With the Stanislaus River to the north and the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the east, adventure is always around the corner in Modesto. Here are four of our favorite ways to get outdoors and experience an epic weekend – all close to home!

Raft the Stanislaus River

• Whitewater adventures await on the Stanislaus River, which flows east to west just north of Modesto. Whatever level of intensity you’re looking for, the Stanislaus can accommodate, with stretches varying from Class I or II on up to Class IV+. Unless you’re an expert with your own raft and gear, you’ll want to connect with a guide company like Knights Ferry Rafting or River Journey Adventures.

Choose Your Adventure at Yosemite National Park

Take your pick of adventures with a trip to Yosemite National Park. Just two hours to the east, this iconic destination serves up epic experiences at all turns. Scale towering granite cliffs. Disappear into the backcountry with your backpack in tow. Bring your bike and get an up-close look at the sheerly awesome scenery. You’ll need a reservation – even if you’re visiting for just a day – as the National Park Service cautiously opens up the park in phases amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Before you hit the road, be sure to check the Yosemite website for any closures.

Mountain Bike Dry Creek Trail

Slay the singletrack at this hidden gem of a trail! This semi-technical ride runs parallel to Dry Creek and the paved bike path at Dry Creek Regional Park. This out-and-back trip spans about 9 miles with just over 100 feet of climbing. Check it out if you’re looking for a quick cardio session with a side of adventure!

Play at Turlock Lake

As the terrain begins to turn mountainous east of Modesto, you’ll find Turlock Lake State Recreation Area. Plenty of awesome awaits at this amazing reservoir, which is about an hour from Modesto and sits just south of the Tuolumne River. Here, you can fish, swim, boat, canoe, kayak, windsurf, paddleboard, water ski – or simply enjoy the spectacular views in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Bonus Adventure: La Grange OHV 

If you’re a fan of motorized adventures, check out the La Grange Off-Highway Vehicle Park. Situated in a former mining hot spot, this gold rush relic is about 30 minutes east of Turlock Lake and offers prime terrain for ATVs, dirt bikes, 4x4s, and dune buggies. 

A Home for Your Adventure Gear

Make StorQuest Self Storage on Coldwell Avenue in Modesto your home base between weekend adventures. Our units are the perfect place to keep your outdoor gear – anything from your kayak or paddleboard to your camping or climbing gear. We can even hook you up with a place to park your boat, RV, or off-road vehicle.