Epic Outdoor Vacations for the Adventurous Traveler

Some say there’s no better way to experience our great country than by truly immersing yourself in it. If you’re eager to not only see what our country has to offer, but really want to take a slice of life in the great outdoors, these epic vacation spots will bring out your adventurous side.

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Whether you love the cold of the mountains during fall and winter or the heat of the beach during spring and summer, these outdoor vacations are sure to satisfy your wanderlust.

John Muir Trail

Located in California between Yosemite National Park and Mt. Whitney, the John Muir Trail is 211 miles of beautiful mountain scenery that will take any backpacker’s breath away. To avoid potential snowfall, the best time to hike this trail is during the summer months when the weather is mild. Travelers should have proper backpacking attire and equipment, especially a tent. Besides the price of paraphernalia, food, and transportation to the trail, hikers must obtain a wilderness permit (about $5 per person) far in advance of their trip. Despite being attracted to the low price of this adventure, travelers should keep in mind that they must be in good shape to face this challenging hike.

Denali Park and Kenai Fjords

Starting in Anchorage, Alaska, this 7-day trip brings travelers by train and motorcoach to two of Alaska’s most stunning natural attractions: Denali Park and Kenai Fjords. Go whitewater rafting under mountain ranges and take in the majesty of Mt. Denali’s landscape. This trip starts at about $2,000 per person, excluding airfare to Alaska, with discounts for travelling in May and September. The best time to take this trip is during the summer months when the weather is mild, but watch out for mosquitoes!

Killington, Vermont

If you’re looking for some great skiing or snowboarding on the East Coast, then Killington is the place to go. Known for its dozens of trails hosting a variety of winter activities, Killington attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each winter to its mountains. This trip can get expensive when you add up travel costs, appropriate winter apparel and equipment, and lodging, but bed and breakfasts are common in Killington and can lower the overall cost of food. Just make sure you can endure the harsh Northeast winter before travelling to this ski town.

Outer Banks, NC

The Outer Banks, or OBX, is the perfect adventure destination if you’re bringing young kids along for the ride. A large variety of fish species lure fisherman from far and wide. OBX is also home to a ton of history, including hundreds of shipwrecks off the coast and the location of Blackbeard’s final battle. After hitting the beach, bring the kids to the many mini golf courses the islands hold. The best time to go to the Outer Banks is during the summer when the ocean water is at its warmest. Many vacationers attend with other families and rent large houses on the beach; otherwise lodging can be pricey.

The Big Island, Hawaii

Often overlooked by tourists, the Big Island is nothing like the other islands that make up Hawaii. Despite its lack of luxury resorts, Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano, dense rainforests for hiking, and black-sand beaches offer a truly unique vacation environment. Traveling during the fall is ideal to avoid the island’s winter heat and humidity. Most tourists stay in Hilo where B&Bs provide cheap lodging with all the culture the Big Island offers.

Lake Tahoe

With its clear blue water, Lake Tahoe in summer is a relaxing destination with all the beauty of California trails. This destination has the best of both worlds; travelers get to experience the intoxicating beauty of the lake itself while also having access to many high-end shops that embrace the San Francisco way of life. Spring and winter are the best times to travel to Lake Tahoe depending on whether you prefer swimming or skiing. Ski lift tickets can be expensive if you go during the winter and the luxury hotels can put a nice dent in your wallet, but you can save money if you get a combo package with your resort or go during the week to avoid weekend prices.