Amazing Outdoor Events Happening in July
Welcome to the wild world of summer. Full of long days, humid weather, and epic road trips; July has the potential to be one of the most adventurous months of the year. And whether you consider yourself more of the white-water persuasion, or you enjoy tearing it up and down the single track, rest assured, the month of July has something for you. And here for you today, to get those adventures rolling, are 10 Amazing Outdoor Events happening in July:
National Mall Fourth of July Celebration, Washington D.C. – July 4
There are few better places to celebrate our Nation’s independence than the National Mall in Washington D.C. Filled with enough memorials, museums, and historic landmarks to make your patriotic pride shine like the fireworks from above, whatever you do this fourth of July, between the hotdogs and mortar shells, be sure to take a moment and reflect on what you’re doing with your life and the freedoms that make it possible.
International Climbers Festival, Lander, Wyoming – July 8-12
For the 22nd consecutive year, climbers of all ages and skill levels will descend upon the small town of Lander, Wyoming for a long weekend full of crags and clinics, belays and brews, and everything that the climbing community has to offer. Featuring notable athletes like Alex Johnson, Hayden Kennedy, and Carlo Traversi, plus a Dolomite Dash Trail Run and Wyoming rock legends the Peculiar Patriots, even if you don’t consider yourself a climber, this will be one fun event for all.
Door County Sea Kayak Symposium, Door County, Wisconsin – July 10–12
A great event whether you are looking for a graceful entry into the sport of kayaking, or you’re an old seadog looking to learn a few new tricks, the Door County Sea Kayak Symposium has something for you. With classes, tours, and networking opportunities all weekend, the symposium has multiple events for you to a build a schedule around. Regardless of what activities you choose, expect to share some of the beautiful Door County scenery with the like-minded boaters all around you.
Mudocalypse Mud Run, Greenfield, Indiana – July 11
With a name like Mudocalypse, you should know what you are getting into when you sign up for this hybrid obstacle and adventure race. Like an obstacle race, expect to find some barriers between you and the path forward as you make your way down the 3 to 5 mile course (with an extra dash of mud for seasoning). But unlike most obstacle races, the Mudocalypse also contains 3 to 5 “decision” points in which you must choose which way to go. Trust your gut to find the shortest route, and to find other obstacle races near you, head on over to Mud Run Fun.com.
Deerfield Fest, Charlemont, Massachusetts – July 11
Celebrating the successful dam relicensing program that occurred on the Deerfield River in 1993, American Whitewater has been hosting the Deerfield Fest ever since. Aimed to raise funds and bring the whitewater community together, the Deerfield Fest also celebrates the release of The Dryway (a classic Deerfield Class III-IV run), so you can expect to see a lot of boaters hitting the waves and enjoying the surf. And with a silent auction, vendors, and family fun activities all day, the fun doesn’t stop once you get off the river.
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, Crested Butte, Colorado – July 13–19
Celebrating everything that the Crested Butte scenery has to offer, this week long celebration includes guided hikes, van tours, photography clinics, trail races, art classes, and much more. Regardless of what activity you choose, if you don’t choose them all, the amazing selection of wildflowers in full bloom in Crested Butte is always the focal point of your adventure. And what better way to celebrate that atmosphere then breathing in that fresh mountain air and letting the vibrant colors steal your gaze as stand amongst their pedals.
Colorado 200, Gunnison National Forest, Colorado – July 13
This isn’t your average trail race, and if 200 miles wasn’t already challenging enough, the course that winds through the Gunnison National Forest only makes it harder. But as you ascend and descend the already hearty elevation of the Rocky Mountains, something that will work to your advantage is the abundance of breath-taking beauty to be found with every step. And you’ll need it, because with over 41,000 feet of elevation gain, the Colorado 200 is one of the toughest races around. And if 200 miles isn’t quite your speed, head on over to American Trail Racing Association.com to find a race that’s more at your altitude.
High Cascades 100 Endurance Mountain Bike Race, Bend, Oregon – July 18
Head on over to one of the capitals of adventure in the Pacific Northwest for the High Cascades 100 Endurance Mountain Bike Race. Located squarely in Bend, Oregon this is a race that is not exactly “beginner-friendly”, but with enough training and personal will anyone can tackle this century ride on wheels. And what’s better, because it’s Bend, you can be sure to see some amazing sights as you navigate the day long trail. And to find more mountain bike races near you, head on over to Single Tracks.com.
Jurassic Adventure Race, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas – July 18
Although having a dinosaur chasing you might be the best motivation to run, an all-out adventure race comes in a close second. The Jurassic Adventure Race located in Dinosaur Valley State Park is a multi-disciplinary race that will have you boating, running, and biking through some of the best outdoor scenery Texas has to offer. As one of the shorter adventure races out there (1.5 – 2.5 hours), this is a great race for beginners to get a taste of the sport, and as a USARA National Qualifier, it’s also a great spot for a seasoned athlete to compete for the gold. To check out more adventure races happening this month, check out United States Adventure Racing Association.com.
2015 Amateur Disc Golf World Championships, Kalamazoo, Michigan – July 21-25
Late into the month of July, amateur disc golfers around the nation will flock to Kalamazoo for the Amateur Disc Golf World Championships. Presented by Bell’s Brewery, this disc golf championship will draw big crowds to the multiple courses the tournament plays at, with it all concluding at a final round showdown featuring some of the best amateurs out there. Sure to be a good time, to find more tournaments and courses near you, direct your disc on over to Professional Disc Golf Association.com.
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