When it comes to hosting amateur outdoor adventure events, location matters. Whether you’re planning a cross-country race, surf contest, sailing regatta, or youth climbing festival, the locale can make or break your event. These 10 destinations across the country are perfectly suited for a specific outdoor adventure sport. They offer not just natural beauty but also the infrastructure, accessibility, and local support to help sports planners pull off successful events.
1. Flagstaff, Arizona: Hiking
Why: Surrounded by 1.8 million acres of Coconino National Forest and perched at an elevation of 7,000 feet, Flagstaff offers everything from alpine treks in the San Francisco Peaks to canyon hikes with red rock vistas.
Event appeal: Popular events include the Flagstaff Sky Peaks mountain run and sections of the Cocodona 250 ultramarathon. The city is well-equipped for outdoor tourism, with straightforward permitting and strong local support.
2. Bentonville, Arkansas: Mountain Biking
Why: Thanks to major investment from the Walton Family Foundation, Bentonville has rapidly become one of the top mountain biking hubs in the country. The city boasts over 150 miles of purpose-built trails that start right downtown.
Event appeal: Bentonville regularly hosts events like the Big Sugar Classic and National Interscholastic Cycling Association youth competitions. Local trail organizations and tourism officials actively support race planners and biking festivals.
3. Newport, Rhode Island: Sailing
Why: Few American cities are more synonymous with sailing than Newport. Its deep maritime history includes hosting the America’s Cup for more than 50 years.
Event appeal: With steady winds, protected bays, and several yacht clubs and marinas, Newport is a ready-made stage for planners seeking a classic sailing destination.
4. Moab, Utah: Climbing
Why: Surrounded by red rock towers and desert cliffs, Moab is one of the most iconic climbing destinations in the U.S.
Event appeal: The town supports multiple climbing festivals and has a well-established permitting relationship with the Bureau of Land Management.
5. Boulder, Colorado: Running
Why: Boulder is a mecca for runners of all stripes, featuring high-altitude roads and trails and a large community of athletes.
Event appeal: Events like the BOLDERBoulder 10K draw tens of thousands, while trail races in the nearby Flatirons attract ultra-endurance athletes. Boulder offers abundant hotels, transportation, and medical services.
6. Cookeville, Tennessee: Caving
Why: Located on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau, Cookeville offers access to some of the most extensive and varied cave systems in the eastern U.S.
Event appeal: The region, known as TAG (Tennessee-Alabama-Georgia), supports both amateur explorations and formal expeditions. Groups like the National Speleological Society facilitate event permitting and safety.
7. Santa Cruz, California: Surfing
Why: Santa Cruz blends laid-back surf culture with serious wave credentials. Home to famous breaks like Steamer Lane and Cowell Beach.
Event appeal: It hosts multiple surf contests annually and offers surf schools, board rentals, and tourism infrastructure tailored to event organizers.
8. Ely, Minnesota: Canoeing
Why: Ely sits on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a 1.1 million-acre protected expanse of lakes, rivers, and portage trails. It’s one of the premier canoe destinations in North America. With no motorboats allowed in much of the region, it’s a haven for traditional paddling events, long-distance trips, and youth wilderness programs.
Event Appeal: Outfitters in Ely offer full-service support for canoe events, including group permits, route planning, and shuttle services. The community is experienced in handling large paddling gatherings such as the Water Tribe’s Yukon-style challenges and educational eco-trips. The setting is pristine, and the logistical support is well-established.
9. Park City, Utah: Skiing
Why: Just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City offers two major ski resorts and Olympic-level winter sports infrastructure.
Event appeal: The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation supports ski festivals, youth races, and amateur competitions. Planners benefit from top lodging, transit, and medical services.
10. Boise, Idaho: Whitewater Kayaking
Why: Boise offers year-round kayaking opportunities on the Boise River and is home to the Boise Whitewater Park, one of the first engineered wave parks in the U.S. It provides freestyle kayaking features right in the city and easy access to flatwater and nearby whitewater options.
Event appeal: Boise has hosted regional freestyle competitions, youth paddling clinics, and slalom events. The city is known for being outdoor-event friendly, with strong municipal support and a built-in spectator base due to the park’s central location.
