If you were to go around asking outdoors enthusiasts what their favorite spots for adventure in the U.S. are, you would more than likely receive a different response out of all of them (half of which would either be sarcastic or attempts to hide their actual favorite spots).
We have done the hard work for you and crafted a list of destinations across the US that should be on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. While certain areas might be better for climbing, rafting, skiing or mountain biking than others, our list makes sure to include something for everyone.
Cañon City, CO
With many incredible outdoor destinations throughout the state of Colorado, Canon City remains a bit of a hidden gem. Located on the Arkansas River, Canon City is a perfect starting and stopping point for whitewater rafting trips, and as of 2017, the town hosts the annual Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival. Check out white water rafting in Colorado for the most exciting rafting trips in the area!
Cañon City does not have a shortage of other outdoor activities. Biking, hiking, and horseback enthusiasts should explore Royal Gorge Park and the Oil Well Flats trail system, both offer interesting terrain and stunning views of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains.
Green Bay, WI
If your kind of outdoor adventure involves catching fish, Green Bay is your destination. With any luck, you can catch some Walleye in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. There are fishing tours in Green Bay that can make this elusive fish a breeze to catch. Fishing tours are fun for the whole family or take your company on a fishing trip they won’t forget.
While you are in Green Bay visit the National Railroad Museum, the Green Bay Botanical Gardens, or see a game at the famous Lambeau Field. There are many opportunities for tours of all kinds within the Green Bay area. Take a kayak tour at Cave Point, and Ice Castles E-Bike Tour, or a segway tour on the Fox River.
Leavenworth, WA
Located just outside of Stevens Pass Ski area and The Enchantments, Leavenworth serves as a great jumping-off point for some of the most exciting and scenic adventures the Cascade Range has to offer.
Take a day hike through the stunning Alpine Lakes Wilderness or float down the Wenatchee River with Osprey Rafting. The Wenatchee is a great river for everything from tubing with the family to Class V whitewater kayaking. Finish the day off with some authentic German cuisine at Andreas Keller in Leavenworth’s Bavarian Village.
Boone, NC
Set in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina, Boone is a perfect destination for any outdoor activity. Boone is under an hours drive from three different ski resorts including Sugar Mountain and is a hotspot for rock climbing on the east coast.
In Boone, Mountain bikers will find themselves in singletrack heaven. Just up the road from downtown Boone is Rocky Knob Bike Park, go a little further into the Pisgah National Forest and find some of the best mountain biking in the U.S. Be sure to stop by Black Cat Burrito to refuel after a day in the mountains!
Sun Valley, ID
Idaho, home of potatoes, gemstones and the outdoors mecca that is Sun Valley. Sun Valley Resort boasts world class skiing and snowboarding and features miles of mountain bike trail right outside its doorstep.
Water sports enthusiasts should head to Redfish Lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Check out Redfish Lake Marina for paddleboard, jet ski, wake boat rentals and more! Sun Valley is also a fantastic destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Stop by Silver Creek Outfitters to book a guided trip or find more information on fly fishing options in the area.
Sedona, AZ
Sedona is surrounded by gorgeous red rock formations that create a playground for mountain bikers, hikers, climbers and horseback riders alike. Red Rock State Park and Cathedral Rock are just a couple of the many possibilities just outside of Sedona.
Other things to do around Sedona include guided ATV and buggy tours with Sedona ATV and Buggy Rental or taking a dip at Slide Rock State Park which features a 30 foot long natural waterslide. Head back into town and check out the many local breweries and restaurants like Oak Creek Brewing Company.
Snowshoe, WV
Situated in remote West Virginia, Snowshoe is certainly wild and wonderful all times of the year. When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, Snowshoe is the place to be for those in the Washington D.C. area. With three distinct ski areas and multiple terrain parks, snowsports lovers will surely be entertained.
When summer and fall come around, the fun at Snowshoe continues. Consistently home to the U.S. Mountain Bike National Championships, head to Snowshoe to experience some of the best cross country and lift accessed downhill mountain biking on the entire east coast. There are plenty of other activities to be enjoyed by the whole family as well including lake activities and off road segway tours.
Santa Cruz, CA
Looking to catch a surf and climb a mountain all in one day? Santa Cruz might just be the place for you. Beginner Surfers should head to Cowell’s beach or register for one of the many surf schools in the area, and the area has a world of options for more advanced surfers!
Home to Santa Cruz Bicycles, there is some fantastic singletrack for mountain bikers to explore in the area. Check out Wilder Ranch for a more casual ride which can be accessed from the town of Santa Cruz or check out Soquel Demonstration State Forest for some more challenging trail. Wind down your day by taking a walk on Natural Bridges State Beach or West Cliff Drive.
Killington, VT
Outside of being home to possibly the best skiing in the northeast, Killington is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts of any kind.
While the resort itself has plenty to offer, Killington is located on the fringe of the Green Mountain National Forest and just a short drive from Adirondack Park. The possibilities here are endless! From hiking a beautiful portion of the Appalachian Trail to canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding around one of the many lakes in the area, Killington has it all for summer and
