American Adventure Quest: From Ouachita Forests to Red Rock Canyons & Pacific Peaks

Pitch camp in the dispersed camping zones along Bear Creek. The pine tree views and crisp mountain air offer the perfect tranquil start to tent life.

Head west past Albert Pike into the deeper backcountry of Ouachita National Forest for serene off-grid dispersed camping and river valley scenery.

Reward your backcountry efforts with cold craft pints at this favorite local craft brewery in Amity. Open Saturdays starting at noon.

Rent comfort hybrid e-bikes to cruise the Arkansas River Trail, pedaling across the massive pedestrian Big Dam Bridge for sweeping river views.

Continue your e-bike loop through downtown Little Rock and the River Market District, checking out local riverside parks and trail spurs.

Stock up on campfire essentials, cast iron accessories, and trail provisions before embarking west toward the high desert.

Take in the sheer 1,000-foot vertical drop and silent expanses over the Green and Colorado Rivers at Island in the Sky.

Engage four-wheel drive and crawl the vertical sandstone fins and steep slickrock ledges on this world-renowned off-road route.

Gear up with harnesses and ropes for an adrenaline-fueled 120-foot technical free-hanging rappel straight into Hidden Canyon.

Hike the 3-mile roundtrip slickrock trail out to the edge of the world's most famous natural freestanding arch, especially dramatic near golden hour.

Air down your tires and power through 4 miles of deep soft sand to explore the dramatic undulating sandstone walls of Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon.

Navigate steep drop-offs and chain-assisted knife-edge ridges on one of the most thrilling permit-required trails in North America. Keep an eye out for California condors overhead.

Wander through the historic adobe plaza, exploring local Southwestern chili flavors, artisan shops, and vibrant Pueblo-influenced architecture.

Paddle through exhilarating class III and IV whitewater rapids along the dramatic sheer basalt cliffs of the Rio Grande Gorge.

Float thousands of feet above the Rio Grande gorge and Taos plateau at sunrise for panoramic vistas across the Land of Enchantment.

Visit the multi-story adobe settlement that has been continuously inhabited for over a millennium, admiring traditional craftsmanship and native culture.

Sample authentic northern New Mexican cuisine featuring blue corn enchiladas and fire-roasted Hatch red and green chili.

Camp or stargaze along the rim of the gorge within the Orilla Verde Recreation Area, where the night skies are intensely dark and clear.

Walk through bubbling mud pots, steaming sulfur vents, and active fumaroles along the hydrothermal boardwalks.

Stand before the 129-foot wall of cascading spring-fed water surrounded by lush mossy basalt rock amphitheaters.

Walk beneath the towering canopy of the tallest ancient living trees on Earth along the misty Pacific coast.

Experience crystal clear cobalt alpine waters, granite shoreline bouldering, and pristine Sierra Nevada mountain biking trails.

Explore coastal sandstone sea caves, walk along scenic ocean bluffs, and spot wild California sea lions basking on the shoreline.

Conclude your grand tour by eating your way through historic Old Town San Diego, feasting on freshly pressed handmade tortillas and authentic Mexican street tacos.