Karen's skills include snowshoeing, winter hiking, ski-packing, horseback riding, navigation, and cross-country travel through all kinds of terrrain and environments. In addition to her work as a writer, she has taught outdoor education, edited books on environmental issues, volunteered as a trip leader for the Sierra Club's "Inner City Outings" program, and lectured at univeristies, government agencies, schools, and non-profit hiking and environmental organizations.

Karen is a longtime writer for GORP.com and Backpacker magazine. Let her years of experience give you the know-how you need to survive in style on the trail:

Skill Builders

From gear to fitness to keeping bugs at bay, Karen's skill builders give you the basic hiking knowledge you need, whether you're planning a dayhike or a major backpacking expedition.

Expert Answers

Karen's expert answers to hiking-related questions from GORP readers are integrated into Hiking Know-How—find resources for all hikers here, from beginner to expert.

On the Trail with Karen

Walk the globe with a pro who's done it all. Climb a volcano in Africa. Thru-hike the Continental Divide Trail. Carouse with shepherds in the Pyrinies. Karen has been around the world and all through the U.S., and she always shares her adventures with GORP. Check with us first for the best hiking destinations.

Karen's Books

Karen has authored numerous books on hiking, so read up before you take to the trail.

Hiking and Backpacking: A Complete Guide
Advanced Backpacking: A Trailside Guide
Scuba Diving: A Trailside Guide
Everyday Wisdom: 1001 Expert Tips for Hikers
Along the Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail: A Hiker's Companion
Hiking the Triple Crown: How to Hike America's Longest Trails