Categories: Backcountry

Top California Skiing and Snowboarding Resorts

California Ski Resorts
Top California Ski Resorts California is home to some of the best ski resorts in North America. With mild winters and countless resorts lined up and down the Sierra Nevada mountain range, you won't want to miss days spent on the slopes at these resorts. Below, Gearo has put together a list of the top ski resorts in California to help you decide where your next ski vacation will be. Top California Ski Resorts Stats Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Olympic Valley, CA Skiable Terrain 3600 Acres Heavenly South Lake Tahoe, CA  Skiable Terrain 4800 Acres Mammoth Mountain Mammoth Lakes, CA  Skiable Terrain  3500 Acres Kirkwood Kirkwood, CA  Skiable Terrain  2300 Acres Northstar Truckee, CA Skiable Terrain 3170 Acres 1. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows - Top California Ski Resort Topping the list at number...
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Filed Under Adventures, Backcountry, Lake Tahoe, Skiing, Traveling, Winter

9 Must-Haves for Your Backcountry Pack

Pack these items for your Backcountry Avalanche Pack Recommended by Arapahoe Rescue Patrol In addition to your standard day pack list for any outdoor activity the outline below will help prepare you to handle emergencies that can arise in backcountry avalanche scenarios.  As avid mountaineers and backcountry enthusiasts it is all of our responsibilities to head out prepared for what can happen to allow for the best outcomes possible in an emergency situation. Backpack: Before you head out on your first backcountry ski tour, snow mobile excursion, or snow shoeing experience of any type you are going to need to have a proper backpack to hold all of the gear your should have on hand.  A backcountry avalanche pack should be able to fit all the necessary gear and help prevent asphyxiation in an avalanche. 85% of avalanche victims...
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Filed Under Backcountry, Winter

Where to Backcountry Ski in the US

Backcountry skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy nature and get some amazing untouched powder. Earning your turns in pure wilderness is an experience like no other. Once you get the right gear and training, you need to find the right location. Gearo has you covered with our picks for where to backcountry ski in the US.    Colorado This state is known worldwide as a primer ski destination. Hitting the slopes of one of the 32 Colorado ski resorts guarantees a mellow day in the snow. For those looking to earn their turns and escape the crowds, Colorado has some of the best backcountry skiing as well.    Indian Peak Wilderness For backcountry skiing near Boulder, head to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Indian Peaks Wilderness is an amazing escape from the traffic of I-70 and just 90 minutes from Denver. Within this wilderness,...
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Filed Under Adventures, Backcountry, Winter

Skis & Snowboards – Rent Vs. Buy

Ski Rentals
Let’s be real – ski and snowboard gear is expensive. It’s big, bulky and can be a huge hassle to store. But without it, you wouldn’t be able to do a vast majority of the winter outdoor activities you love. That's why renting outdoor gear is a great alternative to purchasing it. Check out these reasons to rent gear! Cost: Once you've brought home the bacon, it can be tempting to run out and snag that shiny equipment you've been eyeing. But here's the bottom line: buying winter outdoor gear is not cheap. Renting winter gear, however, significantly lowers the upfront cost. Plus, it's a great way to try out high-quality gear without breaking the bank. For instance, a new backcountry setup can cost upwards of $1300 but renting one starts around $50. Additionally, keeping your gear in its best condition can come at a high cost. Outdoor...
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Filed Under Backcountry, Renting vs Buying, Winter

Camping in Colorado State Parks

There is nothing quite like sleeping under the stars. Colorado is one of the best spots in the country for camping, and many of these camping spots are near Denver. No matter if you are looking for an intense backcountry getaway or a relaxing weekend at the campground, there is a place for every type of camper. Although there are a couple Colorado camping restrictions, we are here to help you find the perfect destination for camping in Colorado State Parks.   Boyd Lake State Park Less than an hour and a half north of Denver, Boyd Lake State Park is the perfect location for a weekend camping trip. The lake itself has over 1,700 square miles of water to explore via all types of watercrafts. Their 148 campsites at Cottonwood Campground are first class. With completely paved pull-through spots that can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet...
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Filed Under Adventures, Backcountry, Camping, Fishing, Kayaking, Paddleboard, Summer

Best Hiking Near San Diego

San Diego has so much to offer from beach cliffs to scenic canyons, all within a short distance of downtown. Hiking the trails around San Diego is a great way to explore the natural wonders that the terrain has to offer. Below are our picks for the best hiking near San Diego.    Mission Trails Regional Park  This park, located a mere 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Within its staggering 8,000 acres of protected land, there are over 60 miles of hiking trails to explore. For the more ambitious hiker, the park is offering a Five Peak Challenge. Those who summit Cowles Mountain, Pyles Peak, Kwaay Paay, South Fortuna, and North Fortuna with photographic proof, will receive a special edition pin.    Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve Around 20 minutes North of Downtown in the city...
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Filed Under Adventures, Backcountry, San Diego, Summer, Traveling

How to Get Outside This Fourth of July

The 4th of July is a good excuse to break out the grill and fireworks, but it’s an even better excuse to get outside and try a new adventure. As outdoor enthusiasts, we have a few ideas. Below are a few of our suggestions on how to get outside this Fourth of July along with specific suggestions by region.    Bike Ride and Ice Cream  There’s something about the wind through your helmet on a summer ride, especially when the temps start to rise. Wildflowers and blue skies abound as the two wheels fly by. Whether it’s a long road grinder or single track adrenaline kick, a cool serving of ice cream is the best post ride fuel. So hop on your bike and support your local ice cream shop. Rent bikes HERE. Pacific: Northstar Bike Park and Little Truckee Ice Creamery (Truckee, CA) West: Slickrock Trail and Moab Garage Co. (Moab,...
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Filed Under Adventures, Backcountry, Camping, Fishing, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Outdoor Retailer, Paddleboard, Renting, Summer

Mountain Biking Near San Diego

Everyone knows San Diego for its beautiful beaches and coastal vistas. Many overlook how varied and rugged the terrain of Southern California is and how perfect it is for activities like mountain biking. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush out of the water, we have a guide to our favorite spots for  mountain biking near San Diego below!   Rose Canyon (Entry Level) This trail is located within the Rose Canyon Open Space Park in La Jolla (15 minutes from downtown). Although not very technical, this double track trail spans around 9 miles long and a great place for beginners and families. The trail runs along the railroad tracks and has very gentle grades.   Big Laguna Trails (Intermediate) These trails are located near Mount Laguna which is one hour from San Diego. There are many trails in this area but the Big Laguna...
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Filed Under Adventures, Backcountry, Mountain Biking, San Diego, Summer, Traveling

Are the Colorado Outdoors Open?

We are living in weird times to say the least. You may be wondering, are the Colorado outdoors open?   As Coloradans begin to slowly emerge from quarantine, we face a difficult task in deciphering rules from county to county and simply figuring out what is open. Even when trying to explore the outdoors one may run into restrictions. Here at Gearo, we strive to get as many people outside as possible. Thus, hikers, campers, bikers, and paddlers need not look any further! Below is our comprehensive guide as to what is open, outdoor recreation wise, in Colorado.    General Advice  Depending on the location of the adventure, different rules apply to each county’s COVID response. When planning your adventure, we recommend checking this map provided by the governor’s office which shows which counties have opened their public...
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Filed Under Adventures, Backcountry, Camping, COVID-19, Denver, Fishing, Mountain Biking, Paddleboard, Traveling

Adventures Near Honolulu

There is something magical about the white sandy beaches and tropical landscapes of the island of Oahu. Honolulu, the state’s capital, is perfectly situated with easy access to all the island has to offer. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an adrenaline filled jungle expedition, Oahu has something for every adventurer. Here are our favorite adventures near Honolulu!   Kaneohe Bay Sandbar    This attraction is only 30 minutes away from downtown Honolulu. The Kaneohe Bay Sandbar is located about a mile offshore and is a super fun area to explore by kayak, SUP, or boat. One can only reach the sandbar by water. Adventurers can launch their vessels in the bay and then travel a mile to the sandbar. Once there, you can explore the many reefs surrounding the sandbar or have a picnic in the sand. Make sure you...
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Filed Under Adventures, Backcountry, Fishing, Honolulu, Kayaking, Paddleboard, Summer, Surf