For iconic destinations that have become so embedded in our minds, it’s important to remember their original appeals to better understand their true spirit. There’s no better time to revisit some of the US’s popular recreational spots for a refreshing outlook on that other American dream: losing yourself in the great outdoors.
Yellowstone, Wyoming
After the thaw, 900 miles of trail open up for visits to bubbling geysers and fossil forests without summer’s heat and crowds. Western adventures abound, from whitewater rafting to lava hot springs to spotting baby bison, elk, and wolves. Escape to the east shore of Yellowstone Lake for the most incredible tranquility while inner tubing and enjoying a taste of the real old West.
Getting there: Fly into Yellowstone Regional Airport near Cody, Wyoming, under 1hr from the east entrance.
Anchorage, Alaska
Even as the ski season winds down, spring gets wild during Alyeska’s Slush Cup, with skiers in fancy dress and costumes barreling across an icy pond, part of the annual Spring Carnival. For more serene pursuits along this stunning coastline, Anchorage is a prime spot for whale watching, which starts in May. Or, arrive with the summer salmon for fishing and flightseeing.
Getting there: Use Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and arrive by helicopter or seaplane at Lake Hood Seaplane Base (LHD)—it is only 4 miles downtown.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Many know this natural wonder from textbooks; few have truly experienced it. The lesser-visited North Rim offers a more relaxed escape and cooler temperatures. March starts whitewater season, with fun family camping lasting into May. Stay and adventure at the hard-to-book landmark Phantom Ranch, only accessible by mule, trail, or raft. And if you want a bird’s eye view, the West Rim offers the Skywalk glass bridge and a helicopter tour that can land at the Grand Canyon base.
Getting there: Fly into St. George Regional (SGU) or enjoy an epic desert drive from Las Vegas (LAS).
Yosemite, California
Forest-bathing and fine arts come together in this ‘shrine to nature,’ with classes hosted by visiting artists from spring onwards. Expand your senses further with a meteor shower sleep-out on the shores of May Lake during August, or visit the valley’s best-kept secret, Tuolumne Meadows, open only in summer for hikes to the brilliantly fizzy Soda Springs.
Getting there: Fly into Fresno Yosemite Airport (FAT) to carve at least four hours off your round-trip driving time.
Moab, Utah
For those seeking a less pedestrian Easter, treat yourself to Moab’s exhilarating Jeep Safari instead. This nine-day event is a modern Mecca for R4x4 enthusiasts and day trippers, with trail names like Lost World, Wipe-Out Hill, and Where Eagles Dare. While busy now, it’s not hard to find a peaceful desert hike with magnificent sandstone arches, mesas, and red-rock formations galore.
Getting there: Fly into Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY), only 30 minutes from Moab’s action.
Sun Valley, Idaho
In the summer, ski lifts and pistes give way to bikers zooming down 3,400 vertical feet of gorgeous trails. July 4th is a spectacular setting for fireworks, a good time to go while the golf courses remain pristine. Many live music events can be enjoyed outdoors, from classical ensembles to jazz nights to ice dancing performances.
Getting there: The closest airport is the Friedman Memorial (SUN) in Hailey, Idaho, just 14 miles away.
Everglades, Florida
While late spring heralds the wet season, it also sees off most tourists and allows more time for escapism. Take a tranquil kayak tour through the mangroves to spot manatees and turtles or an airboat ride to zoom around in search of sun-basking gators, both excellent ways to avoid crowds and mosquitos alike. For a fantastic view, halfway into Shark Valley’s 15-mile biking path will bring you to the 45-foot observation tower to behold the ultimate wetland vista.
Getting there: Choose between Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF) and Miami (MIA), expecting a scenic drive.
Smoky Mountains, Tennessee / North Carolina
See The Smokies like never before by zip-lining over fireflies and forest falls. Brave the 500-ft-high Gatlinburg Sky Bridge, North America’s longest pedestrian crossing, for black-bear spotting below. Immerse yourself in the Cherokee perspective at interactive museums and living villages.
Getting there: To reach Gatlinburg via a Smoky Mountain drive, fly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL).
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