Spend a week on the great American frontier rounding up cattle on a dude ranch in Wyoming. You'll find working dude ranches near Yellowstone National Park and on the edge of the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming. Riding the ranch’s horses, you can learn the techniques cowboys use to drive cattle, then use your newly acquired skills to round up cattle scattered over large swaths of land. While riding over pastures and through woodland, guests often encounter animals such as moose, grizzly bear and elk. After a full day’s work, you can return to the lodge and enjoy a hearty Western meal.
For a tropical adventure vacation, head to the Hawaiian islands to enjoy hiking in Volcanoes National Park, explore cloud forests and kayak along the Hawaiian coast. Vacationers have the opportunity to observe local flora and fauna closely, including coconut palms, orchids, rare jungle birds, sea turtles, dolphins and humpback whales. During the trip, you can enjoy Hawaiian food and soak up local culture, including Polynesian dancing. The best time to go is during the winter months, when there is less rain and fewer tourists. Hawaii is a tropical environment, so the winter weather is generally pleasant.
Alaska boasts many national parks, including Denali National Park--home of Mt. McKinley, or Denali. Test your mountaineering skills on the 20,320-foot mountain or spend a week camping near the base. In addition to climbing Denali, you can strap on your crampons and trek over glaciers or hop in a sea kayak and explore the frozen wilderness of Prince William Sound. During warmer months, try white-water rafting down one of Alaska’s many rivers. Along the way, enjoy local Alaskan cuisine and observe moose, bears and beluga whales.
