|
Off the beaten path weekend trips for adventure
|
I'm getting tired of the same old weekend trips and I'm looking for off the beaten path weekend trips that offer real adventure. I want to explore places that aren't in every travel guide, where I can have unique experiences and maybe even get a little lost.
Last month I did a weekend camping trip in a national forest that most people completely overlook. The hiking was incredible, the scenery was breathtaking, and I didn't see another person for two days. It was exactly the kind of off the beaten path experience I was craving.
What off the beaten path weekend trips would you recommend for someone looking for adventure? I'm open to hiking, camping, road trips - anything that gets me away from the usual tourist spots.
For off the beaten path weekend trips for adventure, I love backpacking in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota. You canoe from lake to lake, portaging your gear between them, and camp at remote sites. The silence is incredible - no roads, no motors, just the sound of loons and paddles in water. You can fish, swim in clear lakes, and see incredible stars at night. It's not easy - you need to be prepared and know what you're doing - but it's an adventure you'll never forget. The best part is that you can go for just a weekend or extend it longer if you have time.
For off the beaten path weekend trips, I recommend canyoneering in Utah. There are slot canyons all over southern Utah that you can explore, ranging from easy walks to technical routes requiring ropes and climbing skills. Places like Buckskin Gulch (the longest slot canyon in the world) and the Narrows in Zion are incredible, but there are many lesser-known canyons that are just as beautiful. You need to be prepared for flash floods and have the right gear, but exploring these narrow, winding canyons feels like being on another planet. It's the ultimate adventure weekend for someone who loves hiking and exploring.
For a different kind of off the beaten path weekend trip, consider bikepacking. You load up a bike with camping gear and ride on gravel roads and trails to remote campsites. There are routes all over the country, from the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (which you can do sections of) to local gravel road networks. It's faster than hiking but still gets you to remote places, and you cover more ground. You need to be in decent shape and have the right gear, but it's an incredible way to explore. Some routes have huts or shelters you can stay in, while others require full camping gear.
For off the beaten path weekend trips on the water, consider kayak camping. You load camping gear into a kayak and paddle to remote islands or shoreline campsites. On the East Coast, the Maine Island Trail is incredible - you can island-hop along the coast, camping on different islands each night. On the West Coast, the San Juan Islands or the Broken Group Islands in British Columbia are amazing. You need to know about tides, weather, and kayaking safety, but it's an incredible way to explore coastal areas that you can't reach any other way. The wildlife viewing is amazing too - seals, whales, eagles.
I'm not that adventurous, but I've done some great off the beaten path weekend trips by renting a campervan and exploring backroads. You don't need to go far - just pick a region with national forests or BLM land where you can camp for free, and explore dirt roads. The Southwest is amazing for this - you can camp in the desert under incredible stars, explore ghost towns, and find hidden hot springs. The Pacific Northwest has beautiful forest roads, and the Rockies have amazing mountain roads. It's adventure without having to hike or bike if that's not your thing, and you have the comfort of a bed and kitchen.
|
