1. Cycling Going-To-The-Sun Road

In spring Going-To-The-Sun Road at Glacier National Park in Montana is only open to bikes and people, so you can safely cycle this pristine landscape without risk of being hit by a car.  Depending on the section of the road you traverse you may spot waterfalls, snowcapped mountains, wilderness, and wildlife.

Tip: carry bear spray as encounters are not unheard of

More Info: Bicycling - Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

2. Mountain Biking Moab

Moab, Utah is a spectacular landscape that's best explored by mountain bike.  Moab has over 400 mountain bike trails that span one end to the other and are appropriate for a variety of skill levels.  Expect to see unique desert formations, red rocks, arches, and canyons.

Tip: the air is very dry in Moab bring even more water than you think you need and use it

More Info: Moab Mountain Biking Trail Guide — Discover Moab, Utah

3. Climbing Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is often thought of as the birthplace of modern climbing and a climbing trip to Yosemite is treated as a pilgrimage.  Yosemite is a beautiful place to visit no matter the activity, but when there to climb you can't deny the allure of Half Dome and El Capitan.

Tip: El Capitan is for the advanced climber, so if you're newer to climbing try The Crack instead

More info: Rock Climbing - Yosemite National Park (nps.gov)

4. Hiking Smith Rock

Smith Rock is a State Park in Oregon that's relatively convenient to get to, but a challenge to hike.  Climbers can often be seen scaling its towering rock spires, but the hiking trails are reason enough to visit.  Trails range from 2 to over 7 miles in length and have sprawling views of the surrounding area from the top.  You will spot rivers, trees, rock formations, and more.

Tip: try the Reverse Misery Ridge Trail for a challenge that's also a reasonable distance

More info: Suggested Trail Hikes at Smith Rock State Park — SmithRock.com

5. Surfing the Bonzai Pipeline

The infamous Pipeline at Bonzai Beach on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii has been an icon in the surfing world for some time now.  Known for its epic waves, you will have a tale to tell if you surf the Pipeline.

Tip: get out there extra early to avoid crowds and clashes with local surfers

More info: Banzai Pipeline / THE Guide to the World’s Most Famous Wave

6. Ski Under the Northern Lights

Ski Land is located in Fairbanks, Alaska and has the farthest north chairlift in North America, making it one of your best chances at viewing the Northern Lights from the slopes.  Although the Northern Lights can be elusive, visit in March and you'll have your best chance of seeing them.

Tip: dress for the cold, Ski Land will not sell day passes to anyone not dressed appropriately, layers are a good rule of thumb

More info: Ski Land | Celebrating 60 Years! (skilandfairbanks.com)

7. Kayaking To Antelope Canyon

Starting at Lake Powell in Arizona, kayak along what at times seems more like a large river than a lake.  Passing through water ways carved out of red rock towering over you on both sides.  Eventually you reach Antelope canyon where you can hike the slot canyon's halls with sun casting in ever so beautifully.

Tip: go on less busy days, otherwise you'll be fighting against the wake of many boats and jet skis on the lake creating waves that could potentially flip your kayak

More info: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (nps.gov)

8. White Water Rafting the River of No Return

Don't let the name scare you, this river trip will take you through the vast wilderness of the Salmon River region of Idaho where natural beauty will take center stage.  Here you will find exciting class III rapids to challenge you, but you can reward yourself after at the relaxing hot springs.

Tip: this trip is best taken during the summer months, as snowmelt will have created good rapids, but the water has begun to warm some

More info: Salmon River, Idaho - Whitewater River Rafting Information

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