdoors, you’ll find a range of movies that explore the human-nature connection in vastly different settings and circumstances, divided into fictional stories, films based on real stories, and documentaries. 

Although they span decades and genres, what these films share is their ability to take us to forests, deserts, oceans, rivers, and mountains where we can experience the wonder of nature—whether that’s through themes or visuals.  

So, grab some popcorn, and get ready to spark your sense of adventure as we count down the top outdoor films of all time. (And make sure you leave a comment if we missed your favorite.)

The Greatest Outdoor Films: Fictional

The Grey (2011)

This adventure drama is basically a survivalist (played by Liam Neeson) vs. a pack of wolves and, symbolically, more about man facing his mortality. Set entirely in the remote Alaskan wilderness, The Grey gehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujrBaHS8UTgts high points for stunning cinematography, as it depicts the harsh realities and dangers of being in unforgiving natural environments. The film also gets into some real outdoor skills like building shelters, finding water sources, treating hypothermia, making fire, and dressing wounds without too much detail, and it has an incredible final scene.

Vertical Limit (2000)

The film stars Chris O’Donnell as a professional rock climber who must lead a rescue mission to save his sister Annie and her team, who are stranded on K2. While it wasn’t based on a true story, the film strived for technical accuracy by having the actors train extensively with climbing experts to perform many of their own stunts. The climbing sequences were filmed on location in New Zealand, utilizing majestic alpine settings to stand in for the Himalayas. These realistic scenes show the cast battling the real-life dangers of climbing at extreme high altitudes, such as sheer ice faces, avalanches, and oxygen deprivation.

The River Wild (1994)

Part thriller, part river-rafting movie, the original The River Wild brought home the excitement of whitewater rafting to a new audience. The movie revolves around a couple working on their marriage who go on a rafting trip, only to run into three men wanted by police for a recent robbery. Meryl Streep, Kevin Bacon, and David Strathairn lead the cast. The movie has stood the test of time long enough that a remake was released in 2023. However, it’s hard to beat the original that brings viewers to awesome filming locations and rivers in Oregon, Montana, Colorado, and Utah.

The Hunted (2003)

The Hunted, starring Tommy Lee Jones and Benicio del Toro, is a far cry from a great movie, but it is a heck of a lot of fun. It’s basically the plot of Rambo if Rambo became an environmentalist. It’s about a trained assassin, del Toro, who goes from killing other soldiers in war to hunters in the forests of Oregon. To catch such a highly trained killer takes the person who trained him: Jones. The movie is full of absurd yet plausible survival training. 

Twister (1996)

In the age of action-packed thrillers, Twister took audiences on a wild ride with storm chasers. They manage to also cram in some light science, a love story, comedy, and more as the plot chases tornadoes around Oklahoma and the surrounding area. The movie has big-name actors, including Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and more. Twister comes to a climax with a fictional look inside a tornado, and the ride to get there is 100% worth it.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Directed by and starring Ben Stiller, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty follows Walter Mitty on the adventure of a lifetime. After years of dedicated work at Life magazine as a negative assets manager, Mitty is compelled to leave the tedium and disappointment of his daily life behind. The adventure brings him to Greenland, Iceland, the Himalayas, and beyond. As Mitty discovers his potential, viewers are treated to the visual splendors of these remote outdoor places. The movie is funny, poignant, and inspiring. It’ll make you want to book plane tickets to—anywhere, really—because, as viewers learn alongside Walter Mitty, there’s no time like the present. 

The Bear (1988)

No, we’re not talking about the show focused on a stressful kitchen in Chicago. This movie stars two real-life bears. The plot centers around an orphaned grizzly cub that an adult Kodiak bear essentially adopts. Hunters follow the two bears, and while there’s not a lot of dialogue in the movie, it makes for a compelling story about wildlife and how animals adapt to extreme situations. Fun fact: The adult bear has enough acting credits to warrant its own Wikipedia page. The animal has acted alongside greats like Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, John Candy, and Dan Aykroyd. 

Camp Rock (2008)

Filmed in Ontario, Canada, this Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) is the story of a diva rock star and a small-town songwriter meeting at a well-known and loved summer camp for musicians. Throughout the summer, kids do a variety of performances, as well as some traditional summer camp activities. And of course, it wouldn’t be a DCOM without a little bit of over-the-top teen drama. Plus, who doesn’t want to watch Joe Jonas try to play guitar on a lake?

Jaws (1975)

Almost 50 years later, Jaws keeps beachgoers weary about going into the ocean. The movie is about a small New England beach town terrorized by a massive great white shark. Most of the filming took place on location in Martha’s Vineyard. The film is now a Steven Spielberg classic. Decades later, the few notes that make up the shark’s theme song can trigger anxiety with visions of the shark’s fin moving in for a kill. Plus, the movie gave us the iconic line: “I think we’re going to need a bigger boat.” What’s not to like?

The Hunter (2011)

Although there are a bunch of movies titled The Hunter, we’re talking about the 2011 Australian thriller starring Willam Dafoe. The movie follows a mercenary turned hunter hired by a shady corporation to find an extinct Tasmanian tiger supposedly roaming a wild forest in Tasmania. Although the hunt is what drives the plot, what makes the movie an enjoyable watch is Dafoe’s character’s competency as an outdoorsman and the empathy he develops for nature, as well as the beautiful shots of the Australian wilderness. 

The Call of the Wild (2020)

The classic book waited over a century to finally become a feature film. The story tells the adventure of Buck, a dog taken from an affluent home in California to the Yukon Territory. Through the animal’s journey, he goes from a pet to a more primitive return to the wild. The Jack London book, released in 1903, focused on the gold rush in the area. A century later, we have Harrison Ford as one of the pivotal characters in the story. One of the best parts of this legendary outdoor story is the PG rating, which means the whole family can enjoy it.

The Revenant (2015)

The Revenant is a survival film that starts with a grizzly bear mauling. The 2.5-hour-long movie received multiple awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie tells the story of fur traders in the early 1800s making their way across the Dakotas. However, filming locations were mostly in Alberta, Canada, with a few scenes shot in British Columbia, Montana, and Argentina. The Revenant does a great job of capturing true survival at a time when wilderness was truly wild and no one was coming to rescue you.

The Avatar Film Series (2009, ongoing)

This epic science-fiction film series began in 2009, when the characters began colonizing Pandora for unobtanium. The mining colony on Pandora threatens to harm the local Nav’i tribe. The story begins in 2154, after Earth has been depleted of its natural resources. Humans travel to Pandora using human-Nav’i avatars, since the planet is inhospitable to humans. The second film in the series came out just last year, and there are at least three more coming out in the next decade. 

Harry and the Hendersons (1987)

A heartwarming family film about Bigfoot in the forests of Oregon, Harry and the Hendersons is mostly about the Henderson family exploring the forests of the Pacific Northwest near their home as they try to locate “Harry” after their initial sighting. Viewers are treated to vivid scenes of tall trees, lush greenery, cascading rivers, and mountain vistas. The film, which spawned a sitcom that ran for a few years, also shows an appreciation for camping and spending time in nature. The Hendersons go on camping trips and teach Harry about roasting marshmallows and other forest activities. It’s a nostalgic nod to long days and nights with family in the wild.  

Indiana Jones (series 1981-2023)

From the jungles of South America to the deserts of the Middle East, the Indy series immerses the viewer in breathtaking landscapes. The films see the greatest fictional archeologist ever exploring ruins, jungles, and uncharted territories to discover ancient secrets. Maybe it’s a stretch to call these “outdoor films,” but for our money, the swashbuckling adventures, emphasis on world travel, and immersion in far-flung natural settings makes the Indiana Jones series (definitely Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, at least) perfect entertainment for those who dream of having their own adventures in the great outdoors.

FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)

Before there was Avatar, there was FernGully. The children’s movie focuses on a lumberjack who gets shrunk to fairy size by a pixie in the woods. Much like Avatar, he learns about the fairies’ way of life and the importance of protecting the outdoors and a sacred tree. The movie has a long list of voice actors, including Christian Slater, Tim Curry, and Robin Williams as a zany and fun-loving bat. Captain Planet was also on air then, making these two cartoons a foundation for a generation of people worried about the environment.

The Star Wars Franchise (1977, ongoing)

The great outdoors are a huge part of the Star Wars franchise and though the stories take place in space, many of the scenes outside take place in stunning outdoor locations. Star Wars tells the stories of the rise and fall of the greatest Jedis in the galaxy, but the locations—from the sweeping deserts of Tunisia to a variety of U.S. National Parks—show off the beauty of this planet.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

There’s just something special about those memories of your summer vacations and time spent out at camp. Dirty Dancing has a little something for everyone: nostalgia, beautifully shot scenes in the great outdoors, and some rather iconic songs. Filmed in North Carolina and Virginia, the film follows Baby on a summer vacation in the Catskills with her family. While the way Baby learns to dance may be a bit unconventional to most (balancing on logs and doing lifts in the water), it does kind of make you want to do the same with someone you love. You can even stay at the Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia where they filmed the lift scene that we’ve all been trying to recreate for years.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Wes Anderson is well known for his movie style, mainly how he portrays characters and dialogue. Moonrise Kingdom, which takes place at a summer camp on a New England island, continues Anderson’s methodology. The movie focuses on the budding romance between two kids on the island, one who is there for a wilderness scout camp. As is common in his movies, Anderson features some familiar faces, including Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, and Jason Schwartzman. He also adds Bruce Willis and Edward Norton to this movie.

Cast Away (2000)

Filmed on a tropical island in Fiji, Cast Away tells the story of a regular man whose life gets turned upside-down when he takes an unintended and much-too-long stay on said tropical island. Tom Hanks won a Golden Globe in 2001 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his performance as Chuck Noland, who survives not only a plane crash but also four lonely years on a deserted island with a volleyball, which he names Wilson, as his sole companion. Noland is forced to learn critical survival skills as a castaway, and his transformational journey is both touching and memorable.

The Greatest Outdoor Films: Based on Real Stories

127 Hours (2010)

Directed by Danny Boyle and based on the true story of Aron Ralston (played by James Franco), who became trapped in a remote canyon in Utah after a boulder pinned his arm. With little hope of rescue and facing imminent death, Ralston must summon all his courage, determination, and resourcefulness to survive. 127 Hours focuses on Ralston’s resilience and will as he finds himself at the mercy of the unforgiving desert landscape. The breathtaking cinematography immerses viewers in the vast and awe-inspiring wilderness, showcasing both its beauty and its dangers.  

A River Runs Through It (1992)

Featuring some incredible cinematic shots of the wilds of Montana, this film stars Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer (as well as Joseph Gordon-Levitt in his first big-screen role) as brothers, and it helped position fly fishing as a semi-spiritual experience. Set in the early 20th century, this quiet, slow-moving film is based on a semi-autobiographical novella by Norman Maclean, and watching it feels like reading a good book. It’s the perfect vibe for a lazy weekend afternoon, unless you can make plans to actually go fly fishing. 

Lost City of Z (2016)

In James Gray’s The Lost City of Z, viewers follow along as British explorer Col. Percy Fawcett searches the Amazon for a lost city. Based on a true story from the early 1900s, the movie demonstrates the dedication—even obsession—that Fawcett has for uncovering the City of Z, the so-called “ultimate piece of the human puzzle.” Charlie Hunnam convincingly plays Fawcett, who returns to the wilds of the Amazon time and time again in search of the lost city. He faces unthinkable dangers deep in the jungle, but the promise of the ultimate discovery continues to lure him in until the mysterious end.

Everest (2015)

In this harrowing tale of survivalism, mountaineer Rob Hall is part of an expedition to summit Mount Everest in May 1996. Director Baltasar Kormákur tells a compelling story based on true events, with actors Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, Jake Gyllenhaal, and John Hawkes, among others, delivering an emotional and gripping portrayal of what it’s like on the planet’s tallest peak when things go seriously wrong. Filmed in part in Nepal and at Everest Base Camp, the movie takes viewers into the heart of a mountaineer’s journey to the top of the world—a place from which many thrill seekers never return.

Gorillas in the Mist (1988)

Based on a memoir with the same name, Gorillas in the Mist tells the true story of primatologist Dian Fossey (played by Sigourney Weaver) and her work studying gorillas in Africa. Much of the filming took place in Rwanda and Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), where Fossey had established the Karisoke Research Center to study mountain gorillas. The remote jungle locations where Weaver and the film crew had to trek to access gorilla habitats added to the sense of authenticity. Filmmakers strived for high accuracy by relying on Fossey’s own diaries and interviews with those who knew her, as well as mixed footage of real gorillas and advanced costumes (at least for the time) to create believable gorilla interactions.

Alive (1993)

Based on the 1974 book by the same name, Alive is the biographical drama of the survival of the Uruguayan rugby team. On their flight to Chile for an upcoming match, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 experiences turbulence and crashes into the Andes Mountains. Miraculously, there are survivors, but they are in the middle of a tundra with extremely limited resources. The boys make a number of attempts to seek help and get out, but not without a number of setbacks. They eventually find help and the survivors are brought home to their loved ones.

Into the Wild (2007)

Christopher McCandless is a divisive person when it comes to the outdoors. In some circles, his channeling of Jack Kerouac and Edward Abbey with a disdain for society and obsession with the West makes him a hero. To others, he was misguided and ill-prepared for the dangers of the wilderness, especially an Alaskan winter. Actor Sean Penn wrote and directed the film adaptation of McCandless’ life, with Emile Hirsch playing the lead. The movie finds a balance with McCandless as both a hero and, at times, misguided. Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder also wrote some great music for the film.

Never Cry Wolf (1983)

Based on author Farley Mowat’s fictionalized account of his real-life experiences observing wolves, the film tells the story of a government biologist sent to the isolated sub-Arctic wilderness to study wolf populations. He hopes to disprove the popular belief that wolves are simple killers. (Spoiler alert: He does.) The film stars Charles Martin Smith and some incredible vistas of Canada’s northern territories, and it appeals to wildlife enthusiasts, as it offers insights into natural wolf behavior and ways of living sustainably with wildlife. 

Adrift (2018)

Based on the book that tells a true story of survival, Adrift focuses on staying alive when all else is lost. The movie stars Shailene Woodley, whose character is on a sailing trip with her boyfriend when a powerful storm tears their ship apart. She awakens in the cabin to find herself alone with the boat in shambles. What follows is her fight to survive. The solitude of floating alone through the ocean makes this movie a compelling and powerful story.

Cool Runnings (1983)

When a Jamaican sprinter doesn’t qualify for the 1988 Summer Olympics, he teams up with disgraced former Olympian Irving Blitzer to form the first-ever Jamaican bobsled team for the 1988 Winter Olympics. Blitzer helps the team train, but they struggle to adapt to the cool weather of Calgary.

A Walk in the Woods (2015)

Based on a book that has inspired countless people to hike the Appalachian Trail (AT), A Walk in the Woods didn’t do great in theaters. However, fans of the AT and long hikes were still excited to see this one. The film did pack some legendary actors, including Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, and Emma Thompson. The story is based on the first-hand account of author Bill Bryson’s planned hike from Georgia to Maine. The movie does an excellent job of capturing how challenging this 2,000-plus mile trek is. Plus, it’s a good reminder that buying the right gear can sometimes be worth it.

Wild (2014)

Whereas A Walk in the Woods was lighthearted, Wild was heavy. The movie adapts Cheryl Strayed’s book about her journey on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Strayed’s struggle with depression and drug use fuels her to start the adventure with the goal of hiking 1,100 miles of the trail. Strayed’s journey on the PCT begins in the Mojave Desert in southern California and leads her to Oregon. For an inexperienced hiker, the trail is a massive undertaking. The movie and the lead actor, Reese Witherspoon, were both nominated for multiple awards. The film stands as a motivator to get outdoors when things get tough.  

The Greatest Outdoor Films: Documentaries

My Octopus Teacher (2020)

With heartfelt storytelling and expertly captured underwater footage, in this film, you’ll feel like you’re diving along with the film’s protagonist, Craig Foster, into the curious, mesmerizing marine world of the octopus. Through its narrative, My Octopus Teacher invites viewers to reflect on their own connection to nature, emphasizing the profound interdependence between humans and the environment. The documentary leaves a lasting impact on viewers about how we can better preserve the fragile beauty that surrounds us.

The Rescue (2021)

The Rescue documents the intense true story of the 2018 rescue operation to save 12 boys from a flooded cave in Thailand. Although you may know that everyone was rescued after spending 18 days stranded inside of the cave, the details of exactly how they were rescued and how close they were to drowning is just insane. Although the Thai government had international help and seemingly infinite resources, it all came down to the few people in the world with the skills and psychological wherewithal to SCUBA dive in dark and confined spaces. 

The Dawn Wall (2017)

This documentary focuses on Tommy Caldwell’s attempt to create a new route on Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan. The process is painstaking, as it’s one of the most difficult routes ever created. The movie is partly a biography of Caldwell, who has solidified his name as one of the most well-known climbers in the world. Besides being a testament to what humans can achieve, The Dawn Wall is almost like a buddy comedy as the relationship builds between Caldwell and climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson.

14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021)

At over 8,000 meters, mountainous “death zones” exist where oxygen levels lower to only one-third of what the normal volume is. The attempts for climbers to bag each of the world’s 8,000ers had generally been measured in years, but this film tells the story of climber Nims Purja and his mission to climb all 14 in just seven months. In the film, Nims and his team of elite Sherpas battle treacherous conditions, avalanches, blizzards, and the deadly effects of high altitude. With no supplemental oxygen and pushing the limits of endurance, their goal seemed impossible. However, through teamwork, perseverance, and unrelenting determination, they manage to successfully summit each peak one by one, often having to make dangerous emergency evacuations of team members. 

Virunga (2014)

Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, and it’s home to the last remaining mountain gorillas. With a mix of great storytelling and dedicated reporting, Virunga shows how the rangers persevere in their conservation efforts despite immense challenges. With a tagline of “Conservation is War,” it’s no surprise that things get intense, and filmmakers find themselves involved in a pretty intense situation. Virunga offers incredible views of the region’s natural landscape, wildlife, and complex political challenges. 

The Deepest Breath (2023)

Freediving is incredibly dangerous, and Alessia Zecchini is one of the most decorated free divers in the world. The Deepest Breath documents Zecchini’s training and preparation as she aims to set a new world record. We see her undergo rigorous physical training to expand her lung capacity and build strength and tolerance for depth. Cameras capture the intensity and risk as Zecchini heads to the Philippines and descends over 100 meters into the dark water, powered only by a single breath.  

180° South (2010)

In this film (also called 180 Degrees South: Conquerors of the Useless) Jeff Johnson retraces the legendary 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia) and Doug Tompkins (founder of The North Face) to the southern end of South America. Throughout his own journey, Johnson experiences the raw and stunning beauty of the South American landscape, from its forests to its rivers and mountains, and encounters the effects of industrialization and the environmental degradation that it brings. Interweaved with Johnson’s adventure, the film includes interviews with Chouinard and Tompkins, who discuss their own paths, deep connections with the natural world, and dedication to conservation. They reflect on the concept of “conquerors of the useless”—the idea that the greatest personal fulfillment comes not from exploiting the land for material gain but from adventures that leave no trace and efforts to protect the natural world. 

Valley Uprising (2014)

The film Valley Uprising tells the story of how Yosemite Valley became the mecca of the climbing world. It shows the history of climbing culture by telling how it evolved from an uptight pragmatic task to the adventurous dirt-bagging lifestyle of today. The movie connects the dots of misfits through the years, from the godfathers of climbing Royal Robbins and Warren Harding to the best climbers of today, like Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell.  

March of the Penguins (2005)

“In the harshest place on Earth, love finds a way.” So says Morgan Freeman, the narrator of March of the Penguins, a heartwarming documentary for the whole family directed by Luc Jacquet. The film documents the annual trek of emperor penguins to their breeding grounds, where they find mates, lay their eggs, and tend their newborn chicks—which is no small feat. Filmed on location in the southernmost place on the planet, Antarctica, March of the Penguins captures the struggles and the beauty of life, while also showcasing the awe-inspiring power of Mother Nature.  

Grizzly Man (2005)

Directed and narrated by filmmaker Werner Herzog, Grizzly Man might be one of the strangest and most engaging films you’ll ever watch. It tells the story of Timothy Treadwell as he lives among grizzly bears in Alaska’s Katmai National Park until the fateful night that he’s eaten by one of the bears. His life was an inevitable disaster, but Treadwell lived it anyway. It’s certainly a cautionary tale about why you shouldn’t anthropomorphize animals, but it also explains what drove Treadwell to live like he did—how he “crossed an invisible border” separating man from bears. 

Free Solo (2018)

If you want a climbing documentary to keep you on the edge of your seat, Free Solo is the way to go. Fellow climber and documentary filmmaker Jimmy Chin captured Alex Honnold’s free solo climb of a route in Yosemite. Free Solo, which takes its name from a term that describes climbing without ropes, is sometimes a terrifying movie to watch, knowing that one fall would be catastrophic. The documentary does a great job of balancing the suspense with the quirkiness of Alex Honnold. Similar to Dawn Wall, the movie brought climbing to a broader audience than ever before.

Did your favorite outdoor film make the list? If not, let us know in the comments below which ones we missed. 

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You can watch a live stream of the volcano in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park here:

According to a press release, the eruption is coming from the summit crater with multiple lava fountains, creating a lake of molten rock. Lava started flowing Sunday afternoon. The national park is located on Hawaii’s Big Island. As of now, all volcanic activity is confined to the park. There is no current threat to any homes or communities.

Not everyone is watching the live stream of the volcano, as the volcanic activity is attracting extra visitors to the park. Park Rangers want to remind everyone about safety precautions and the sacredness of the volcano to the Hawaiian people.

While an eruption is somewhat unpredictable, the optimal viewing of the lava lake and fountains are at Uēkahuna, Kīlauea Overlook and areas along Crater Rim Trail.

Visitors should stay on trails and avoid closed areas. Also, be cautious around cliff edges as they are unstable. Park Rangers also stress that hazardous volcanic gases can be harmful, especially to young children, the elderly, pregnant people and those with respiratory issues.

Finally, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park staff want to remind visitors to “Observe the eruption quietly and respect Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners who honor the sacred legacy of this land and give them space to practice their customs.”

Here are some additional tips to observe a volcano safely.

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So when my friends decided we should all pencil dive from the Phelps Lake Jumping Rock in Grand Teton National Park, I was terrified. After getting past an almost-paralyzing fear, I finally sprang off the boulder and into the cool water. When my feet touched land again, I was more relieved it was over than amped up with excitement.

I’m glad I can check this one off my bucket list and never leap from 30 feet up ever again. But some people live for the rush and seek such thrills out every chance they get. 

Here’s why.

Science Behind Thrill-Seeking

You might think of your friends who would jump at the chance to skydive as fearless and those who wouldn’t dream of cliff diving as less than adventurous — they choose to live two different types of lives.

But there may be something physiologically different between people who crave the rush dangerous outdoor activities bring and those who’d rather remain comfortably safe inside. And it all comes down to dopamine.

This neurotransmitter known as the “happy hormone” is released when you experience something you find pleasurable, from chowing down on junk food to taking part in your favorite outdoor activity. As a result, you feel good and continue to crave the experience that gives you that incredible feeling.

Dr. Ken Carter, professor of psychology at Oxford College of Emory University and author of Buzz! Inside the Minds of Thrill-Seekers, Daredevils, and Adrenaline Junkies, says people who pursue extreme thrills create more dopamine than those who would experience a stress response in the same situations.

“You’re probably familiar with the fight-or-flight response. Cortisol is one of the hormones responsible for getting us ready to fight, flee, or freeze in those situations,” Carter told NPR.  “What we find is that high-sensation seekers — they don’t produce that much cortisol in those situations. What they produce more of is dopamine, the neurotransmitter that’s associated with pleasure.”

One study involving individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease noted that a medication that treated some of their symptoms also stimulated their dopamine receptors. New high-risk behaviors and impulse-control disorders were 2.5 times as common in patients taking the drug, due to its effect on dopamine.

Another study found that the presence of a particular dopamine receptor gene variant makes certain people have an even greater response and become more likely to chase after the thrill that comes with dangerous activities. So while backcountry skiing might seem too scary to some, it can become an addicting thrill to others who possess this variant. 

For many daredevils, it’s about a combination of novelty and risk. Something new with uncertain outcomes offers the potential for an incredible reward — the thrill of making it through in one piece. Depending on the individual and the activity, the risk versus reward ratio can be the deciding factor in participating or passing.

However, it’s not that the people who willfully risk their lives for a dopamine response are completely fearless — they’re usually afraid but do the thing anyway. And this behavior often trickles down into other areas of life.

“What some high sensation-seeking individuals realize is that they often push through those fears because the reward on the other side is worth more than the avoidance of the fears.” Carter said in an interview with WABE Atlanta. “So being fearless and jumping out of a plane can also mean that you’re fearless in sticking up for someone or you’re fearless when it’s time to do a presentation. So I think that confidence can sometimes carry over to other kinds of situations as well.”

Plenty of women demonstrate this confidence doing dangerous things, but have you ever noticed more men jumping from planes and snowboarding extreme runs? A study from Rutgers University found that when under stress, men took risks while women took the conservative route. So, when under pressure, men are more likely to take the treacherous path with the greatest possibility of thrill — women will usually stick to the safer choice.

Dr. Carter says that although high sensation-seeking or risk-taking behavior can “exacerbate certain situations,” it’s not the sign of a psychological disorder. In fact, it could help your overall well-being.

“Some research indicates that people who are high sensation-seeking have lower levels of stress and anxiety, that there’s a protective factor for them,” he told Emory University. “High sensation-seeking people can more easily roll with the punches, so there are some great aspects of it.”

Most Exhilarating Exploits

While any dangerous behavior can get the dopamine going for daredevils, not all high-stakes activities offer the same level of thrill. Rock climbing with ropes provides some excitement, but the relatively high probability of survival might make this choice too safe to give true adrenaline junkies that dopamine release.

It will depend on the risk analysis of the particular person, but some of the most satisfying exploits for thrill seekers include the most dangerous activities in the world: heli-skiing, BASE jumping, cave diving, wingsuit flying, and big wave surfing. Sports where there’s no literal or figurative “safety net” provide the most intense rush.

If you’re an avid adventurer who’s always on the search for the next thrill, you’re probably blessed with the biology to relish in these experiences. Enjoy it — those of us who don’t generate the same level of happy hormone will be cheering you on from the safety of our seat belts and dry land.

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Joshua Tree’s desert climate drew more than three million visitors in 2022 and 2021. Compared to many other parks, Joshua Tree is packed with cultural significance, whether movie references or album titles by big-name bands. Others consider visiting Joshua Tree a spiritual experience. However, whether that’s your draw to the park, or you’re there for rock climbing or to check out landmarks like Skull Rock, visiting Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing experience.

Here’s a look at some fun facts that keep visitors coming back.

Two Deserts Meet In the Park

There are two deserts within the boundaries of the park. While the Mojave Desert is where most visitors enter, and where Joshua trees thrive, the Colorado Desert also makes up part of the park. The Colorado sits at a lower elevation and has a warmer climate than the Mojave. The Colorado also gets more rainfall in the summer, while the Mojave is likelier to see freezing temperatures in the winter. The two deserts make the park more diverse in its fauna and flora.

The Namesake Joshua Tree Plant Isn’t Actually a Tree

Despite looking like small alien trees, Joshua trees are a yucca plant. The agave plant has sharp spines like many other desert plants. The tree has been used for centuries as a source of material to weave baskets with its tough leaves. Later, Mormon settlers used the dense plant for fence posts. Those same settlers also named the plant Joshua tree after the biblical figure for the way its branches reach out as if it were praying. Today, dozens of species of animals and insects rely on plants for shelter and food.

Despite Being a Desert, Joshua Tree National Park is Full of Life

While most associate the desert as an unforgiving place with little life, hundreds of different reptiles, mammals and birds call Joshua Tree National Park home. The list of species includes coyotes, desert hares, bobcats and the desert tortoise, which has become sort of another mascot for the park. Officially named the Mojave desert tortoise, the animal is, unfortunately, a threatened species. The park is making significant efforts to save the species. Seeing one in the park is rare as they live 95% of their lives underground. 

It’s Not Always Hot, and Snow Can Fall in the Winter

On average, Joshua Tree sees 0.7 days of snowfall in the park. That means it doesn’t happen yearly, but it occurs enough that it isn’t necessarily a rare occurrence in a place associated with high temperatures. While it’s usually not much more than a light dusting, the snow provides another water source for a usually dry place. California saw a record-breaking amount of snow in 2023, including some snow that fell within the park.

Most of Joshua Tree National Park is Wilderness

Even though millions of people live within a day’s drive to the park, most of Joshua Tree is considered wilderness. That means the protected areas are even without roads, facilities or any sign of human influence. Visitors wishing to access these parts of the park must do so on foot, if at all. In fact, 85% of the park is wilderness areas. According to NPS officials, wilderness areas, “provide visitors with greater solitude and quiet, with opportunities to explore where few others have ventured.”

Read more facts about the National Parks:

• Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Isle Royale National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• Zion National Park
• Voyageurs National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park

The post 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Joshua Tree National Park appeared first on Outdoors with Bear Grylls.

Born in 1979, he married Lisa Bonet in 2017, but they divorced in 2022, and he has two children whom he takes outside as much as he can. After the couple’s split, this nature-loving celebrity spent some time living in his RV. You may know these facts about this major Hollywood star and outdoor lover, but read on to discover five outdoorsy things you probably didn’t know about Jason Momoa.

5. His Traditional Hawaiian Tattoo Symbolizes His Shark Guardian

According to Yahoo Entertainment, the rows of black triangles tattooed on Momoa’s left arm are designed to resemble a shark’s teeth. When Momoa is in the water, it’s meant to help sharks swimming nearby understand that he’s one of them. Momoa’s family’s guardian is the shark, which underscores his true connection to the ocean. In 2022, he got a traditional Hawaiian tattoo on the left side of his head that matches, similarly symbolizing protection for his family and his aumakua or family god that originated as a deified ancestor that is said to manifest as an object or animal—in this case, a shark.

4. He Really Is Aquaman In Real Life

Aquaman (2018) grossed $1.15 billion worldwide and became the highest-grossing installment in the DC Universe. It is also the highest-grossing film based on a DC character. The film was well cast and demonstrates Momoa’s life-long love of the water.

Momoa is also committed to fighting for the ocean’s preservation. Momoa started the company Mananalu in 2019 to reduce the use of single-use plastics. The website states that less than 9% of plastic is recycled. Momoa’s company sells water in a can. He posted a video saying: “About 75% of all aluminum that’s ever been used is still in circulation today, and it’s 100% recyclable. You drink the can, and in about 60 days it’ll be back.”

His fight to ban single-use plastics got him named the United Nations Environment Programme’s Advocate for Life Below Water. In other words, he is the true Aquaman.

3. He’s a Passionate Rock Climber 

Momoa isn’t shy about his love of rock climbing. In fact, you may have seen his rock climbing TV show produced with his long-time friend Chris Sharma, The Climb. It’s hard to know how hard Momoa climbs, but it’s widely speculated to be around V4-V6, which is pretty good, especially compared to many other actors who climb. No stranger to some of the world’s best climbers, Momoa actually presented Jimmy Chin with his Oscar for Best Documentary Feature for Free Solo in 2019.

Jason Momoa loves rock climbing so much that he partnered with climbing product company So iLL, thereby combining his love for climbing and fashion. He often spends time teaching his kids how to climb, too. “We don’t own a TV. My kids are always outdoors,” the actor was quoted as saying.

2. Jason Momoa Occasionally Wears a Loincloth for Outdoor Adventures

Momoa is well-rounded in his sports interests (for instance, he has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), and he enjoys many outdoor sports beyond rock climbing, including skydiving and fishing. You may have even seen the scandalous video where, on a deep-sea fishing trip with friends, Momoa sported a loincloth. He truly does know how to have fun outdoors.

1. Jason Momoa Was A Competitive Swimmer

Momoa was a competitive swimmer as a kid and apparently even considered pursuing a career in it before turning to acting and modeling. He was competitive and driven, even from the start. He also produced the documentary film, Waterman (2022), the story of five-time Olympic medalist Duke Kahanamoku, a true “waterman,” a name in Hawaii for an athlete who is adept at many ocean-related sports and skills. 

Article updated on Sept. 12, 2023

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