11. Sandboard Some Dunes
Four hours south of Denver sits Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to a growing pastime that’s perfect for adventurers of all ages: sand boarding. The Great Sand Dunes have ample places to try your hand at this snowboarding alternative. Get some exercise without having to endure below freezing temperatures. Up the adventure factor by heading to Nicaragua, where sandboarding down a volcano has become a popular sport.
11. The Pacific Crest Trail
Unless you have some serious time off, you probably won’t be able to hike or ride the entirety of the 2,600 mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada, but you can definitely drop in or out at several points along the way depending on your energy, schedule or ambition. Stretching throughout 25 national forests and 7 national parks, the PCT is an endurance trial with lush natural forests and jaw-dropping mountain views. Armchair travelers not up to the task can just read Cheryl Strayed’s book, Wild.
