There’s no doubt about the fact that mountain biking is a great way to get your blood flowing and heart pumping, not to mention that you also get to explore the great outdoors. It’s a fantastic activity with a blend of skill, speed, and the beauty of Mother Nature.
That said, mountain biking just isn’t for everybody, and if you’d like to switch gears and try something new, albeit something that is still similar to mountain biking, here we have 11 different activities that might just suit your fancy.
1. Rock Climbing
Whereas mountain biking is all about racing downhill at breakneck speeds, rock climbing is the exact opposite. With rock climbing, you’re using all of your dexterity and grip strength, as well as your mental acuity, to climb your way up a cliff or sheer rock face.
It’s definitely similar to mountain biking in the sense that you have to be very physically fit, perhaps more so for rock climbing than for mountain biking.
For anybody looking for a bit of an adrenaline boost, rock climbing is absolutely something worth trying. If you’re looking to test not only your problem-solving skills but also your upper body strength, then you might want to try rock climbing in one of the most popular locations in the USA.
2. Whitewater Rafting
If you thought that biking down a mountainside was exhilarating, just wait until you’re flying down a river of rapids and whitewater on nothing more than an inflatable raft. Most people would agree that whitewater rafting is significantly more intense and adrenaline fueling than mountain biking, although this is of course a matter of personal preference.
With that being said, mountain biking is more of a solo activity that has you in your own little world as you enjoy Mother Nature.
On the other hand, whitewater rafting involves a whole lot of teamwork. Here, you need to work with a group of other people to safely and effectively navigate those whitewater rapids. If you like group challenges, extremely physical activities, and a bit of a thrill as well, then whitewater rafting is certainly a great adventure to try.
3. Dirtbiking
For those who like being on two wheels, whether it involves racing down a mountainside or hitting some huge jumps, dirt biking is something else to consider. Of course, dirt biking is ideal for those people who may be slightly less physically fit or inclined to engage in a lot of physical activity.
That said, if you happen to be an adrenaline junkie that loves moving at top speeds and hitting jumps that would make Evil Knievel himself drop his jaw in awe, then dirt biking might be right for you. There are plenty of amazing dirt biking trails and arenas in the USA where you can hit some of the biggest jumps and obstacles around.
4. Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding
If racing down a mountainside at top speeds is what you like, but you would rather do so strapped to some pieces of high-quality fiberglass as opposed to being on two wheels, then you might want to try some downhill or alpine skiing or snowboarding.
Although it might not seem like it, downhill skiing often has you traveling at speeds in excess of 60 mph, if not faster. It’s certainly something that will get your blood flowing and heart pumping.
Also worth noting is that both snowboarding and downhill skiing require a good deal of control and balance, just like mountain biking, not to mention the fact that you get to explore the great outdoors. Of course, mountain biking is a summer sport whereas skiing is a winter sport, although this means that you can take advantage of the same great mountains all year long.
5. Jet Skiing
If water is where you like to be, then jet skiing is certainly something worth considering. Jet skis also travel at great speeds, thus providing you with a very exhilarating experience. What many people like about jet skiing is that there are no trails that you have to follow, no obstacles in your way, and no trees to potentially crash into.
When it comes to jet skiing, it’s all about being out on the open water with the wind passing through your hair as you enjoy the soft splash of water droplets on your face. If you’re looking for a great summer activity, this is by far one of the best ones.
6. Snowmobiling
Going back to a much colder season, if adrenaline is your thing, but you don’t necessarily want to engage in physical activity, then snowmobiling is a great activity for you.
Snowmobiling is ideal for people of all ages and skill levels, because you can choose to ride some very relaxed trails and roads, or if you’re adventurous, you can try some steep hill climbing or even hit some massive jumps. Whatever the case may be, snowmobiling is a great way to explore that wintry landscape that we only have access to a few months of the year.
Snowmobiling is of course quite unique when compared to biking as here you’re gliding over the snow as opposed to riding on solid ground. There’s definitely a bit of an adjustment that needs to be made.
7. Cross-Country Skiing
As far as physically intense alternatives to mountain biking go, cross-country skiing is certainly one of them. In fact, cross-country skiing burns a whole lot of calories, so if you want to do something that will keep you physically fit, this is it.
Admittedly, cross-country skiing is not the most exhilarating adventure in the world because you don’t move at high speeds, only as fast as you can propel yourself forward. However, besides being a great form of exercise, it also allows you to explore the great outdoors while spending time with your best friends and family members.
8. Hiking or Backpacking
If traveling on any kind of vehicle, whether motorized or manual, and if being strapped to some fiberglass and rocketing down a mountain doesn’t suit your fancy, then you might be better off on foot. If this is the case, a great activity that you can do year-round is hiking and backpacking.
Here, you got to strap a backpack full of important survival and camping belongings to your back and explore the great outdoors.
There are plenty of amazing hiking and backpacking trails located across the USA, combined with campgrounds where you can stay during the night and have a nice fire along with some toasted marshmallows.
9. Kayaking
When it comes to a much more relaxing summertime adventure, kayaking is always a great one to consider. It’s much more ideal for both younger and older people who might not necessarily be fans of that big adrenaline rush that you get from biking down the side of the mountain or hitting some jumps with the snowmobile.
That said, it’s a great way to relax on the open water, enjoy some sun, and if you’re inclined to do so, you can even do some kayak fishing. Just remember that kayaking, although you won’t be moving very quickly, does involve a lot of upper body strength, so you better get those biceps ready.
10. ATV Riding
Mountain biking and trail riding can be a whole lot of fun, but if you’re out there all day, it can also be very tiring. If you’d rather explore the great outdoors with something motorized, then an ATV, also known as a four-wheeler, might be the better option for you.
ATVs are stable, they’re powerful, and they let you travel at excessive speeds, in many cases just as fast or faster than regular motor vehicles. If you’re looking for a whole lot of thrill, speed, and adventure, and maybe if you’d even like to hit a jump or two, then an ATV is something you should try sitting on.
11. Canyoneering
We then have canyoneering, which is arguably the most interesting sport or summertime adventure on the list today. Here, you explore a variety of canyons and gullies, many of which are filled with water. This means that you might have to do a bit of rock climbing, swimming, and even hiking. If diversity of adventure is what you’re looking for, then canyoneering is certainly it.
At the end of the day, there’s no doubt about the fact that mountain biking is one of the best sports out there. It allows you to remain physically fit, it trains your mind, and it lets you get some adrenaline pumping as well. However, mountain biking is of course not for everybody, in which case any of the 11 alternatives that we’ve discussed today might be right for you. Stop doing the same old boring things when you and your friends could try something new, exciting hi, and adventurous.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!
