We’re all virtually escaping right now to places we had on the calendar for family vaycay or a dream bucket list destination. Good news: you don’t have to travel all the way across the world to have a proper adventure thrill. When it’s time to travel again, just take a peek out your backdoor to these 5 destinations in the United States home to adrenaline-inducing adventures and get to planning. There’s so much to explore in just an arms length reach!
When to go: Summer season! Typically Memorial Day through September.
What else to do: There’s adventure around every corner of the White Mountains! From hiking, biking and camping to to zip lining and catching a birds eye aerial view of the White Mountains from a helicopter, there is something for every time of outdoor enthusiast.
For Instagram Inspiration: @northeastmountaineering & @whitemountains
When to go: Time your on-water adventure with rafting season through Grand Canyon National Park from April through October.
What else to do: The most popular thing to do at the Grand Canyon is a tour down the river – which can be hard to get reservations for! All whitewater tours pass through Level 10 rapids (the highest it gets) which guarantees a riveting adventure. Not opting for an on-water excursion? Whether you’re visiting the North Rim or South Rim of the Grand Canyon, you adventure will consist of many of the same things. Hike a Rim Trail, backpack in the Canyon (permit required) or simply snap some awe-inspiring photos.
Instagram Inspiration: @grandcanyonnps & @grand_canyon_convservancy
When to go: Whenever there’s snow. But typically, December through April.
What to do: Heliskiing in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska guarantees the best skiing you’ve ever experienced in your life. Drop into bowls overlooking the black sand shores of the Pacific, arc through acres of tall hemlock and sitka spruce, and never ski the same line twice. When you’re not hopping out of birds and shredding the gnar, head into Anchorage where you can find wildlife, glaciers and go ice climbing – if you didn’t already get your adrenaline fix.
Instagram inspiration: @chugachpowderguides
When to go: April – May and September – October for mountain biking.
What to do: Moab is a mountain bikers dream. Check out the hot spot trails like Porcupine Rim, Slickrock, and the Whole Enchilada. With hundreds of miles of winding trails, arches that are out of this world and a landscape that catches the attention of travelers from around the globe, Moab is made for the real outdoor adventurer.
Instagram Inspiration: @moabadventurecenter
When to go: Really any time of year! Winter months are for skiing and snowboarding, and the best time to enjoy them is from December to February. For activities like bungee jumping, hiking and backpacking, June through September are tops!
What to do: “On the other side of every fear is a freedom.” If you’re up for a real thrill, try bungee jumping in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California. Jump from a bridge, tree, dam or from a rock at 1200 feet! Not really your cup of tea? There are plenty of other activities in the Sierras like visit Yosemite National Park, walk through an ancient pine forest, chase giant sequoias and more!
Inspiration inspiration: @footprints_in_the_sierra & @shannonoutside
