Tag: adventure

Discover America’s Best Adventure Spots

When it comes to an adventure packed getaway, the United States offers a range of exhilarating destinations, as per Travel + Leisure. Whether it’s thrilling outdoor activities, natural landmarks, or exciting excursions that appeal to your sense of adventure, the country presents endless opportunities. From epic surf breaks in Hawaii to breathtaking hikes in the Grand Canyon, there are countless destinations that invite travelers to explore, challenge themselves, and get closer to nature. Below are some of the best locations for adventure seekers craving an adrenaline rush.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, stands as a premier adventure destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who revel in winter sports. Surrounded by three top-tier winter resorts — Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort — this area offers incredible skiing and snowboarding opportunities during the colder months. Beyond skiing, visitors can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refugeand witness the majesty of wildlife in their natural habitat. For those eager to explore even further, nearby Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer awe-inspiring hikes, wildlife viewing, and rugged landscapes. After a day of adventure, high-end accommodations like Hotel Jackson provide an ideal place to rest and recharge.

Yosemite National Park, California

California’s Yosemite National Park offers an abundance of outdoor adventure activities that are sure to satisfy any thrill-seeker. This iconic park is famous for its granite cliffs, particularly El Capitan and Half Dome, which draw rock climbers from around the world. Hiking enthusiasts can challenge themselves on the trails, including summiting peaks, biking the valley floor, and exploring sky-high sequoia groves. For a more relaxed adventure, watching the sunrise from Glacier Point or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Tenaya Lake offers moments of serenity amidst the adrenaline-pumping excursions. The Ahwahnee, a historic lodge with charming features like stone fireplaces and beamed ceilings, is the perfect spot to retreat to after a long day of exploring.

Moab, Utah

For those captivated by desert landscapes and geological wonders, Moab, Utah, is an adventure haven. This destination gives travelers the chance to explore both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, offering some of the most impressive natural sandstone arches and rock formations in the country. Hiking, mountain biking, and exploring these vast desert landscapes are key activities here. The surrounding buttes, shaped by the Colorado River, create a picturesque backdrop for adventurers looking for a memorable outdoor experience. Accommodations like Under Canvas Moab and the luxurious ULUM provide an eco-conscious stay with glamorous tents and an array of outdoor activities.

Oahu, Hawaii

For those drawn to water-based adventures, Oahu’s North Shore in Hawaii is a surfer’s paradise. With legendary surf breaks like the Banzai Pipeline and the towering waves of Waimea Bay, this area is world-renowned among surfers. Whether you’re an expert looking to carve massive barrels or a beginner ready to take your first lesson, Oahu offers something for everyone. Beyond surfing, adventure lovers can engage in ziplining, skydiving, kayaking, or scuba diving. The island also presents more serene activities like waterfall hikes and stand-up paddleboard yoga sessions. Turtle Bay Resort caters to those who want to combine excitement with relaxation, offering a wide range of activities along with peaceful beachfront accommodations.

Whitefish, Montana

In the scenic northwest corner of Montana lies Whitefish, a gateway to Glacier National Park and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its exhilarating winter sports, this area draws visitors looking to ski, snowboard, or snowmobile through the pristine landscapes. But Whitefish shines year-round, offering activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and ziplining during the warmer months. For those seeking an aerial view of the stunning surroundings, hot air ballooning is an unforgettable experience. After an action-packed day, travelers can unwind at Après Whitefish, a boutique hotel that blends modern luxury with nostalgic mountain lodge charm.

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The Lewis and Clark Trail Offers History, Adventure, and Scenery

If you’re looking for a unique, historical adventure in the St. Louis area that is devoid of the noise associated with any large metropolitan area, then look no further than the Lewis and Clark Trail, and thanks to this travel guide from Midwest Living, it’s never been easier. From breathtaking scenery to fascinating stories of the early 19th century, this trail offers it all, allowing you to explore the history of America’s western frontier as you hike, bike, or drive your way along the trail. Learn all about Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s 1803-1806 expedition that opened up the west and changed history forever by traversing this trail today.

Part of the National Trails System, the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail is nearly 4,900 miles in total length, and it extends through the homelands of over 60 Tribal nations as it follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806. In total, the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail begins in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and traverses through a total of sixteen states to the Pacific Ocean. The trail extends through portions of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.

While the complete trail is intimidatingly extensive to fully explore, Midwest Living suggests that if you are staying near St. Louis, Missouri that you check out the nearby portion of the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail, as it offers a lot of history, scenery, and peace without taking a three-year journey.

One of the best reasons to stop by the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail is to see the spectacular views of St. Louis, its landmarks, and the nearby scenery from the many vantage points that the trail offers. One such observable point is the mighty Missouri River. This is due to the fact that the trail follows the Missouri River from its confluence with the Mississippi River to the Mandan Villages in North Dakota. The trail is also a great place to simply enjoy the outdoors, as there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping along the way. And if you’re looking for a challenge, you can even try your hand at paddling a canoe or kayak down the river.

While traversing the trail, visitors can see many important historic sites, including the Council Bluffs where Lewis and Clark met with the Otoe-Missouria tribe in 1804, and Fort Mandan, their winter headquarters. Additionally, the trail offers an excellent view of the St. Louis Gateway Arch, as the landmark is a mere 33.6 miles away.

The Lewis and Clark trailhead is located on the east side of MO94, and once you approach the trailhead sign, you’ll notice that the trail is divided into two trails: the Lewis Trail and The Clark Trail. The ClarkTrail stands at a length of 5.3 miles, and it takes approximately 3 hours to traverse, so this might be the trail to take for the more inexperienced hikers. Alternatively, The Lewis Trail is recorded at a length of 8.2 Miles, and it takes approximately 5 hours to traverse, so this might be the hiking choice for those more experienced.

Outside of this trail, there are plenty of other places to visit near St. Louis to learn more about history and see fantastic sights. Nearby, visitors can explore the Museum of Westward Expansion, which tells the story of Lewis and Clark’s journey west. The museum features exhibits on Native American culture, pioneer life, and the natural history of the region. There is also a theater where visitors can watch a short film about Lewis and Clark’s expedition.

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