Across the U.S., summer brings a surge of outdoor events that invite adventure lovers of all levels to push their limits. If your idea of summer fun includes a healthy dose of adrenaline, rugged terrain, and stories worth telling, you're in the right place. From chasing elevation on a mountain bike or scaling sheer rock faces, here's your guide to the top outdoor challenges to take on this summer.
Mount Whitney Day Ascent - Inyo National Forest, CA
Permit season: May–October (apply in advance!)
Just a 3.5-hour drive from Los Angeles, hiking Mount Whitney is on every hiker's bucket list. At 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney is the highest point in the contiguous 48 states and is known for its infamous 99 switchbacks. Before applying for a required permit, first decide on your route to the mountain’s summit. For example, hiking the popular Mount Whitney Trail, starting from Whitney Portal (near Lone Pine) can be completed in a day of rigorous fast-paced hiking or at a more leisurely pace if camping overnight.
The Mount Whitney trailhead is located approximately 13 miles from Lone Pine, on the north side of the road, with limited parking. It is generally considered the best option for first-time hikers. More technical trails include the John Muir trail from Guitar Lake.
[h2] Leadville 100 MTB - Leadville, CO
Date: August
Tucked high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the Leadville 100 MTB event is one of the most grueling and iconic mountain bike races in the country. The race covers 104 miles of rugged terrain with more than 12,000 feet of elevation gain. Riders climb to dizzying altitudes—peaking at 12,600 feet—where the air is thin, the trails are unforgiving, and every pedal stroke counts. The course demands both physical strength and mental stamina, combining long climbs with technical descents.
The race takes place in Colorado's beautiful alpine scenery and pushes even seasoned riders to their limits. Challenging, humbling, and unforgettable, the Leadville 100 MTB has earned its reputation amongst the mountain biking scene for the sense of accomplishment it delivers to those who cross its legendary finish line.
Ragnar Trail Relay – Lake Tahoe, CA
Dates: August
Ragnar Trail Relays are trail running relay races where teams of eight runners work together to complete a combined distance of approximately 120 miles through high alpine forests and stunning mountain vistas. Each team member runs three separate loops that all start and finish at a central Ragnar Village, where teams camp and spend time when they're not running.
The race consists of three color-coded loops varying in distance and difficulty. The green loop is a short 3.2-mile route with approximately 400 feet of elevation gain. Getting progressively more difficult, the yellow loop is 5.4 miles with approximately 800 feet of elevation gain. The final and most challenging is the red loop, coming in at 7.2 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain.
Thankfully, the last 1-2 miles of this loop is on asphalt, which can be a reprieve for runners tackling this loop at night. It's a perfect weekend for friends to chase camaraderie, mileage, and memories. The shared experience of pushing your limits and supporting each other is what makes the Ragnar Trail Relay a truly unique adventure.
Via Ferrata Challenges – Telluride, CO or Zion, UT
Date: May - October
A Via Ferrata is a climbing route that utilizes a network of metal rungs, ladders, and fixed cables, allowing climbers to stay clipped in while scrambling up mountains. Telluride's Via Ferrata route is designed for expert-level climbers, with the main route stretching roughly two miles and taking between four to five hours round-trip. This route features jaw-dropping views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains, and deep box canyons that are nothing short of spectacular.
In Zion, multiple Via Ferrata routes cater to a broader range of ability levels. While the beginner-friendly routes are ideal for those who can hike two miles and climb a ladder, the more advanced options feature a dramatic 400-foot rappel into a canyon followed by a 450-foot climb out, requiring both strength and endurance.
Climbing routes range from quick, two-hour excursions to full-day adventures lasting up to ten hours, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Utah’s red and white cliffs, slot canyons, waterfalls, and sweeping desert vistas.
Smart Storage Tips for Adventure Gear in Small Spaces
If you're traveling to your summer destinations in an RV or Sprinter van, you understand that seasonal storage space is always limited. The best way to stay organized is to utilize a vertical storage system. Outside your vehicle, mount racks for bikes, boards, and skis. Inside, heavy-duty hooks or an E-track anchor will help keep gear off the floor and out of your way while on the road.
Use compression bags to shrink the volume of bulky gear like sleeping bags and soft-shell layers when not in use. Additionally, modular gear bins are ideal for categorizing various types of outdoor gear, including rock climbing, running, and surfing gear. Be sure to label everything for easy grab-and-go. Also, consider including a dirty gear bin or dry bag for post-race clothes or muddy trail shoes.
When the inside of your recreational vehicle fills up, a slim rooftop cargo box is a road warrior’s best friend for low-use but essential gear like camp chairs and extra helmets. If your roof is too tall to reach comfortably, hitch-mounted bike racks and swing-away storage boxes give even more room without sacrificing interior space.
Ready To Say Yes To Something Epic This Season?
If you're chasing seasonal adventure sports, consider storing your gear in a storage unit that doubles as your home base for this summer's adventures. Whether you're swapping snowboards for surfboards or stashing climbing gear until the fall, StorQuest gives you the freedom to roam—and the space to live big.
Find a location near you and start storing smarter. Your next adventure is waiting. Reserve your unit today!