15 Best Outdoor Towns in America Where Wilderness Is Your Backyard
When was the last time you stood atop a mountain peak breathing fresh air without the sound of cars rumbling down the road or kayaking down a river so clear you could spot every fish darting beneath your paddle?
As someone who’s chased sunsets from coast to coast and camped under skies for two years while vanlifing, the US is packed with towns that I’m jealous people inhabit. Forget crowded city sidewalks and noisy traffic; here are the 15 best outdoor towns in America that adventure lovers dream about.
1. Moab, Utah
Located in the heart of Utah’s red rock country, Moab is basically the capital of red rock adventure in the US. Its landscapes have made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows.
Its backyards are home to two national parks: Arches and Canyonlands, with over 2,000 natural stone arches waiting for you to hike through. Stop at Dead Horse Point State Park for epic sunsets on your way out of Canyonlands.
Mountain bikers can burn their quads on the famous Slickrock Bike Trail. Love off-roading? Extreme ATV tours or jeep trips keep you on the edge of your seat as it precariously crawls up rock formations in Hell’sHell’s Revenge.
In spring, the rafting season kicks off on the Colorado River.
2. Boulder, Colorado
Boulder may be most famous as a college town, but it’s where Denver city folk go to get their steps in.
The Flatirons are the backdrop to everything here. Local hikers swear by Chautauqua Park for easy access and killer views. Cyclists should head to Boulder Canyon or Creek Path, and Eldorado Canyon State Park has climbing routes for every skill level.
Before you leave, grab a beer at any of the many microbreweries in town.
3. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona’s red rock buttes seem almost unreal, and every hiking trail in the area is more impressive than the next. Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge are crowd favorites, but lesser-known hikes like Birthing Cave and Boynton Canyon are some of the most unique and beautiful in Arizona.
You may have seen Pink Jeep Tours bumping along the rugged backcountry terrain down Broken Arrow, Mongollan, or to the backcountry energy vortexes people swear by here.
Swing by Slide Rock State Park, an amazingly unique state park, for a natural waterslide experience that will cool you down after all those desert hikes.
4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
I’m not alone in thinking that the shredding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is legendary, with its 4,139 vertical feet of pure adrenaline.
Come May, the roads open to enter Grand Teton National Park. Go hike up Inspiration Point around Jenny Lake, raft the Snake River, and wildlife spot bears and bison around the scenic postcard landscapes of the Mormon Row barns. You can also find some of the best fly-fishing in the country here.
5. Reno, Nevada
Yes, Reno has city things like casinos and neon lights. However, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Reno is just 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe. This means incredible skiing in winter and beach days in summer.
In town, the Truckee River Whitewater Park runs right through downtown. Mountain bikers rave about the Peavine Mountain trails.
Head out to the Black Rock Desert for the annual Burning Man festival. This desert event is known for its wild art installations, themed camps, and free-spirited atmosphere. Even if you can’t make it to the main event in late August/early September, many smaller events and gatherings happen throughout the year.
6. Page, Arizona
You may not know Page, Arizona, by name, but just mention Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, and people have an idea of the town’s landscapes. But beyond the Instagram-worthy spots, Page is one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen on Earth.
Boating and jet skiing on Lake Powell are a blast, and you can even explore hidden slot canyons by kayak.
Antelope Canyon is a must, as its famous slot canyons are otherworldly. If you want to avoid the crowds and mandatory tours at Antelope Canyon, the Hanging Garden Trail or Waterholes Canyon are much quieter.
When the day winds down, catch a desert sunset at Wahweap Overlook or attempt to reach Alstrom Point.
7. Mammoth Lakes, California
Sitting at an elevation of 7,880 feet, Mammoth Lakes has year-round fun. In the winter, Mammoth Mountain is a snow lover’s paradise with over 3,500 acres of terrain. Swap out the skis for mountain bikes and hit trails like Mountain View Trail when summer rolls around.
There’s a beautiful road trip loop around Convict Lake or Twin Lakes. Otherwise, some of the best natural hot springs dot the area.
The Devil’s Postpile National Monument is a must-see; from there, you can easily get to Rainbow Falls.
8. Kanab, Utah
Kanab flies under the radar compared to its big-name neighbors, but don’t sleep on this town. It’s the gateway to The Wave, that trippy rock formation everyone wants to see (if you’re lucky enough to get a permit).
Even without The Wave, spots like Buckskin Gulch offer the longest slot canyon hike in the US, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes are perfect for sandboarding or ATV rides. It’s also not too far from Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
9. Bend, Oregon
Bend has a strong community of people who love their little corner of Oregon.
More than 80 miles of hiking and biking trails are within the city limits, and in summer, people float and fish all day in the Deschutes River. Smith Rock State Park is also one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in Oregon.
In the winter, Mount Bachelor has one of the longest ski seasons in the United States, and it is just 20 minutes from downtown Bend.
10. Salt Lake City, Utah
Yes, Salt Lake City is larger than a town, but with so much outdoorsy stuff right in the city limits, it doesn’t feel like a metropolis at all. Ski at any of the 10 ski resorts within an hour’s drive.
The Great Salt Lake is one of the most unique lakes in the country, with a strange pink hue. Fifth Water Hot Springs, tucked in Diamond Fork Canyon, features a series of milky turquoise pools fed by waterfalls along a scenic hike.
You may have to drive a couple of hours, but the Bonneville Salt Flats offer a bizarre, otherworldly landscape you won’t find anywhere else.
11. Boise, Idaho
Boise surprises people with how much there is to do. Every day, hot air balloons take off in the early morning and float over the city. The Boise River Greenbelt is a 25-mile path along which locals bike and walk.
Some other activities in Boise include visiting the World Center for Birds of Prey and taking a trip to the nearby Lucky Peak State Park for outdoor recreation.
12. Missoula, Montana
Located along the Clark Fork River and surrounded by mountains, Missoula is often referred to as “”The Garden City”” because of its landscape. It is home to the University of Montana, a lively downtown area, and a thriving arts scene.
Missoula offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing in the nearby mountains. The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching with its beautiful river valley views.
13. Asheville, North Carolina
Wake up to the foggy morning among the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville is smack in the middle of the famous Appalachian Trail.
Chimney Rock State Park is worth the climb for its panoramic views, while the French Broad River is great for boating. If you’re into waterfall hikes, DuPont State Forest has several, and they’re not hard to reach.
It’s outdoorsy, yeah, but also a little weird and artsy in a hippie town way, too.
14. Burlington, Vermont
Most famous as a fall foliage destination, Burlington is a solid little city to call home. It’s right on Lake Champlain, so you’ve got waterfront sunsets, kayaking, and bike paths that run for miles, all with the Adirondacks across the water and the Green Mountains right behind you.
People actually use their gear here, whether it’s skis, bikes, or paddleboards. It’s not just the big stuff; there are woods, creeks, and trails woven into the neighborhoods.
The town itself is easygoing and compact, with good food, live music, and enough going on that you don’t have to drive hours to feel like you’re you’re doing something.
15. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Outdoor adventure is part of daily life in Chattanooga. The city sits right on the Tennessee River, with mountains rising up around it, so you’re never far from a trail, a climb, or a paddle.
Lookout Mountain is practically in town, and the Tennessee Riverwalk runs through the city, connecting parks, neighborhoods, and waterfront spots. You can kayak the Tennessee River Blueway, explore caves at Raccoon Mountain, or hit the trails at Stringer’s Ridge—all without leaving the city limits.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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