American Wilds: An Overland Nomad & Trailblazer Journey

Tackle the fast, flowing desert singletrack loops that weave through rugged terrain and arroyos with expansive views of the desert bluffs. Ride early in the morning to beat the midday heat.

A prime camp base near Terlingua offering spacious tent setups, unobstructed night sky panoramas, and fiery desert sunsets over the Chisos Mountains. Perfect for cast-iron skillet campfire dinners.

Explore the historic mining ruins, local art porches, and open-air cantinas in this classic ghost town hub before stocking up on provisions for remote backcountry routes.

Journey deep down long primitive dirt tracks to pitch a completely off-grid camp surrounded by sheer silence, desert peaks, and world-class Class 1 dark sky starfields.

Hike into the towering 1,500-foot limestone canyon walls carved by the Rio Grande along the international border. Best photographed in soft morning light when reflections shimmer on the water.

Stop at the central park hub to register for backcountry primitive camping permits, consult rangers on unpaved road conditions, and top up water jugs.

Trek through deep, dense Ouachita mountain wilderness on an 11-mile round-trip expedition with off-trail navigation to inspect the historic 1973 turboprop plane wreckage preserved in the forest canopy.

Unwind in downtown Mena after your long backcountry trek with craft coffee, artisanal pizzas, craft brews, and hearty comfort food in a cozy mountain town atmosphere.

Drive the crest of the Talimena National Scenic Byway to Rich Mountain, the second highest peak in Arkansas, for panoramic views across rolling blue ridge lines.

Pitch camp under towering pines at this peaceful campground nestled along a spring-fed river, offering shaded sites and direct access to Ouachita trail networks.

A short, scenic hike leads to a pristine multi-tiered forest cascade and swimming hole set in an amphitheater of moss-covered rocks.

Grab morning espresso, fresh breakfast bites, and trail snacks at this local spot right off the historic highway before setting out on your cross-state drive.

Hike the steep, iconic stone-step trail through old-growth spruce-fir forest along the Sugarland Mountain ridge to the dramatic observation deck overlooking the pinnacle rocks.

Ride 200 feet above the foothills in climate-controlled glass gondolas for sweeping 360-degree vistas across Pigeon Forge and the towering Smoky Mountain ridgeline.

Control your own descent speed down over a mile of twisting stainless steel tracks weaving dynamically through lush mountain woodlands.

Stand at the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (6,643 ft) on a circular concrete observation tower with endless views over rolling sea-of-clouds ridges.

Camp under mature hemlock and maple trees alongside the rushing Little River, one of the most scenic year-round campgrounds in the park.

Stop for maps, natural history exhibits, and trail condition updates near the Gatlinburg entrance to the park.

Hike the dramatic East Bluff Trail among ancient purple quartzite rock formations like Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway overlooking the 360-acre spring-fed lake.

Wander through 25 acres of organic lavender fields and wildflower orchards while enjoying lavender soft-serve ice cream and homemade treats.

Tour the grain-to-glass distillery sitting along the Baraboo River and savor bourbon tastings alongside elevated farm-to-table cuisine.

Board a passenger boat tour out of Munising harbor to witness towering sandstone cliffs, sea caves, and mineral water streaks illuminated by the late afternoon sun.

Set up camp at this serene rustic state forest campground nestled on an inland lake within walking distance of Lake Superior dunes.

Fuel your morning with in-house roasted specialty espresso, pour-overs, and freshly baked pastries in downtown Munising.

Sample small-batch IPAs, stouts, and seasonal ales brewed with Lake Superior water in a laid-back, community-centric taproom.

Indulge in seasonal Great Lakes whitefish, craft steaks, and refined regional dishes inside the historic Roam Inn.

Ride world-class mountain bike terrain featuring technical rock gardens, root drops, flow lines, and ridge boardwalks high above Lake Superior.

Treat yourself after a long trail ride to delicious Italian gelato, thimbleberry ice cream, and espresso near the harbor.

Enjoy a fun round of miniature golf tucked under the Keweenaw canopy right in the heart of town.

Set up a self-contained nomad base in designated dispersed camping areas along USFS dirt corridors under lodgepole pines with direct access to alpine streams and peak views.

Marvel at the crystal-clear alpine waters mirroring the sheer quartzite face of Medicine Bow Peak. Keep a keen lookout in the willow wetlands for resident bull moose feeding at dawn and dusk.

Embark on an exhilarating high-altitude loop hike scrambling across boulder talus fields and alpine tundra to reach the 12,013-foot summit ridge.

Hike the 1.3-mile paved Tower Trail circling the base of the massive igneous rock buttress to view giant hexagonal columns and climbers ascending sheer vertical cracks.

Camp along the shores of Keyhole Reservoir surrounded by rolling pine-covered hills, offering great water access, boating, and restful stargazing.

Browse indigenous art, geology exhibits, and climbing history displays inside the historic log-built visitor center at the base of the tower.