Adventure comes in all shapes and sizes, yet, we feel it is hard to discover new adventures that are actually worth considering. So, the editors at The Adventure Travel Network have teamed up to create a space highlighting the best adventures we have heard about each week. These can be micro-adventures fit for your backyard to grand-adventures we aspire to achieve years down the road. Without further adieu, we give you the coolest adventures we found this week:

Our standards for testing and reviewing at The Adventure Travel Network:

Here at The Adventure Travel Network we have a dedicated group of testers who are required to live the experiences and adventures to be allowed to recommend them. Our recommendations are not sponsored, unless noted, and speak from the heart about every experience. Our aim is to share both the good and the bad so you understand what the experience would be like if you decide to partake. The only exception to this rule is if it is a news story, but then the writer will interview the person who did the adventure.

If you have any questions or comments about the products or reviews, you can write us at editors@the-adventure-travel-network.com

Week of January 6th, 2025

Watching the alpine glow creep down the mountains surrounding Convict Lake, CA. Photo by Dalton Johnson

Kayak Convict Lake Along Highway 395 in California

The cool morning air wakes us up as we carry the Oru Kayaks to the side of the water. Arriving early to set up these foldable kayaks, Kristin and I hit slid onto the glassy waters of Convict Lake making sure we disturbed the reflection on the lake as little as possible. We are on a road trip down Highway 395 learning how to kayak. Neither of us had done so before this trip and we were slowly falling in love with the added access flatwater kayaking provided us. Very different than hiking and climbing, kayaking allows you to sit in the stillness that flatwater exudes. At least that is what I tell myself as shiver in my kayak, staring at the morning light creep down the mountain side.

Convict Lake is more than just a spot to kayak, the lake is tucked away from Highway 395 and provides great access to the Sierra Nevada mountains for backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, and rock climbing. In other words, Convict Lake makes for a great stop when road tripping Highway 395.

Kristin watching the sun set into the Pacific Ocean hoping to see the green flash. Photo by Dalton Johnson

Hike to the abandoned Sugar port in Todos Santos

Rarely do we highlight a single hike, however, when that hike leads to an abandoned sugar port and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, we think it is worth mentioning here on our “Coolest Adventures of the Week”. Todos Santos, a small town north of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific Coast, is often overshadowed by Cabo, but in the last five, maybe seven, years this town is starting to gain notice again. After the sugar industry left this area, the town became more of a local town than a tourist area. Right now, it’s still that way. But, Todos Santos offers great hiking, like the abandoned sugar port, which is perfect at sunset.

As someone who has spend over two years exploring Baja, I can confidently say, the cliff above the abandoned sugar port is one of the best places to watch the sunset in all of Baja.

Week of Dec. 30th, 2024

Skiing and Sailing the Antarctic Peninsula

When I first saw Of A Lifetime pop up on my computer screen, I figured I’d give it a quick watch. Five minutes in, I realized this was no ordinary ski video. This was something special. I paused, headed to my TV, and settled in to experience the full 44 minutes on the biggest screen in my house. It was the best decision I made all week.

But this video isn’t just about big lines and even bigger adventures. It’s a story of connection. A father and daughter bond through their shared love of skiing, and their relationship evolves over the course of their Antarctic journey. Watching this dynamic unfold hit me on a deeply personal level. Having spent 18 days in Antarctica with my mom, I know how rare and special it is to share such a life-changing experience with a parent. The way Of A Lifetime highlights that bond is as powerful as the skiing itself.

Andrew searching for some fish to spear. Photo by Dalton Johnson

Spearfishing In Baja

When the cold months rolled in at home in Lake Tahoe, California, we decided to head south in search of adventure, warm waters, and fresh seafood we speared ourselves. Baja's rugged coastline and endless opportunities seemed like the perfect place to spend a winter chasing fish beneath the waves.

Our convoy—a van built for living and a Ford Bronco—was packed to the brim with spearfishing gear, surfboards, and the essentials for beachside camping. With three people and a dog, we were ready for anything the Baja peninsula could throw our way. Every mile south spiked our curiosity, from bustling towns like Guerrero Negro to remote beaches like El Canejo that felt like they belonged to us alone. The freedom of the open road was omnipresent, and the promise of the ocean’s bounty—of fish or waves—kept our spirits high.

We were road tripping the Baja Peninsula in search of the best spearfishing spots.

Week of Dec. 23rd, 2024

Leaving a trail of dust as we drive on the OHV trails of Sedona, AZ. Photo by Dalton Johnson

Rent a UTV and Rip Around the Desert Trails of Sedona, AZ

Sedona, AZ is one of our favorite places to adventure because it offers almost everything you could ask for; hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, stunning views, vortexes, great food… the list goes on and on. Yet, this past year we had the opportunity to experience Sedona in a new way, trail riding in a UTV. I have to say, what a treat!

Don’t worry, you don’t have to own a side-by-side to enjoy this adventure, you can rent one from any of the local shops, we rented from Polaris Adventures, as long as you have an American driver’s license. Let me just pause here, being able to rent a side-by-side UTV without any off road experience is going to blow you mind and I really do not know how they allow you to do this!

Once you have made it through the pre-checks and clicked your seat belt, it is time to hit the trail.

For most, a half day of terrorizing the trails of Sedona on your rented UTV will leave your body sore from the thrashing you receive when going fast and your adrenal glands empty. I can say from experience, clocking in at 72 mph on a trail that twists and turns requires laser focus and a quick reaction time. Maybe I should put a disclaimer here saying “don’t try this at home” but I want you all to give this adventure a go.

If I could afford to own one of these adventure mobiles, I would. For now, I’ll stick to renting.