We Need the Wild

Embrace the Wild and Find Your Strength

Side Quest Adventures for Busy People

Welcome to Your Next Mini Adventure!
Balancing work and life can be challenging, but that doesn’t mean you need to put your travel dreams on hold. Short, impactful trips can refresh your spirit and create unforgettable memories—all within a week. Explore these curated getaways ideas designed for the modern working professional.

Trans Catalina Trail

Avalon and Two Harbors, California

  • Length: 38.5 miles
  • Duration: 4-6 days
  • Highlights: The Trans Catalina Trail (TCT) is a breathtaking 38.5-mile lollipop thru hike that spans the length of Santa Catalina Island, just off Southern California’s coast. This trail offers a unique combination of rugged adventure and coastal charm, showcasing pristine beaches, rolling green hills, vibrant wildflowers, and encounters with island wildlife like bison and foxes.
  • Why Go: You will enjoy the convenience of designated beachside campsites, restaurants, restrooms, and water spigots, making it an excellent choice for first-time or solo backpackers. Fair warning though – this hike is deceptively hard, including the famously challenging route to Parson’s Landing.
  • Click here to read more.

Centennial Trail: A Less Common Thru Hike

South Dakota: Wind Cave National Park, Cluster State Park, Black Hills National ForestBear Butte State Park

  • Length: 125 miles
  • Duration: 7-8 days
  • What’s Unique: The Centennial Trail in South Dakota offers a unique and unforgettable journey through diverse ecosystems, from serene prairie grasslands to rugged forested hills. This trail provides opportunities for solitude, adventure, and connection with nature. With its rich blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and sacred spiritual sites, it holds a special place among hiking destinations. The trail is less crowded than many others, allowing for abundant wildlife encounters and peaceful exploration.
  • Difficulty: Moderate, lot of constant ups and downs, the elevation stays between 3100’ and 5900 feet.
  • Season: Its accessibility in late spring or early summer makes it an excellent option for an early-season thru-hike.
  • Special Note: Many of the lands you’ll be walking through are considered sacred. Please take the time to learn about the spiritual significance of these places by clicking here. Respect for the sacred lands you traverse adds depth and meaning to this extraordinary outdoor experience.
  • Click here to read more.