5 Great US Destinations For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Most people dream of taking a break from their daily routines and spending their free time relaxing in the natural wonders that the world has to offer. One of the reasons why the USA remains one of the best places for outdoor enthusiasts is that it has a vast landscape, from snowy regions to deserts. It’s no surprise that 140 million people enjoy spending time outdoors. Here are some of the best outdoor and adventure destinations across the country:

Alaska: Best for kayaking

Alaska remains one of the world’s last biggest wildernesses thanks to major preservation efforts. From magnificent snow-capped mountains to numerous imposing ice glaciers, there’s so much this state has to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Alaska is beautiful, and the best way to appreciate its beauty is by exploring this vast land by water. Alaska has several water bodies, including lakes, streams, and rivers, all of which have been explored by the Inuit and settlers for centuries. These water bodies have also made it possible for water activities like kayaking to be an enjoyable experience. One of the best places to start your kayaking adventure is the Kenai Fjords. It is the only national park in the US where you can kayak past massive blocks of ice. Eklutna Lake, a few miles outside Anchorage, also offers kayakers some of the most amazing sights of Alaska’s wildlife, including elk and moose. But if you want a thrill and the experience of whitewater rapids, head over to Tebay River. It’s not for beginners, so ensure you have enough experience navigating dangerous waters. 

Michigan: Best for fishing

Michigan’s Lake Superior, which flows through Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario, is great for fishing, just like the UK’s famous trout fishing lake. Asides from that, this state is blessed with the most rivers and lakes, perfect for fishing enthusiasts looking to make big catches. Lake Michigan is among the best fishing spots, ideal for anglers looking to catch some salmon or steelhead. Other areas like the Manistee River and Saginaw are also excellent locations for catching various types of fish. 

Arizona: Best for hiking

Arizona is most famously known for being the home of the Grand Canyon, which is one of the United States’ iconic landmarks and tourist sites. But many people don’t know this state also has some of the best hiking trails in the country. The Horseshoe Bend is one of the best places to hike while visiting Arizona. The Colorado River naturally created this site. The vast area makes it the perfect location for capturing some stunning photographs of Arizona’s great outdoors. For a more challenging experience, ensure that you visit The Wave. But before you do, you must enter a permit lottery four months in advance and win that permit. It might seem tedious, but it is extremely worth it. The hike isn’t that challenging, but you must complete it with little to no directional signage. Think of it as an opportunity to test your memory. 

Colorado: Best for camping

Colorado is known for its rugged mountains and amazing landscape, making it one of the best destinations for camping. Camping is a great way to explore some of Colorado’s best-kept secrets, like its dunes, lakes, wildlife, and mountains. This state has some of the best national parks in the country, including Rocky Mountain and Mesa Verde, which are all excellent camping sites. It’s also the perfect location for a mountain adventure, and you can take on some of the most thrilling mountain climbing adventures.

Hawaii: Best for adventures

When most people think of Hawaii, they think of beaches, palm trees, all-expenses-paid resorts, and relaxation. However, Hawaii’s year-round warm weather makes it one of the best destinations for an amazing outdoor adventure. So you can curate a list of all the fun outdoor activities into one big adventure during your visit. From snorkeling to ziplining and hiking dangerous volcanic trails, there’s something for everyone. If you’re an adrenaline enthusiast, you might want to try a 6,500-foot downhill bike drop from the Haleakala Volcano in Maui. For a jungle adventure, you can also visit Kualoa Ranch, the “Jurassic Park” filming site. Or if you love being in the water, you must try other water sports like surfing and use this as a chance to ride that big wave. 

The US is so vast and different that there is something for every different kind of outdoor enthusiast, from kayaking in the cold waters of Alaska to camping in the rugged outback of the Colorado Mountains.