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D D 1 461 TEXT: RYAN TOWNSLEY When it comes to location, there are very few places on earth that offer as broad a range of landscapes, climates, flora and fauna as North America. From rain- forests to deserts, mountains to canyons, and woodlands to prairies, you can trav- el north, south, east and west and find new playgrounds to hike through each time you set out. Here are seven of North America's best trails. Some are long, some are extremely long and some are short. But they're there, waiting to be walked upon, waiting to reveal their secrets and help you uncover yours. So go on, take a walk. WEST COAST TRAI L VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA LENGTH: 47 MILES [SIX TO 10 DAYS]* The West Coast Tra il in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver' Island skirts cliffs. dr-ops down on to rugged boulder' beaches and dives into lush r-ainforests. The trail is reputed to be among the most gr-ueling week-long hikes in Nor-th America and the weather can be brutal. According to local trekker Mitchell Scott. "The West Coast Trail can be wildly spectacular but it can also be a mud and rain-soaked slog like no other." But the opportunity to see Pacific gray whales. ki ller whales. black bea r-s and sea lions from shorelines strewn with tidal pools and waterfalls reminds you thal being this close to wilderness is worth the damp chill in your- bones. Wooden ladders. sus- pension bridges, cable cars and ferries assist your navigation of hazardous obstacles, but the 47-mile trail can still take six to 10 days to complete. Given the physical require- ments and the potential for cold. wet weather. don't make the West Coast Trail your fi rst multi-night backpacking trip . The trail is open from May through September and the number of people beginning the hike each day is lim ited to 56. Call 800-663-6000 to reser've a spot up to three months in advance. ESCALANTE CANYONS GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT, UTAH LENGTH: CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE The lack of a fo rmal trail system in the recently established Grand Stai lTase-Escalante Nationa l Monument doesn't diminish the fac t that hiking in the Escalante Canyons puts you face to face with some of the most remote and beautifu l country in the southwest. In this seemingly stark desert setting, you' re likely to bump into col- lared lizards and black-tailed jackrabbits, as well as catch a glimpse of the occasional mule deer or coyote. Hanging gardens cling to sandstone walls and abundant wildflowers turn spring into a brilliantly co lorful eden. You'll also find shards of pottery, arrow- heads and rock art that, if only for a moment. let you gaze upon the cultures of the Anasazi, Freemont. and Mormon pioneers who once called these canyons home. Make a quick stop at the Interagency Office to map out a personalized route and, weather conditions per- mitting. you'll be out exploring the almost two million aues of amazing hikes and multi night backcountry excursions. This terrain is not for- novice navigators. but for people with map and compass skills , it is the perfect place to hone your canyoneel-ing. navigating and slick rock hiking techniques.