3 Outdoor Spots on Our Radar This Year

When we went looking for outdoor destinations worthy of a Wildsam Road Trip Award, we knew we had to find places that were special. But more than that, we wanted to spotlight locations that are doing something a little different, offering travelers an experience that can’t be found anywhere else, and opening new ways to see and learn about natural wonders and remote landscapes. The three places we’ve identified this year certainly meet that description, and then some. 

In Alaska, the cruise industry is big business, drawing more than 1.5 million visitors annually and generating over $2 billion in revenue. Unsurprisingly, most of the infrastructure that drives those profits is owned by large corporations with headquarters outside of the state. But a place called Klawock Island bucks that trend, holding the distinction of being home to the first port of call completely owned and operated by local Indigenous people. 

A joint venture between Huna Totem Corp., Doyon Ltd., and the Klawock Heenya Corp., all of which are Alaska Native corporations, the port first opened on Prince of Wales Island in 2024. The idea was to offer passing cruise ships a place to stop for a truly authentic cultural immersion experience or to access to the island’s abundant natural wonders. There, visitors can interact with local artists and craftsmen and visit Native-owned shops. Alternatively, they can go for a guided hike along the coast, take a Jeep tour into the interior or embark on a whale watching excursion.

In its first year of operation, six cruise ships dropped by Klawock Island, bringing the first visitors to a place that previously had no tourist infrastructure whatsoever. Those travelers were welcomed with open arms and introduced to Alaskan Native culture by folks who have a real stake in the success of the venture. 

As Klawock Island prepares for its third year of operation, the word is out. This summer, 57 cruise ships are scheduled to arrive at the port. Despite the increased traffic, the port remains relatively quiet and off the radar, allowing the locals to continue their mission of delivering an authentic cultural experience mixed with amazing landscape and wildlife. And best of all, Klawock is now a bonafide success story offering a bright and prosperous future for the community. 

It’s easy to feel a little jaded about anything remotely connected to a famous billionaire. But until his recent death, entrepreneur, TV mogul and pro sports team owner Ted Turner was always a staunch environmentalist, using his fortune to fund projects that protect endangered species, support clean water initiatives, promote renewable energy and focus on sustainability. Nowhere is his commitment to conservation more evident than at the Ted Turner Reserves, a set of three properties that encompass more than 1.1 million acres of pristine wilderness in New Mexico. 

The three sites include Vermejo, which stretches across 550,000 acres in northern New Mexico, and includes 19 fishable lakes, 30+ miles of streams, and over 1,200 bison. Head southwest and you’ll find the 360,000-acre Armendaris, which serves as a gateway to the Chihuahuan Desert and a Jornada Bat Cave, home to more than 100,000 Mexican free-tailed bats. Nearby, the 156,000-acre Ladder reserve sits along the banks of four tributaries of the Rio Grande in a setting that is best described as quintessential American Southwest. 

Each of these locations has been meticulously managed to protect the landscapes and the natural environments found there. The settings are wild, gorgeous, and largely untouched by development. They also happen to be outstanding luxury travel destinations with world-class accommodations, guided excursions and curated adventures. Staying at any of the sites isn’t cheap, but the proceeds go directly to support the ongoing conservation efforts. That’s definitely an initiative that we can get behind.

Equal parts meeting space, education center, proving grounds and adventure travel destination, the XOverland Ranch is quickly becoming a stand-out destination for overlanders in North America. Owned and operated by Expedition Overland, a team of talented filmmakers and adventurers with a focus on vehicle-based excursions, the site opened in 2024 and quickly rose to prominence last year as a refuge for off-roaders looking to hone their skills under Montana’s big skies. 

The Ranch occupies a little over 500 acres of land just outside of Bozeman, with striking landscapes stretching in every direction. The centerpiece of the facility is the 8,000-square-foot Hub, which includes space for up to 344 guests, a commercial kitchen, an indoor and outdoor bar, patio fire pits and an elevated mezzanine for soaking in the views. Nearby, the Roadhouse is a 3,400-square-foot space with meeting rooms and a coffee bar, while the Lab offers high-speed internet and a multimedia classroom that’s great for presentations or video production. There are ten cabins onsite, each with two beds, a loft, a kitchenette and WiFi. 

Wander out onto the grounds and you’ll quickly see why this place has attracted a following among long-haul offroaders. The rugged landscape consists of grasslands, forests, ravines, and swamps, making it ideal for visiting overlanders to put their skills to the test. Eight miles of off-road vehicle trails, along with an 8.6-acre test track and a moto course, make the Ranch a great place to put any custom overlanding build through its paces. Essentially, it is a real world test lab for drivers and vehicles alike. 

In July, the XOverland Ranch also plays host to The Big Thing, an overlanding-focused event which made its debut last year. The gathering is as much about community building as it is learning about off-road gear, building skills, and connecting with vendors. The female-friendly expo offers a little something for everyone, with educational seminars, guided trail rides, and great food among the highlights. 

Whether you’re completely new to overlanding, looking to brush up on your skills, or just want to test out a new vehicle build, the XOverland Ranch has you covered. Available for single-day or multi-day corporate and private events, it is equally well suited to groups small and (very) large. As overlanding grows, with a strong aspirational appeal to newcomers, this center for how-to learning and gear testing is helping shape the pursuit’s evolution.