One Way Out
On April 26, 2003, Aron Ralston set out to solo a little-known Utah canyon. It should have taken eight hours. Instead, he spent five days pinned by an 800-pound boulder and had to amputate his own hand to escape. LAURENCE GONZALES investigates a fascinating case of "deep survival." Read excerpt >>

Journey to Water World
The Tuamotus are 78 fragile islands spread over a thousand miles of South Pacific. Five kayakers paddle forth to explore this remote coral paradise before it disappears beneath the waves. BY JON BOWERMASTER Read excerpt >>

Doing the Rockies Right
The Rockies promise a dizzying host of adventures. To explore them could take a lifetime—or, with some expert advice, a few weeks. Our insiders provide the guidance you need, pinpointing the perfect river, the most magnificent hike, the ultimate road trip along the spine of the continent, and more.
Road Tripping: Southern Colorado's San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Climbing: Central Colorado's Elk Mountains
Rafting: Idaho's rushing, snow-fed rivers
Hiking: The Rockies of British Columbia and Alberta (read excerpt >>)
Biking: Utah's Wasatch Range
Plus: Best of the Rockies trip planner and pullout map

The Thin White Line
During the winter of 1925—the most brutal in 20 years—icebound Nome, Alaska, was threatened by a deadly diphtheria epidemic. The nearest batch of life-saving serum was 674 frozen miles away. The sole hope for getting it there on time was an impromptu dogsled relay—at minus 50°F. BY GAY SALISBURY AND LANEY SALISBURY Read excerpt >>

Frontiers
Few people sample Ontario's 2.2-million-acre Wabakimi park, but it has some of the best canoeing in North America. Just hop off the train somewhere—anywhere—and start paddling. BY T. EDWARD NICKENS

Global Health
Jellyfish stings are common, painful, and potentially fatal, but there was never much you could do to prevent them. New research promises safer swimming. BY JIM THORNTON

World on the Cheap
Do cry for Argentina's economic meltdown, then lend a hand by snagging killer deals on cloud forest rambles, high-altitude treks, and visits to pre-Columbian ruins. BY JORDAN STOLPER

Tip Sheet
Haggling is the one language understood in bazaars worldwide—if you know how to speak it properly. Rule six: Give as good as you get. BY ROBERT YOUNG PELTON

Books
Jason Kersten's Journal of the Dead studies a desert hike gone horribly wrong. Plus, a thrilling tale of cursed Spanish explorers, back in print after 461 years, and more. BY ANTHONY BRANDT

Special Report: Algeria
The stunning, jagged topography of the Algerian desert lures the vanguard of adventure travelers. But when 32 tourists were kidnapped this spring, the risks Sahara junkies face suddenly seemed to outweigh the rewards. BY PAUL KVINTA

Next Weekend
It's Friday at 3 p.m. and you feel like getting away, fast. No problem. We've found wilderness spots less than 90 miles from cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York. BY MCKENZIE FUNK Read excerpt >>

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Adventure on the Web
Chasing animal migrations in East Africa; one woman's 480-day solo circumnavigation of the United States; and more. Adventure's November issue will tempt readers with the 25 greatest adventure trips in the world. As part of the feature, we are inviting readers to recount the highlight of their own favorite outfitted adventure. E-mail us yours, and we may publish it >>

GEAR

Watches
A GPS-enabled navigation watch, plus a stable of other gadget-laden timepieces that stand up to marauding beasts, deep waters, and lofty peaks. BY STEVE CASIMIRO

Shoes
Go-anywhere shoes for trail hiking, travel, the occasional belay—and just hanging around. BY JERRY BEILINSON

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