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Spring has sprung!! Warmth, sunshine, fresh clean air and stunning landscapes fill our minds with possibilities and thoughts of good, clean fun outside. That means it’s time to consider all the top outdoor adventures for Spring 2023 that are available to us. And there are many!
After a long and cold winter, there’s nothing better than getting outside and enjoying the freshness as everything comes alive in nature. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for a thrill, or a nature lover seeking peace and quiet beneath the newly-budding leaves, there are plenty of memorable outdoor activities to choose from.
Especially in North America! From the blooming wildflowers in the Pacific Northwest to the thawing snow in the Rockies, to the endless vibrant paths through eastern mountains or along epic ocean fronts, our country offers a plethora of opportunities for you to explore. Hiking trails come to life; wildlife emerges from hibernation; the beauty of nature explodes in full display!
So take time with us to witness the many breathtaking vistas out there waiting for you. Make your Spring a time of renewed energy and vibrant outdoor adventure. The warming temperatures mean popular activities like whitewater rafting, birdwatching, mountain biking or climbing, water sports… they’re all in full swing now that the sun is not a stranger. No matter where you go, springtime in North America is a great time to experience vivid beauty and timeless adventure.
So come with us now as, in this blog post, we walk you through the most popular ways to create some outside escapades that will go down as epic in your personal adventure history!
Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors. With the warmer temperatures and longer days, spring is the perfect time to hit the trails. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there’s a trail out there for you. From easy strolls to challenging treks, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of the best hiking destinations for spring include:
If you don’t live near any of those epic hiking destinations, no worries! There are many local hiking options near you too, no matter where you live. How can you find ’em?:
A quick Google search can provide a wealth of information about hiking trails and parks near you. You can find websites that specialize in hiking, such as AllTrails, which offers detailed information about trail lengths, difficulty levels, and user reviews.
Tourist offices often have brochures and maps that highlight the best hiking trails in the area. They may also have staff who can provide recommendations and advice.
Hiking groups are a great way to meet other people who enjoy hiking and to learn about new trails. You can find hiking groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Meetup.
Locals are often the best source of information about hiking trails in the area. Ask your neighbors, coworkers, or friends if they know of any good hiking spots.
If you live near a national park or forest, you’re in luck! These areas offer some of the best hiking trails in the country. Visit the National Park Service website to find information about hiking trails in national parks.
By using these tips, you’re sure to find some amazing hiking trails near you.
Don’t forget that when hiking, having the right footwear is crucial… unless you like cramps & pain! A good pair of hiking boots will provide support, protection, and comfort on the trail. Look for boots with sturdy soles, waterproof materials, and ankle support.
Some great options include the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX, Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof, and Vasque Breeze III GTX. Make sure to break in your boots before hitting the trail to avoid blisters and discomfort.
Oh, and the father in me needs to mention two things: 1. apply sunscreen liberally, and not just once, and 2. stay HYDRATED. Long miles beneath the sun can easily lead to sun stroke if you’re not careful. Drink plenty of water (use THIS BACKPACK to make it easy) and take shade breaks when you’re start to feel the heat. After all, we’re out to ENJOY outside, not be damaged by it. 😉
If you’re looking for a more fast-paced outdoor adventure, cycling is the way to go. With the spring weather providing perfect conditions for a bike ride, it’s a great time to get out and explore. Whether you’re a road cyclist or a mountain biker, there are plenty of trails and routes to choose from. Some of the best cycling destinations for spring include:
As with hiking, there are always plenty of local cycle trails & lanes nearby, wherever you hang your hat. Use the hiking resources listed above to check for cycling access. Many allow cycles too.
But before you choose a bike, or settle on a destination, it’s important & helpful to answer this question first: do I want to go trail riding, or road riding? Each has a totally different environment, and offers its own unique challenges and rewards…
Street cycling is typically done on paved roads or city streets. It’s riding around your neighborhood, or down some less-crowded roads in your town, or maybe through some local parks. You’ll find yourself, at least some of the time, having to navigate through traffic and dealing with urban obstacles such as potholes, pedestrians, and cars.
Street bikes are designed more for speed & efficiency; they tend to be lightweight, fast, and efficient. They’ll have narrow tires and drop handlebars most of the time, since that is going to optimize aerodynamics and, again, allow you go faster.
I grew up riding my bike everywhere through my home town and loved it. I just had to come home before the street lamps came on, and most of the time? I was out ’til that very last minute!
In these cell-phone-crazy days, great care must be taken to avoid texting drivers & pedestrians in the city though. They are all too prevalent, so if you’re street-ridin’… act like everybody else is an idiot and not looking where they’re going. You’ll find that far too often.. that’ll be true.
Trail cycling, on the other hand, can be thought of more simply as “ridin’ in the country”. It’s spinnin’ those tires through natural environments like forests, parks, or mountainous areas. This kind of cycling can be quite demanding; it tends to use a LOT more muscle groups, and is, overall, a lot more physically challenging. Still, it’s enjoyed by thousands of cycling enthusiasts for the challenge, adventure, and opportunity to explore new and remote locations.
You’ll mostly find yourself on dirt paths, rocky, uneven terrain, and wooded trails. These paths can vary in difficulty, from relatively smooth dirt paths to more technical and challenging terrain. You’ll be faced with steep climbs, tight turns, and possibly even obstacles such as rocks, roots or even the occasional fallen tree.
Trail cycling generally requires a higher level of skill and physical fitness, and also specialized equipment, like a true “mountain bike” that is built for durability, stability, & has the suspension needed to absorb all the bumpy shocks you get in the forest, AND wider tires to provide better traction on all those uneven surfaces.
Trail cycling is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy Mother Nature’s bounties, all while getting fantastic exercise and pushing your own personal limits. It can be a social activity too though, with group rides and events organized by local cycling clubs or organizations that end up feeling like a party on bikes!
For cyclists, a good pair of cycling shorts can make all the difference. Look for shorts with padded chamois to provide cushioning and reduce friction, as well as breathable and moisture-wicking materials to keep you comfortable on long rides.
Some popular options include the Pearl iZUMi Escape Quest Shorts, Louis Garneau Fit Sensor 2 Bib Shorts, and Castelli Free Aero Race 4 Bib Shorts. Don’t forget to wear them without underwear to avoid chafing.
A great choice for an affordable, dependable Street Bike is the Unisex Schwinn Phocus bike. Loads of great reviews on this one, and most styles are under $800. You can choose your frame size & choice of 5 colors, so chances are there’s one just right for you.
Representing the green parts of the map, one of our best-sellers in the Trail Bike category is the Ibis Ripmo V2 XT. Many are reviewing it THE top pick for Trail Bikes in 2023. An excellent choice if you want to take on the bumpy challenge of trail ridin’!
Camping is an outdoor activity enjoyed by literally millions of people across the United States. While summer is often considered the peak season for camping, spring is also an excellent time to pitch your tents and immerse yourself in nature. Here are three reasons why camping in the spring absolutely rocks:
In North America, there are plenty of places to experience the beauty and tranquility of nature. Try pitching a tent and spend a night under the stars in some, or all, of these top camping destinations:
With comfortably warming weather, longer days, stunning scenery, and fewer crowds, it’s the perfect time to recharge in the great outdoors.
A good night’s sleep is crucial when camping, and a quality sleeping bag is the key to staying warm and comfortable. Look for bags with a temperature rating that matches the climate you’ll be camping in, as well as lightweight and compressible materials for easy packing.
Some great options include the NEMO Forte 20 Sleeping Bag, The North Face Eco Trail Bed 20 Sleeping Bag, and Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 Sleeping Bag. Don’t forget to consider the size and shape of the bag to ensure a good fit.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, rock climbing is the perfect outdoor adventure. With the spring weather providing ideal conditions for climbing, it’s a great time to tackle some of the most challenging routes out there.
Whether you do it with ropes, or just prefer the easier method of clamouring up rock that’s not SO vertical, some of the best rock climbing destinations for spring include:
When it comes to rock climbing, having the right shoes is crucial for both safety and performance. Look for shoes with a snug and precise fit, as well as sticky rubber soles for grip and traction. Some popular options include the La Sportiva TC Pro, Scarpa Instinct VS, and Five Ten Anasazi Pro. Make sure to break in your shoes before climbing to ensure a comfortable fit and better performance. Remember that different types of climbing require different types of shoes, so do some research to find the right pair for your style of climbing.
An offshoot of rock climbing is mountain climbing, which is actually one of my favorite sports. There’s nothing like ascending to the peak of an enormously tall mountain and seeing the sheer massiveness of the Earth as you look out in all directions. LOVE that!!
Rock climbing and mountain climbing are two distinct activities with different challenges and goals. Rock climbing focuses on scaling vertical rock faces using ropes and very specific climbing gear. It takes time & experience to not only get used to the techniques involved, but also the specialized tools and different musculature you need to pull off a good ascension.
Mountain climbing, on the other hand, is more aerobic in nature. It’s aobut ascending peaks and conquering high-altitude terrain mostly by simply walking (tho’ ‘simple’ doesn’t mean EASY!). Mountain climbing often requires a bit more endurance, and knowledge of mountaineering techniques and equipment.
That said though, there are rock climbers out there that climb SO high on such difficult cliff faces that they would definitely win the “Outlasting Bravery” award for certain. If you’ve never watched the documentary film, “Free Solo”, for example, I double-dog-dare you to say that guy doesn’t deserve every prize ever offered!!!
Finally, if you’re looking to cool off and have some fun, water sports are a great option for spring. With the melting snow and warmer temperatures, rivers and lakes are starting to thaw, providing the perfect conditions for water sports. Some of the best water sports for spring include:
When participating in water sports, keeping your belongings safe and dry is essential. A waterproof dry bag is a must-have accessory for any water adventure. Look for bags with durable and waterproof materials, as well as adjustable straps for easy carrying.
Some great options include the Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag, Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag, and NRS Dri-Stow Pack. These bags are perfect for storing your phone, camera, and other valuable items while kayaking, SUPing, or rafting.
Spring is a great time to get outside and explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, camper, rock climber, or water sports enthusiast, there’s an outdoor adventure out there for you.
If you still haven’t been stirred by any of the suggestions above, check out THIS POST by U.S. News for even MORE options under the sun!
From the stunning views of the Grand Canyon to the challenging routes of Red River Gorge, there are plenty of destinations to choose from. So, grab your gear and get ready to experience the beauty of spring.
See ya outside!!
TJ
CEO, Outdoor Hobby Hub