Spring break is a great time to get outside and see what’s out there! We’ve curated a list of 12 destinations in North America that promise thrilling experiences. Some are well-known hotspots, while others are lesser-known treasures – but all feature a fantastic selection of outdoor adventures to enjoy this spring.
Fayetteville / Bentonville / Rogers, Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas is one of the best-kept secrets in the United States for outdoor enthusiasts! You’ll find exceptional mountain biking trails combined with warm Southern hospitality and an unexpected level of cultural sophistication. With over 250 miles of premier singletrack, Bentonville and Fayetteville proudly hold the title of IMBA-designated Ride Centers.
Spring brings blooming dogwoods, comfortable temperatures, and trails that are dry and ready to rip:
- Mountain biking options include Slaughter Pen (20+ miles), Coler Mountain Bike Preserve (24 miles with a hanging bridge), Lake Atalanta (10 miles of bermed turns), The Railyard (world-class urban bike park), Mt. Kessler (challenging rock gardens), and Hobbs State Park (24 miles of smooth riding).
- Paddlers can explore the Van Winkle Hollow caves on Beaver Lake or Lake Bentonville at Osage Park, or book guided eco-tours with SUP Outfitters.
- Hikers won’t want to miss Coler’s 17+ miles of trails, Blowing Springs’ waterfalls and caves, or Tanyard Creek Loop.
Pro Tip: After racing down those berms, swing by Bike Rack Brewing for some well-deserved post-ride drinks.
Nearby KOAs:
Eureka Springs KOA Journey
Branson KOA Holiday
Joplin KOA Journey
Harrison KOA Holiday
Sallisaw / Fort Smith West KOA Holiday
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga – the self-proclaimed “Outdoor Capital of the South” – sits where the Tennessee River cuts through the Appalachian Mountains. Spring brings mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and perfect conditions for exploring this adventure hub:
- Rock climbing at Tennessee Wall and Sunset Rock offers thousands of routes ranging from beginner slabs to challenging overhangs on world-class sandstone. Via ferrata on Lookout Mountain provides a thrilling climbing experience on fixed cables and iron rungs.
- The 1996 Olympics whitewater rafting course on the Ocoee River delivers Class III-IV rapids over an exhilarating 5-mile run through the Cherokee National Forest.
- Mountain biking on Raccoon Mountain’s 30+ miles of flow trails offers some of the Southeast’s best singletrack.
- Hang gliding off Lookout Mountain offers tandem flights over the Tennessee Valley, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Kayaking the Tennessee River Blueway allows paddlers to explore calm waters through downtown, past bluffs, and into scenic gorges teeming with wildlife.
- Hiking to Ruby Falls takes you deep underground to witness a stunning 145-foot illuminated waterfall.
Pro Tip: Walk or bike the 13-mile Chattanooga Riverwalk, one of the most impressive urban trail systems in America.
Nearby KOAs:
Chattanooga North / Cleveland KOA Holiday
Sweetwater / I-75 / Exit 60 KOA Holiday
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona isn’t just beautiful; it’s downright theatrical! The crimson rock formations rise up like ancient cathedrals, and the atmosphere here combines serious outdoor adventure with a hint of mystical energy.
Spring is prime time, with wildflowers blooming and temperatures just right for hiking and exploring.
- Take an off-road Jeep tour through Broken Arrow or Diamondback Gulch for intense 4×4 exposure and dramatic rock scenery.
- Hikers can tackle Cathedral Rock Trail, Bell Rock Pathway, and Courthouse Butte Loop, or scramble up to Devil’s Bridge at sunrise for spectacular views.
- Mountain bikers will love the Hangover Trail network north of town.
- For a unique perspective, lift off in a hot air balloon at sunrise over Oak Creek Canyon.
Pro Tip: Head up to the Airport Mesa to watch the sunset – it’s a short drive and absolutely worth it. Your Instagram feed will thank you!
Nearby KOAs:
Flagstaff KOA Holiday
Williams / Exit 167 / Circle Pines KOA Holiday
Grand Canyon South Rim KOA Journey
Seligman / Route 66 KOA Journey
Moab, Utah
With an outdoor playground like no other, Moab is where red rock canyons, slickrock trails, and two iconic national parks collide! This desert town pulses with adrenaline from world-class mountain biking to canyoneering through slot canyons.
Spring brings perfect temps for exploring, with wildflowers blooming and the desert landscape absolutely glowing:
- The legendary Slickrock Trail offers 10.5 miles of challenging and unforgettable mountain biking across petrified sand dunes.
- Arches National Park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, with hikes ranging from the easy Delicate Arch trail to the technical Fiery Furnace.
- Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky and Needles districts offer jaw-dropping viewpoints and backcountry exploration.
- The White Rim Road offers multi-day 4×4 or mountain bike adventures through stunning terrain.
- Raft the Colorado River through calm stretches or tackle Cataract Canyon‘s rapids.
Pro Tip: The Slickrock Trail’s practice loop is ideal for testing your skills before tackling the whole route. And catching sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands will give you one of the most iconic photos of your trip!
Nearby KOAs:
Moab KOA Holiday
Green River KOA Journey
Grand Junction KOA Holiday
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks is a 200-mile string of Atlantic Ocean barrier islands where wild horses roam free on the beaches and maritime history runs deep. This stretch of the North Carolina coast offers incredible variety!
From Cape Hatteras to Jockey’s Ridge, spring brings mild temperatures, smaller crowds, and excellent conditions for outdoor adventures:
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park has the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern US – perfect for hang gliding, sandboarding, and sunset hikes.
- Kiteboarding in Pamlico Sound attracts enthusiasts from around the world thanks to its shallow, warm water and consistent winds. Kayakers in the Sound get to explore marshes and uninhabited islands teeming with wildlife.
- Wild horse tours in Corolla offer chances to see the famous Spanish Mustangs in their natural habitat.
- Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for panoramic ocean views, or explore the shipwreck history at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.
Pro Tip: Take a 4×4 north (beyond Corolla) to Carova Beach to access a remote stretch where wild horses roam freely. And don’t miss the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk!
Nearby KOAs:
Cape Hatteras / Outer Banks KOA Resort
Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA Holiday
Virginia Beach KOA Holiday
Phoenix / Salt River Corridor, Arizona
Phoenix in spring is desert perfection, with saguaro cacti standing tall against impossibly blue skies! The Salt River brings water and life to the Sonoran Desert, offering opportunities for tubing, paddling, and spotting wild horses.
Throw in some serious hiking and ATV adventures through the Superstitions, and you’ve got a desert playground that rivals anything in the Southwest:
- Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon and Cholla trails offer technical climbing with killer city views; steep, but worth every step.
- The Salt River features seasonal tubing and kayaking in calmer sections through outfitters in Tempe and Mesa.
- Superstition Mountains off-road tours provide thrilling desert exploration.
Pro Tip: Camelback Mountain can be a killer workout (literally). Bring plenty of water, start early, and pace yourself. The views from the top are incredible, though. And if you see wild horses on the Salt River, count yourself lucky!
Nearby KOAs:
Mesa / Apache Junction KOA Journey
Picacho / Tucson NW KOA Journey
Red Rock Canyon / Valley of Fire, Nevada
Just outside Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park deliver mind-blowing desert landscapes where crimson sandstone formations glow against impossibly blue skies! These adjacent areas offer world-class rock climbing, hiking through slot canyons, and scrambling across ancient petrified dunes.
Spring brings perfect desert temperatures, wildflower blooms, and ideal conditions for outdoor adventures:
- Red Rock Canyon features over 2,000 rock-climbing routes from beginner-friendly sport climbs to challenging multi-pitch trad routes.
- Hike the Fire Wave Trail in Valley of Fire for surreal striped sandstone formations, or explore Mouse’s Tank for petroglyphs and a slot canyon experience. Valley of Fire’s Atlatl Rock features ancient Native American petroglyphs accessible via a short hike.
- Scramble through slot canyons like Calico Tanks or White Domes.
- Mountain bike the Blue Diamond Hill trails or Cottonwood Valley for desert singletrack.
- The 13-mile Red Rock Scenic Byway offers countless trailheads and pullouts.
Pro Tip: Sunrise at the Valley of Fire creates insane photo opportunities as the rocks literally appear to ignite.
Nearby KOAs:
Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam’s Town
Laughlin / Avi Casino KOA Journey
Austin, Texas
Austin blends urban cool with serious outdoor adventure in the Texas Hill Country. This vibrant city offers a unique blend of adventure sports with world-renowned dining and entertainment options for post-activity enjoyment.
Spring wildflowers start blooming in March, creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration:
- Rock climbing at Reimers Ranch Park features over 300 limestone sport routes set above the pristine Pedernales River.
- Kayaking and SUP on Lady Bird Lake takes you past stunning city skyline views, bat colonies, and lush natural areas.
- The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers 12+ miles of technical mountain biking singletrack with rocky terrain, creek crossings, and challenging climbs.
- Zip lining and adventure courses at Lake Travis provide heart-pumping thrills as you soar over the Hill Country landscape.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset to witness the emergence of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats in one of nature’s most spectacular displays.
Nearby KOAs:
Austin East KOA Journey
Austin North / Georgetown KOA Holiday
San Antonio / Alamo KOA Holiday
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is a red rock wonderland where massive sandstone cliffs tower over the Virgin River, creating one of the most dramatic landscapes in the American Southwest. The park’s iconic slot canyons, towering monoliths, and challenging trails make it a bucket-list destination for adventurers!
Spring brings perfect hiking weather, with warm days, cool nights, and the Virgin River flowing strong:
- Hike Angels Landing for one of America’s most thrilling trails, with chains bolted into the rock that help you summit the narrow spine with 1,000-foot drops on either side.
- The Narrows takes you wading through the Virgin River between soaring canyon walls (bring a dry suit or rent one from a local outfitter!).
- Canyoneering through technical slot canyons offers rappelling, downclimbing, and swimming.
- Rock climbing routes on Touchstone Wall and Moonlight Buttress challenge experienced climbers.
- Mountain biking the Gooseberry Mesa trails just outside the park provides slickrock riding with incredible views.
- Observation Point Trail offers stunning panoramas of Zion Canyon from above.
Pro Tip: The required permits for Angels Landing are in high demand, so book yours well in advance. The Narrows is best hiked from bottom to top in the spring, when water flow is strong but manageable.
Nearby KOAs:
Zion National Park KOA Holiday
St. George / Hurricane KOA Journey
Joshua Tree, California
A climber’s paradise and a stargazer’s dream, Joshua Tree feels like stepping onto a different planet thanks to massive granite boulders, wide-open desert – and those quirky Joshua trees!
Spring brings wildflowers and perfect temps for scrambling, hiking, and camping under some of the darkest skies in Southern California:
- Bouldering and sport climbing around Hidden Valley and Intersection Rock are legendary.
- For hikers, Ryan Mountain Trail offers panoramic desert views, Barker Dam provides a short scenic loop, and Lost Horse Mine combines history with great hiking.
- Photography enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise or Keys View for sweeping desert-to-mountain vistas.
Pro Tip: After dark, grab a blanket, a thermos of hot cocoa, and prepare to be humbled by the vastness of the universe. Cap Rock and Barker Dam are perfect dark-sky viewing spots.
Nearby KOAs:
Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday
Banning / Stagecoach KOA Journey
Temecula KOA at Vail Lake
Bend, Oregon
Bend is the outdoor adventure capital of the Pacific Northwest, where high desert meets volcanic peaks, and adventure opportunities are endless! This mountain town pulses with energy from world-class mountain biking and rock climbing to paddling pristine alpine lakes.
Spring brings sunshine, mild temps, and a laid-back vibe that makes every adventure feel effortless:
- The Phil’s Trail network offers over 300 miles of singletrack mountain biking consistently ranked among America’s best, including high desert singletrack on the Burma Road and Gray Butte trails.
- Smith Rock State Park is a paradise for rock climbers, with volcanic cliffs towering above the Crooked River. Rock climbing here is legendary, with over 2,000 routes ranging from beginner sport climbs to challenging multi-pitch trad routes on iconic formations like Monkey Face.
- Stand-up paddleboard or kayak on the Deschutes River or paddle Sparks Lake. Whitewater rafting on the Deschutes offers Class III rapids through awe-inspiring volcanic canyon scenery.
- Hiking trails include the River Trail loop with close-up cliff views; the Misery Ridge Trail, featuring heart-pumping climbs with panoramic vistas; and the Canyon Trail, which follows the Crooked River. Check out Pilot Butte for sunrise summit views.
Pro Tip: Bend’s brewery scene boasts over 30 craft breweries for post-ride refreshment – and The Bend Ale Trail passport gets you discounts at all of them!
Nearby KOAs:
Redmond / Central Oregon KOA Holiday
Lemolo Lake / Crater Lake North KOA Holiday
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Kelowna lies in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, where pristine lakes meet desert landscape! This four-season playground combines outdoor adventure with exceptional wine culture in Canada’s warmest region.
Spring brings blooming orchards, comfortable temperatures, and ideal conditions for exploring before the summer crowds arrive:
- The Okanagan Rail Trail offers 50 kilometers of scenic, car-free cycling along the turquoise waters of Kalamalka Lake.
- Rock climbing at Skaha Bluffs features over 1,000 sport routes on grippy gneiss rock.
- Hiking trails include Knox Mountain for panoramic lake views and the Myra Canyon Trestles for historic railway bridges and tunnels.
- Kayaking and SUP on Okanagan Lake lets you paddle past downtown Kelowna, explore hidden coves, and enjoy mountain-rimmed vistas.
- Mountain biking trails at Crawford Trails and Gillard Creek provide technical singletrack, flowy descents, and jump lines with views of the valley below.
Pro Tip: Check out the 40+ area wineries for patio tastings and organic vineyard tours in a truly spectacular setting!
Nearby KOAs:
Concrete/Grandy Creek KOA Holiday
Lynden / Bellingham KOA Journey
See You on the Trails!
Spring Break 2026 is calling – where will you go?!? Pick one of these 12 incredible adventure destinations, explore with intention, pack the bug spray (seriously), and make some epic springtime memories!
Leslie is a freelance travel and health/wellness writer who gets butterflies from telling stories and sharing information with readers across the globe. Her voice comes from a place filled with passion and dreams.
With over 10 years of experience in crafting words and years of embarking on travels that have taken this Montana girl to some incredible places, Leslie loves the adventures of both body and mind that her writing takes her on.
To see what Leslie’s up to in the writing and design world, visit her website here.
