The Adventure Issue

THE 100 BEST ADVENTURES ON THE PLANET
United States | 52
The only serious way to experience the Grand Canyon is to raft the legendary rapids from top to bottom. PLUS: 37 more essential American adventures.

Canada | 82
Heli-skiing in British Columbia promises unforgettable virgin descents and perfect powder. PLUS: Backcountry trekking in Banff and salmon fishing in Labrador.

Mexico/Caribbean | 90
With more fish and coral than anywhere else in the Caribbean, Bonaire is a diver's paradise. PLUS: Hiking Copper Canyon, paddling Baja, and other spicy trips.

Central/S. America | 96
In Patagonia, a day of whitewater rafting always ends with a feast of succulent beef and local wine. PLUS: Ten more unbeatable Latin American adventures.

Australia/Pacific | 100
Exploring teeming reefs and lush jungles on Fiji's castaway islands. PLUS: Hiking New Zealand, diving Micronesia, and more.

Asia | 104
Angkor Wat by mountain bike means the most intimate, intense views possible of the mysterious ancient city. PLUS: Surfing Bali, skiing Japan, rafting the Yangtze, and 10 other exotic adventures.

Europe | 112
Taste the wild side of European culture on a journey across Napoleon's island homeland, Corsica. PLUS: Paddling Iceland, cycling Provence, and more.

Africa/Mideast | 116
Kilimanjaro rises through five climatic zones to tower over the wildest continent on earth. But even first-time climbers can make it to the top. PLUS: Trekking in the Sahara and diving in the Red Sea.

FEATURES
Swimming with Sharks Peter Benchley, the author of Jaws, is back in shark-infested waters, this time on a quest to save the endangered great white from a bad rep he helped create. 148
Generation Ex They may no longer navigate by compass and sextant, but just like their legendary forebears, these nine young explorers live to go where no one has gone before. 158
The Nine Lives of Ranulph Fiennes What's left for the world's greatest living explorer to conquer? His lifelong fear of heights and the tallest mountain in the world, all in one clean sweep. 170
Dakar Rally The 5,500-plus-mile off-road race across Africa has been condemned by the Vatican, threatened by Al Qaeda, and criticized as pointlessly, mindlessly dangerous. Which is exactly why our writer entered this year. 180
The World's Greatest Adventure Photographers From hanging off El Capitan to paddling amid unstable icebergs, these photographers risk it all to get the shot. 188
Honey, the Shaman Shrunk My Head! Plagued by writer's block, famed writer and novelist Paul Theroux travels deep into the Amazon rain forest in search of a hallucinogenic jungle remedy. 196
The Wild Ones Adventure racers run, paddle, climb, hike, and bike through jungles, over mountains, and across deserts to claim victory. Meet America's most extreme athletes. 206

PEAK PERFORMANCE
America's Best Adventure Workout Jackson Hole training guru Eric Orton designs the ultimate workout to get you ready for the summer adventure season. 137
Nutrition Tired of Gatorade? This Bud's for you. Burned out on PowerBars? Try bacon-wrapped brownies. Five funky alternatives to kick new life into your power food. 140
Paging Dr. Bob How to handle a nasty gash, how to save a knocked-out tooth, avoiding mountain sickness, and more. 142

GEAR GUIDE
25 Adventure Travel Essentials Hitting the road? Here's the gear that will keep the road from hitting back. 215
Outward Wound New adventure watches featuring GPS and more. 222

STYLE
Best Foot Forward Suede, rubber, and mesh boots for rugged good looks on the trail or in the city. 94