The United States is home to 63 designated national parks, spanning thirty states and two U.S. territories. These protected landscapes represent America’s most treasured wilderness areas, from the geysers of Yellowstone to the glacial valleys of Alaska’s Denali. But that number only scratches the surface. The National Park Service actually manages 433 individual units across the country, including monuments, preserves, seashores, and historic sites, each offering unique camping and outdoor recreation opportunities.
If you’re planning a national park adventure in 2026, understanding the regional distribution helps …
What Are Switchbacks in Hiking (and Why Do They Matter)?
A switchback is a sharp reversal in trail direction that zigzags up or down steep terrain, cutting the grade into manageable segments rather than climbing straight up the fall line. If you’ve ever hiked in the mountains around Dillon and noticed the trail folding back on itself like a ribbon, you’ve encountered this essential piece of trail engineering.
Switchbacks exist for two critical reasons: they make steep climbs physically possible for hikers of all abilities, and they prevent the devastating erosion that would occur if water and foot traffic traveled straight down a slope. Trail builders from the U.S. Forest …
How to Pack Good Hiking Snacks That Stay Fresh on the Trail
Packing smart snacks for a day hike means choosing compact, calorie-dense foods that won’t get crushed in your pack, then organizing them by when you’ll need energy most. The best approach combines timing strategy with storage techniques: portion out high-calorie snacks like trail mix and nut butter in leak-proof containers, keep a quick-access snack in your hip belt pocket for the first hour, and save protein-rich options for the turnaround point when your body needs sustained fuel for the descent.
Here in the high country around Dillon, where elevation gain can spike your calorie burn 30% higher than flatland hikes, …
What Is THCa Decarboxylation for Outdoor Travelers (and How Does It Work)?
THCa decarboxylation is the heat-activated process that converts non-psychoactive THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) into psychoactive THC, and it’s something every outdoor traveler should understand if they’re bringing cannabis products on their backcountry adventures. While the best THCA vapes handle this conversion automatically through their heating elements, many campers and hikers heading into Colorado’s high country prefer raw flower or concentrates that require manual decarboxylation to unlock their effects.
The process becomes particularly …
11 Stellar Hiking Trails near Silverthorne to Explore in 2026
Silverthorne sits at the heart of Summit County’s trail network, offering 11 distinct hiking routes that range from easy lakeside strolls to challenging alpine scrambles above treeline. You’ll find trails that suit every fitness level within a 20-minute drive, whether you’re looking for a quick family-friendly outing or a full-day adventure into the backcountry. The elevation here starts at 8,790 feet and climbs past 13,000 feet on the most ambitious routes, so come prepared with layers and plenty of water.
Key Takeaway: Silverthorne’s 11 featured trails span from easy …
10 Must Have Survival Items for Wilderness Adventures in Colorado
When you’re hiking the high-altitude trails around Dillon or camping near one of Summit County’s pristine alpine lakes, the right survival gear can mean the difference between an uncomfortable night and a life-threatening emergency. The 10 items you absolutely need in your pack are a reliable fire starter, emergency shelter, water purification system, navigation tools, first aid kit, signaling device, cutting tool, illumination, insulation layers, and emergency food. These essentials directly support the …