It doesn’t matter if you prefer mountains, deserts, forests, or the coast, these outdoor destinations offer exciting ways to explore nature. Whether you’re looking to rappel through sandstone, carve fresh powder, or glide behind a team of huskies, these five destinations showcase unforgettable ways to experience the country’s most spectacular landscapes while embracing the thrill of the outdoors.
Canyoneering in southwest Utah
Canyoneering in Utah turns geology into an up-close adventure. In Zion National Park, guided routes like The Subway and Orderville Canyon lead hikers through Navajo Sandstone sculpted by flash floods in the North Fork of the Virgin River, mixing swimming, scrambling, and rappelling in a continuous flow of movement. In Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, canyons such as Spooky Gulch and Peek-a-Boo Gulch narrow into winding corridors shaped by centuries of runoff across the Colorado Plateau. With permits and careful attention to weather, these routes offer some of the most striking canyon formations in the Southwest.
Best time to go: Spring and fall for milder temperatures and fewer crowds
More info: nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/canyoneering.htm
Snowboarding on Crystal Mountain, Wash.
Snowboarding at Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington’s Cascade Range, southeast of Seattle, pairs deep powder with one of the most photogenic backdrops in North America: Mount Rainier looming in near-constant view. The state’s largest ski and snowboard resort spans more than 85 runs across 2,600 acres, with terrain parks for those chasing airtime and wide bowls for those chasing survival. A gondola climbs 2,400 vertical feet to the summit, and off the slopes, riders can explore snowshoe trails and mountainside dining that break up long days on the hill. Together, the terrain, elevation, and consistent Cascades snowfall make it a great winter destination for snowboarders of all levels.
Best time to go: From November to May, during ski season
More info: visitrainier.com/crystal-mountain/
Biking in Monument Trails, Arkansas
Arkansas’ Monument Trails are built inside state parks like Hobbs State Park–Conservation Area, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Mount Nebo State Park, and Devil’s Den State Park. These trails are purpose-built by professional designers to showcase some of the state’s most dramatic terrain. Bikers can expect fast-flowing singletrack, rock gardens, waterfall crossings, and bluff-top views that feel suspiciously overproduced by nature itself. One minute you’re carving through pine forest, the next you’re rolling past limestone cliffs or lake vistas that make you briefly consider quitting your job to become a “trail person.”
Best time to go: Late spring (April–May) and fall (September–November) for milder temperatures
More info: arkansas.com/state-parks/explore/monument-trails
Dog sledding in Ely, Minnesota
In Ely, Minnesota, your workout comes with 10 furry engines and a soundtrack of happy barks. Perched on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Ely is known as the “Sled Dog Capitol of the U.S.,” where teams of enthusiastic huskies pull riders across snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. Along the way, you might even spot a fox or white-tailed deer. Equal parts adrenaline, history, and winter magic, dog sledding in Ely proves the best horsepower sometimes has four paws.
Best time to go: December to February
More info: ely.org/things-to-do/winter/dogsledding/
Windsurfing in the Outer Banks, N.C.
Steady winds and the shallow waters of the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds have made the Outer Banks a longtime favorite for windsurfers of all skill levels. The destination offers reliable conditions for lessons, training, and competition, along with outfitters that provide rentals and instruction. Easy access to launch sites and a strong watersports culture make the Outer Banks a natural fit for sports groups and outdoor enthusiasts.
Best time to go: From April to May and September to November for steady winds
More info: outerbanks.org/things-to-do/land-activities/water-sports/kiteboarding-and-windsurfing
