If you’re looking for an adventure in California, look no further than the outdoors. Besides death-defying excitement and adventure, the California outdoors are also great for stag parties to send anyone into life as a married man. Having an adventure in California virtually guarantees beautiful weather during the summer season. Here are the top five destinations for adventure in California, any one of which would make an excellent choice for your stag weekend. Find map and directions at the bottom of this article.
1. Bouldering in Bishop
For rock climbing adventure in California, there are three main areas in Bishop: Happy Boulders, Buttermilk Country and Sad Boulders. Happy and Sad Boulders are very similar to each other, offering climbers choices of ‘problems’ (routes) that range in difficulty. These boulders are tucked into pockets of volcanic rock making for interesting climbs. Buttermilk offers free-standing boulders (eggs or highballs) that people have named, among other things: The Beekeeper’s Apprentice and Jedi Mind Tricks. No matter whether you choose to traverse one or all three, you’re sure to find adventure in California.
2. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Whether you choose to hike, bike or raft, the national park has activities that will take keep you occupied for an entire weekend of adventure in California. You can camp in the park, stay in one of their lodges or stay off site in one of the many hotels in the area. Rock climbing and horseback riding are two of the most popular activities in the park and both offer excitement and views not to be found elsewhere. Wilderness lovers will enjoy the overnight backpacking excursions offered by the park; hiking by day and camping by night is a great way to bond with your mates.
3. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe offers what may be the widest range if you’re looking for adventure in California, no matter the season. From white water rafting to ATV and Jeep tours, thrills await in Lake Tahoe. There are several companies that offer tours you can tailor to your group. There are enough activities available that you will no doubt find something for everyone in your group to enjoy. You can kayak down the river, climb rock walls or drive ATVs through the back country on the Rubicon Trail. No matter what kind of adventure in California you’re looking for, you’ll have an excitement packed weekend.
4. Caverns
Spelunkers looking for adventure in California have several options. The California Cavern is a State Historic Landmark and perhaps the most popular. Touring with the Mammoth Cave Expedition allows guests to alternately walk, crawl and wiggle their way through passages connecting the thirteen various chambers. The toughest tour, the Middle Earth Expedition takes guests through about 80% of the cavern. If you don’t want to get dirty, skip Middle Earth! Groups are taken through knee-deep clay, squeeze through fissures and on a 70-foot rafting trip; a true adventure in California. Total trip time for the different expeditions vary from one hour to up to four hours. Booking tours with consideration for time will let you take several different tours throughout the weekend.
5. White Water Rafting
Daring adventure in California is easily found white water rafting! One of the most popular trips is a two-day jaunt down the South Fork and North Fork of the American River. The trip takes guests through wooded hills and rock filled gorges, making the scenery both varied and awe-inspiring on this adventure in California. Once you hit the North Fork, be prepared for non-stop rapids bordered by 2000 foot cliffs and forests. The trips are manned by experienced guides making them perfect for those trying white water rafting for the first time. If you choose to book a two-day trip, be sure that you are prepared to ‘rough it’; you’ll be spending the night camped out on the rocky shore of the river.