A Holiday Gift Guide from the Backcountry Wilderness Area

haleywhitley3
Dec 19, 2025
2 min read

A last-minute holiday gift guide for the 2025 season that centers meaningful outdoor experiences and conservation.

Two hikers or kids with backpacks and hats stand on a snowy field with sticks, gazing at distant mountains under a blue sky.

If you’re like us, shorter days haven't stopped you from dreaming of time outside with fresh air, open spaces, and the experiences that matter. This year, skip the clutter and give gifts that spark curiosity, confidence, and connection to the natural world. Here’s our Backcountry Wilderness Area holiday gift guide, filled with experiences and meaningful ways to support outdoor learning and conservation.

For Your Kid Adventurer

Camp Backcountry is your kid’s pass to nature discovery. Choose from Nature Camp, Horse-Nature Camp, Art Camp, or Girls of the Outdoors, and feel confident knowing your child will spend their summer outside, active, and learning through hands-on experiences.

From building independence to fostering curiosity about wildlife and the land, Camp Backcountry helps kids grow while doing what kids do best: exploring. It’s a gift that lasts long after summer ends.

For the Little One Who Wants a Pony

A little girl in a pink shirt and helmet rides a brown horse in a sunny corral. She smiles. Blue sky in the background.

We get it—a pony is a big ask. Instead of committing to a lifetime of hay bales and corral cleanup, consider starting with a pony ride or a Mini Manes / Pony Tales riding lesson.

These programs introduce young riders to horses in a safe, supportive environment while building confidence, empathy, and a love for animals. It’s the perfect way to test the waters and create unforgettable memories.

For the Hunter, Archer, or the One Who’s Always

Trying Something New

Archers in red and yellow shirts aiming compound bows outdoors on a sunny day. Grassy hills in the background. Focused and determined mood.

Season archery passes are currently half off, making now the perfect time to gift of skill-building and outdoor challenge. Whether they’re a seasoned hunter or brand new to archery, a pass gives them the freedom to practice, improve, and spend more time outside at our archery ranges. The Backcountry Wilderness Area has three public archery ranges: 3D and static ranges on Ron King Trail, as well as a bring-your-own target range at Wildcat Mountain.

For the Person Who Says They Don’t Want Anything

They probably do want something … and who doesn't like to get a warm, fuzzy feeling? When in doubt, give the gift of spreading goodness with a donation in their name to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund. Your gift supports environmental education, habitat conservation, and outdoor access for future generations—making it a meaningful way to honor someone while protecting the places we all love.

And Finally… You Can Never Go Wrong with Swag

Blue T-shirt with a topographic white bear design and a green water bottle featuring "Camp Backcountry Colorado" text, placed on grass.

Backcountry Wilderness Area t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, and water bottles make great gifts for anyone who loves the outdoors. Gear is on sale through December 31st at Southridge Recreation Center. Sizes won’t last long—grab yours before they’re gone. Give gifts that inspire adventure, nurture curiosity, and protect the land. Every experience and purchase supports the mission of the Backcountry Wilderness Area—and helps ensure these wild places remain vibrant for generations to come.

Haley Whitley is the Events and Outreach Coordinator for the Backcountry Wilderness Area. She has a passion for connecting people of all ages to the natural world. You can find her buzzing around Backcountry Wilderness Area events, crafting social media posts, launching email campaigns, and leading programs at Base Camp.