National Geographic Adventure magazine has chosen Andrew Skurka, 26, as 2007 Adventurer of the Year for his epic seven-month, 6,875-mile hike through the American West to call attention to its magnificent landscape and the environmental and ecological threats affecting it. His first-of-its-kind journey took him through five major mountain ranges, 12 national parks and 75 wilderness areas. The magazine is also honoring British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and polar explorer Will Steger with Best of Adventure awards for Lifetime Achievement.

The achievements of Skurka, Branson, Steger and 14 other adventurers are highlighted in the December 2007/January 2008 issue of National Geographic Adventure (on newsstands Nov. 27), which features the most outstanding accomplishments for 2007 in the world of exploration, conservation and humanitarian work.

The 2006 Adventurers of the Year, Colin Angus and Julie Wafaei, who completed a two-year, human-powered circumnavigation of the world, will present the 2007 award to Skurka on Thursday, Nov. 15, at a gala event at National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C. The evening will be emceed by Boyd Matson, host of the new "National Geographic Weekend" radio program and the public television series "Wild Chronicles." He will present awards to Steger and 11 other adventure heroes.