Looking for adventure holiday ideas this year but keep coming up with the same old things? Here’s our Primer for Hassle-Free Adventure Holiday Ideas: five perfect adventure-sport vacations in the western United States (minus all the hassle of DIY planning, logistics, etc.)
Road Trip Alaska in a Converted Yellow School Bus
12 days, from $1690 pp, Infinite Adventures, dates in June, July and August
Take a yellow school bus, remodel it into an overland vehicle and bring together a small group of adventure travelers to explore the wilderness on an awesome Alaska road trip. That’s how the couple at Infinite Adventures does it. Highlights of the Alaska Denali Expedition: Hikes in Denali NP, Wrangell/St. Elias NP and Valdez. If you don't have 3 weeks’ time, but want to explore the back country and remote places of Alaska, then this trip is right for you. You will spend 1 night in a hostel, 4 nights in bush camps, 5 nights in established campgrounds and 1 night either in a rustic lodge/established camp. Tour includes Denali National Park wildlife buses to Toklat River and Eielsen Visitor Center, Maclaren Lodge/Wilderness Glacier camp, boat and canoe trips on the Maclaren River, and hikes in Denali NP, Wrangell/St. Elias NP and Valdez.
Guided Mountain Bike Tour in Bears Ears National Monument
3-days/2-nights, from $825 pp, Rim Tours, dates in June, July, August and September
Celebrate America’s newest National Monument: ride 2017 Santa Cruz mountain bikes from the Bears Ears, down Elk Ridge to the colorful desert near The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. This is an unsurpassed 3-day Bears Ears adventure! The route begins below the 8,000 foot Bears Ears Pass, surrounded by ponderosa pine, and follows Elk Ridge, the backbone between the Abajo Mountains and the Colorado River. You’ll explore secluded canyons, rich in cultural history of the Anasazi Indians, searching for ancient rock art and cliff dwellings. Guides haul camp gear, set up kitchen, chairs, etc. cook gourmet backcountry meals, tune bikes and lead hikes and rides each day. (Riding skill level is Easy/Beginner.) For Spring and Fall dates, check out the equally amazing Needles to Moab Canyonlands Tour, also in Bears Ears National Monument. (Riding skill level is Moderate/Intermediate.)
NorCal Redwood Empire Multi-sport Camping
4-days/3-nights, from $1,898 pp, Backroads, dates in July and August
Giant Trees & Wild Beaches on California's North Coast. Pedal, Hike and Paddle. Soak up the tranquility of majestic—and off-the-beaten-path—national and state parks. Pedal and hike among the planet's largest remaining stands of virgin redwoods. Watch for wildlife while kayaking through protected lagoon waters. Learn about efforts to preserve and protect the redwoods. Enjoy campfire camaraderie near coastal meadows and beneath ancient canopies.
Wild West Motorcycle Tour: Utah, Idaho, Montana & Wyoming
10-days/9-nights, from $3,299, Adventure Moto Touring, date is Aug. 11 – 20, 2017
The Wild West Motorcycle Tour is a classic! You will ride through Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Bear Lake, also known as the “Caribbean of the West.” The tour will also stop in Jackson Hole and Sun Valley. You will visit plenty of majestic mountains, beautiful lakes and flowing streams, riding through some of the best mountain twisties in the west. Chief Joseph Highway in Wyoming and the Beartooth Highway in Montana are not only a rush to ride, they are beautiful! Tour includes breakfast and dinner, plus lodging, guide on a motorcycle, support vehicle hauling luggage and tools, and more. All hotels during the tour (based on double occupancy, unless you book otherwise.) Motorcycle rental is extra.
Canyoneering and Camping in Southeast Utah
3-days/2-nights, from $1,195, Moab Cliffs and Canyons, dates available March – November
Skinny canyons, deep dark slots, swims & starry nights! For those new to canyoneering, or for intermediate skill level. This tour requires physical exertion and stamina over two or three days. Multi-Day “advanced” Canyoneering Trips are exciting and challenging for people who enjoy being active outside for a good part of the day, getting a full-body workout and pushing their own limits either physically or mentally. Satisfy your thirst for canyon exploration and adventure by combining several spectacular canyon trips in the Hanksville / North Wash and Cedar Mesa areas. Comfortable camping amenities or suggested accommodations in nearby towns are options.
