Growing up on the central coast of California, Dylan Efron spent a lot of time outside. Whether fly fishing in Kings Canyon or camping in Yosemite with his father and older brother, Zac Efronthose early days left a lasting impression. And while that may sound far from his recent turn as a fan favorite on reality TV shows like The traitors AND Dancing With the Starsadventures off the grid are still very much a priority for Efron (and probably helped give him a competitive edge on screen). “I feel like I’m in this really cool position of having one foot in both worlds; I can rock climb one weekend and be a little dirty, and then I can dress up for a red carpet the same week,” Efron tells the Observer of his various career pursuits.
“Forward The traitorsI was doing outdoor content, so whenever I had a brand deal or got some money, I’d go plan a trip,” says Efron. “I was very rich in experiences because of that.” To recharge from his busy schedule, which recently included filming for Netflixreality competition series, Squid Games: VIP Challengeand developing his Argentine tango skills for Dancing With the Stars tour, Efron always returns to nature. “I just went out to the flower fields to see the great blooms with no plan — I got in the car with my dog and texted my dad, who met me there,” Efron says of his latest California getaway. “I have a speeding van that I can sleep in, so I’ve got it down to a science,” he adds, noting that he once lived out of his van for two months while traveling.
National parks are a major destination for Efron (and his dog, Booey), which is exactly why he joined T-Mobile in announcing its Do Not Disturb initiative with the National Park Foundation (NPF). The partnership, which includes a donation from T-Mobile to help protect and preserve America’s national parks, is all about encouraging others to disconnect from their phones and reconnect with nature (although T-Satellite technology means you’re never completely off the grid, because it is T-Mobile, after all). “I’ve been to every national park in California, but I want to go to more on the East Coast,” Efron says of his upcoming travel plans, which include Florida’s Everglades. But if you’re planning your own excursion, he also has plenty of recommendations. “My favorites must be Joshua Treebecause I spent more time there, and the Channel Islands. But Montana has some beautiful ones, like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone, that I’ve been in a bunch to fish.”
During a quick stopover in New York City, Dylan Efron spoke to the Observer about his current essentials – from what’s in his camp to the reality TV shows he never misses.
