Backpacking to a Remote Peak

There’s nothing like the satisfaction of reaching a peak that took real effort to conquer. Backpacking to remote mountain peaks is challenging but immensely rewarding, giving you that warrior-like feeling of conquering the wild.

How to Do It:

• Choose Your Peak: Start with well-known trails where you can learn the basics before progressing to remote, challenging summits. Trails like Colorado’s Longs Peak or Washington’s Mount St. Helens offer varied difficulty levels.
• Gear Up Properly: Invest in solid hiking boots, a reliable pack, weather-appropriate clothing, and a quality tent. Remember essentials like a water purifier, a first-aid kit, and trekking poles.
• Train and Prepare: Hiking to a peak isn’t easy. Do smaller hikes leading up to the main event to build stamina and endurance. Cardiovascular fitness and leg strength are your best friends for the climb.
• Stay Safe: Always let someone know where you’re going, and check weather reports before heading out. If the peak is particularly remote, consider a GPS beacon or personal locator.

Why It’s Awesome: Standing at the top, surveying the world below, there’s a sense of accomplishment that no gym workout can replicate. This adventure will test you, but it’s worth it.

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2. Kayaking Through Canyon Rivers

Canyon kayaking offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and adrenaline, where you’re fully immersed in the rugged landscape with every twist and rapid. It’s an adventure that lets you bond with the water and take in views most people never get to experience.

How to Do It:

• Pick the Right River: Beginners might start with mellow rivers like the Rio Chama in New Mexico, while seasoned paddlers can tackle the more intense Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
• Rent or Buy Gear: You’ll need a kayak, paddle, life jacket, and helmet. Many outfitters along popular rivers offer rentals and guided tours, which can be helpful for first-timers.
• Know the Basics of Whitewater: For river kayaking, basic whitewater skills are crucial, including paddling, steering, and understanding river signals. A day of instruction is a solid way to gain confidence.
• Buddy Up: Kayaking alone in canyons isn’t ideal, as strong currents and rapids can be unpredictable. Bringing a buddy or joining a guided tour keeps you safer and adds to the fun.

Why It’s Awesome: Kayaking a canyon river surrounds you with awe-inspiring rock formations, fast-moving water, and heart-pounding moments that remind you what adventure is all about.

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3. Camping Under the Northern Lights

Chasing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list item for many, and camping beneath the aurora’s shimmering lights is a surreal experience. The cold and remote northern locations add to the sense of adventure and exclusivity.

How to Do It:

• Plan Your Trip Around Peak Season: The best time for Northern Lights is from late September to early April, especially in places like Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia.
• Choose an Accessible Viewing Spot: Fairbanks, Alaska, is a popular starting point for a reason. It offers a good mix of accessible camping and frequent aurora displays. If you’re aiming for more seclusion, try Tromsø in Norway or Banff in Canada.
• Stay Warm and Comfortable: Pack extra layers, a high-quality sleeping bag, and even hand warmers. Temperatures in aurora-watching spots can drop significantly.
• Be Patient and Enjoy the Night Sky: The Northern Lights are unpredictable, so bring a comfortable camp chair, hot drinks, and maybe even a camera with a tripod if you want to capture the moment.

Why It’s Awesome: Camping under the Northern Lights feels like stepping into another world. It’s a mix of awe, mystery, and the satisfaction of witnessing something that few people get to see up close.

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4. Trail Running in the Wild

Trail running offers the thrill of speed and endurance in a natural environment, blending physical exertion with the raw beauty of the wilderness. You get the benefits of a full-body workout and the mental refreshment of running surrounded by towering trees or desert landscapes.

How to Do It:

• Start with a Manageable Trail: For beginners, look for trails that are moderate in distance and difficulty. Once you’re used to it, tackle more advanced routes like the Rim Trail at the Grand Canyon or the Appalachian Trail sections.
• Wear the Right Shoes: Trail running shoes with strong grip, cushioning, and ankle support are essential to handle varied terrain safely.
• Hydrate and Fuel Wisely: Trail running can be exhausting, especially on longer routes. A hydration vest and small snacks or energy gels can help you go the distance.
• Keep a Steady Pace: Trail running isn’t about speed but endurance and agility. Slow down when tackling uphill sections and rough terrain, keeping your energy for the long haul.

Why It’s Awesome: Trail running strips down the traditional gym workout and lets you feel like a kid again, tearing through forests or racing over rocky ridges.

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5. Rock Climbing in National Parks

If you’re looking for an adventure that challenges both your body and mind, rock climbing is it. Climbing combines strength, strategy, and adrenaline, and national parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree offer world-renowned climbing routes for all skill levels.

How to Do It:

• Find a Climbing Course: If you’re new to climbing, take a class at an indoor gym or go with an experienced climber outdoors to learn safety and technique.
• Choose Your Destination: Yosemite is the holy grail for climbers, but parks like Joshua Tree and Red Rock Canyon have amazing routes and landscapes to explore.
• Invest in Key Gear: For outdoor climbing, you’ll need climbing shoes, a harness, carabiners, ropes, and a helmet. Many climbing areas offer gear rentals if you’re not ready to invest fully yet.
• Respect Local Guidelines: Many national parks have specific rules for climbers, such as staying on marked paths and protecting plant life. It’s all about preserving the environment while enjoying it.

Why It’s Awesome: Climbing brings a sense of power and determination, especially as you reach for handholds and find yourself scaling new heights. There’s nothing like the view from the top after an intense climb.

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6. Backcountry Skiing

When winter hits, backcountry skiing is one of the most exhilarating ways to get outside and explore snow-covered peaks and untouched trails. Unlike resort skiing, the backcountry demands self-sufficiency, planning, and resilience.

How to Do It:

• Learn Avalanche Safety: Backcountry skiing requires knowledge of avalanche safety. Take a course and invest in avalanche safety gear like a beacon, probe, and shovel.
• Pick a Location Based on Your Skill Level: Areas like Teton Pass in Wyoming or the Wasatch Range in Utah offer a variety of trails, from beginner-friendly to advanced.
• Layer Up and Stay Warm: Quality thermal layers, a waterproof outer layer, and insulated gloves are essential for handling the cold.
• Pace Yourself: Backcountry skiing requires stamina, as you’ll likely be hiking up before you ski down. Be prepared for the physical demands, and take breaks as needed.

Why It’s Awesome: The thrill of carving through fresh powder and the stunning silence of snow-covered mountains make backcountry skiing one of the most rewarding winter adventures out there.

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Wrapping Up

Adventure is out there, and nature is waiting for those who are ready to embrace the wild, challenge themselves, and experience life beyond the usual. From kayaking canyon rivers to chasing Northern Lights and conquering mountain peaks, these outdoor pursuits offer unforgettable moments that make you feel truly alive.

So grab your gear, find your trail, and head out—the great outside is calling.