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Americas Best Bucket List

These adventures are so quintessential to the American experience that they’ve become the stuff of dream vacations. As you check out these “things to-do-in-your-lifetime”, know that outfitters, guides, resorts and lodges are available to help you achieve your bucket list.

Arizona

Raft America's Best Rivers

Arizona

Get Back to Nature. Raft through the Grand Canyon with an outfitter such as Arizona River Runners. The Phoenix-based company offers trips ranging from a three-day introductory float from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to Lake Meade to a 13-day oar-boat adventure that offers an intimate encounter with America’s most spectacular landmark. www.raftarizona.com

California

Cowboy-up at America's Best Ranches

Tehachapi Mountains, CA

In the California Tehachapi Mountains is a historic cattle and guest ranch. According to Adventure West . . . kids stuff, “A full operational cattle ranch, Rankin Ranch offers a fun-filled, down-home kind of vacation complete with tradition, history and diversions for both young and old.” Guests emphasize the “family” atmosphere and “Western hospitality” that is part of every package! This is the place to come back to nature and enjoy the natural beauty of the ranch. Families, couples and singles all find a gracious welcome at Rankin Ranch. Visit www.rankinranch.com.
McArthur Burney Falls

We read that Teddy Roosevelt once called this waterfall the eighth wonder of the world and wanted to see for ourselves. We weren't disappointed. In addition to the scenic beauty of the falls we also enjoyed a comfortable camp site and some pleasant and relatively easy hikes. We also observed others sailing and boating on Lake Britton within the park.

Colorado

Cycle America's Best Terrain

Crested Butte, Colorado

Crested Butte, Colorado’s terrain is so amazing it spawned the fat-tire phenomenon, or so, the locals claim. Crested Butte bills itself as the birthplace of mountain biking and backs up the brag with the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Housed in one of the 19th-century-structures that are typical of this old mining town, it exhibits memorabilia, vintage bikes and an overview of the sport’s evolution. Admission is just $3. Trails are free. Novices or those wanting to hone skills can sign up for the Crested Mountain Bike School and learn from experts. www.mtnbikehalloffame.com

Iowa

Relax at America's Best Spas

Maharishi Vedic City, IA

More than just a spa, this nationally acclaimed health center offers authentic Maharishi Ayurvedic treatments that are luxurious and profound. A three-to-one staff-to-guest ratio ensures maximum individual care and attention. This spa goes far beyond pampering. As stress, fatigue, and toxins are removed and balance is restored, the body’s natural healing abilities are re-enlivened. As the mind relaxes, inner silence and alertness predominate and the joy of the present moment becomes available once again. www.theraj.com

Idaho

Raft America's Best Rivers

Central Idaho

It’s possible to embark on one of the West’s most storied rivers, The Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Framed by a far-flung wilderness, natural hot springs and ancient pictographs—every rapid and river-bend brings a spontaneous dose of magical beauty. Rafters revel in out-of the-ordinary offerings like private massages, chalet tents and organic, seasonal fare. Weeklong adventures are customized to each group’s tastes and desires. From a fly-fishing getaway to a fun-family vacation, each experience is elevated with five-star services. www.TheAmericanSafari.com
Fish America's Best Waters

Central Idaho

It’s possible to embark on one of the West’s most storied rivers, The Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Framed by a far-flung wilderness, natural hot springs and ancient pictographs—every rapid and river-bend brings a spontaneous dose of magical beauty. Rafters revel in out-of the-ordinary offerings like private massages, chalet tents and organic, seasonal fare. Weeklong adventures are customized to each group’s tastes and desires. From a fly-fishing getaway to a fun-family vacation, each experience is elevated with five-star services. www.TheAmericanSafari.com.

Indiana

Visit America's Best Museums

Fort Wayne, Indiana and Duluth, Minnesota

Have a Date With History: Duluth, Minnesota and Fort Wayne, Indiana both trump Washington D.C. in our book. They are among nine American communities to benefit from Karpeles Manuscript Museums. These facilities take turns presenting portions of the world’s largest private collection of manuscripts and documents. Abraham Lincoln’s original Emancipation Proclamation, John Hancock’s cover letter to the Declaration of Independence, the original U.S. Bill of Rights and handwritten works by luminaries ranging from Christopher Columbus to Mozart to Mark Twain are just part of the significant papers on display at any given time. It’s all free! www.rain.org/~karpeles

North Carolina

Tour America's Best Mansions

Ashville, North Carolina

Encounter 19th-Century Excess: Asheville, North Carolina’s lovely setting and Southern charm beguiled George Washington Vanderbilt, who created the Biltmore, a 175,000-square foot French manor that is still the nation’s largest privately owned home. Artwork, antiques and other trappings of Gilded Age opulence make it as much museum as mansion. The estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres, including 75 acres of formal gardens. It is possible to stay at a hotel located on the premises. The Asheville Airport is just 15 minutes away. www.biltmore.com

Nevada

Ski America's Best Slopes

Nevada

The Ruby Mountain Heli Experience is 33 years of pure mountain adventure, featuring 11,000 foot peaks, 200,000 acres of skiable terrain and impeccable wilderness skiing and snowboarding, just 20 miles east of Elko, Nevada. www.helicopterskiing.com

Oregon

Sleep in a Tree

Eugene, Oregon

Sleep Close to the Stars: Eugene, Oregon’s Pacific Tree Climbing Institute offers a chance to spend the night in the top of an old growth Douglas fir forest. Campers sleep as high as 200 feet above the earth, snug in a tree boat. Most stay two nights. Day climbs are also available. The season extends from April until November. www.pacifictreeclimbinginstitute.com
Ski America's Best Slopes

Mount Hood, Oregon

Downhill Ski in summer: Mount Hood, Oregon includes the Palmer Glacier, where winter is always in season and the public can ski all summer long. It’s easy to combine a summer ski trip with Oregon’s great camping, backpacking or hiking opportunities. Mount Hood is just 70 miles from SkyWest service to Portland. www.mthood.com
Scuba Dive America's Best Waters

Heber Valley, Utah

Scuba Dive in the Mountains: Heber Valley, Utah is just 12 miles from chic Park City and 25 miles from the Salt Lake Airport. It’s home to the Homestead Crater, the only warm-water scuba destination in the continental U.S. The 55-foot-deep mineral pool’s water temperatures are typically 96 degrees. It’s ideal for scuba divers, as well as folks who just want to relax in the therapeutic waters. Come winter, you can scuba dive and sled on the same day! www.gohebervalley.com/scuba-diving

Utah

Relax at America's Best Spas

Ivins, UT

The most affordable, calorie-controlled, structured program in the weight-loss spa industry. Designed to give lasting results, guests have nicknamed us a “compassionate boot camp.” Kick start your weight loss here at Fitness Ridge, a unique fitness resort destination. You will experience a boot-camp-style program that features incredible hiking, stimulating cardio and stretch classes, delectable spa cuisine, and practical education to help you succeed. Fitness Ridge understands that everyone has different goals when looking for a fitness or weight-loss vacation, so we have created our program to accommodate all fitness levels. Whether your goal is to lose substantial weight or to enjoy a great fitness getaway, our program and small group atmosphere will provide the personal attention that you need to achieve your goals. There really is no better place to discover yourself and realize the untapped potential within you. www.biggestlooserresort.com
Four-wheel America's Best Terrain

Moab, Utah

Rock Crawl: Moab, Utah’s red peaks and pinnacles show up in plenty of commercials—often with cars perilously perched on their tippy tops. No wonder these cliffs appeal to extreme 4x4 fans. No need to be a gear head to get in on the action. Anyone can defy gravity here with the help of a Moab Adventure Center guide at the wheel of a modified Hummer. Precision drivers deliver adrenaline-charged thrills. The scenery is a plus. Sunset tours are especially awesome. www.moabadventurecenter.com