adventure travel Archives - Page 3 of 4

If it’s not yet, a long visit to Alaska belongs on your bucket list. But how to see it and where to go? While lots of visitors opt for cruise tours via the Inside Passage, this route is only a fraction of what Alaska has to offer. If you’re feeling intrepid, consider traversing the state overland via one of these famous routes and get a new view on Alaska’s boggling 663,300 square miles (or what portion of it you have time to explore).

Alaska Canada Highway
Built during WWII, the Alaska Canada Highway connects Dawson Creek, British Colombia to Delta Junction, Alaska. Its 1,387-mile length guides drivers through forests of black spruce, past austere tundra, around snow-glazed mountains, and by fields of wildflowers. Its northern end enters Beringia, where evidence suggests some of the earliest New-World human settlements were established.

This drive not only gives you a feel for the grandeur, geology, and history of Alaska, it’s also become quite a safe, reliable route. Accessible year-round, it’s a perfect introduction to Alaska’s beauty.

George Parks Highway
Visiting Denali National Park via the Parks Highway should be a priority. More than 6 million acres of wilderness, crowned by the tallest peak in Alaska, Denali National Park’s beauty is almost incomprehensible. And highway access is pretty straightforward. Bonus: it’s totally paved and open during all seasons. The route runs 362 miles, linking Anchorage to Fairbanks.

If you decide to make a winter visit, you’re more likely to be rewarded with views of Denali, which is visible only about one in three days during the summer.

Denali Highway
Before the completion of the Parks Highway in the early 1970s, the Denali Highway, connecting Paxson to Cantwell was your lone route into the national park. These days, it’s a seasonal, partially unpaved option for drivers who like plotting a slightly adventurous course. It’s acclaimed by Men’s Journal as one of America’s most thrilling roads and as a top 10 drive for “drivers’ drive” by National Geographic Traveler.

Some rental companies place restrictions on designated routes, so plan accordingly if you’ll be renting your ride.

Seward Highway
The Seward Highway, a 127-mile stretch from Anchorage to Seward, is one of the best visual feasts you’ll ever experience, with prime picture-taking opportunities of waterfalls, mountain views, and steely blue waterscapes. Take this paved, year-round road all the way to Seward, located on the Kenai Peninsula, where you can fish, camp, and watch glaciers calving out in the bay.

Dalton Highway
This one’s for the road warriors. Dalton Highway is 75% unpaved and has plenty of steep grades (as well as intense truck traffic). Although it’s open year-round, tourists unused to intense conditions should plan to tackle this road during best possible conditions: during late spring or summer. If the driving is a little too white-knuckle and you still want the experience, tours are available. If you’ll be renting a vehicle, check to make sure the company allows its vehicles to be driven on this wild road.

General Road Advice
You’ll want to make sure that your vehicle is up to the challenge of the Alaskan highways. Even the best of these roads take a long yearly pummeling from intense weather and some lead through total isolation. If you’ll be tackling a tough one, think 4‑wheel drive SUV or RV. Keep in mind that Alaska’s fuel prices tend to run high, so account for that cost in your travel budget.

Statewide, you’ll have the best conditions for driving between May and September. The length of your trip will depend on the number of places you plan to see. Use this mileage chart to find the distance between your intended route stops.

The Trip of a Lifetime
Reaching Alaska is a quest in itself. Getting around once you’re there can be a thrilling and challenging experience. Remote wilds, high gas prices, the very real fear of running into a moose—Alaska offers plenty of excitement.

So grab your paper-bound road atlas (who knows if the GPS will work out here) and get going.

It’s a great big world out there and there’s no end to the number of adventures to be had. While some exploits definitely require a group (white-water rafting, anyone?) others can be had all by your lonesome. And it can be hard to tell which adventures are best tackled alone. There’s definitely no reason you can’t wander the PCT all on your own, but these are the questions you should ask yourself before solo adventure traveling.

Are you equipped?
No matter want kind of escapade you’re about to embark on, this is a crucial one. From hiking to mountain climbing to kayaking the Amazon, you need to seriously consider your own outdoor capabilities. How adept are you in the wild? Are you able to handle any problems that arrive with aplomb, experience, and knowledge?

Sure, throwing a pack together and heading off into the wilderness sounds like a lot of fun. And a 3‑month trek without any previous outdoor experience sounds great on paper. But in reality, it’s mostly a great way to wind up dead. If you’re about to head out on your first extended trip, have a friend or two in place who actually know what they’re doing to help keep you on track. Once they’ve shown the ropes the first time around you can consider tackling the world alone on your own after that.

Are you an introvert?
One of the biggest questions you need to ask yourself is how comfortable you are with only yourself as company. Introverts often leap at the chance to spend a few days, weeks or even months to themselves. Extroverts, on the other hand, tend to go stir-crazy with no one around to bounce their thoughts around.

If you’re the type who enjoys having conversations, the loneliness you’ll encounter on the trail could be crippling if you choose to go it alone. On the other hand, even introverts need human companionship every once in a while. Know your threshold for how long you can spend on your own.

How awesome are your friends?
Additionally, we all have those friends that, while we love them unconditionally, we can really only stand to be in their presence for a few hours before we want to run away screaming. Don’t take that friend with you on a group adventure.

In fact, you should probably do a mental rundown on your entire circle of friends and estimate how long you could spend with them before it comes to blows. If your friends are all introverts you’ll probably be ready to dispense of each other’s company after a day or two on the trail. Do you have a friend whose mouth doesn’t seem to have an off button? You probably don’t want to take him/her either.

Do you need a safety net?
The best part of taking a group trip is the built-in safety net your friends provide. If something horrible goes down, heaven forbid, hopefully, one of your buddies will have enough wits about him to ensure you stay safe and get the help you need. When alpine climbing, for instance, if an avalanche occurs and you get buried you’ll feel a little better knowing your friend might be able to get help while you wait.

Do you want to test yourself?
Solo adventure traveling is a fantastic way to test what you’re really made of.

There’s always danger when you head out from the comforts of your home. But there’s no sense in holding back entirely. If you truly want to know what you’re able to accomplish, maybe you need to head out solo and see what kind of trouble you can handle. It’s quite a thrill to handle things on your own if all goes south. However, we’ll say again, always research and prepare as best you can ahead of time.

Above all, soloing it or going with friends is a personal and often situational choice; there’s no solid right answer here. Consider your limits, your desires, and your abilities. After that, decide on the right course of action for each trip you take. Eventually, you’re probably going to want both experiences under your belt.

We wanted to take a moment and honor the many thousands of our members that have travelled with us along the way, whether it’s supporting the best brands in the outdoor industry or exploring the world on extraordinary human-powered adventures. We, more than ever, are committed to continue to offer compelling opportunities for adventure travel where you can explore, make a difference, and have ball.

In that spirit, here’s a little more about WHY we do what we do.

OUR PURPOSE AND PASSION IS TO:

INCREASE THE WELL-BEING OF THE PLANET AND INHABITANTS BY INSPIRING HUMAN POWERED ADVENTURE. It’s our company’s mission, we are committed to helping you get out and explore: from your backyard, to the farthest corners of our amazing planet. We believe in human-powered adventure. Trekking, cycling, kayaking, hiking, rafting, skiing—so many ways to connect, practice a craft, try something new. Ultimately, explore and feel alive.

MAKE ADVENTURE TRAVEL MORE AFFORDABLE. Let’s face it, adventure travel is often way overpriced. The average price per day of our competitors is often $350+. Our average price per day is around $150 or less. We believe that amazing adventures should be available to all. It’s not about being the cheapest, it’s about offering great value. We are committed to negotiating the best possible rates for you in order to lower the financial barrier to GO. New luxury is authenticity and access, not thread count and stars.

SUPPORT LOCAL ECONOMIES. Often in mass tourism, as much as 90% of trip costs go to a corporation operating outside the country visited. Adventure travel is the inverse, and we work hard to ensure that the lion’s share of trip costs go directly to the local economies and people we visit.

BE A FORCE FOR GOOD. We can vote with our dollars and support: sustainability, conservation and the idea of helping great places to visit also be great places to live. By working with smaller, local operators, we ensure that the money is going to local people and companies, who are on the front lines of protecting nature, culture, and place.

LASTLY,

Because, Awesome. This is not our job, it’s our vocation. We are part of a global tribe that believes that we need meaningful travel experiences more than ever and the context that we gain from our experiences makes our lives and that of those around us richer.

Join us. It is within your reach. For in the end, the only regret we will have, is having not gone.

“And if travel is like love, it is, in the end, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.” Pico Iyer

To take a Clymb Adventure, check out our Adventure Travel page here.

Imagine zipping around a compact bike-friendly city with a huge 12,643-foot mountain shadowing you; coffee, farm-fresh food and beer-filling stations just minutes apart. No, you’re not in Colorado; you’re in the Northern Arizona town of Flagstaff.

Long known to adventurers as a road-trip pitstop or the closest airport to Grand Canyon National Park, Flagstaff has definitely evolved into an outdoors destination in its own right. Consider spending 48 hours here to sample the best of what the area has to offer. Then come back and make it a week.

What to do:

Trails
Humphrey’s Peak (Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area) has a 10-mile round-trip trail to the 12,643 ft. summit, starting from Arizona Snowbowl ski resort 14.5 miles northwest of downtown Flagstaff. A little flatter than Humphrey’s Peak is the Arizona Trail. It’s an amazing trail with several options in the area depending on your preferred distance.

Road Biking
You could easily bike from one end of the city to the other on a combination of trails and bike lanes. Many of the most popular dining spots and businesses offer bike parking. Some even offer a discount for customers who arrive on non-motorized 2‑wheels. Here are some places to rent road, cruiser or mountain bikes: Flagstaff Bicycle Revolution, AZ Pedal Tours, or Flagstaff Nordic Center.

Mountain Biking
The Flagstaff Nordic Center offers mountain bike rentals and coordinates with a shuttle service company to get you out to trailheads. Sunset Trail, just north of downtown, is the launch site for an 8‑mile round trip single-track challenge from Schultz Pass to the summit of Mount Elden. It’s at times steep and technical, and at others, fast and smooth with knockout views.

Rock Climbing
Flagstaff Climbing offers day passes at both their climbing gym locations, Downtown Crag and Main Street Boulders. The two gyms encompass 9,000 square feet of top rope, lead climbing and bouldering terrain. They can also tip you off to where to go outdoors.

Caving
Head north on Forest Roads 245, 171 and 171B (closed in winter) to the Lava River Tube Cave. The climate inside is a steady 42 degree Fahrenheit year-round, but you’ll need headlamps and flashlights, warm clothing/jackets and your own water. The road gates open in late-April, depending on snow/mud conditions.

Adventure Course
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is an elevated obstacle course set in tall Ponderosa pines out by Fort Tuthill County Park. The course includes rope swings, scrambling walls, hanging nets, wobbly bridges and suspended “surprises.”

Disc Golf
Head out to Thorpe Park and Continental Park (Sports Complex E Old Walnut Canyon Rd) or to Arizona Snowbowl Disc Golf course located at an elevation of 9,500 feet. The course starts and finishes at the Agassiz Lodge, with a practice basket just outside the lodge. The course is free, but there’s a donation box on the way to the first hole.

Yoga
Need to stretch? Check out The Yoga Experience. Located in downtown Flagstaff, their drop-in classes combine elements from the Anusara, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, Vinyasa Flow, and YOGAMAZÉ traditions.

Where to do it:

Walnut Canyon National Monument
Just east of Flagstaff, you can literally step back in time, hiking among ancient pueblos and cliff dwellings tucked into the walls just below Walnut Canyon’s Rim. It’s less than 90 minutes to take in the major sites here. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, by reservation only, you can get in on backcountry hikes that visit some of the more remote cliff dwellings. The 3‑hour strenuous Saturday Ledge Hike starts at 10am.

Petrified Forest National Monument
Long daylight hours with some time left to explore? This is one of the few places in the world where you can see Late Triassic period fossils and gorgeous petrified wood. Located near Holbrook, go hike the Red Basin Trail to view 200-million-year-old clam beds, along with rock spires, hoodoos, and petroglyphs—in Red Basin on an 8.5‑mile loop.

Grand Falls
Spring is the best time to see this prequel to the Grand Canyon on the Little Colorado River. Located about an hour northeast of Flagstaff on the Navajo Nation just outside Leupp, the 185 ft. waterfall looks enormous when it’s seasonally flowing. The area is still worth seeing even if the falls are dried up. Unless you have a 4WD or are on a mountain bike, though, plan to hike the last half-mile to the overlook and down to the base of the falls.

Wupatki National Monument
Wupatki Pueblo is the largest within this complex. A self-guided trail begins behind the visitor center. This is a great alternative to the Petrified Forest if ruined pueblos are more your thing than fossils or falls.

Sure, you’ve always dreamed of visiting exotic lands overseas, but have you really thought this through? While overseas travel is fun and rewarding, there are a few things to consider before making those final plans.

The Travel Itself
We can’t all travel in private Learjets, but there are still ways to make your trip even more comfortable than you think. There is not only first-class seating available to anyone willing to pay the price, but business class is another option. Not as fancy or expensive as first class, but certainly more comfortable than coach, you may want to consider paying more for this upgrade. Some airlines such as British Airways and Virgin afford a little more comfort in coach on international flights than regional carriers and usually offer real meals and unlimited movies. The new wave of discount airlines such as Spirit, Frontier and Ryan Air in Europe will save you a bundle but you do give up some of the comfort. If you’re going to sleep the whole way anyway, do you really need free movies?

Conversationally Challenged
That’s the best way to put the fact that a lot of Americans are not bilingual. Going to certain countries like England and Australia means you will have no language problems. Going to far-flung lands that don’t claim English as their primary language might be a bit tougher. If you are conversationally challenged or worse yet, not very patient, you may struggle in some regions but English is still very prominent in most countries. If you take the trouble to learn a few phrases or at least just a greeting or two in the local lingo, along with the words for “Please” and “Thank you” you will have a much easier time. A smile goes a long way everywhere and just showing you are at least attempting to speak their language will usually afford you a lot more consideration.

Money, Money, Money
When deciding on where to visit, you may want to consider the exchange rates. Right now the dollar is strong nearly everywhere, so many parts of the world are more affordable than ever. Europe has seen a change in the U.S Dollar to the Euro exchange so it is more affordable there than in the recent past. Some credit cards such as Discover, for example, have been dropping their fees for overseas charges, making them even more affordable.

Food for Thought
Some of us are picky eaters. I cannot eat seafood, so that limits me on my choices when visiting the most coastal places. I’ve never had trouble finding something good to eat; I just feel I have missed out on a lot of the local specialties. Of course, there are always options. In Jamaica, I get to gorge myself on Jerk Chicken and Pork. In this day there’s always a McDonald’s or even a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet somewhere nearby but don’t be the tourist who sticks to their comfort zone too much. Trying different food in far-away lands is one of the joys of international travel.

The Weather is Delightful or Dreadful
If you can’t handle the heat and/or humidity, you should be careful of where you go or at least when you go there. Many popular travel destinations, other than the Arctic or Antarctic regions, can get very hot in the summer. That’s why May and October are great months to travel to places that get a bit warm. Humidity can be stifling, especially to those of us not used to it. On the other hand, you are traveling so experiencing a completely different climate makes for part of the fun. If the heat and humidity are tough on you, make sure you’re on or near the beach or have a pool available. If the cold bites all the way to your bones but you want to ski in Europe, go in March or April when the days are warmer. There is always a way to make any climate bearable, you just have to plan it right.

Safety First
While danger lurks in every corner of the world, that doesn’t mean you can’t be and feel safe wherever you are. The U.S. State Department issues travel warnings for hotspots around the world and you should heed them. They provide great insight as to the level of danger, but also what areas of individual countries you should avoid. Some regions have hotspots of criminal activity that should not preclude you from visiting other safer areas of the same country. Certain parts of Mexico, for example, have been listed as too dangerous to visit while other areas such as the Mayan Riviera area of Cancun and Playa del Carmen are perfectly safe for all tourists. Let’s be honest, there are probably parts of your hometown you wouldn’t recommend visiting, so use your head, don’t go where you have no business being and you will be fine.

The sun, surf, scenery and fascinating wildlife that comprises Tenerife make it a favorite destination of European travelers. The adventure opportunities on the island also make it a one-stop bucket list destination for people across the globe who like to play hard in the outdoors.

The Island of Eternal Spring
The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is located on a Spanish archipelago off the southwest coast of Morocco and just west of Western Sahara. Tenerife is widely known as the Fortunate Isle or the Island of Eternal Spring; it catches an average of eight hours a day of sunshine through the year but is rarely oppressively hot. The north of the island has slightly lower temperatures and occasional rainfall in winter, but that’s also why it has a more tropical look than the desert south. Overall, however, temperatures across the island fluctuate between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, and 75 to 86 in summer.

This means that there is literally no bad time to visit this subtropical paradise. Flights are under 13 hours direct from New York, or under 4 hours from London. Be aware that while flights do tend to run cheaper in the winter, that’s also when hotel demand and prices are at their highest. In terms of weather, outdoor adventurers will find September one of the most reliable and least expensive months to visit.

Dominated by a Volcano
The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is bordered by multi-colored beaches (from soft gold to black volcanic sand) and sand dunes, all dominated by a 12,198-foot stratovolcano, Mt. Teide. Numerous pristine beaches provide habitats for sea turtles and entrance to more than 60 noted diving sites. The volcano’s summit—rising 24,000 feet from the ocean floor, it is the world’s third tallest volcano—towers over the middle-southwestern half of the island, and serves as the centerpiece of adventurer for hikers, bikers and trail runners.

Trails, Caverns, Mountains, and Beaches Galore
Beyond the beaches and caverns, windsurfers and kayakers explore Tenerife’s wild and precipitous coastline. Cyclists tackle long, winding climbs and thrill-a-minute downhills on roads or trails, north, and south.

The temperate weather is widely known in cycling circles, drawing road racers to Tenerife to train. Since all roads lead to the highest point—the National Park visitor center at about 10,000 feet)—you can ride up Mt. Teide with a five to seven percent grade over the course of 36 miles, combining both the upper and lower slope in four to six hours (assuming you’re in training shape). In fact, Mt. Teide serves as a high-altitude training ground for many Tour de France contenders, including Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, who count on its stable spring weather and thin air to aid their training and campaigns.

The mountain is also a holy grail to hikers who come to Tenerife. But many also come to see and photograph the dragon trees and ancient laurel forests. A Canary Island legend alleges that when dragons died, they became dragon trees (Dracaena draco), which are said to be one of the longest surviving trees on the planet, capable of withstanding a wide diversity of climate and weather. These living fossils, along with the laurel, are the flora treasures of these islands. Hikers will not want to miss the 1,000-year-old dragon tree in Icod de Los Vinos (it measures 65 feet at the base and 56 feet tall) or the ancient laurel forests that fill in the spaces between the deep, knife-edge ridges, peaks and slopes around the Anaga Mountains in the northeastern part of the island.

Endless Sights
Tenerife travelers will also not want to miss Los Gigantes—the eponymous giant cliffs—on the island’s west coast. Take a break and ride the cable car to the summit of Mt. Teide for 360-degree views of the island, or slip into the lava-hewn rock pools of Garachico for a soak. Also consider a visit to La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre site, with its fascinating architecture spanning four centuries.

Aside from spectacular outdoor adventure opportunities, the island has a vibrant, long-enduring cultural history, world-class gastronomy (some say the world’s best and most pristine seafood), and a wide variety of lodging options including campgrounds, Airbnb’s, studio apartments and 5‑star hotels.

And if you want to really relax after a week of adventure, don’t miss the exquisite Playa Del Duque, on the Costa Adeje in southern Tenerife. Kick back on a clean, vast beach, take a stroll or enjoy some traditional tapas at one of the restaurants and cafés along the elegant promenade that fronts the length of the sand. The beach has a full range of facilities from changing rooms to showers, ice-cream kiosks, and sunshades.

Tenerife literally has it all, all year round.

You’re reading The Clymb’s Travel Journal, an insider look at our Epic Patagonia Adventure to Torre del Paine National Park, where our very own Michelle Massara will be offering you insight into what our trips are like, what makes Patagonia so epic, and what you might need to take with you on this human-powered adventure. To take this trip, you can find it here on our website.

Bio
Michelle Massara is the Production Lead for the Clymb Adventures. Her roots are in Buffalo, NY, but she’s called many places home, from Alaska to Tahoe to Portland. When she’s not out exploring around Mt. Hood with her Bernese Mountain Dog, Summit, she can likely be found perusing the streets of Portland.

Why Patagonia?
Patagonia has always appealed to me, its vivid turquoise lakes and iconic landscapes caught my attention, and I’ve always wanted to experience them in an authentic way. The Clymb’s Epic Patagonia Adventure was the perfect way to take in all that this amazing place has to offer.

Packing Essentials?
Sacred Socks. These are your end of the day socks, the socks you slip into after 12 miles of sweaty hiking through rugged terrain.
Day Pack. For day hikes, some will repurpose their big backpack pack, and that’s fine, but the convenience of a small, packable day pack for the essential items — water bottle, camera, jacket — was perfect.

What did you wish you had?
A Kindle. I brought one book with me (because I was conscious of weight) and finished it before we even arrived at the park. Travel from Santiago to Patagonia takes a whole day and there’s a good amount of down time at the refugios- especially in the evenings, so there were plenty of times where I desperately wished I had brought a Kindle.

Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Arrived in Santiago around 7am after a long flight. After a well-deserved nap at the B&B I spent the rest of the day exploring the main tourist attractions in the city.

Day 2
Departed for Chile’s famous Maipo Valley for a day of wine tasting. We visited a family-owned organic vineyard and were treated to homemade empanadas and Pastel de Choclo, a traditional Chilean meal.

Day 3
Travel by plane and bus to Torres del Paine National Park. I took in the wildlife from the bus windows, excited to see guanacos, condors, rhea, and other unfamiliar animals. As we approached the park, I caught my first glimpse of the epic Cordillera Paine, complete with the awe-inspiring towers.

Day 4
Began our hike to the Towers through rocky terrain and over crystal clear glacial rivers. The transition from lenga forest to high alpine was a stunning transition between diverse ecosystems. We ended the hike with lunch next to the emerald lake at the foot of the towers.

Day 5
Today we trekked for the first time with the full weight of our packs. My favorite moment of the day was as we approached Lake Nordenskjold for the first time. Being the tail end of the season, the brush and vegetation were turning red and brown, creating a greater contrast for the vibrant blue water.

Day 6
We left Los Cuernos and hiked through old-growth forest to an impressive viewpoint of the French Valley. This day hike through the French Valley was personally the biggest highlight of the trip for me. The views continuously got better as we climbed over boulders and across streams to get to our destination, which once there, provided a panoramic view of the Cerro Hoja and Cerro Máscara.

Day 7
The hike from Refugio Paine Grande to Refugio Grey had strong winds, luckily behind us and not against us. As we hiked we looked for pumas and enjoyed the beauty of Pehoé Lake and Grey Lake as we passed on our approach to Grey Glacier.

Day 8
The additional day at Refugio Grey was nice, as it allowed us to sleep in and plan a half-day activity. I took a leisurely hike toward Campamento Paso with two others and Sergio, who lead us as we followed along the side of the glacier. We crossed two suspension bridges with the glacier as our backdrop and stopped at a few lookouts for photo opportunities. We returned to the lodge and relaxed in Adirondack chairs on the front porch while soaking up the sun.

Day 9
Our final half-day in the park we hiked back to the lake at Refugio Paine Grande and took a catamaran to Pehoé to exit the park. From there, we took a bus up to Puerto Natales and enjoyed the most delicious farewell dinner at a quaint seafood place near the ocean. And wine. So much wine.

Day 10
The last bit of travel was the bus ride to Punta Arenas followed by the flight back to Santiago for a final evening in the city. Our group met for one more dinner together as we exchanged contact information and planned our next adventures.

Day 11
This final day is set aside for departures, though I chose to stay in Santiago for an additional 2 days to explore, which I highly recommend.

Who were your travel buddies?
I traveled solo, then joined a group of 3 other Clymb members. All were east coasters, around the same age, and we connected nicely to form a small and tight-knit family for the duration of the trip.

Trip Highlights?
The hike to the Towers was so extraordinary because of the diverse ecosystems we passed through along the way. The French Valley was jaw dropping, we stumbled over boulders and rivers to a remarkable view of massive mountains ahead and tiny lakes below, all the while hearing the rumble of avalanches up above. Departing Grey Glacier we walked over a suspension bridge that was about 120ft off the ground with the face of the glacier as our backdrop.

What Made This Trip So Special?
Patagonia lies under the radar of popular destinations. The hard to access Torres del Paine is complete with wild and rugged terrain that is every bit remote as you imagine it.

What was the craziest thing that happened?
On Day 5, as we were passing Lake Nordenskjold, we ran into John Gardener, the man who founded the circuit trail back in 1976, which includes the W route, the very trail that we were trekking on. I would have walked right past him and never known, but luckily our guide, Sergio, was ecstatic at our encounter and made introductions to the group. It was pretty neat.

Where Do You Want To Go Next?
I’d like to trek to Everest Base Camp. Nepal has such a unique and heartening culture, it would be a truly unique experience to hike in the footsteps of some of the most prodigious alpine climbers.

My trip was made possible in part through Oneseed Expeditions.
Oneseed leads expeditions all around the globe and has been recognizes as a leader in socially mindful travel. In addition to offering travel experiences all over the planet, Oneseed’s mission also revolves around providing micro-loans to local entrepreneurs and they give 10% of there total revenue to local businesses in need of capital.

My guide,Sergio Nuñez, is actually the Regional Director of Latin America Travel for Oneseed. Sergio grew up close to Torres del Paine and has guided in the park for almost 20 years. It had been a few years since he’d last visited, so I could tell he was experiencing Torre Del Paine’s beauty all over again. He clearly has a deep-rooted love for Patagonia and it was really special to witness and see that come through in his guiding.

Photography provided by Michelle Massara

Our 30s are often thought to be the slowing down years. The time when we leave behind our youthful exuberance, propensity to take risks and start focusing more on settling down and starting a family. For those who weren’t fortunate enough to start exploring overseas in their 20s, the mindset that traveling just isn’t an option for them starts to take shape.

That’s a load of crap. Your 30s actually might be the best time of your life to start traveling, and here’s why.

You’ve got your stuff together.
They say that our 30s is the decade when we finally start feeling a sense of true confidence in ourselves. We care less about what others think of us, we’ve (mostly) got our careers figured out and we’re making way more money than we did in our 20s, and they’re kind of right. For those reasons alone it’s a great time to start traveling since you’ll be able to really afford it and appreciate what you’re experiencing on a whole different level at this point in your life.

You can afford it.
As we mentioned above, people tend to have a stable career somewhere in their 30s and more money coming in. That means you’ve got more you can spend on travel. Instead of purchasing an expensive house, use that money exploring new places.

You’ll appreciate it more.
Let’s be honest, when we’re in our 20s most of the things we enjoy revolve around drinking and we tend to take that habit with us overseas. Your 30s are when the need to drink takes a backseat to the need to experience life a little more fully. Instead of rocking out until 3 am in Amsterdam, in your 30s you’ll probably enjoy a few more sunsets and be more prone to go on that cycling tour in France than you were at 23.

You develop real relationships.
The best part of being 30 is that you’ve reached the point where you can generally tell a real friend from a fake. Rather than racking up bar buddies overseas, you’ll spend more time having genuine conversations about life with people and you’ll form long-lasting friendships. Gone will be the one-night stands with nameless faces and in their place, you’ll find actual friendships with people who’ve lived an entirely different life from you that’ll help you grow as a human being.

You just don’t care anymore.
Our 20s are a time of constant competition to stay on top of things and to impress those around us. We compete for dates and for jobs and always feel like we have to be putting our best foot forward. By the time 30 rolls around, we just genuinely don’t give a $#!t. That’s a great attitude to have while traveling, you’ll find, because precious time won’t be spent overcompensating for insecurities and can be put to better use, like sleeping in even though you’re only in Paris for three days.

You’ve developed mad skills.
Whether you’ve found skills in conversing with strangers or simply packing a suitcase, you’re bound to be better at everything you kind of sucked at in your 20s, which will make traveling so much easier. You’ll pack with efficiency, know better than to expect everyone to cater to you and you probably speak at least a second language or more by now. This also means you won’t sweat the small stuff when things go wrong, as they inevitably will, and will be able to handle any situation without calling home to mommy and daddy to help you fix it.

You’ll take smarter risks.
Risk-taking doesn’t completely end when you hit your fourth decade, but the types of risks you’re willing to take actually make sense now. You’ll play it safer as you travel and not put yourself in situations where things could go horribly wrong just for the sake of being a daredevil.

You’re still young.
Guess what? You’re 30, not dead. You’ve still got a ton of energy, a healthy body and plenty of years ahead of you. Long hikes along foreign trails are still readily doable and you can go skydiving, swim with dolphins and even race cars in strange countries.

Canada’s province of Quebec (better known as la belle province) may be best known for its urban oases of Montreal and Quebec City, but there’s plenty of adventure to be had too.

The Charlevoix region is a hot spot for those who love the great outdoors. With the Saint Lawrence River on one side and the Laurentian Mountains on the other, the landscape lends itself to activities a plein air.

Rent a car in Quebec City and head northwest towards the forest, fjords and fun times.

Canyoning
If you’ve never heard of canyoning, you’re forgiven; it’s a relatively new sport that hasn’t gone mainstream quite yet. The premise is simple: slip on a wet suit, slap on a harness, tie yourself in, rappel down and feel the rush—literally and metaphorically.

Canyoning is equal parts adrenaline and sheer beauty. Although most people have had chances to appreciate a waterfall from a distance, few have had the opportunity to actually stand inside of one. The sheer quantity of water, the power of the falls and the booming sounds will give you a whole new appreciation for Mother Nature. Whether you choose a half day intro course, a multi-day canyoning trek or a wintertime ice canyoning adventure, chances are good you’ll come out hooked. And a little wet.

Sea Kayaking with Whales
The mighty Saint Lawrence River is a force to be reckoned with, and there’s no better way to experience it than in a sea kayak floating on the water’s surface.

The area’s unique geology means that the river drops off steep and fast, creating prime conditions for whales to swim super close to shore. Translation: you don’t have to paddle for hours for a chance at a face-to-face adventure with a beluga. Or a minke whale. Or even a blue whale.

Hiking
When people think of epic hikes in Canada, Quebec isn’t necessarily the first place that comes to mind, but truthfully, it’s one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Rolling green mountains, dense forests and rushing rivers create the perfect backdrop for a trek in the great outdoors.

Options are plentiful: the Mestachibo Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail, is a 12.5 km hike (or 25 km if you choose to do it return)—that’s just shy of 8 miles, or 16 miles return—that takes you up and down cliffs and bluffs, across suspension bridges and through the lush woods. It makes for a great day hike that showcases the region’s stunning features.

If you’re looking for something a bit longer, look no further than the Traversee de Charlevoix. This 105 km trail (65 miles) takes you through the hinterland of Charlevoix. Camping isn’t permitted along the trail, but a super cool hut system (complete with stoves and cooking gear) means you’ll sleep and eat like a king the entire time.

Via Ferreta
A few different provincial parks in the Charlevoix area offer Via Ferreta courses. Think of an obstacle course built right into nature: rappelling down rock, crossing suspension bridges with super spaced out planks, zip lining, the works. The adventure level is high, but the activity is safe and suitable for kids 10 and up. It’s a great way to instill a love of outdoor fun in the younger generation.

Skiing
Some of the best skiing on the East Coast can be found in the Laurentian Mountains of Charlevoix. Le Massif is probably the best-known ski area, and it’s the perfect place to get your fix of snow in the winter months. It features the highest vertical (2,526 feet, to be exact) east of the Canadian Rockies. With more than 400 acres of skiable terrain, odds are good you won’t get bored. There’s also snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at the resort.

Dog Sledding
There’s no better place to take part in the quintessentially Canadian activity of dog sledding than Charlevoix. If you’re a dog lover, a dog sledding trek just might be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. These dogs work seriously hard, but they also have extremely loveable personalities. Bundle up, and head out for a few hours—or better yet, go out for a few days and learn to mush your own sled. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget.

For paddling enthusiasts, Quetico Provincial Park is almost too good to be true. Stretching across 460,000 hectares in northwest Ontario just north of the Minnesota border, Quetico is equally suited for a month-long canoe expedition as it is for a weekend on the water. With more than 2,000 lakes to explore, you’d have trouble tackling the entire park in the course of your lifetime, but it’s fun to try anyway.

Get (Way) Out There
The beauty of Quetico is that there is no set path that you need to take. Drop your canoe at one of six entry points and, from there, choose your own adventure.

Some lakes are busier than others, but if you’re willing to make a few short portages, odds are good you’ll pass several days without seeing another soul. Now that’s solitude.

Wild, Wild Northwestern Ontario
A true wilderness park, don’t expect to be coddled at Quetico. Campsites aren’t indicated on maps, nor are there signs pointing the way on the land. Instead, keep your eyes peeled for easy landings that lead to clearings in the bush, which would be your campsites.

There are no bivys or metal fire pits, though many campsites feature primitive fireplaces made out of rocks. No need to make reservations ahead of time; just paddle up to one of 2,000 campsites hidden in the park and stake your claim. Once you’ve had a little practice, you’ll have no problem locating them.

Fish Your Heart Out
Pick up a license and bring your gear, as Quetico Provincial Park is home to some excellent fishing. Play your cards right and you could have different fish for dinner just about every single night (walleye, pike, lake trout, the list goes on). The park only permits barbless hooks and artificial bait, so come prepared.

Peace and Quiet
Motorboats aren’t allowed in Quetico Provincial Park, so don’t worry about waking up to the obnoxious purr of a Sea-Doo. Another great bonus of being a motor-free zone: the water is pristine. Don’t be surprised if you see a local dipping a cup in the lake and drinking straight out of it.

Watch for Moose
Keep your eyes on the shoreline, and you may be rewarded with a moose sighting. Moose prefer marshy areas, and your odds of seeing them are best around dusk and dawn, which makes the perfect excuse to get moving in the morning. Watch out for other wildlife, too, such as black bears, bald eagles and wolves.

What to Bring
Regardless of how long you’re planning on staying in the park, you need to pick a permit from a ranger office. Invest in a good map, too, and make sure it indicates the locations of the portages; they aren’t marked on the land.

There are numerous regulations in place that help keep Quetico in its spectacular natural state. Your group can’t exceed 9 people, and most cans and bottles are forbidden. Familiarize yourself with the rules and do your part to keep Quetico wild. Pack it in, pack it out, goes without saying.

Get Organized
If you’re traveling to Quetico, consider renting your gear instead of lugging it with you. Local outfitters like Camp Quetico or Quetico North can provide you with everything you need. You can also book a local guide to show you the ropes; they know everything from the best campsites to the least muddy portages, to the prime location to catch a huge lake trout. It’s a worthy investment, especially if it’s your first time in the park.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever tried to pack your entire life into a single suitcase. Long-term travelers will know what we’re talking about. Forget walk-in closets and drawers stuffed to the brim with clothes; everything you need for several months on the road can be tidily folded into one bag. Seriously.

Packing for a long-term trip requires a shift in attitude. Think back-to-basics, clean and simple pieces, and definitely less is more. Here are some tips on how to pack efficiently for those extra long adventures.

Know What You’re In For
To build your wardrobe for the next several months, you’ll need to do some research regarding your destinations. Know what the weather is right now, but also what it will look like a few weeks down the road when you’re still there. Consider how climates will vary in the different regions or countries you’ll be visiting. This will help you determine whether you can stick to light and flowy summer clothes, or if you’ll need to pack some serious layers as well to get you through the cold.

Don’t forget to look up local customs so that you can actually wear everything you pack. There’s no space to waste when you’re packing for a long-term trip.

Forget (Most) Cosmetics and Accessories
You’re going to need more than those travel-sized cosmetics to get you through your time on the road, but don’t even think about wasting precious suitcase space on that stuff. Shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, soap and just about every beauty supply you can think of can be picked up along the way or at your final destination.

The same thing goes with accessories. Leave bulky hats and scarves at home and instead, pick up new ones on your trip. Bonus: it’ll double as a souvenir.

Think Easy
Choose clothes that are easy to care for, that don’t wrinkle easily, that can be washed without fuss and that is durable enough to wear day in, day out. Leave finicky, high-maintenance pieces at home.

When in doubt, stick to darker shades and colors. They hide a little extra wear and tear better than light clothes, giving you a bonus day or two before you have to make a trip to the laundromat.

Consider Renting
There’s nothing worse than packing bulky items that you know you’ll only end up using a few times on your trip. Consider what you might be able to rent at your destination of choice. For instance, many ski resorts rent out snowsuits, or ocean-side resort towns will lease out wetsuits for you to use.

Pack Your Bags…Then Unpack Half
Here’s a good exercise: take out everything you want to bring on your trip, and lay it out on your bed. Got it? Good. Now take half of the stuff and put it back.

It sounds extreme, but trust us: you don’t need as many clothes as you think you will. Yes, one bathing suit is plenty. No, you’ll never end up wearing those adorable-but-impractical stilettos.

Leave Some Space
If your suitcase doesn’t zip up with complete ease, it means you’ve still got work to do. Traveling with an overfilled suitcase is a pain, particularly if you have to sort through your bag at customs or if you’re over the weight limit. Save yourself the hassle by leaving some extra space.

This serves another purpose, too: you’ll have extra space for bringing home one-of-a-kind souvenirs that you’ve picked up on your travels. It’s a win-win.

The Adventure Gem of Central America: How to Maximize Your Visit to Lake Atitlán

This past autumn, the Clymb Adventure program featured an eco-trip to Guatemala that turned into the ideal girls’ weekend: the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. The destination was beautiful Lake Atitlán, nestled in the Sierra Madre mountain range in southwestern Guatemala. Surrounded by three volcanoes and several charming towns — each of which boasts lots of culture set against a breathtaking natural backdrop, and many of which are accessible only by boat — making it the perfect secluded locale. Lake Atitlána handful of places that allow for outdoor thrill seeking and physical challenges, yet still offer plenty of opportunities to relax with a local brew and soak up the sun before a massage.

Hike Volcano San Pedro

While not the tallest or the most active of Guatemala’s volcanoes, San Pedro makes for a challenging day hike. The trip is about three hours up and two hours down and takes you through varying terrain. The trek begins with a hike or tuk-tuk ride up to the trailhead and immediately spills hikers deep into dense coffee groves. The coffee transitions into avocado trees and then into rows of cornstalks. This is surprising trailside fauna, but it’s reflective of how Guatemalans use the land: as the town of San Pedro grows, families own private land higher and higher up the slope, which they use to resource their daily needs. Along the way, hikers pass local men carrying large bundles of firewood on their backs. The trail eventually becomes more wooded and even cloudy as the altitude increases. And near the top of the volcano, hikers are met by stunning views of the lake and surrounding villages below.

Take a Wild Ride

The trip from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlán is a thrilling one. The country is known for its fantastically decorated “Chicken Buses,” which run the unkempt roads confidently. Navigating these windy mountainous roads as the local culture whizzes by is quite an adventure, but for first timers, taking the bus or hiring a driver is probably a safer choice. To continue the adventure on wheels, hail a tuk tuk near Volcano San Pedro for another exciting ride. The streets are steep, but the precarious open-aired vehicles seem to hang in there, making the trip up to San Pedro Volcano’s trailhead much easier.

Sip Coffee + Eat Tortillas

Eating is good in Guatemala! Sip the local beer, Gallo, accompanied with food that feels close to the people. Many meals in Guatemala include hand-made corn tortillas. Their farm-to-table story is very easy to witness along the journey. The corn grows in the rich, steep soil of Volcano San Pedro and is very visible along hikes. While perusing the local market at Chichicastenago, ladies mash and pat fresh tortillas to grill and sell street side. This local staple leads to many meals of quesadillas, eggs with tortillas, and guacamole with corn chips. Guacamole is another treat that feels very fresh here. After hiking through acres upon acres of avocado trees growing volcano-side it’s easy to enjoy this satisfying dish. Other culinary highlights include the fresh roma tomatoes, which are worked into many dishes, along with the tasty picos and ranchero sauces.

Relax at an Eco-Resort

The eco-resorts surrounding Lake Atitlán are local, small, and quaint. The hallmark of a great accommodation is that it becomes more than a place to sleep. The Laguna Eco-Lodge truly enhanced the experience in Lake Atitlan and served as the home base for exploring and activities. The Laguna Eco Lodge offered a hot tub, fresh water pool, massage therapy and a beautiful deck for yoga. Having a lodge that included transportation to and from the main port was essential in being able to coordinate day trips to Chichicastenango and nearby cities. Many offer natural and vegetarian menus with a sufficient selection of refreshments to unwind with after a full day.

Kayak or Dive in Lake Atitlan

If the weather cooperates, this is the perfect destination for hopping in a kayak. With the volcanoes and mountains surrounding the lake, the perspective from the lake is quite breathtaking. Be sure to cruise along the shoreline to check out the impressive homes and hotels built right into the rocky cliffs. Being on the water also allows for opportunities to observe local fisherman trolling for miniature perch and black bass. Scuba diving is another option in this very deep freshwater lake.

Get Colorful in Chichicastenago

Upon arrival, plan to take advantage of using a full day for an excursion to Chichicastenango. This is a local market only open on Thursday and Sunday. Chichicastenango is a highlight of the trip, full of local people purchasing flowers, fruits, textiles and other hand-made crafts. While here indulge in the hand-woven bags and clothing. There is also a beautiful assortment of hand carved masks, figurines, and jewelry. If visiting off-season, this market can feel quite untouched by tourists. While here, stop into Hotel Santo Tomas to enjoy the gorgeous gardens and a Guatemalan lunch.

Get Crafty in San Juan

As a great follow-up to hiking Volcano San Pedro continue your journey by foot to nearby San Juan La Laguna. This is the spot to learn about local crafts and culture. Do not miss the demonstration of how natural dyed organic cotton is made and woven at Casa Flor Ixcaco. Another great place to check out in town is the small urban farm, stop in to hear about Organic and Natural Medicine. Another popular activity in San Juan is tours on local coffee growing and production. This small town is worth a stop on the water taxi even if you do not choose to hike there. From the water taxi, check out the beautiful views of the piers and boats along the waterline.

Guatemala was never top of my list as a vacation destination, however the Clymb’s Adventure package made the opportunity too inviting to pass up. Add this wonderful spot to your list if you’re looking for the best that Central America has to offer, all in one place.

For more information on when this adventure will be available, or for any other questions about Clymb Adventures, please contact adventures.support@theclymb.com

You may have come to San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) for the adventure, but you’ll want to stay for the moments in between. With plenty of room to wander, the seemingly-endless possibilities will make for an unforgettable experience.

F r e e T o R o a m
Alongside all of the adventure offerings, this area is also a bustling hub for food, culture, and much more. We’ve put together an insider guide for those moments in between your morning hike and your sunset surf.

Start your day in the town of San Luis Obispo by biking to one of the many local coffee shops. Grab a latte, hang out, or walk through SLO’s historic downtown before heading out for the day’s adventure, you’ll leave knowing why this town was recently named one of “America’s Happiest Cities.”

The 240-year-old creekside Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa that SLO is built around is a prominent landmark, and seeps culture into the surrounding area. The spanish-style white-washed buildings and towering camphor trees that line the roadways make for a picturesque scene in the historic streets.

The same great weather is largely responsible for the county’s lively food scene. The deep agricultural roots are evident in the vast open spaces with grazing cattle, road-side farms, and award-winning wineries that blanket the region. Start your tour up in Paso Robles – the county’s burgeoning wine hub which rivaled Napa Valley in wine production last year –and spend your day rambling down the 101.

From there, cruise on down to Templeton, where historic storefronts are brimming with fresh cuisine and local libations. Keep moving south to the Avila Valley Barn, a regional hotspot. Their farmstand offers a bounty of fruits and vegetables grown on the property and there is always a line for their fresh-baked pies. After you’ve eaten your fill, head out for a stroll at the near-by Bob Jones Trail, which runs through the valley to the coast, making for a relaxing jaunt anytime of the day.

The Village of Arroyo Grande is a must-see if you find yourself roaming a little further south. With roosters wandering the streets that are lined with locally owned shops and restaurants, you’ll find yourself steeped in small-town charm. No matter where the road takes you, there’s almost certainly something fresh awaiting your arrival. Take it from us, you won’t want to miss your chance to take advantage of the local flavors.

We can’t think of a better way to end a day of adventuring than with a stop by the Madonna Inn. The flashy interior and signature pink is a sight worth seeing. Grab a piece of their famous cake and spend the evening planning tomorrow’s escapades.

G et ti n g T h e r e
Now with direct flights from Denver, San Francisco, Seattle, and more, getting to SLO CAL is easier than ever. Come stay and hang out, we dare you to get bored in this explorer’s paradise.

Historian and writer Wallace Stegner once described America’s national parks as the “best idea we ever had,” and few outdoor enthusiasts would disagree with him. The concept of protecting our most beautiful outdoor places for future generations was certainly a novel idea back in 1872 when the U.S. made Yellowstone the first national park in the entire world. Since then, that same idea has spread across the globe. While most of those parks are located in places that are relatively accessible by the general public, there are some that are so remote that few people ever visit them at all. Those parks are truly pristine environments that remain mostly untrammeled by outsiders. Getting to these locations requires an adventuresome spirit and a bit of dedication, but the payoff can be an isolated wilderness all to yourself. With that in mind, here are eight of the most remote national parks in the world.

Gates of the Arctic National Park (Alaska)
Located in northern Alaska – entirely above the Arctic Circle – the Gates of the Arctic National Park is the epitome of remote. This vast sprawling landscape is the second largest park in the U.S., covering nearly 8.5 million acres, yet it contains no roads or trails of any kind. Access is gained via bush plane, but high winds and heavy snows can delay travel, even at the height of summer. As a result, Gates of the Arctic sees roughly 10,000 visitors in any given year, far below the 3 million+ that make their way to Yellowstone on an annual basis. Those who do make the trip are treated to a rare wilderness, where vast herds of reindeer still migrate across the landscape as they have for thousands of years.

Rapa Nui National Park (Easter Island)
Located in the South Pacific, some 2000 miles off the coast of Chile – and 1300 miles from its nearest inhabited neighbor – Easter Island is the most remote inhabited place on the planet. It is also home to Rapa Nui National Park, a preserve that contains more than 880 stone statues known as “moai,” the massive carved heads that the island is so famous for. With a permanent settlement of just 4000 inhabitants, flights to the island remain infrequent, and supply ships even more so. Still, Easter Island has seen an increase in tourism in recent years, so while it is remote, you are likely to encounter others who have come to see the moai while you are there as well.

Central Island National Park (Kenya)
Just getting to Central Island National Park, located at the center of Lake Turkana in Kenya, is quite an adventure. Travelers must first travel more than 500 miles by 4x4 vehicle just to reach the shores of the lake itself. Then, it is another 4.5 miles by boat to actually land on the island, which is a volcanic landscape pocked with over a dozen craters and cones. Three of those craters have formed small lakes, the largest of which are more than a half-mile across, and plunges to a depth of over 260 feet. Temperatures in the park routinely climb to more than 120ºF, which when combined with its remote location, helps to keep the number of visitors to a minimum. Central Island is said to be home to the largest population of Nile crocodiles on the planet, although zebras, giraffes, and various species of gazelles reside there too.

Qomolangma National Park (Tibet)
Qomolangma National Park holds the distinction of being the highest in the world, thanks to the fact that Mt. Everest falls inside its borders. The park, which covers more than 22,370 square miles, was created on the Himalayan Plateau in Tibet and is the first preserve in the world to be completely managed and maintained by local volunteers. Because of its high altitude setting, the park is not frequently visited by tourists, although climbers and trekkers are somewhat common in the region, most notably in the spring and fall. In addition to Everest, two other 8000-meter peaks – Lhotse and Makalu – fall inside the park, along with dozens of other major Himalayan Peaks. As you can imagine, visitors should acclimate properly before visiting Qomolangma, as the thin air can often catch people off guard. With an average altitude inside the park rising above 4500 meters or roughly 14,769 feet, it can actually be dangerous to hike there before your body is ready.

Pulu Keeling National Park (Australia)
Australia’s Pulu Keeling National Park is another destination that requires a fair bit of travel just to get there. The tiny island sits in the Indian Ocean, some 1200 miles off of Oz’s west coast. Visitors are required to catch a flight out of Perth to the Cocos Islands, then hop on a boat for a 1.5‑hour ride that deposits them just offshore. Because the coral reefs that surround the island are endangered and protected, travelers must swim the last length of the journey onto the beaches themselves. Once on the island, they must be accompanied by an official guide at all times, and although the park is just .46 square miles in size, it still holds an important natural distinction. Pulu Keeling is the breeding ground for a large number of sea birds and marine turtles, which is why it was made a national park back in 1986.

Quttinirpaaq National Park (Canada)
Located on a remote corner of Canada’s Ellesmere Island, Quttinirpaaq National Park is the second most northerly park in the entire world, behind only Northeast Greenland National Park, which is incredibly remote as well. The landscapes in Quttinirpaaq are dominated by a polar desert, which means there is a lot of rock and ice, and not much in the way of vegetation. Wildlife is sparse as well, although small herds of caribou, along with muskox, and the arctic fox can sometimes be spotted there. The park has almost no facilities beyond a simple ranger station, although there are a couple of backpacking routes that extend through the wilderness for about 60 miles each. Access to the park is granted via airplane only, and a one-way flight will set you back about $15,000. If you can afford that, it is best to visit during the brief summer, as the proximity of the park to the North Pole, makes for some exceedingly long and cold winters.

Darian National Park (Panama)
Straddling the border between two continents, Darian National Park is one of the wildest and rugged places on the planet. The dense jungle spreads out along the southeastern corner of Panama and extends across the border into Colombia. The tropical forests are so thick, that it is difficult for travelers to pass into the jungle at all, although access points in both Cana and Pirre Station do give visitors a chance to go deeper into the forest. The park is a favorite amongst bird watchers, and monkeys, sloths, and tapirs also call it home. Two indigenous tribes still live inside Darian National Park, continuing a way of life that has gone mostly untouched by the modern world for hundreds of years. There are also certain sections of the park that remain havens for drug smugglers, which add an entirely different level of danger for those who wander too far off the beaten path. This park is an incredibly diverse biosphere, with much to offer those who visit, but it is also not a place for the faint of heart.

Isle Royale National Park (Michigan)
Located at the heart of Lake Superior, just off the coast of Michigan, Isle Royale National Park is another remote, hidden gem. Access to the park is obtained via ferry or float plane, which deliver visitors to a pristine wilderness nearly untouched by man. Isle Royale is home to a sizable population of both moose and wolves, however, so visitors need to be aware of that before arrival. A 40-mile long backpacking trail runs the length of the island and is a popular route for hikers, who generally spend 4–5 days covering its length. Kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving are also popular activities in the cool, clear waters just offshore. Isle Royale is traditionally amongst the least visited parks in the U.S. system, so it is generally not crowded, even during the warmer summer months.

In the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Cassidy was onto something when he said, “Kid, next time I say, ‘Let’s go someplace like Bolivia,’ let’s GO someplace like Bolivia.” South America’s misty mountains, desert dreamscapes, impossibly blue waters, and wild jungles still haunt the adventurous among us, especially since the region is sliding into spring right when the northern hemisphere’s settling into deep freeze. Ready to book a ticket for way south of the border? Here’s our adventure bucket list.

Mountain Biking Ecuador’s the Avenue of Volcanoes
If the thought of freeriding volcanic ash and hardened lava down a Volcano’s shoulder doesn’t get your blood pumping, the views of Lake Quilotoa’s crater full of emerald water and the hulking chain of volcanoes from Chimborazo to Cotopaxi should do it. Ecuador boasts one of the highest percentages of protected lands, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, and friendly locals, too. If wildlife is your thing, book a flight out to the Galapagos while you’re there, too, and kayak alongside tortoises and more types of birds than you can imagine possible in one place.

Trekking Torres del Paine National Park, Chilean Patagonia
To behold in person the striking spires of Torres del Paine might be enough to motivate a five-day trek. But they’re far from the only reason to hike in the park. Patagonia’s lauded as one of the most untouched, uncontaminated places on Earth, and a tour of its glowing blue glaciers, cerulean alpine lakes, waterfalls, and pristine forests doesn’t disappoint. Stay in a hospitable Refugio if camping isn’t your thing. And if you’re a climber, be sure to visit the alpine Mecca of El Chalten.

Paddling Brazil’s Bay of Paraty
The Bay of Paraty’s crystalline green-blue water feels as good as it looks. Calm, warm currents welcome beginning paddlers, and plenty of shops rent stand-up paddleboards and sea kayaks. Islands dot the bay, calling for exploration, and lively underwater ecosystems await swimmers, snorkelers, and divers, as well. Plus the town of Paraty’s charming cobblestone streets, historic churches, and romantic restaurants easily fill up rest-days when surfing or basking on the beach is just too much to handle.

Trekking to Machu Picchu
Trekking through Peru’s green velvet Andes can only be topped by stepping through the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu as the first rays of daylight peek above the misty Peruvian Andes onto the Incan ruins nestled into the mountaintop. The popular Inca Trail winds up to Machu Picchu along the Urubamba River, one of the Amazon’s headwaters, and stops by other ruins along the way. Trekking it requires a permit and guide—but a variety of other trails offer less crowded options. And after a few days of mountain trekking, the dreamily landscaped natural hot springs at Santa Teresa are paradise.

Skiing Portillo, Chile
If you dream of powder, even in the heat of summer, you need to get down to Portillo. The oldest ski center in South America, it’s also one of the purest ski destinations you can visit. Just 100 miles from Santiago, but 9,450 feet above sea level, Portillo is private and pristine. No Gucci shops. No McDonald’s restaurants. Just 2,500 feet of lift-serviced Andean perfection looking down on the gem-like blue-green Laguna del Inca. Portillo feels remote, but certainly not uncivilized. Frothy pisco sours at the Portillo Bar and seductive hot tubs pamper skiers at day’s end.

Tour the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia.
Southwestern Bolivia might just trump the rest of the continent for Pinterest-worthy vacation photos. And pursuing shots of the famously pristine salt flats, blue-sky-mirroring lakes, and richly colored Salvador Dali Desert is a worthy adventure all in itself. But if you lean toward masochism, load up a bicycle with camping gear and as much water as you can carry to brave the lunar landscape and infamous winds on a tour past the vibrant Laguna Colorado and Laguna Verde, and through the richly colored Salvador Dali Desert from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama. Or hire a guide to take you out for a four-day Land Cruiser tour.

The National Park Service has conveniently provided us with yet another excuse for enjoying the great outdoors in 2013 by officially announcing its list of fee-free days for the year ahead. Over the course of the next 12 months, the NPS has designated 13 days to be a part of the fee-free program, granting access to more than 2000 national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and other federal lands at no charge. Continue reading →

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You may have come to San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) for the adventure, but you’ll want to stay for the moments in between. With plenty of room to wander, the seemingly-endless possibilities will make for an unforgettable experience.

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