From scenic coastlines to expansive deserts to mountains that take our breath away, America is home to a rich variety of landscapes. The endless opportunities to surf, bike, ski, hike, and climb (among many other activities) truly make this country a paradise for the outdoor adventurer. This Fourth of July, we’re celebrating all the adventures and the operators that are right here in the U.S – just waiting to be discovered.
1. Grand Canyon Off-Road Moto Tour
If 400 miles of off-road riding through an insane variety of terrain sounds appealing to you, check out this trip! You’ll start in Utah, ride through the desert of the Arizona strip on endless straightaways, rock gardens, through ancient Joshua tree groves, and into high altitude pine forests on your way to the final camp at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This trip features incredible terrain from technical to full throttle. There’s no better way to see the Grand Canyon than this.
2. Wilderness Fly Fishing in Montana
Let your mind’s eye envision a Western river, flanked by jagged, snowcapped peaks, towering pines, and whispers of wind through endless fields and rolling hills. At the Big Hole Lodge, that’s exactly what you’ll get. With world-renowned wild trout fishing, remarkable cuisine, and comfortable accommodations in a secluded mountain setting, The Big Hole Lodge gives you the classic American West experience you’ve always dreamed of.
3. Singletrack Wild and Sacred Seattle
Home of the Douglas firs, orca whales, bald eagles, wild white-water rivers, strong coffee, countless IPAs, and unbelievable mountain biking, this special edition 7-day ride will explore the two sides of the Cascade Range and sample the very best singletrack in the area. Get ready to fill your lungs with pristine air, your bellies with amazing food, and your camera roll with incredible memories. Plus, for those looking to fly-in without the hassle of packing your bike, Giant Bicycles will provide you with great all-mountain bikes for the week (included in the price).
4. REAL Watersports
Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to learn the secrets of becoming an advanced rider, REAL is unmatched by any other kiteboarding training program in the world. With access to the most knowledgeable and friendly coaches worldwide, REAL offers training programs that provide students with the ultimate full-immersion kiteboarding experience, making the sport easy, efficient, and safe to learn.
5. SEABA Heli
Experience helicopter accessed ski and snowboard terrain in Alaska with SEABA. While other operations might have 50+ guests skiing at once with multiple large groups per helicopter, at SEABA, groups of 4 per helicopter are the max, and a 4:1 or 5:1 client to guide ratio is maintained to ensure that your ski experience is unique and personal.
6. Ruby Mountains Heli Experience
Ruby Mountains, one of the world’s most elegant, incredible mountain ranges located in northeastern Nevada, offers a home away from home for powder enthusiasts. Whether you ski or ride, the 200,000 acres of pristine wilderness provides limitless terrain for any age or skill level. From wide-open bowls to heart-racing fall lines, it is certain that you’ll find the experience of your dreams. And at the end of the day- dine, celebrate and relax in the luxury of the Ruby Mountain Lodge.
7. Pacific Crest Snowcats
The best-kept secret in Tahoe is California’s only snowcat-accessed private backcountry ski area — a total of 3,000 magical acres. Spend your day exploring the backcountry with options ranging from wide-open bowls and mellow trees to some of the steepest snowcat-accessed terrain in all of North America. Given the amount of north-facing terrain and perfectly spaced trees, guides can sniff out untracked snow weeks after a legendary Lake Tahoe dump, and the stable Sierra snowpack allows you to ski and ride aggressive slopes soon after a storm cycle.
8. Jones Pass Guides
Jones Pass Guides offers an authentic epic backcountry experience for winter sports enthusiasts. Ideal for quick access from the Front Range of Colorado, you can quickly find yourself on the snow without hours of driving. The high altitude combined with good Northern exposure keeps the snow cold and light. With an operating permit of 2,600 acres in the Jones Pass area, you can expect a powder-filled, epic backcountry experience.
9. Telluride Helitrax
Telluride Helitrax is a family-owned guide service in Colorado that provides tailored, personalized guest experiences in spectacular terrain that includes over 200 square miles of high alpine basins, cirques, and summits. With a reputation as one of the safest and most experienced helicopter skiing and snowboarding service in North America, you are guaranteed the best equipment in the industry and safety procedures that lead you through some of the most dramatic ski terrains.
10. Kelly Slater Wave Company
Want to ride the longest open-barrel wave in existence? The Kelly Slater Wave Company, located in Lemoore, California, combines cutting-edge science, engineering, and design to give you just that.