Zion has a semi-arid climate, meaning extremely high day time temps in the summers, cooler nights, and cold winters. Despite the heat, summer is the park’s busiest season. October through March is considered off season and provides a less crowded, more peaceful experience. During all but a select couple of months in the winter (usually sometime Jan – Feb) Zion’s main canyon is closed to most passenger vehicles and a free shuttle system offers alternative transportation.

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Then you might want to look into one of the many outdoor careers that exist. 

Many adventurers start off assuming they will only work a season or two before they “get a real job,” but the reality is that many of us get hooked and stay far longer. The good news is that with proper planning, it is possible to have a successful, supportive, and long-term career in the outdoors.  

Whether you are sitting at your 9-5 right now, wondering what else is out there, or have already worked multiple seasons as a guide and deciding your next step, this article will provide you with the tools to grow a career in the outdoor industry and live the life of your dreams.  

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The best time to visit Colorado depends on two things: what you would like to do there, and
when the seasons are the most conducive for that activity. In this article we will explore the
highlights of each season and provide you with information on the activities that pull folks from
far and wide to the Centennial State each year.

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Known for their sweeping vistas, spectacular sunrises, rocky scrambles, and alpine ponds, the high peaks of the Granite State offer year-round recreation. Summer brings berry-picking, fall offers leaf-peeping, and in winter, snowshoeing is popular. Backpacking routes and day hiking trails abound. For those balancing backcountry experience and frontcountry comfort, rustic huts staffed and maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club offer a refreshing retreat from the elements. 

Whether you aspire to scramble up one of the 48 peaks over 4,000ft, section hike the most challenging part of the Appalachian Trail, or simply get out for a forest walk, there are endless adventures to be had. Lace up your hiking boots and join us on a rewarding adventure in the White Mountains.  

Below, we’ll share what you need to know to get started hiking in White Mountain National Forest. From how to get there, and what time of year you should visit, to which trails to hike when you do. Beginner-friendly day hikes or more strenuous multi-day options – we’ve got you covered.  

The post Hiking the White Mountains Presidential Range appeared first on Wildland Trekking.

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Seattle, renowned for its vibrant culture and innovative spirit, is not only a bustling city but also a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle offers unparalleled access to some phenomenal hiking. From lush forests to majestic mountains, there’s a trail for every adventurer just a stone’s throw away from the city center. 

The post Best Hiking Near Seattle appeared first on Wildland Trekking.

Although the outdoor industry isn’t known for its high-paying positions, many guides and hospitality professionals find it is possible to boost their savings each season by opting for roles that provide housing and allow them to live rent-free in breathtaking destinations around the globe.  

Whether you’re an avid skier looking to spend a season in the mountains or prefer to post up at a scenic lodge, there are several options to consider when looking for seasonal jobs with housing. 

Below, we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to find seasonal jobs with housing and live out your nomadic dream.  

The post How to Find Outdoor Seasonal Jobs with Housing appeared first on Wildland Trekking.

When venturing into the uncharted wilderness, the choice of pack animals can greatly influence the outcome of your journey. While horses have long been favored for their strength and endurance, horses can require a great deal of caretaking, may not have the best temperament for the backcountry, and can cause notable damage to trails. Believe it or not, there are a variety of alternative stock animals that offer a host of unique advantages rivalling the horse. 

Let’s uncover the benefits of utilizing these alternative animal companions and why they just might be the perfect fit for your next outdoor adventure. 

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Before opening to the public as a National Park, the lands within and surrounding Yosemite, and continue to be, the ancestral home of the Ahwahnechee peoples of the Southern Sierra Miwok tribe, as well as the Paiute and Mono tribes. These indigenous peoples had a deep connection with the land, utilizing it for food, medicine, shelter, and spiritual practices.

It is important to recognize this heritage and respect these lands so that both present and future visitors can continue to enjoy it.  

More recently, John Muir, a Scottish born conservationist, was awe-struck by the grandeur of wild Yosemite and successfully motivated the establishment of Yosemite Valley and its surrounding areas as a National Park in 1890. Predating this, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant of 1864 which protected Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove, making it the first time in history that land was set aside for preservation and public use.

Over the years, the park has continued to expand its boundaries and in 1984, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Yosemite has continued to be popular year after year, receiving over 3.8 million visitors in 2023, making it the 6th most visited national park in the country. With such high visitation, Yosemite reservations may be needed to enter the park if you plan to go in 2024. 

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Anyone who is willing to charge through the elements for weeks on end, endure blisters, wild animals, difficult terrain, and uncertainty ahead – is, how should we put it? – a badass.  

Because of the lengthy time commitment and the physical nature of completing a thru-hike from start to finish, many hikers arrive seeking something: a change, a challenge, freedom, spirituality, meaningful connections, isolation, opportunities for growth, or self reflection.

Days on the trail are tough but simple (wake up, eat, walk, sleep, repeat), and hikers carry everything they need to survive on their backs. The world feels smaller and more real with each step. Time fades away and the only thing that matters is elemental survival. Real world deadlines, bills, politics, clothing, text messages, and creature comforts slip away.  

A Change of Pace

For most hikers, everything changes on the trail, and returning home after such an epic adventure is not always straight forward or easy. City lights, honking horns, perfumes, new clothing, rules, politics, and bills come crashing back into reality. Reverse culture shock takes hold. Even old friends and family members can feel different, like they no longer understand who you are.

The hiking endorphins die down, anxiety kicks in, and newly returned thru hikers start to wonder: Who am I now? How can I return to a desk job after that? Will I ever be the same? Should I just go live in the woods?  

The good news is you are not alone. This article is for people post thru hike who may find it hard to return to “normal” life after completing a long distance trail. Although returning home is challenging, there are plenty of constructive ways to take positive next steps and honor your new thru hiking self in the process.  

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