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man walking through massive Sequoias
(Photo: Will Matsuda)
man walking through massive Sequoias
The House grove in Sequoia National Park, California (Photo: Will Matsuda)

The 50 Best 国产吃瓜黑料s in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada

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We鈥檝e redefined the modern adventurer鈥檚 bucket list

New perk: Easily find new routes and hidden gems, upcoming running events, and more near you. Your weekly Local Running Newsletter has everything you need to lace up! .

Behold! Classic trips have been reconsidered鈥攜ou鈥檝e gawked at the Grand Canyon, but have you run it from rim to rim?鈥攚hile new destinations have caught our eye. This year we鈥檙e joining the revelers at Colorado鈥檚 Red Rocks Amphitheater, trekking up Mexico鈥檚 tallest volcano, paddling through the world鈥檚 brightest bioluminescence off Puerto Rico, hiking Canada鈥檚 wildest coastal way, and much more. What do these trips have in common? They鈥檙e incredible experiences, all.

hut at sunset
A New Hampshire hut at sunset (Photo: Mardi Fuller)

1. Hut-Hop in New Hampshire

The best way to experience the White Mountains鈥 Presidential Range is hiking between the Appalachian Mountain Club鈥檚 eight historic high-mountain huts. Connecting distances aren鈥檛 ridiculous鈥攖he shortest leg is 4.5 miles, the longest 13.4. From late spring to early fall, on-site staff make guests hot breakfasts and dinners, but I prefer to visit during shoulder season, when rates are cheaper and I can cook my own meals. My favorite hut is Zealand, because the wood-burning stove keeps the bunks toasty on chilly nights. Intent on a summer stay? Book on the AMC site three months in advance. From $74 鈥Mardi Fuller

orange hill covered in flowers
Landscape in Walker Canyon during the superbloom, California poppies covering the mountain valleys and ridges, Lake Elsinore, south California (Photo: Sundry Photography/Getty)

2. See a California Superbloom

As I cruised through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park one April afternoon, the road curved to reveal a seemingly infinite carpet of purple and yellow. Caught unawares, I felt like I鈥檇 entered Oz. A superbloom! The rare phenomenon occurs when consistent above-average rainfall follows a drought, nurturing a floral explosion so vast and vibrant that it鈥檚 visible from space. I鈥檝e since seen superblooms in Death Valley National Park and Mojave National Preserve. They鈥檙e not limited to Southern California, though; for more info on possible places these awesome, ephemeral displays might appear in 2025, check out the nonprofit Theodore Payne Foundation. 鈥擲hawnt茅 Salabert

3. Backpack the West Coast Trail in British Columbia

A six-day trek along this 47-mile Vancouver Island trail exceeded my wildest expectations. The route ambles between mossy rainforest and sandy stretches, where black bears forage and orcas and gray whales breach offshore. Wooden ladders and boardwalks keep the hike engaging, and a dozen established campgrounds mean tent sites are plentiful (but also popular鈥 prepare to get cozy with your neighbors at Tsusiat Falls especially). I found solitude at Cullite Cove and Carmanah Creek. Download the West Coast Trail app to stay abreast of camping options, conditions, and tide info. And pack motion-sickness meds for the bumpy shuttle back from the far trailhead. Permits and mandatory ferry reservations, which do not include Pacific Rim National Park Reserve entry, go on sale each January and sell out within hours (from $154). 鈥擹oe Gates

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group riding on horseback through canyon
Canyon de Chelly (Photo: Chloe Ross)

4. Ride Horseback in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona

One May day, saddled atop two small horses perfect for our short frames, my teenage daughter and I followed a Din茅 woman and her preteen son up the low, brown waters of Chinle Creek and into the deep ochre Canyon de Chelly (pronounced de-shay). Indigenous people have lived here for 5,000 years, and the only way to explore the canyon today is with a Native guide. As ours narrated her tribe鈥檚 history, she pointed out petroglyphs鈥攐f hunters, snakes, the god Kokopelli鈥攐n the sheer thousandfoot-high walls and fielded queries about modern life in the Navajo Nation. On the return, the boy spotted a herd of wild horses and broke away from our equine train, chasing them through an open field surrounded by cottonwoods. The whole outing felt timeless. Justin’s Horse Rental is the canyon鈥檚 only authorized horseback outfitter. From $30 鈥擳asha Zemke

bikers riding by red rocks
Hoodoos are a highlight of the Aquarius Trail (Photo: Radavist)

5. Bikepack Utah鈥檚 Aquarius Trail

This young trail system in southern Utah gets five stars for fun. Starting at the 11,307-foot summit of Brian Head Peak, it roller-coasters 190 miles east along singletrack and Forest Service roads to Escalante, crossing the Aquarius Plateau鈥 often at elevations higher than 10,000 feet鈥攁nd skirting Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. How hard was it? Enough to feel exhilarated upon reaching my hut鈥 shipping containers stocked with food, beer, and bunks鈥攅ach afternoon. Open June through October. Five-day trips from $990 鈥擲tephanie Pearson

man in snow with headlamp
Orizaba sits at 18,491 feet (Photo: Owen Clarke)

6. Summit Mexico鈥檚 Highest Peak

The 18,491-foot Pico de Orizaba is perfect for beginner mountaineers seeking highaltitude experience. No technical climbing is required, but you鈥檒l use crampons and an ice axe on the steep glacier near the summit. I climbed this dormant volcano in May 2021 by myself; however, Servimont, a favorite family-owned outfitter in nearby Tlachichuca, has been guiding trekkers up the mountain since the 1930s. I sucked wind during my five-hour ascent, but the view from the top at sunrise was sublime: wisps of cream-colored clouds veiling the plains thousands of feet below and, to the west, Orizaba鈥檚 silhouette falling across the smoke-belching caldera of Popocat茅petl, Mexico鈥檚 second-highest summit. 鈥擮wen Clarke

7. Stargaze at Texas鈥 Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve

I swam among the stars one night at the world鈥檚 largest Dark Sky鈥揷ertified place, the inky Terlingua Creek reflecting innumerable twinkles around me. There鈥檚 no bad spot for a cosmic adventure amid the nine-million-plus combined acres of this reserve in southwest Texas, but choice spots include: McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis, with its giant telescopes; Big Bend Ranch State Park, which hosts free ranger-led star parties; and two astrofocused lodges鈥擬arathon Motel, RV Park, & Skypark and Summit at Big Bend (from $15 and $159, respectively). 鈥擜lex Temblador

black house in trees
Blackberry Mountain鈥檚 treehouse (Photo: Courtesy Blackberry Mountain)
high up shot of lodge
Blackberry Mountain's main lodge (Photo: Courtesy Blackberry Mountain)

8. Spend a Long Weekend at Blackberry Mountain in Tennessee

From the hot tub of the Blackberry Mountain lodge in Walland, I understood why these hills are called the Smokies. Low-lying clouds rolled among the same trees I communed with earlier in the day during a trail run. You can spend your time here in countless other active ways鈥 off-roading in the resort鈥檚 Lexus GX, testing your balance on a ropes course, or hiking to waterfalls or a 22-foot troll sculpture in the woods鈥攁ll of which will leave you sore (in a good way), hence the hot tub. Where Blackberry Farm, its downvalley sister property, leans into culinary pursuits, the newer 5,200-acre Blackberry Mountain is decidedly more outdoorsy. Sipping beer at the Firetower restaurant, perched at the resort鈥檚 highest point, is a delight, as is a stay in its modern treehouses, where you can watch mist weaving through the branches from floor-to-ceiling windows while curled up in bed. With no shortage of great views at Blackberry Mountain, this one just might be tops. From $1,995 per night, three-night minimum 鈥擪evin Sintumuang

9. Run Rapids at West Virginia鈥檚 Gauley River During Gauley Season

The Gauley is a meandering creek most of the year, but a series of scheduled dam releases that start the first weekend after Labor Day turn it into a raucous run of whitewater, creating more than 100 named rapids in the 25-mile Gauley River National Recreation Area. The Class IV-plus Pillow Rock is a good indicator of what you鈥檙e in for: rafts bounce off a massive boulder before being released into a wave train. Take your pick of two daylong options with New and Gauley River 国产吃瓜黑料s: a commercially run trip down the intense upper section (for ages 16 years and older) or the tamer lower section (for ages 12 and up). From $149 鈥擥raham Averill

10. Find Yourself Moved by Monarch Butterflies in Mexico

It鈥檚 hard to observe the main rule at the Piedra Herrada Sanctuary: No talking. When my friends and I visited in February, and sat in awe among tens of thousands of monarchs that danced in the sun and swirled around our bodies, we wanted to shout with joy. However, after their 3,000- mile migration, loud noises can spook the butterflies, and they need their rest. The best time to visit is late fall through midMarch, when the monarchs cluster among the firs. Stay in Valle de Bravo, a lakeside mountain town 20 miles east (unless you prefer to drive the 70 miles from Mexico City), and be prepared for a two-mile trek to 10,000 feet by a nature-reserve guide to reach the sanctuary. Horseback rides are also available. Admission, $5; guide, $17 鈥擪assondra Cloos

 

hikers on tropical trail overlooking ocean
The Kalalau Trail affords sublime panoramas of the striking Na Pali Coast (Photo: Nani Welch Keli'iho'omalu)

11. Hike the Kalalau Trail on the Island of Kauai

The drive out to this trailhead in Haena State Park鈥攃ontinue along the North Shore to the end of the road鈥攊s a beautiful intro 鈥 duction to an equally beautiful hike. Kalalau hugs the high cliffs along Kauai鈥檚 famed Na Pali Coast, and after just a quarter-mile, it鈥檚 one incredible view after another of the wild Pacific Ocean. A two-mile day hike to Hanakapiai Beach requires a $5 reservation to keep the trail from getting overcrowded (visit GoHaena.com and book the $40 area shuttle, which makes several stops from Princeville, as finding a spot for your car at the park can be near impossible). From the beach, I added an extra mile to reach 300-foot Hanakapiai Falls, with a large pool where you can cool off. Or nab a permit 90 days in advance via camping.ehawaii.gov to backpack and camp the entire 11-mile trail out to Kalalau Beach (from $25). Planning ahead is worth it, because this is a once-ina-lifetime experience. 鈥擬ary Turner

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12. Visit Every U.S. National Park

The year I spent traveling around all 63 national parks rocked my entire view of this little experiment we call America. Whether I was on a wilderness trek in remote Gates of the Arctic or boulderhopping in arid Joshua Tree, one thing always stood out: this country is incredibly diverse. Buy an annual pass if you plan to enter several parks over a 12-month period. At $80, it covers more than 2,000 spectacular recreation areas鈥攁 real deal. 鈥擡mily Pennington

person walking through massive Sequoias
(Photo: Will Matsuda)

13. Stand in the Shadow of the Continent鈥檚 Most Amazing Trees

To linger beneath a magnificent tree is to ponder your place in the scheme of things. Your lifespan is but a blip compared with the ancient bristlecone pines of the High Sierra鈥攖he oldest living organisms on earth, more than 4,800 years wise. And compared with California鈥檚 redwoods, giants that have grown to 379 feet, you鈥檙e the merest ant. It鈥檇 take 15 of you with arms outstretched to ring the General Sherman sequoia in Kings Canyon National Park. At Utah鈥檚 Fishlake National Forest, you can lose yourself among Pando鈥 40,000 quaking aspens spread out over 106 acres, all joined by a single root sys 鈥 tem. Or consider the oak, voted America鈥檚 national tree in 2004. The Angel Oak, in Charleston, South Carolina, is our most glorious tree, its branches and leaves shad 鈥 ing an area the size of a hockey rink. North America has other arboreal species worth traveling for: the bald cypress, native to the Southeast wetlands, whose knobby roots absorb miraculous amounts of water after a flood; the sugar maple and tamarack larch, revered in Canada for their sweet sap and brilliant yellow needles in fall, respectively; and the thorny kapok of Mexico鈥檚 Yucat谩n, sacred to the Maya, who believed its roots touched the dead and its branches were getaways to the gods. 鈥擳.Z

red rocks theater empty
Red Rocks Amphitheater (Photo: Marc Pineda/Unsplash)

14. Watch a Concert at Colorado鈥檚 Red Rocks

I grew up at the foot of the Colorado Rockies and was spoiled with countless outdoor options. But one of my greatest privileges was proximity to the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater in the Denver suburb of Morrison. The 9,000-seat open-air venue, built by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, is set between crimson sandstone monoliths and draws artists of every ilk. I鈥檝e seen scores of shows there, from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to Blues Traveler to big orchestras. The acoustics at Red Rocks are world-class鈥攖he rock walls amplify sound鈥攁nd the crowds are ebullient. No matter who you鈥檙e seeing, expect fans to stand, dance, and pass the joint. 鈥擣rederick Dreier

15. Raft the Middle Fork of Idaho鈥檚 Salmon River

One August a couple of years ago, ROW 国产吃瓜黑料s hired me to work a 105-mile trip down the Middle Fork, the cold-water heart of the remote Frank Church鈥揜iver of No Return Wilderness. Yes, I had to set up tents and shoulder a bazillion drybags while clients hiked to waterfalls, but in between we bounced through riotous Class IV rapids and soaked in natural hot springs. I watched eagles hunt on the updrafts, and caught countless cutthroats on a single fly. Come evening, fueled on steak and whiskey, I鈥檇 doze off in a hammock slung between the pines. Best. Week. Ever. 鈥擳im Neville

16. Test the Tides at the Bay of Fundy Off New Brunswick

The notion of the world鈥檚 highest tides might not seem immediately compelling. But the Bay of Fundy is a marvel: twice daily, they rise and recede as much as 52 feet (compare that with average global tides of just three feet). The transition takes a little more than six hours. At low tide, cavort around the colossal Hopewell Rocks or glimpse life inside tidal pools. As the flood current sweeps in, you can raft ripping waves near the Shubenacadie River. The real joy, though, is staying in one spot long enough to witness the swing. 鈥擥rayson Haver Currin

plane view to islands and blue water
Winging in to Isle Royale (Photo: Hallie Kohler)
colorful sleeping bags in shelter
A shelter at the Siskiwit Bay campground (Photo: Mak Krogh)

17. Camp on Isle Royale, Michigan, and Listen to the Wolves Howl

I met the love of my life on a trailhead at this remote national park, accessible only by ferry or seaplane (one-way fares from $80 and $275, respectively). We were both on solo backpacking trips, seeking adventure. Two years later, we returned for our honeymoon to trek the 30-mile Feldtmann Loop. One evening, just as we鈥檇 set up camp overlooking Siskiwit Bay, the green northern lights began to pop, and wolves howled through the spruce. It was simultaneously breathtaking and bone-chilling. Open April 15 to October 31. 鈥擯atty Hodapp

18. Catch as Catch Can at Alabama鈥檚 Seafood Jubilee

鈥淵ou can鈥檛 predict it, but when it鈥檚 on, it鈥檚 on,鈥 says Alabaman Easton Colvin of this anomalous summer phenomenon in Mobile Bay. 鈥淭here are so many fish, you can just grab them with your hands.鈥 During certain weather and bay conditions, hordes of blue crabs, Gulf shrimp, flounder, speckled trout, red drum, and more move into knee-deep oxygenated waters. There the gathering begins. Once word is out (usually via social-media alerts), you鈥檒l want to get to shore quick, with buckets and a permit in tow: the fish tend to start moving back into deeper water come sunrise. 鈥擳.N.

19. Ride Ragbrai in Iowa

Depending on who you talk to, the Register鈥檚 Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa is either the world鈥檚 oldest, largest, and longest recreational bike-touring event or a huge drunken party. In fact, it鈥檚 both. Every night of the weeklong July ride (this year from the 19th to the 26th), host communities welcome some 18,000 registered cyclists with plenty of food, fanfare, and Busch Light. Volunteers open up their homes and backyards to participants who want to crash on a couch or pitch a tent. Town squares become campgrounds. The humidity and hilly country roads are no joke, but Ragbrai is decidedly unserious and definitely not a race, which is what makes it so great. 鈥擨sabella Rosario

20. Climb in Kentucky鈥檚 Red River Gorge

This national natural landmark, an hour鈥檚 drive east of Lexington, is often called America鈥檚 best sport-climbing crag. The Corbin sandstone has large, comfortable handholds like you鈥檇 find at a gym, and when October daytime highs hover in the seventies, the 200-foot-high cliffs are crawling with climbers. Check out Creature Feature, a 5.9 that feels like you鈥檙e working your way up a sculpture. End your day out at Miguel鈥檚 Pizza, a beloved family-operated pie joint in the town of Slade. 鈥擜nthony Walsh

21. Explore a New Side of South Dakota鈥檚 Black Hills

It took me decades to realize the merits of slow travel through the Black Hills. One wonder is the Needles Highway, a 14-mile stretch between Sylvan and Legion Lakes that squeezes through impossibly narrow tunnels, passes golden aspen stands, and skirts spires of granite. Farther north, a brand-new addition to the area is the Shortgrass Resort, set on 52 acres outside Spearfish where the national forest meets the prairie. Each of its eight Danish tents has a private deck, soft linens, and hazy views to the hills. An on-site restaurant serves beef and produce harvested down the road. Open May 1 through October 27. Tents from $747 鈥擲.P

white building jutting over rocks
The Fogo Island Inn, known for its unique architecture and fresh seafood (Photo: Courtesy Fogo Island Inn)

22. Stay at the Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland and Labrador

Tiny Fogo Island was forlorn at the turn of the century, after the cod industry collapsed. But with the 2013 opening of this 29-room inn, the tide brought in tourists. Its boxy architecture, designed by a native son, is set in austere surroundings, the tone for any stay. When I visited in March, the surrounding pack ice resembled a frozen jigsaw puzzle. Staff arranged for community hosts to take me snowmobiling and prepare a memorable traditional boil of salt cod and Newfoundland steak鈥攂ologna!鈥攐ver a fire in the woods. From $1,720, all-inclusive, three-night minimum 鈥擩en Murphy

23. Spot the Synchronous Fireflies in Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Up until 30 years ago, scientists didn鈥檛 believe that fireflies flashed in unison in the U.S. But a few hot spots in the Southeast offer a window into this near hallucinogenic phantasm. Starting in late May, the bellies of these bugs flash in synchronous patterns after dark as part of their mating ritual. And while Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best known for this glow show, I prefer the swampy wonderland of less crowded Congaree. Only lucky lottery winners are admitted; try for a spot at Recreation.gov in early April. 鈥擥.H.C.

A hiker in an orange jacket makes their way up the rocky path to the top of Mount Elbert with Twin Lakes in the background in Colorado in the USA
The rocky path to the top of Mount Elbert with Twin Lakes in the background (Photo: Jason Jones Travel Photography/Getty)

24. Hike Colorado鈥檚 Tallest Mountain

Don鈥檛 let 14,448-foot Mount Elbert intimidate you. The eponymous trail to the top gains 4,500 vertical feet over 4.9 miles but is well maintained and offers astonishing views of the state鈥檚 highest peaks, deep valleys, and bright wildflower patches. Expect to see mountain goats, marmots, and pikas, too. 鈥擩ames Dziezynski

25. Chase the Northern Lights in the Northwest Territories

Many of us enjoyed low-latitude aurora sightings in 2024, but nothing beats seeing the northern lights with the naked eye outside the small city of Yellowknife. Thanks to a dearth of light pollution and heightened auroral activity, the glowing bands are visible some 240 nights annually. I flew up in September to head out with Indigenous aurora hunter Joe Buffalo Child, who runs North Star 国产吃瓜黑料s, and it was among the most moving travel experiences of my life. 鈥擲tephanie Vermillion

26. Max Out on 国产吃瓜黑料 at the National Whitewater Center in North Carolina

Any day is a good day to explore this 1,300-acre campus near Charlotte, home to a man-made recirculating whitewater river, 40 miles of mountain-biking trails, and a large outdoor rock-climbing complex that includes a deep-water-soloing wall. But the USNWC is at its best during Tuck Fest, a free a spring festival (this year April 25 to 27) that attracts some 40,000 people with participatory adventure sports, pro competitions, beer, daily yoga, and live music. Camping in the area is scarce. Act fast to snag a site at McDowell Nature Preserve on Lake Wylie, just 17 miles south (from $15), or find an Airbnb in Charlotte. 鈥擥.A.

A barbacoa taco
A barbacoa taco from El Hidalguense (Photo: Jake Naughton)

27. Take a Tour of Mexico City

There are so many taco stands in this city of 21 million that you could try different ones for the duration of any stay. What can you look forward to? Handmade tortillas fresh off the comal. Meats roasting in their own fat. Sweet, spicy, and citrusy marinades and salsas. Countless types of tacos: birria, campechano, carne asada, al pastor, pescado. To manage the insane variety, focus on a neighborhood or two. In La Roma, start at El Hidalguense for slow-cooked lamb barbacoa, then sample the meat-free menu at Por Siempre Vegan. In neighboring La Condesa is Hola el G眉ero, a favorite with locals and Mexican cookbook author Pati Jinich; it has been making tacos de guisado鈥攖ender stew combos heaped onto tortillas鈥攕ince 1968. At Taquer铆a El Greco, the pork doneraky shaved atop a pita is worth waiting for. My advice: keep your eyes open for long lines, the sign of a solid stand. 鈥擱yan Krogh

28. Thru-Hike the Long Path in New York

The best through-hikes are never purely wilderness experiences, and the Long Path bears this out. Starting at New York City鈥檚 175th Street subway station, you鈥檒l follow aqua-colored blazes 360 miles north toward the southern Adirondacks. The path wends through a mix of suburban and rural scenes: picnics and pools, families out for a bike ride, communities hosting concerts, and also forests, fields, rivers, and a section of the legendary Shawangunk Ridge. Overnight at campsites and shelters on certain spans, or at local hotels. When you tell the uninitiated upstate that you left Manhattan by foot, their astonishment will make your trek feel even more grand. 鈥擥.H.C.

fall colors in mountains above clouds
Shenandoah National Park (Photo: Beklaus/Getty)

29. Bike the Skyline Drive in Shenadoah National Park, Virgina

This 105-mile byway, built along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is an iconic road ride. It features some 70 scenic overlooks, including dramatic views of the Shenandoah Valley below, every rise revealing another panorama of Appalachia. Psych yourself up for 11,000 feet of climbs and the odd steep gradient (7 percent) over two to three days, with campgrounds and cabins available en route. Pedal the road north to south beginning in Front Royal, just as engineers designed it to be experienced nearly 100 years ago. 鈥擱.K.

30. Hike from Crested Butte to Aspen, Colorado, and Back

There are few simpler pleasures than walking between mountain towns with only a small pack on your back. Europe has many iconic treks like these, but Colorado boasts the best this side of the Atlantic, which I鈥檝e done twice from both directions. I recommend setting out from the West Maroon Trailhead, 17 miles north of Crested Butte, hiking the five to six hours over 12,490-foot West Maroon Pass and down into the Maroon Bells Wilderness. From the Maroon Lake Trailhead, a shuttle will take you into Aspen, where you can people-watch on East Cooper Avenue, eat oysters at Clark鈥檚, and stay in style at the Annabelle Inn (from $359). The next morning, shuttle to the same trailhead for a 16-mile, sevenhour ramble back via 11,800-foot East Maroon Pass. Whichever direction you choose, the Nordic Inn in Crested Butte is a favorite base, catering to round-trip hikers with packed breakfasts and beta (from $185). 鈥擪atie Arnold

31. Bask in the Bioluminescence Off Vieques, Puerto Rico

Mosquito Bay at night is a marvel. I still dream of my glow-in-the-dark paddle through phytoplankton that turn an amazing electric blue when agitated, one of the planet鈥檚 brightest such shows. Book a glass-bottom kayak tour with the outfitter Taino Aqua 国产吃瓜黑料s during the new moon, when skies are darkest ($75). And don鈥檛 forget to look up鈥攖he stars above this island paradise, too, are nothing short of mesmerizing. 鈥擯.H.

outside of Hell's Backbone Grill
(Photo: Courtesy Hell's Backbone Grill and Farm)

32. Eat at Hell鈥檚 Backbone Grill and Farm in Utah

A friend of mine loved the Thanksgiving buffet at Hell鈥檚 Backbone Grill, a 25-year-old James Beard Award鈥搉ominated institution co-owned by Jen Castle and Blake Spalding, located on Route 12 in Boulder. But HBG is a mecca much of the year for recreationists seeking a solid meal after camping at Capitol Reef (40 miles north), hiking at Bryce Canyon (75 miles south), or canyoneering at Grand Staircase鈥揈scalante (4 miles south). It also attracts foodies, Sierra Club and Sundance Film Festival types, athletes, politicians, and well-known artists and writers. Food is sourced ethically and locally, and HBG has its own organic garden and a farm with chickens. A local, a vegetarian, always gets the Jenchilada. HBG closes from early December to mid-March. 鈥擜lison Osius

33. Cat-Ski Out of Fernie, British Columbia

The Kootenay Rockies are the cat-skiing capital of the world, and February is the month to hit its backcountry, when temperatures are consistently cold and the snow dry. The 26-room Island Lake Lodge, eight miles west of Fernie, is on many a wish list; with a reputation for having the best guides and glades, it books new guests only from its wait list (from $2,064). An alternative is Fernie Wilderness 国产吃瓜黑料s, south of town on 5,000 acres; you can score up to 12,000 feet of vert per day on its cat tours (from $650). 鈥擩.M.

34. Overnight Off-Grid at the Lightning Field in New Mexico

One of the funnest things I鈥檝e ever done is stay at this land-art installation outside Quemado, a tiny town 150 miles west of Albuquerque. In 1977, Walter De Maria placed 400 pointy-tipped steel rods, varying from 15 to 26 feet tall, in a field near a rustic cabin that can sleep up to six people. Today The Lightning Field and its cabin are maintained by the Dia Art Foundation, which also handles reservations to visit. From Quemado, a Dia staff member will drive you out to the cabin and drop you off for the night, with dinner and breakfast packed in a cooler. Put your feet up on the back porch and watch how the changing light flickers across the rods, especially at sunrise and sunset. It鈥檚 rare that I find myself so far off the grid with cheese enchiladas, a cold beer, and not a worry in the world. From $300 鈥擬.T

two surfers in ocean
(Photo: Nani Welch Keli'iho'omalu)

35. Surf Waikiki, Oahu

There鈥檚 something spiritual about riding the waves of Waikiki. This famous two-mile Honolulu beach is the birthplace of modern surfing, the former playground of Hawaiian royalty, the home shores of legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, and the special place where Olympic champ Carissa Moore first gave the sport a go. Queen鈥檚鈥攁n endless right-hand break鈥攊s my idea of longboard heaven. Yeah, it鈥檚 packed, but rent a board, paddle out, and experience the thrill of rolling toward Oahu in warm turquoise waters. 鈥擩.M.

man on bike
(Photo: Kenny Hurtado)

36. Mountain Bike Northwest Arkansas

Bentonville鈥檚 self-claimed title as mountain-biking capital of the world is hard to argue with these days: a well-financed publicprivate partnership has transformed the state鈥檚 Ozarks into a popular network of 550-plus miles of singletrack, called the Oz Trails. There鈥檚 something for every ability, from the flowy Little Sugar system to technical downhill sections at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. Or saddle up from your downtown digs and wheel the short distance to the Slaughter Pen trails, where 40 miles of art-filled paths await. 鈥擱.K.

37. Glamp at Under Canvas Acadia in Maine

Shorefront lobster bakes. Nightly campfires. Cozy tents heated by woodstoves, and soft beds to fall into after hiking. There鈥檚 a lot to love about this Under Canvas location, gloriously removed from the annoying crowds at Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, but still within viewing distance of iconic Cadillac Mountain. Pull up an Adirondack chair, crack a local beer, enjoy live music, and gaze at the glistening Union River Bay. The landscape is relaxing and idyllic鈥攐ne of the main reasons you鈥檝e traveled to this part of the coast. Book the Stargazer tent to make the most of it. Open May 8 to October 13. From $279 鈥擳.Z.

38. Paddle Minnesota鈥檚 Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

In January, before permits open for summer, my sister and I scout a loop through the BWCAW, then start dreaming about our annual paddling and portaging trip. The wilderness here is thick with white pines and has water so pure we can still drink it from the deepest lakes. We鈥檒l travel by day, swim when it鈥檚 hot, and set up camp on a granite slab at dusk, when lakes turn to glass and solitary loons call for mates. If a DIY adventure sounds overwhelming, Piragis Northwoods Company in Ely offers trip-planning services. 鈥擲.P

39. Compete in Oregon鈥檚 Crater Lake Marathon

The continent鈥檚 most beautiful marathon happens in Crater Lake National Park each August. A small field of runners鈥攋ust 500鈥 circle the rim of this ancient, flooded caldera, with views down into an alpine lake sparkling an impossible gemstone blue. Don鈥檛 expect to PR on a course this hilly at 7,000 feet elevation, says Ian Sharman, who won the race in 2012. 鈥淓veryone鈥檚 there for the scenery.鈥 鈥擳.N.

man running on red rock
Descending the South Kaibab Trail from the South Rim (Photo: Kyle McCrohan)
runners descending canyon trail
(Photo: Kyle McCrohan)

40. Run the Grand Canyon from Rim to Rim to Rim

Five million people visit Grand Canyon National Park annually, but to truly know the span of the Big Ditch, you should run across it in one mega day. From South to North Rims and back, I鈥檓 talking 44 miles, 20,000 feet of elevation change, and a geologic journey that spans 1.8 billion years. I set out one spring morning at 4:38 A.M. via the South Kaibab Trailhead and finished at 6:09 P.M. at the Bright Angel Trailhead. Not gonna lie, it was grueling. And I trained for four months. But traversing this gorgeous natural landscape in 15-plus hours was something I鈥檒l never ever forget. 鈥擶ill Taylor

41. Attend Mountainfilm in Colorado

I鈥檝e been to Mountainfilm, the granddaddy of American outdoor-film fests, many times. Held Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, it draws some 4,000 people eager to immerse themselves with more than 100 documentaries on everything from adventure to social issues, and to hang out with esteemed guests and speakers like Jimmy Chin, Kris Tompkins, Tommy Caldwell, Cheryl Strayed, and Pattie Gonia. This year for the first time, short films shown here will qualify for Academy Awards. Three pro tips: bring a blanket for nighttime screenings outdoors, reserve your spot at events well beforehand, and stay at the awesome local campground ($30), which you can walk to. Kicking off summer in Telluride is a joy: hiking the Jud Wiebe Trail above town, with verdant views; getting in a quick boulder sesh at Society Turn; or just ambling down Main Street and seeing so many folks from the outdoor world. Passes from $210 鈥擜.O.

42. Hike the AT Through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

Seventy-two miles of the AT run through the nation鈥檚 most visited park. My preferred stretch is a shortened version that鈥檚 as beautiful and remote as it is challenging. It begins on the western side of Fontana Lake, in Tennessee, and ascends 7,000 feet over 32 miles, topping out at Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), which straddles the North Carolina state line. Stop at the Shuckstack Fire Tower and count off its 78 steps to the top for an incredible view of Fontana鈥檚 sinuous blue fingers seeping into the green ridges below. As for timing, I should say October when the foliage is popping, but I like summer, when I can detour to swimming holes. 鈥擥.A.

 

kid in front of el cap
(Photo: Adam Hester/Getty)

43. Camp with the Kids at Yosemite National Park in California

The first time I hiked to the top of 317- foot Vernal Fall, my daughter was a toddler in a backpack. Now she鈥檚 ten and climbs the five-mile Mist Trail herself. If you pitch a tent in Upper Pines Campground, which enjoys views of El Capitan and Half Dome, it鈥檚 a quick bike ride from your site to the trailhead. Or escape the crowds by heading to the high-country Tuolumne Meadows Campground, which will reopen in June after a major renovation; half the sites there are held for walk-up campers. Reservations open five months ahead at 7 A.M. Pacific Time and sell out in minutes, so be on it. Both campsites $36 鈥擬egan Michelson

44. Go Crabbing with Tia in South Carolina

Catching what you eat in a city is a rare thing. Which is what makes the Casual Crabbing with Tia experience worth seeking out on a trip to Charleston. Tia Clark pivoted from a hospitality-industry career to teaching locals and visitors alike to crab sustainably, something connected to her Gullah Geechee culture. When my daughters and I鈥攚ho have zero crabbing knowledge鈥攕pent a morning with her on the water, she made us feel like pros. We later took our bounty to the Charleston Crab House, where it was steamed and tossed with Old Bay, and we ate it with our hands and the requisite bibs. $125 鈥擪.S.

45. Kayak the Sea of Cortez, Baja California Sur

Last December, my wife and two teenagers decided to bring in the New Year with a trip to Isla Esp铆ritu Santo, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. We booked four nights with locally based Todos Santos Eco 国产吃瓜黑料s and had a ball swimming with sea lions, kayaking among devil rays, snorkeling with sea turtles, exploring island coves, rambling to promontories with views of turquoise bays, and stargazing beneath some of Mexico鈥檚 darkest skies. From $395, including glamping accommodations, meals, equipment, and guided hikes 鈥擣iachra Stokes

46. Bikepack the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

This route parallels the Continental Divide for some 2,700 miles between the U.S.- Mexico border and Banff, Canada. I did it northbound鈥攖he increasingly preferred direction, given seasonal wildfire concerns鈥攕tarting in June and making my way over mostly lonely dirt roads and through breathtaking scenery over 45 days. The riding isn鈥檛 technical, but the elements, 149,000 feet of elevation gain, poor cell service, and sheer length make for a serious undertaking. The real beauty of this endeavor, though, is making it whatever you need it to be: a test of endurance, a travel odyssey, a personal vision quest. You鈥檒l return changed in ways you won鈥檛 expect. 鈥擝ryan Rogala

overhead shot of cabin on lake
Klahoose Wilderness Resort is located in a spectacular setting (Photo: Courtesy Klahoose Wilderness Resort)

47. Get Back to Nature at the Klahoose Wilderness Resort in British Columbia

You will remember this stunner of a resort, located 125 miles northwest of Vancouver, long after your trip. The boat ride in, across the emerald waters of Desolation Sound; the Coast Mountains rising near vertically from the lodges and cabins; and grizzly viewing with a First Nation guide, or watching humpbacks sleep offshore. Unwind in the dock鈥檚 new sauna and then plunge into the cold ocean. Nearby are waterfalls borne from glaciers. A tribal village hosts spiritual rainforest-bathing excursions. And there is so much quiet. Open May 8 to October 23. From $2,463 for three nights, including meals, select tours, and boat transport to and from the gateway town of Lund 鈥擳.Z.

48. Meditate at California鈥檚 Spirit Rock Center

I鈥檝e meditated for over half my life, yet still struggle to sit calmly and observe my thoughts without judgment. So I yearn to attend a multiday Vipassana retreat at Spirit Rock, a beautiful Buddhist center 22 miles north of San Francisco, founded by legendary teacher Jack Kornfield. A friend of mine organizes his entire year around its Zen events. Most incorporate sitting, walking, and guided meditation, with movement practices like yoga or tai chi added to help quiet the mind and open the heart. Slidingscale rates from $280 鈥擯.H.

49. Scout Out Porcupine Caribou Crossing Alaska鈥檚 North Slope

The great caribou migration is the longest land migration of any animal on earth. In summer, the 200,000-strong Porcupine herd gathers near the Beaufort Sea within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for its calving season before commencing a 840-mile march south in search of food. It鈥檚 not easy to find these caribou in such a large expanse of tundra, which is why an outfitter is the way to go. I鈥檝e had my eye on Arctic Wild鈥檚 caribou and photography trip, which starts in the Gwich鈥檌n hamlet of Arctic Village, not far from ANWR, and includes a bush flight into remote backcountry for a week of wildlife watching amid what has been called America鈥檚 last true wilderness. $8,800 for five nights 鈥擬.T.

50. Drive the Entire Alcan Highway

The 1,387-mile Alaska-Canada Highway is the continent鈥檚 remotest route. Setting off from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, you鈥檒l travel across the northernmost Rockies and through the subarctic tundra to Whitehorse, Yukon; skirt 19,551-foot Mount Logan, Canada鈥檚 highest peak; cross into Alaska; and, 190 miles later, arrive at Delta Junction. Budget seven to ten days to do the whole thing in one go. I鈥檝e spotted bison and grizzlies during my drives, and I once pulled off at B.C.鈥檚 iconic Muncho Lake, visited nearby Liard River Hot Springs, and had both places to myself (save a couple of caribou). The Alcan is paved and open year-round, but intervals between service stations can be lengthy and lack cell service, so keep your tank at least half full. Also, be prepared for snow and cracked or bumpy asphalt from frost heaves, even in summer. 鈥擩ayme Moye

From Spring 2025
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Lead Photo: Will Matsuda