One of the most frequent comments I receive on my site goes a little something like this:
I wish I could do that.
I would love to try that!
I’ve always wanted to go on an XYZ adventure!
Skill set aside {which can easily be acquired!}, anyone can experience my adventures for themselves. And you know why? Because we have awesome access to a free playground, right outside our doors.
People rarely think about the United States Forest Service and what that really means. Truthfully, the idea is a little crazy. We have managed land {national forests and grasslands} that is free for us to use. Free. Nothing is free anymore, right?! Pretty awesome. And even better? I can bring Tally because dogs are allowed! That simple fact alone means that the majority of my outdoor adventures take place on USFS land because Tals is welcome. Hooray for pup-friendly adventures!
Capitol Peak was NOT pup-friendly but it sure was fun…and located within the boundaries of White River National Forest. PC: Will Rochfort
Even crazier is the fact that most of Colorado’s ski resorts are actually on USFS land; permit-allowed, of course. The White River National Forest is a prime example. Twelve different ski areas call White River National Forest home, including Copper Mountain, the resort y’all have seen me frequent this year. I love Copper. And Breckenridge. And Aspen. In fact, today is actually the kick-off for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships at Beaver Creek/Vail ski resorts. It’s the first time the championships have been stateside since 1999, and they are here in Colorado!
Ski day! PC: Will Rochfort
This summer I’m eyeballing the Four Pass Loop near Aspen, one of the most iconic trails in Colorado, if not the country. If you read Heidi’s blog, you may remember when she ran the 26 mile journey last summer. Most people backpack the trek and take a couple days to knock it out. While I would love to do that too, I kinda like Heidi’s idea of trying to run it! There are four large passes to conquer {duh!} with some 7,400 feet of elevation gain. Most importantly, the views are absolutely incredible! It’s one of my favorite areas in Colorado and the vistas are–literally and figuratively–breathtaking.
And guess what? All of this adventure is within the boundaries of the White River National Forest. Guess there is a reason that it is the most recreated-upon forest in the country, huh?
Too often we take simple things for granted, and the land upon which I tread frequently falls into this category. This is one of the reasons I wrote this post because it is not sponsored; I simply appreciate the protected land that acts as my playground. Between hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, backpacking and trail running, I’ve covered a lot of this state, but rarely does it cross my mind that I’m enjoying land managed by the USFS. But with 150 national forests spread throughout 43 states {and Puerto Rico}, there is a good chance that you can find a national forest playground near you too.
Capture your next adventure on Yonder or Instagram and use the #ItsAllYours to enter a photo competition for a chance to win some awesome prizes!
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Do you have an adventure you’ve been contemplating for years?
Why not do it now? What’s your way to play on your National Forest land?