Craving a vacation that gets your heart pumping and your jaw dropping? From iconic trail races and once-a-year wildflower hikes to surreal bike routes through desert canyons and alpine lakes, these outdoor adventures offer more than just a workout — they also deliver full-on woah moments.
Whether you’re chasing finish lines, summits, or sweeping switchbacks, these run, hike, and bike experiences around the U.S. are worthy of a permanent spot on your travel wish list.
Woah-Worthy Running Events
If you’re the type to chase endorphins and elevation, these standout races will earn a top spot on your travel wish list.
The Leadville Trail 100 Run in Colorado is a true legend among ultramarathons. Held each August, this high-altitude sufferfest starts at 10,200 feet and climbs to over 12,600 feet as runners navigate 100 grueling miles of rugged Rocky Mountain terrain. It’s not just a race — it’s also a rite of passage for endurance athletes.
Prefer steep, technical trail running with jaw-dropping views? Head to The Rut in Big Sky, Montana, held each September. The 50K race (plus shorter distances) includes nearly 10,000 feet of climbing, with exposed ridgelines, scree scrambles, and big-mountain vibes in the shadow of Lone Peak.
Or, take on something with desert flair at the Javelina Jundred in Arizona’s McDowell Mountain Regional Park. This October ultra has a party-like atmosphere, costumed runners, and desert heat — all on a 100-mile loop course that’s both festive and fierce.
Recommended Gear
Smartwool Active Ultralite Short Sleeve Shirt
Designed with freedom of movement and natural temperature regulation in mind, the Active Ultralite Short Sleeve Shirt is a top pick for long-distance runners. The blended merino and Tencel performance fabric helps runners stay cool thanks to the natural fiber’s breathability, moisture-wicking, and odor resistance. A regular fit gives you mile-after-mile comfort, while flat-lock seams reduce chafing for a smooth ride.
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Woah-Worthy Hikes
Some trails are beautiful. Others stop you in your tracks. These hikes fall firmly in the latter category — offering surreal scenery, seasonal magic, and unforgettable moments on foot.
Start with the Roan Highlands along the North Carolina–Tennessee border, where the Appalachian Trail crosses open balds that erupt in bright rhododendron blooms each June. It’s a short window, but the combination of color-drenched hillsides and sweeping Blue Ridge views makes it one of the South’s most spectacular natural displays.
In the Midwest, Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail offers a journey through time — literally. Shaped by glaciers over 12,000 years ago, this National Scenic Trail covers more than 1,000 miles of moraines, ridges, and kettle lakes. Choose a section to explore in fall, when the forests turn golden and the trail is at its most peaceful.
For something truly otherworldly, head to Eastern Oregon’s Painted Hills. Striped with bands of red, ochre, and gold, these rolling formations are the star of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Visit in spring or fall for cooler temps and postcard-perfect lighting on the colorful clay.
Recommended Gear
Smartwool Hike Crew Socks
Trail-tested and hiker-approved, the Hike Crew Socks provide all-day comfort for endless hiking adventures. Soft, durable merino wool with natural moisture-wicking properties helps regulate temperature, while mesh zones increase breathability. Built-in light cushioning and Smartwool’s 4 Degree Elite Fit System dial a performance-oriented fit to reduce blisters and fatigue on long hikes and multiday treks.
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Woah-Worthy Bike Rides
Two wheels, endless views, and serious bragging rights — these unforgettable bike routes are as epic as they come.
For a surreal spin through the desert, tackle the Echo Canyon gravel ride in Death Valley National Park. This remote 20-mile loop blends rough gravel, narrow canyon walls, and long, lonely climbs — plus a section of exposed rock steps that might require a hike-a-bike.
Best ridden in cooler months (late fall to early spring), this is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of ride that rewards grit with Mars-like landscapes and total solitude.
In New York, the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail offers a completely different kind of thrill. Pedal along paved and gravel paths that trace the edge of the Niagara River, with breathtaking views of whirlpools, rapids, and of course, the iconic Niagara Falls. It’s best enjoyed in late spring through early fall, with plenty of spots to stop and soak it all in.
For high-alpine biking, it’s hard to beat the Tahoe Rim Trail in California and Nevada. While the full loop spans 165 miles, popular sections near Mount Rose and Kingsbury Grade deliver sweeping lake views, forested climbs, and buttery descents — perfect in late summer through early fall.
Recommended Gear
Smartwool Everyday Party Short Sleeve Button Down
Find the perfect blend of the uncontested style of a button-down and the performance of merino wool in the Everyday Party Short Sleeve Button Down. This lightweight, naturally odor-resistant design with breathable merino sport underarm panels keeps you cool and fresh from the trail to post-ride hangs. The relaxed fit featuring a subtle four-way stretch-woven fabric gives you the freedom to send any trail you choose.
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This post was sponsored by Smartwool.
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