THE GREAT AMERICAN WEST
MUST-HAVE ADVENTURES
Whether you're a water baby or an intrepid explorer, an avid outdoorsperson or a casual nature enthusiast, the Great American West is home to countless outdoor experiences worthy of a grand American adventure. With no shortage of places to get lost in the right direction, the only question is – where do you head first?
IDAHO
Idaho has some of the best whitewater rafting in the world, from familyfriendly trips on the Payette River to roller-coaster rides on the Lochsa and Salmon Rivers. Take in the rocky cliffs of the deepest canyon in North America with a jet boat tour through Hells Canyon. If cycling through pristine nature is more your speed, try rail-to-trail gems like Route of the Hiawatha, passing over seven train trestles and 10 tunnels, or the Ashton Tetonia Trail for stunning views of the Teton Mountains. For more heartpounding rides, try the mountain biking tracks at Jug Mountain Ranch or the Payette Lake Trail in McCall.
MONTANA
Whether you're looking for a relaxing float or a rip-roaring ride, the Gallatin River, Alberton Gorge and Flathead River exhilarate thrill- and chill-seekers. Get active hiking, biking or camping at Montana's largest state park, Makoshika, which features badland formations, big skies and dinosaur fossils. Explore one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth in Yellowstone, home to almost half the world's active geysers, before heading north and west to Paradise Valley and Madison Valley for more wildlife and geologic wonders. Gear up with world-class mountain biking and hiking in the capital city of Helena with 80 miles of trails accessible from downtown.
NORTH DAKOTA
Before there were roads, the Missouri River was your guide, inviting you to kayak or fish the longest river in America. Swim, sun or sail on Lake Sakakawea, the third-largest man-made reservoir in the U.S. With more shoreline than California, it's home to the North Country National Scenic Trail, stretching 4,600 miles to Vermont. Devils Lake, the state's largest natural body of water, is known as the “Perch Capital of the World,” but anglers can also reel in walleye, northern pike and white bass. Traverse the Badlands' 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail on foot, horseback or bike (it has earned an EPIC designation from the International Mountain Biking Association). Get off the grid in Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, one of the largest uninterrupted stretches of woodlands in the state.
SOUTH DAKOTA
With 100 miles of converted railroad bridges and tunnels, the Mickelson Trail is beloved by hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Go deep into Black Hills National Forest on 650 miles of ATV and
UTV trails. Drive Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, stopping to cast a line, stretch your legs and marvel at the waterfalls. Explore Missouri National Recreational River, a 100-mile stretch of North America's largest river. Visit Badlands National Park, the crown jewel of South Dakota, and explore the underground worlds of Wind Cave and
Jewel Cave, where miles upon miles await beneath the Earth's surface. Winter is the secret season for frozen landscapes and fewer crowds.
WYOMING
Whether you wind through Wind River Canyon, snake down the Shoshone or hit the Big Kahuna, whitewater rafting in Wyoming can be an adrenaline rush or a scenic float – the choice is yours. Surrounded by stark red canyons and lush green forest, Flaming Gorge is a mecca for fishing, boating, hiking and biking, where wild horses roam and adventure awaits. Home to more than 40 peaks over 4 km tall, seven of the largest glaciers in the
Rocky Mountains and the natural phenomenon in Sinks Canyon State Park, the Wind River area is one of Wyoming's premier playgrounds. Fossil Butte National Monument, “America's aquarium in stone,” is home to some of the world's best-preserved fossils.