When you are feeling burnt out by the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s time for a weekend getaway focused on relaxation and restoration.
One of the best places to relax your mind, body, and soul is the outdoors. Immersing yourself in nature has been proven to improve your attention span, lower your stress levels, improve your mood, and strengthen your mental health.
America is full of beautiful options for a wilderness getaway, ranging from the hot springs of Yellowstone to the windy beaches of Maine, so it can be difficult to choose a vacation destination. When deciding where to go, consider what part of the country you feel drawn to, what you want to prioritize regarding accommodations, and what activities you’re interested in
To make the process a bit easier, we have rounded up our top seven destinations for a wilderness weekend getaway.
No matter what kind of outdoor enthusiast you are, Vail is definitely a destination you’ll want to check off your bucket list. As a Collective Retreats guest, you will have access to a variety of outdoor activities that highlight Colorado’s unique landscape.
Vail is one of the most popular spots in the country for fly fishing, thanks to its impressive network of rivers, steady currents, and dense fish populations. Whether you are new to fishing or holding a fishing rod feels like second nature to you, fly fishing is a great way to immerse yourself in the Colorado scenery and partake in a locally loved activity.
To admire the Rockies and Colorado foliage from a unique perspective, book an on-site horseback riding tour on the Collective Retreats ranch. A local expert will take you on a two-hour tour past breathtaking views while sharing exciting and informational facts about the area.
Additionally, to book any of these activities year-round, simply contact our concierge, and you will be provided with all of the information and supplies you need.
Bend, Oregon, a small city sitting on the Deschutes River, has long been a popular destination for adventurous wilderness getaways.
For some of the most noteworthy sights in the area, take a hike on the Misery Ridge Trail. Although the trail can be steep and rocky at some points, the views looking out over the desert landscape at the top make the effort well worth it.
If you love to mountain bike, hit the Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway. This scenic ride will take you along the curves of the Deschutes River, past historic sites, and to the cliffs of Smith Rock State Park. This trail is also mostly downhill, which makes it suitable for bikers of all skill levels.
Utah is home to many national parks, all of which feature impressive natural wonders and beautiful landscapes. However, our favorite choice for a wilderness getaway is Zion National Park. As you enter this park, drive along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which will give you a sneak peek at some of the park’s most impressive sights.
Once you are in the park, you can’t miss out on the world-famous trails, such as Angels Landing and The Narrows. Angels Landing is a relatively difficult hike that leads to a spectacular viewpoint, and The Narrows is an easier trail that follows a river through the Red Rock Canyon, which you can also enjoy by kayaking, whitewater rafting, or canoeing.
Be sure to have your camera ready when you explore the Lower Emerald Pools. On this 0.6-mile paved trail, you will pass by a weeping wall and small natural pools at its base.
This large freshwater lake straddles the border of California and Nevada and offers many treasures for outdoor lovers, including spots for camping and glamping.
If you are visiting during the winter, you can hit the slopes and glide down the mountains that surround the lake before heading back to your log cabin rental for a dip in the hot tub. After an invigorating afternoon of winter sports, dry off by the fireplace before you enjoy some pre-bedtime stargazing.
If you aren’t interested in skiing or snowboarding, you will still have access to areas used for cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
If you are visiting in the warmer months, pack your itinerary full of water activities. Rent a stand-up paddleboard, jet ski, or boat to take a ride on top of the water or spend your afternoons splashing around in one of the many designated swimming areas.
While Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, you won’t have any problems feeling immersed in the state’s natural wonders.
While visiting in the winter, you can take advantage of Alaska’s signature snow activities. There are many slope options for skiing and snowboarding, but you may also opt for ice climbing or a guided glacier and frozen waterfall walk if you’re looking for a more adventurous option.
Besides snowy mountains, Anchorage also boasts many bodies of water, providing plenty of space for water activities. If you are a fishing enthusiast, head to The Bait Shack to get a fishing license, load up on gear, and register for one of their many fishing trips.
Lastly, one of the best ways to soak up the impressive Alaskan views is on a hike. Some of the most popular trails are the Flattop Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Williwaw Lakes Trail.
Another popular road trip destination for snow enthusiasts, Jackson Hole offers exciting outdoor attractions and mountain views for both the cold and warm months. Those interested in winter sports should head straight to Snow King Mountain. This stretch of the mountain was Jackson Hole’s original ski hill and offers slopes that are well-loved by tourists and locals alike.
You can’t have a wilderness getaway in Jackson Hole without a visit to Grand Teton National Park. The picturesque lakes and alpine terrains provide a stunning backdrop to the 200 miles of hiking trails in the breathtaking national forest.
Lastly, for a sight truly unique to Wyoming, check out the National Elk refuge. Sitting in the heart of Jackson Hole, this refuge is home to one of the country’s largest elk populations. Watching the elk graze on the grass against an impressive backdrop of mountain peaks is an unforgettable sight.
If you prefer a desert landscape to a mountainous one, Sedona should be at the top of your list of wilderness destinations.
You can choose a hiking trip that lasts anywhere from one to eight days and embark on a journey to some of the most beautiful viewpoints in Arizona while being led by a local expert. With help from your guide, you’ll have access to miles of trails and the best campsites in the area.
If you have been looking for an excuse to improve your rock climbing skills, Sedona is the perfect place to put on a harness and scale some impressive rock formations. Most of the climbing in Sedona is moderately difficult, so it might be best to try this out if you already have some experience.
For an outdoor adventure that is a little more laidback, take your time exploring the Palakti and Honanki heritage sites. You will get an up-close look at ancient cliff dwellings and historic art rock that tower over an 80-foot-long natural rock water slide.
Nothing will make you feel more refreshed, rejuvenated, or relaxed than a backcountry wilderness getaway. While there are countless options across the country for an immersive trip in nature, from Texas to Florida, we believe any of these destinations will provide you with the outdoor adventure and serenity you are craving. If you want a trip that combines wilderness activities and luxurious accommodations, be sure to book your trip to Vail with Collective Retreats.
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Apr 3, 2023
Apr 3, 2023
