With winter out like a lamb, we’re all looking forward to fresh air, sunshine and plenty of adventure. Here’s what we’ll be getting up to this spring in the great outdoors …
Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Photo: Kentucky Department of Travel & Tourism As much as I love the classic Clear Creek and Boulder Canyon climbing routes, I find myself day dreaming about a place I’ve never even been: the beautiful sandstone cliffs of the
Red River Gorge. People have been climbing at The Red, as it is affectionately called, since the 1950s. The area is best known for its amazing sport climbs and its diverse range of expert to easy routes. I’m equally psyched for
Miguel’s Pizza – the local pizza joint/climbing store that is the unofficial headquarters for climbing at The Red. Climbers gather here to camp and chow down after a day of sending.
– Jordan Gover
Cancun / Tulum, Mexico
I’ll be traveling to Cancun and Tulum in Mexico for the first time in April! I’m looking forward to catching up on some sleep and reading a good book on the beach everyday. Not to mention, I plan on eating my way through the country as much as possible. I’m also hoping to explore Tulum’s incredible
cenotes.
– Laura Kepus
Smith Fork Ranch
We’re ditching the electronics and heading west for an epic cowboy adventure at
Smith Fork Ranch, located midway between Aspen and Telluride. Looking forward to horseback riding, fly fishing, farm-to-table dinners and connecting with our kids in the outdoors. #BestSummerCampEver
– Christine Turner
Whitewater Rafting in Salida, Colorado
After 23 years, I’ve finally decided to take the “plunge" and commit to a
whitewater rafting trip with some friends. (Just writing this is making me nervous!) We’re taking a day trip to Salida to raft down the Arkansas River, which is known for some of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the country. If/when we make it out alive, we’re planning on relaxing in one of the
hot springs near the area!
– Reghan Tank
The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Photo: National Park Service At last! After years of seeing friends post incredible pics of
this national park in southern Colorado, I’m going to road-trip with my family down for a first-hand look. These sand dunes are the tallest in North America — and my six-year-old is excited to do some sand sledding. OK, I’m excited too. We’re also planning on staying at
this nearby hotel, which is attached to a drive-in movie theater. Because why not?
– Tyler Wilcox
British Columbia and Willamette Valley
Psyched to explore the Great Northwest with my best friend from college. Combining our love for the outdoors with a little bit of indulgent relaxation, we’ll start in
Vancouver with a variety of nature-rich excursions, and wrap in Oregon’s Willamette Valley where miles of biking will be rewarded with
the best Pinots in the world.
– Kelsey Comstock
White Water Kayaking
Photo: Colorado Tourism Office This is the year I’m going to master
white water kayaking. It’s been on my list for a while, but this winter’s “broken foot debacle” means that any sport I can do sitting down is going is looking really attractive. I’m planning on taking a few classes first (I’m pretty solid at white water rafting and ocean kayaking, but the combination of both means that I need to learn how to roll faster).
– Angela Berardino
