You need nothing more then a bike and some open land

My standby vacation for when I just need to get out of the city and have a break from life is heading into the wild and playing on my mountain bike. There aren't many places a good mountain bike can't go, you are one with nature and you are blazing through it.

The best part about getting into mountain bike is that it is not too difficult to break into the fun. All you really need is a bike and a rack for your car and then the world is your trail. At the beginning, don't spend too much on an amazing bike. Get a feel for the sport before you have the sweetest bike on the block.

See the Grand Canyon in a new way

The Grand Canyon Overlook is now officially up and with the spring season finally here, I think we all need to take a trip and see one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world. You can't just stand in awe when you see the power of mother nature and what one river can do over thousands of years of erosion.

Since this blog has pretty much become a Western United States guide to weekend fun, check this out. It is something you have to see whether for the first time or one of many times.

Wheeler Peak, my favorite part of Nevada.... minus the gambling

I can remember doing this hike when I was just a kid, and though this isn't me in this picture, it brought back happy memories so I thought I would post it. Wheeler peak is the 2nd highest peak in Nevada and one of the most enjoyable hikes in the US in my opinion. At the peak, you are at over 13,000 feet and are on the 12th largest mountain in the contiguous U.S.

The hike really isn't that hard, for the fact that I climbed it as a child but the view is breathtaking. Also at the base of the mountain is another great place to stop and check out, Lehman Caves. It is a great trip going the this huge cavern underground and seeing how the ecosystem works underground.

A beautiful mountain hamlet in Colorado

There are few towns that are surreal as Steamboat Springs. It is a nice little town surround around a huge valley that seems to have escape much of the world. And to make this town even better, there is a ski resort right outside of town and hot springs. Can you think of a better winter wonderland, I can't.

The only downside to this town is that there is no direct major highway, which I am sure why it has keep its isolated feel. So if you want to escape life and have everything you want at your fingertips, give Steamboat a visit.

Catch a film at Sundance for the weekend

There is something amazing about heading up to the snowy peaks of Park city and watching independent films on their first viewing. Robert Redford's little film festival has grown over the years into the largest film festival in US and one of my favorite places to be at the end of January and the beginning of February.

The only bad part about it is that the crowds are bad because of the star factor that is going on. When you bring Hollywood to Utah, the press and the fans come with them. So plan that you won't get through the city quickly but as long as you don't mind, it is a blast.

Make your own path...

To boldly go where no one has gone this season. There is nothing better then carving you own path on a freely snowed mountain. Whether you go on the big resorts back country or just decide to get up early and snowshoe a mountain, there is no better snow then ungroomed, uncrowded snow.

Of course, you need to be safe while you do this. Watch out for avalanche hints and always bring a beacon and use the buddy system. But if everything set, go to the mountain and ride your heart out because you won't get a better ride anywhere else.

Enough of the snow!!! Give me the Beach!

With the massive storms hitting the rest of the country, it is nice to find an area the way it should be, nice and sunny, and for me that is California. If you are a west coaster like myself, then good ole Los Angeles is your escape from Winter! I know it is for me.

Out of all the events there is to do in L.A. in the wintertime, I recommend making a stop to Disneyland which has "Main Street USA" is all decked out in the Holidays and they have carolers who perform for your Christmas needs.

The beach is still nice to walk on, you may not to go into the water because it is around 50 to 60 degrees, instead of the comfortable 80 to 90 degrees it is in the summer. It is funny that I have a problem with the colder water of the ocean when the temperature in my hometown throughout the month of December is right around freezing.

Well, if you want to a quick break from your arctic wonderland and you live on the west coast, give California a try.