"Vacation" doesn't always translate into a poolside cabana or a Broadway
show. For some, escaping the monotony of the daily grind means getting
the adrenalin pumping; like on a rugged mountainside or 50 feet below
the ocean surface. Others search out snowy peaks and alpine lakes simply
for a change of scenery. This list highlights some of America's most
exciting spots to take a thrilling walk on the wild side.
Yellowstone National Park-
In 1807, when John Colter (a scout for explorers Lewis and Clark)
first described the wonders of what is now Yellowstone National Park,
everyone suspected that he was embellishing. But there is no doubt now
that the park is indeed extraordinarily beautiful. If you're looking for
the ultimate outdoorsy getaway, this would be it. Hundreds of miles of
hiking trails meander through forests, along streams and up mountains.
But be prepared to share the road with Yellowstone's more permanent
residents like buffalo, elk and sometimes even grizzlies. Steaming
geysers, bubbling mud pits and multicolored pools are sure to renew your
interest in geology, while more than 3,000 square miles of mountains,
canyons, geysers and waterfalls are sure to inspire the nature-lover in
you.
Although Yellowstone attracts about three million visitors every year, chances are -- unless you spend your entire trip at Old Faithful -- you won't see much of them. Yellowstone's 2,221,766 acres sweep from the northwest corner of Wyoming onto the edges of Idaho and Montana, offering plenty of untouched territory to explore. And while that may seem daunting at first, just remember that you can always come back.
Yellowstone National Park-
Although Yellowstone attracts about three million visitors every year, chances are -- unless you spend your entire trip at Old Faithful -- you won't see much of them. Yellowstone's 2,221,766 acres sweep from the northwest corner of Wyoming onto the edges of Idaho and Montana, offering plenty of untouched territory to explore. And while that may seem daunting at first, just remember that you can always come back.
Why go: When Lewis
and Clark first spoke of Yellowstone's awesome natural beauty, no one
believed them. However, no one doubts them today. Filled with geothermic
wonders like Old Faithful and the Mammoth Hot Springs,
America's oldest national park offers miles of undisturbed wilderness
that beckon to adventure-thirsty visitors. Take a walk on the wild side
along the park's numerous trails and come face to face with bison, elk
and bears.
#2
Why go: This park
-- which is roughly the size of Rhode Island -- in California's Sierra
Nevada region is home to mountains, meadows, massive sequoia trees and
the country's highest waterfall. And every year, millions of visitors
flock to Yosemite Valley. Opportunities to hike, bike, ski, fish and
horseback ride draw the attention of adventure-lovers all over the
country, while wildlife enthusiasts can spend their days watching birds,
bears and coyotes mingle in the valley.
#3
Why go: Alongside
Bora Bora and Rarotonga, Kauai is one of the world's most spectacular
islands for adventure-seekers. Featuring acres of misty rainforests,
plummeting waterfalls and jagged cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean,
the natural wonders are enough to excite even the most jaded visitor.
Miles of cliff-side trails call to intrepid travelers, while seemingly
endless strips of shoreline welcome surfers looking to ride the perfect
wave.
#4
Why go: Like its sister islands, Kauai and Big Island,
Maui welcomes outdoors enthusiasts with open arms. Visitors have a
plethora of heart-pounding options from sea kayaking to mule riding. If
you're really hoping to get your blood pumping, tour a hidden lava tube
deep below the island's surface or spend the night in Haleakala's
volcanic crater after a long day hiking. But this is just the
beginning; head to Maui's northeast coast for a look at roaring
waterfalls, belching blowholes and steep jagged peaks.
#5
Why go: In Puerto
Rico, you can find thrills to suit nearly any adventurer's taste.
Twenty-foot waves keep surfers happy. And the coquà tree frogs of the El Yunque National Rainforest
elicit smiles from the naturalists. Hard-core hikers will dig the
rainforest's many trails too. Even spelunkers will be ecstatic with 268
acres of caves to explore at the Parque de las Cavernas del RÃo Camuy. There are even secluded islands to enjoy -- Vieques and Culebra, anyone?
#6
Why go: The Grand Canyon gets your adrenalin pumping with strenuous hikes along the North Rim and whitewater rafting trips on the Colorado River.
After a day of excitement not to mention exertion, you can relax around
the flames of a campfire, admiring the rusty red canyon walls and
trading tales with fellow adventurers. This natural wonder is still full
of surprises for those that traverse its trails.
#7
Why go: The island
that lent its name to the entire Hawaiian archipelago is home to black
volcanic deserts, tumbling waterfalls, lush rainforests and five
volcanoes (one of which is still active). Visitors can snorkel, boogie
board and kayak of the island's coast or hike through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge.
#8
Why go: The quiet
Outer Banks attract anglers from all over the country with the promise
of tuna, marlin and sailfish. However, if baiting and reeling aren't
your idea of a good time, the high winds that sweep across this seaside
paradise fuel great windsurfing, sailing and hang gliding. And the sandy
dunes of Jockey's Ridge State Park offer incredible scenery and some challenging terrain for joggers.
#9
Why go: Here's a little-known fact: Forest Park
just west of downtown is one of the country's largest urban parks --
and it's crosshatched with hiking, biking and jogging trails. But if
that's not enough terrain, you should head to massive Mount Hood.
And because Portland sits at the crossroads of the Willamette and
Columbia rivers, there is all sorts of kayaking and canoeing to be done.
So, grab an oar (or your hiking boots) and head to Portland.
#10
Why go: The waters
around the U.S. Virgin Islands support every type of watersport
imaginable. From snorkeling and scuba diving to swimming and sailing,
you'll have no trouble finding ways to enjoy the crystal clear
Caribbean. For those who haven't found their sea legs, the islands host
plenty of hiking, fishing and golfing opportunities. Also, the true
nature-lover will jump at the chance to stay at Cinnamon Bay Campground on St. John.
#11
Why go: On the
surface, Key West is not a thrill-seeker's paradise, but that's because
here the real adventure lurks beneath the waves. Shipwrecks litter the
already gorgeous reefs just off the coast. Scuba divers can explore
these sites by day or night. Above sea level, anglers relish tossing out
their lines in hopes of a colorful catch. And if you prefer to stay on
dry land, you can explore the island along several bike paths.
#12
Why go: Just
looking at those hilly streets, you might break a sweat. And to truly
see San Fran, you're going to have strech those legs. Stroll along the
Coastal Trail for spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge
or get a bird's eye view from a hot-air balloon. And don't forget to
hit the beach for some sun, sand and surf. If this urban jungle isn't
verdant enough for you, head to nearby Yosemite.
#13
Why go: Serious
surfers go West -- and San Diego's epic waves are what call them. And
fishermen and kayakers are equally fast to leave the shore. But perhaps
you'd rather fly over the water; then hang gliding's for you. For the
land-lovers, this SoCal city offers relatively easy hikes at the Torrey Pines State Reserve and death-defying ones at the nearby Devil's Punchbowl in Ramona, Calif.
#14
Why go: You won't
be sleepless in Seattle because you're lovesick, but because you're so
dang pumped about all the nearby adventures. In the winter, fresh powder
drops from the heavens and blankets the Olympic Mountains to the cheer
of powder hounds. But when winter fades into spring and summer, the
out-of-doors activities continue on: Hikers and mountain bikers replace
the skiers, and kayakers take to Puget Sound and Lake Washington.
#15
Why go: Most
travelers don't come to South Padre Island for relaxation. The Spring
Breakers sure don't, and neither do the adventurers. From kite-boarding
to hiking to dolphin dives and sea turtle excursions, there are plenty
of family-friendly activities. Plus, consistently warm Gulf Coast
weather makes watersports enjoyable year round.
#16
Why go: Yes, the
golden sand does attract hundreds of loungers every year and the scenery
can feel a bit sugar-coated, but most adventure-seekers will probably
be too tied up in their fishing or snorkeling gear to notice. If
watersports aren't enough, a biking excursion along South Beach or a trip to Shark Valley in nearby Everglades National Park are popular alternatives in this water-centric destination.
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