June is Great Outdoors Month! A time when we come together to celebrate the breathtaking beauty and magnificence of America’s most beloved treasures. Get outdoors this summer and enjoy the sunshine with fun outdoor activities – right in your backyard.
The health benefits of outdoor activities are undeniable, whether you’re heading to the mountains, exploring the coast, biking, horseback riding, surfing, climbing, stargazing, or walking local trails with your dog. 🌳🚣♀️🥾
As the original company that coined “adventure travel,” our team at MT Sobek is thrilled to be a part of this tradition! We love exploring the great outdoors right in our own backyards. To celebrate, we share some of our favorite outdoor activities that help us get outside and soak up the sunshine.
Read below for our staff’s favorite outdoor activities for inspiration.
Inspired? Experience the magic of America’s beauty for yourself! Check out our popular MT Sobek-guided U.S. National Park adventures here>>
Staff Picks for Get Outdoors Month
Erin R. MT Sobek Adventure Coordinator – Portland, Oregon
“We are so lucky to find green space everywhere in Portland, Oregon!”
— Erin R. MT Sobek Adventure Coordinator | Portland, Oregon
What’s your favorite outdoor activity local to your area?
Erin: In Portland, Oregon, we are so lucky to find green space everywhere; whether a city park or winding trail or hiking path…
One of my very favorite things to do with my family is to rally everyone out for a hike at this trail up near the city zoo. It feels amazing and invigorating to connect with the people I love most in the world in the midst of such beauty.
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Tara B. MT Sobek Trip Consultant – Truckee, California
“Gliding across the crystal-clear, glassy waters of Lake Tahoe on my paddleboard, framed by granite, is a blissful and cathartic experience!”
— Tara B. MT Sobek Trip Consultant | Truckee, California
What is your favorite outdoor activity that is local to your area?
Tara: While I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in my hometown of Truckee, CA, there are two activities in particular that make me feel incredibly alive: backpacking and paddle boarding.
The tradition of backpacking runs deep in my family, a legacy passed down through generations on my mom’s side. I feel blessed to continue this tradition each summer, embarking on alpine adventures with loved ones – completely unplugged and immersing in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. We find solace in shouldering the essentials for survival and escaping into the untamed beauty of remote wilderness for a few days. Our feet have taken us to many jaw-dropping locations!
Gliding across the crystal-clear, glassy waters of Lake Tahoe on my paddleboard, framed by granite, is a blissful and cathartic experience — especially for my bulldog pup, who delights in it as much as I do. Both of these outdoor activities do wonders for my soul!
Grace P. MT Sobek Marketing Coordinator – Bay Area, California
“I like to stay active on weekends by playing volleyball or competitive games of spikeball.”
— Grace P. MT Sobek Marketing Coordinator | Bay Area, California
What’s your favorite outdoor activity local to your area?
Grace: I like to stay active on weekends by playing volleyball or competitive games of spike ball with my friends whenever we’re free. We enjoy a few rounds after dinner. Besides that, I like to stay active by exploring new trails, taking walks with friends around my neighborhood, or strolling near scenic viewing spots, where there are amazing views of the water or cityline.
Anne W. MT Sobek Sr. Director of Trip Development & Operations – Northern California
“I walk, hike, or trail run almost every weekend.”
— Anne W. MT Sobek Sr. Director of Trip Development & Operations | Northern California
What’s your favorite outdoor activity local to your area?
Anne: Although I have traveled extensively around the globe, one of my favorite spots is just a 40-minute drive from the Bay Area: Point Reyes National Seashore. With its stunning windswept vistas of rugged coastal cliffs, meadows brimming with wildflowers, and pristine sandy beaches, there’s no better place for a walk, hike, or trail run—which I do almost every weekend. As you explore, you might encounter coyotes, bobcats, and a variety of fascinating and beautiful birds. This is heaven on Earth!
Ashley G. MT Sobek Trip Consultant – Denver, Colorado
“You can find me rock climbing the local crags in Denver, Colorado!”
— Ashley G. MT Sobek Trip Consultant | Denver, Colorado
What’s your favorite outdoor activity local to your area?
Ashley: Living in Denver, Colorado means easy accessibility to the Great Outdoors, and I take any opportunity I have to enjoy it. You can find me rock climbing the local crags or in the nearby desert, snowboarding the state’s incredible powder, paddle boarding, and rafting the spring runoff. I also enjoy hiking and camping with friends on the weekends or simply biking around the city and playing yard games or tennis in one of the many local parks.
Nicole R. MT Sobek Program Director for Africa & Trip Consultant – San Francisco, California
“I volunteer at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens as a docent.”
— Nicole R. MT Sobek Program Director for Africa & Trip Consultant | San Francisco, California
What’s your favorite outdoor activity local to your area?
Nicole: On my weekends, I volunteer at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens as a docent. It’s an excellent way to get outdoors for all ages! I love connecting guests with wildlife and inspiring them to care about the natural world. Visiting a zoo near you can advance conservation of animals in the wild, but it can also get you some fresh air, a serene environment, and plenty of exercise!
Steph D. MT Sobek Trip Consultant – Pacific Northwest
“I love to hike the majestic Cascade Mountains, chase waterfalls, go trail running along scenic rivers, and paddle boarding on crystal-clear waters.”
— Steph D. MT Sobek Trip Consultant | Pacific Northwest
What’s your favorite outdoor activity local to your area?
Steph: Pacific Northwest summers are my absolute favorite time of the year to be active outdoors! I love to play outside hiking the majestic Cascade Mountains, chasing waterfalls, trail running along scenic rivers, and paddle boarding on crystal-clear waters.
Trevor W. MT Sobek Chief Financial Officer – Lafayette, California
“I stay active by hiking the Lafayette Reservoir Upper Rim trail.”
— Trevor W. MT Sobek Chief Financial Officer | Lafayette, California
What’s your favorite outdoor activity local to your area?
Trevor: I stay active outdoors by hiking the Lafayette reservoir upper rim trail, it is a 5-mile loop with 1100 feet of elevation. I do this year-round, rain or shine, it can get quite muddy at times but it all adds to the workout. I do this at least once a week and sometimes twice. If I promise the kids ice cream, I can usually get them to tag along.
In Conclusion
We hope our staff’s favorite outdoor activities inspire you to enjoy the outdoors! Whether you’re making your list of must-see sights or simply want to relax and take in the stunning scenery – our travel experts will love to help plan your trip!
Join a group departure or work with our trip consultants to craft a custom adventure, and create trip memories to last a lifetime!
Ask an Expert
We want you to have the best adventure, so don’t hesitate to call our expert team of adventure specialists at 800-974-0300 to learn more. Or click the button to use our online contact form.