Top 20 Epic Outdoor Adventures to Train For in the Wilds of North America
There’s a silent call that echoes from the granite peaks of the Rockies, whispers through the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest, and roars in the canyons of the Southwest. It’s the call to adventure—the magnetic pull of the wild that asks for more than just a casual visit. It asks for preparation, commitment, and a willingness to push your limits. These aren't just vacations; they are transformative journeys that test your body and spirit.
For many of us, these epic challenges are bucket-list dreams. We see the photos, read the stories, and feel that spark of "what if?" But turning that spark into a reality requires a bridge, and that bridge is built with consistent, intelligent training. As Goh Ling Yong often emphasizes, the journey of preparation is as rewarding as the adventure itself. It’s in the early morning runs, the weighted pack hikes, and the deliberate planning that we forge the strength and resilience needed to thrive in the wild.
This list is your starting point. It's a curated collection of 20 epic outdoor adventures across North America that are worthy of your ambition. Whether you’re a hiker, climber, paddler, or runner, there’s a challenge here that will inspire you to lace up your boots, chalk up your hands, and start training today. Let these ideas fuel your dreams and guide your preparation for the adventure of a lifetime.
Hiking & Backpacking Odysseys
These are the legendary trails that demand endurance, grit, and a love for the long haul.
1. Thru-Hike the John Muir Trail (JMT), California
Stretching 211 miles through the heart of California's Sierra Nevada, the JMT is arguably the most scenic long-distance hike in the United States. From the granite domes of Yosemite to the summit of Mt. Whitney, this trail is a masterclass in alpine beauty, serving up turquoise lakes, sweeping passes, and vast wilderness. This is a journey that changes you.
Training for the JMT is a serious commitment. You’ll need to build cardiovascular endurance and leg strength to handle daily 10-15 mile days with thousands of feet of elevation gain, all while carrying a 30-40 pound pack at high altitude. Your preparation must include long weekend hikes with a weighted pack, consistent strength training focusing on your core and legs, and if possible, some time spent at altitude to acclimate. Logistics, like securing the highly competitive permit and planning resupply points, are just as crucial as physical fitness.
2. Conquer the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (R2R2R), Arizona
The Grand Canyon is a geological marvel, and traversing it on foot is an unforgettable feat. The R2R2R is a brutal but beautiful 48-mile trek with over 11,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. You descend from one rim, cross the mighty Colorado River, ascend the other rim, and then turn around and do it all again. It’s a true test of endurance and heat management.
This challenge is typically done as a multi-day backpacking trip or, for the exceptionally fit, a single-day ultramarathon. Training must focus on elevation. Find the biggest hills or stadium stairs you can and do repeats, both up and down, to prepare your quads for the relentless descents. You'll also need to perfect your hydration and nutrition strategy, as the canyon's heat can be dangerously dehydrating.
3. Brave the West Coast Trail, British Columbia
Known for its dramatic coastal scenery, deep mud, and endless network of ladders, the 47-mile West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island is a legendary Canadian challenge. You'll navigate slippery boardwalks, time your beach walks with the tides, and pull yourself across river surges on cable cars. It's a rugged, raw, and rewarding coastal adventure.
Your training should simulate the trail’s unique demands. Focus on building stability and strength in your ankles and knees for the uneven, muddy terrain. Incorporate exercises like box step-ups and lunges while wearing a weighted pack. More than just fitness, this trail requires mental fortitude to deal with relentless rain, mud, and technical obstacles day after day.
4. Circumnavigate Mount Rainier on the Wonderland Trail, Washington
The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile loop that fully encircles the glacier-clad volcano of Mount Rainier. It’s a rollercoaster of a trail, accumulating a staggering 22,000 feet of elevation gain and loss as it dips into lush river valleys and climbs up to panoramic alpine ridges. The constant, stunning views of the mountain are your reward.
Training for this is all about elevation. You need to become a master of long, sustained climbs and descents. Back-to-back long hikes on weekends are essential to build the resilience for a multi-day trek. Focus on a lightweight pack setup, as every ounce counts on those grueling ascents.
5. Thru-Hike a Section of the Appalachian Trail (AT)
While hiking the entire 2,200-mile AT is a monumental undertaking, tackling a significant section is a worthy and life-changing goal in itself. Consider classic stretches like the 100-Mile Wilderness in Maine or the rugged mountains of the Presidential Range in New Hampshire. The AT is steeped in history and community, offering a different kind of wilderness experience.
To prepare, you need to be ready for the "green tunnel"—steep, rocky, and often wet terrain. Your training should focus on relentless forward progress. Build a strong hiking base with consistent mileage, and don't neglect strength work for your joints. Practice setting up and breaking down your camp efficiently, as this will become a daily ritual.
Mountaineering & Climbing Ascents
For those drawn to high places, these objectives combine physical strength, technical skill, and mental clarity.
6. Summit Mount Rainier, Washington
Climbing Mount Rainier is a true mountaineering rite of passage in North America. As the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S., it requires knowledge of glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and ice axe/crampon use. Reaching the 14,411-foot summit is a strenuous, high-altitude effort that rewards you with unparalleled views.
Training for Rainier is multi-faceted. You need the cardiovascular engine of a marathoner and the strength of a weightlifter. Focus on "uphill athlete" training: long, slow cardio sessions to build your aerobic base, combined with strength training for your legs and core. Most importantly, you must get professional instruction on mountaineering skills before you attempt this glaciated peak, either through a guide service or experienced mentors.
7. Climb the Grand Teton, Wyoming
The iconic, jagged profile of the Grand Teton makes it one of the most sought-after summits in the Rockies. While not as high as Rainier, the easiest routes involve a long approach, high-altitude hiking, and several pitches of exposed, technical rock climbing. It's a complete alpine adventure.
Your training needs to be hybrid. Build your hiking endurance for the arduous approach, but also spend significant time at a rock climbing gym or local crag. You need to be comfortable with basic climbing techniques and confident with exposure. Being a well-rounded athlete is key to success on the Grand.
8. Ascend Mount Whitney via the Mountaineer's Route, California
While thousands hike the main trail, the Mountaineer's Route offers a more direct and challenging path to the 14,505-foot summit of Mount Whitney. This is a classic scramble in summer and a brilliant snow climb in the spring, involving steep snow slopes and a short, exposed rock climbing section near the top.
Fitness for this route requires the ability to move efficiently on steep, challenging terrain. In spring, you'll need proficiency with an ice axe and crampons. In summer, you need to be a confident scrambler who is comfortable with exposure. Regardless of the season, altitude is a major factor, so proper acclimatization is non-negotiable.
9. Tackle a Classic Multi-Pitch in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Just outside Las Vegas, Red Rock offers world-class traditional rock climbing on stunning sandstone walls. Setting a goal to lead a classic multi-pitch route like Epinephrine (5.9) or Crimson Chrysalis (5.8) is a fantastic objective for any aspiring rock climber. It’s a test of technical skill, rope management, and mental endurance over hundreds of feet of vertical terrain.
Training is primarily done at the climbing gym and local crags. Build your lead climbing confidence and become proficient at building traditional gear anchors. Your physical training should focus on climbing-specific endurance—the ability to hang on for long sequences—and the full-body strength required for challenging moves high off the ground.
10. Climb Denali, Alaska
Denali is the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet, and it's one of the most formidable mountains in the world. Its high latitude means the barometric pressure is lower, making the altitude feel even higher. Climbers face extreme cold, severe weather, and the physical toll of pulling heavy sleds and carrying large packs for weeks. This is the big leagues of mountaineering.
Training for Denali is a multi-year process. You need to build a deep resume of experience on other glaciated peaks (like Rainier). Your physical preparation is extreme, focusing on building a massive aerobic base, immense strength for hauling loads, and the ability to perform in arctic conditions. This is the kind of ultimate challenge that requires the holistic approach to fitness and mindset that Goh Ling Yong champions.
Epic Water-Based Adventures
From serene lakes to raging rivers, these journeys harness the power and beauty of North America's waterways.
11. Sea Kayak the Inside Passage, British Columbia/Alaska
The Inside Passage is a protected coastal waterway stretching from Puget Sound in Washington up to Alaska. Paddling a section of it is a world-class sea kayaking expedition, offering stunning fjords, abundant wildlife (whales, bears, eagles), and a profound sense of solitude. You'll navigate currents, tides, and remote shorelines.
Training requires building significant upper body and core strength for paddling long distances, day after day. You need to become a competent navigator and be prepared for self-rescue in cold water conditions. Practice paddling in various conditions, including wind and waves, and get comfortable with a fully loaded kayak.
12. Complete the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit, British Columbia
This 72-mile circuit in British Columbia is a paddler's dream. It connects a series of pristine lakes, rivers, and creeks, with several portages (carrying your canoe and gear) in between. It's a wilderness journey through moose and bear country that is accessible to intermediate canoeists.
Your preparation should focus on paddling efficiency and the strength to handle the portages. Practice your paddling strokes to conserve energy over long days. For the portages, you can train by carrying heavy, awkward objects (like a sandbag) over uneven terrain to simulate the challenge of a canoe on your shoulders.
13. Raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, Arizona
A multi-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon is more than an adventure; it's a journey through geological time. You'll navigate world-class rapids, sleep on sandy beaches under a blanket of stars, and explore hidden side canyons and waterfalls. It is, for many, the trip of a lifetime.
While you can go with a commercial outfitter, the ultimate challenge is a private trip. This requires immense logistical planning, winning a permit through a weighted lottery, and having experienced oarsmen who can safely navigate Class IV and V rapids. Training involves developing the strength and endurance to row a heavy raft for hours and the skills to read complex whitewater.
14. Paddle the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
This vast wilderness on the U.S.-Canada border is a maze of over 1,000 lakes and streams, accessible only by canoe. A week-long trip here involves paddling across glassy lakes, navigating winding rivers, and portaging your gear between waterways. It's a trip that celebrates silence, simplicity, and self-sufficiency.
Similar to the Bowron Circuit, training involves a mix of paddling endurance and portaging strength. The key here is to embrace a minimalist mindset and pack efficiently, as you'll be carrying everything you need over rugged trails. Practice your navigation with a map and compass, as GPS can be unreliable.
Ultimate Endurance Challenges
These are the events and challenges that push the absolute limits of human endurance, requiring relentless training and an unbreakable will.
15. Run the Western States 100, California
The Western States is the world's oldest 100-mile trail race, tracing a historic route from Olympic Valley to Auburn, California. Runners face scorching canyons and high-altitude mountain passes in a grueling, non-stop journey. Finishing this race is a pinnacle achievement in the sport of ultrarunning.
Training for a 100-miler is a lifestyle. It requires running hundreds of miles a month, with a focus on back-to-back long runs and significant vertical gain. You must meticulously dial in your nutrition, hydration, and gear. Equally important is the mental training to handle the inevitable low points that come during such a long and demanding effort.
16. Complete the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Colorado
The "Race Across the Sky" is a 100-mile mountain bike race that takes place almost entirely above 10,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies. The high altitude and relentless climbs, including the infamous ascent up Columbine Mine, make this one of the most challenging mountain bike races on the planet.
Training demands countless hours in the saddle. You need to build a massive aerobic engine and the leg strength for long, grinding climbs. If you don't live at altitude, you'll need to plan a trip to acclimate for a week or more before the race. Your training should include structured intervals, long endurance rides, and perfecting your on-bike nutrition strategy.
17. Cross-Country Ski the American Birkebeiner, Wisconsin
The "Birkie" is North America's largest and most prestigious cross-country ski race, a 50-kilometer point-to-point marathon through the rolling hills of Wisconsin. It's a massive festival of skiing that attracts elite professionals and dedicated amateurs alike. Finishing is a badge of honor in the Nordic skiing community.
Training requires developing the unique, full-body fitness of a cross-country skier. If you have snow, you'll spend hours on skis, perfecting your technique. If you don't, you can build fitness through roller skiing, running, and cycling, combined with a dedicated strength program for your upper body, core, and legs.
18. Bike the White Rim Trail in a Day, Utah
The 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park is a stunning off-road loop with incredible views of the canyons. While most people do it as a multi-day bikepacking trip, a supreme test of fitness is to complete it in a single day. This requires speed, endurance, and self-sufficiency in a remote desert environment.
This is an all-day effort, so your training should focus on long, 6-8 hour rides to build endurance. You need to be a skilled bike handler for the sandy and rocky sections, and you must carry all the water and food you'll need for the entire ride. Heat management is critical, so training in warm conditions is a must.
19. Compete in an Adventure Race
Adventure racing is the ultimate multi-sport challenge. Teams of 2-4 navigate an unmarked wilderness course using only a map and compass, transitioning between disciplines like trekking, mountain biking, and paddling. Races can be anything from 6 hours to 10 days long.
Training for an adventure race means you need to be a jack-of-all-trades. You have to be a strong trail runner, a competent mountain biker, and a decent paddler. The most crucial and often overlooked skill is navigation. Spend time practicing with a map and compass until it's second nature. Teamwork and sleep deprivation management are also key components of success.
20. Ski the Spearhead Traverse, British Columbia
This classic ski mountaineering traverse connects the Whistler and Blackcomb ski resorts, crossing 13 glaciers in a spectacular 21-mile arc. It’s typically done in 2-4 days, staying in backcountry huts or winter camping. It's a journey through a breathtaking and serious alpine environment, requiring a high level of skiing and mountaineering skill.
Preparation is two-fold. First, you must be a strong and confident backcountry skier, comfortable in all snow conditions. Second, you need mountaineering skills: glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and winter survival. You'll need to take an avalanche safety course (AST) and practice your rescue skills regularly. Your physical training should focus on the endurance to ski uphill for hours with a heavy pack.
Your Adventure Awaits
Seeing these epic adventures laid out can be both exhilarating and intimidating. But remember, every great journey begins with a single step. You don't have to tackle Denali tomorrow. You can start by climbing your local peak, signing up for a 10k trail run, or taking a kayaking skills course. The key is to choose a goal that ignites your passion and then commit to the process of preparation.
The beauty of these adventures lies not just in the summit or the finish line, but in the person you become along the way. The discipline, resilience, and confidence you build during your training will enrich every aspect of your life.
So, what’s your epic? What adventure is calling your name? Share your dream goal in the comments below—speaking it out loud is the first step to making it real. Let’s start the journey.
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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