7 Must-Visit American Cities for Outdoor Adventure Travel
America has been a haven for people from all walks of life because of the “American Dream.” And indeed, a lot of people have been given lots of opportunities in this magnificent country. But that’s not the only dream people can get out of the United States because it’s also an outdoor haven for the modern-day nature lovers.
With a terrain of around 3.8 million square miles, America has incredible outdoor activities beyond every outdoorsman’s wildest dreams.
Let’s travel from one city to another and explore the top three outdoor activities to do in every city to make it worth your while. Here are 7 cities in America for outdoor adventure travel.
1. Portland, Oregon
All nature enthusiasts can delight in its volcanic mountains that seem to pierce the skies and vast, lush greenery that house a few wildlife. Two marvelous rivers surround this city and are within an hour reach of the best outdoor spots.
Top three outdoor activities to do:
- Ski and snowboard in Mount Hood during the winter and summer.
- Kayak in Portland’s Willamette River through downtown.
- With 5,200 acres of lush forests, hiking in Forest Park is a must-do!
2. Cody, Wyoming
If you’re into cowboys, horses, bandannas, and the whole nine yards; Cody will surely entice the heck out of you. It’s a cowboy town which is located on Yellowstone National Park’s eastern rim and Bighorn Basin’s western edge.
Top three outdoor activities to do:
- Cody isn’t called the “Rodeo Capital of the World” for nothing. Watch the only night rodeo from June to August.
- Go on a guided whitewater rafting adventure in the Shoshone River.
- Go wildlife watching at the Shoshone National Forest and fall in love with the scenic view while driving along the way.
3. Aspen, Colorado
If you get a kick out of skiing, Aspen is the place to be. It’s known for its four colossal ski areas – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and the Snowmass Ski Resort. But the fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts, you can also find several beautiful hiking spots.
Top three outdoor activities to do:
- The Maroon Bell twin peaks are a towering 14,000-foot beauty great for hiking and wildlife watching.
- Indulge in winter sports in this ultimate skiing and snowboarding destination – Snowmass Ski Resort.
- Aspen Mountain or “Ajax” is a popular destination for skiers with amazing summit views and challenging slopes that’ll make your heart skip a beat!
4. Austin, Texas
For those who aren’t so fond of the cold weather, try nipping down to Austin, Texas when you have a chance. The best part about this city is that you don’t have to go there at a specific month because the weather is great all year round.
Top three outdoor activities to do:
- You can enjoy hiking at 13-mile trails in the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
- Camp and BBQ in Krause Springs, a private camping and swimming destination.
- Swim your heart out at the splendid Hamilton Pool with a large limestone overhang.
5. Boise, Idaho
Boise is a city with just over 214,000 inhabitants and is located in a river valley which is within an hour’s driving distance to the great outdoor spots. Enjoy the mountains, high deserts, and rivers for your adrenaline fix.
Top three outdoor activities to do:
- Float in a raft or tube, or paddle on the Boise River.
- You’ll never tire of the splendid 190-mile stretch of roads and trails in Ridge to Rivers.
- Hike in Oregon Trail Reserve which boasts the Boise Front view and the historical Kelton Ramp.
6. Santa Barbara, California
Get high on water activities in this city which feature golden ridgelines into the Pacific. With a good sunshine over 300 days a year; you’ll surely get that long-overdue tan in its inviting waters and amazing climate!
Top three outdoor activities to do:
- You can’t visit Santa Barbara and NOT try surfing. It offers waves for every skill level.
- Thousands of Pacific grey whales migrate through the channel from late November to April – a perfect time to go whale-watching!
- With predominant northwest winds, the Santa Barbara Channel is also suitable for sailing!
7. Moab, Utah
With two majestic national parks – Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park – Moab is a city which will never run out of outdoor activities. Delight in its rivers, ancient red rock formations, and endless trails and you may never want to leave!
Top three outdoor activities to do:
- Avid runners will enjoy the easy and challenging running trails in Arches and Canyonlands.
- If you’re up for a little challenge, try whitewater rafting on the demanding Colorado River.
- Bike trails are also provided for the avid bikers. These world-class trails are Slickrock, Poison Spider Mesa, and Porcupine Rim.
The stunning scenic adventure destinations in America can’t be explored in days; you need months, years, or even your entire lifetime to see those natural gems! You know what they say, so many places to go and yet so little time. So pick your cities and take it one day at a time.
Author Bio: Sarah Brooks is a passionate travel & outdoor blogger who loves to travel and write about her experience. She spends her free time hiking, swimming, camping and spending time with her family. She is currently working for Lakeland Visitours which offers exceptional tours throughout Cumbria and the Lake District.