Are you ready to rediscover the great outdoors? If you’re ready to reconnect with nature and disconnect from your electronics, we have a list of wilderness locations for you. Whether you need to step out of the state for a break, or you need to break up your great American road trip, this list of beautiful areas will help you relax and refresh.
# 1 The Adirondacks
The Adirondack mountains are in the Northeastern part of New York state, making it an excellent retreat for those wanting to get out of the nearby city. Covering over 9,000 miles of primitive natural beauty, the Adirondack Mountains are a rugged landscape of rivers, peaks and valleys just waiting to be explored. There are hundreds of tranquil locations with private cabins to relax in. Check out the best Adirondack cabin rentals to find cabins tucked away by the river, flanked by majestic pines, or offering the perfect getaway for winter.
#2 Montana Wilderness
Montana has 3.5 million acres of wilderness surrounding it, making it an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the perfect location for first time hikers. Staying in the Montana wilderness is an ideal opportunity for enjoying activities in the great outdoors. You can go horseback riding, fishing and camping, to name just a few of the fun things to do. You’ll also have a backdrop of the famous snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Also worth mentioning, there are some breathtaking Colorado vacation rentals that offer a breadth of natural beauty and outdoor activities like rafting, skiing, hiking, etc.
#3 Kachemak Bay, Alaska
Kachemak Bay, Alaska is home to a huge range of wilderness lodges, which come with their own warming cabins. They are also surrounded by more modern amenities like restaurants, as well as a village-style atmosphere with other guests. It’s the perfect way to spend a family get-together in the great outdoors without compromising on your essential items.
#4 Snoqualmie, Washington
Despite only being 30 miles out of Seattle, Snoqualmie is a quiet and outdoorsy region of Washington. The region is home to Snoqualmie Falls, an 82 meter high waterfall with a 2-acre park surrounding it. If you’re planning a rustic trip around a wedding, there are also several exciting locations like TreeHouse Point which offer the perfect location, as well as exciting tours and trips above the treeline.
#5 Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park, with many areas of the site where you can rest and relax in the beauty of nature. Half of the world’s natural geysers are located at Yellowstone, and with its own Grand Canyon, it is definitely a must-visit. Yellowstone allows you to see animals in their natural habitat. You might see bears, wolves, elk and bison, to name a few of the wild animals you might come across on your travels.
#6 Olympic Valley, California
Olympic Valley was the home of the Winter Olympics in 1960, and ever since has boasted year-round outdoors activity. Home to 3,600 acres of skiing, the winter is bustling for the alpine area. Yet in the springtime, the area also comes alive with paintballing, hiking, climbing and swimming to enjoy. Olympic Valley is home to many tranquil cabins that you can retreat to after enjoying the great outdoors.
#7 Canyon Point, Utah
Canyon Point is a different take on the wilderness, with its vast desert vistas and the Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley round the corner. Monument Valley is home to towering natural sandstone structures which look like ancient fortresses. Canyon Point is also home to a luxury resort called Amangiri. Stay in a paradise pavilion tent, or a luxury lodge, surrounded by deep pools and luxurious spas. It’s a great combination of pure luxury and wilderness.
#8 Tucson Arizona
Tucson is truly a land of biodiversity, with desert vistas, deep lakes, and lush forest. Sites like Coronado National Forest offer all of this in one national park, making it the perfect place to stay for a weekend getaway. You can camp in certain locations, enjoy a wilderness resort, or perhaps a cabin tucked away in a lush valley. You’ll also simply enjoy wandering through the differing landscapes: in one mile you can go from cacti to oak trees.
#9 Big Sur, California
The Santa Lucia Mountains rise up from this rugged stretch of coastline, with dramatic scenery that stretches as far as the eye can see. Big Sur is frequently praised as one of the most beautiful areas in the US. You can visit sandy beaches and redwood forests, or simply enjoy the view of the ocean. The beauty of Big Sur is that despite being a popular area, you can still feel remote by picking one of the log cabins nestled in the mountains.
#10 Saratoga, Wyoming
Saratoga is the heart of western culture, boasting many dude ranches where you can both stay and ride across acres of wide open space. Enjoy the backdrop of the Snowy Mountains and a winter of snowmobiles, skiing, and snowshoeing. The summer boasts hot days, abundant lakes and endless fishing opportunities. If you enjoy horseback riding the ranch experience is definitely a must-try experience.
#11 Hood River, Oregon
Hood River is incredibly beautiful and remote. It is also known as the windsurfing capital of the world. Nestled between Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Range, it is home to everything from tiny craft breweries to scenic hiking and mountain biking trails. It combines a homely small town feel with the adrenaline of outdoor spoors like kiteboarding. The views are also stunning, with Vista House’s expansive take of the ocean making it a must-see. Vista House is a 1918 historical building built on a clifftop with a stunning vista of the local area.
#12 100 Mile Wilderness, Maine
The 100 Mile Wilderness in Maine is a remote region of the Appalachian Mountain Trail. You truly cannot get a more isolated location. If you’re an experienced hiker, this might already be on your bucket list. Hike past stunning natural lakes, mountainous peaks and lush rolling hillscapes. The hike is recommended between June and July to ensure campsites are available and avoid icy terrain. If you’re feeling adventurous, you should also go on to hike Mount Katahdin in the North. Katahdin is the highest mountain in Maine, with the tallest peak known as Baxter Peak.
How Do I Decide Which Location Is Right For Me?
This list offers rustic cabins through to luxury results surrounded by wilderness. The level of remoteness is entirely up to you and your preference. Even the most popular areas will have a secluded cabin tucked away somewhere. It also depends on how far you’re prepared to travel and how long you’re planning to stay for. You may also prefer a lodge with amenities rather than basic camping for your stay.
You should also think about which climate appeals most to you. Do you enjoy a winter retreat where you can enjoy skiing or snowmobiling? Or do you want to explore rustic desert terrain? Some locations offer many options in both the summer or winter months. You may also want to look at which options offer both outdoorsy activities and opportunities to relax. Some of these areas might be busy in the summer and be more accessible in the springtime.
Take the time to enjoy at least one of these locations this year. Go off grid, unplug that laptop, phone or tablet, and relax. Have fun in the great outdoors and embrace your wild side.
