Isle Royale National Park sits on a remote wilderness island in northwestern Lake Superior, accessible only by boat or seaplane. Unlike most national parks where you can simply drive up to the entrance, reaching this isolated gem requires deliberate planning and a genuine commitment to adventure. The park’s location, roughly 56 miles from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and 18 miles from the Minnesota shore, makes it one of the least visited national parks in the country, …
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 …
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 …