UNIQUE ACTIVITIES
Unchained Memories
The annual Redding Chainless Downhill isn’t a bike race for the faint of heart. During this exhilarating race, dubbed the “mullet-wearing stepbrother of the cross-country race,” cyclists remove their bike chains and careen 1,300 feet downhill without pedaling. The high-flyin’ adventure draws bikers from all backgrounds to the Shasta Cascade region.
Ride the Rails
For another unique cycling adventure, head to Mendocino’s redwood country to ride the Skunk Train Railbikes through the awe-inspiring forest. The four-hour experience allows riders to skim along the Noyo River on two-person, pedal-powered Railbikes, going deep into the woods. With no need to steer, and the ability to flip a switch to enable electric assist, riders can sit back, relax and have a nice drink in the lush woods, surrounded by wildlife.
Rev Your Engines
Get ready for heart-racing fun behind the wheel of a 617-horsepower BMW M car. Located just outside Palm Springs, The BMW Performance Center gives anyone the chance to unleash their inner Mario Andretti. There’s even an off-road track featuring water obstacles and insanely steep inclines for those looking for more adventure.
MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES
Rock Out
Santa Rosa native Kevin Jorgeson, who received international fame for his ascent of the Dawn Wall in Yosemite, is bringing the magic of climbing indoors at Session Climbing in Sonoma County. The 23,000-square-foot climbing gym offers rope climbing and bouldering for climbers of all abilities.
Tahoe Time
Whatever extreme sport you’re dreaming of, North Lake Tahoe delivers. The Via Ferrata brings together climbing, hiking and scrambling, allowing anyone regardless of experience to scale an 800-ft. vertical cliff. In winter, skiers and snowboarders can tackle the powder at some of the best ski resorts in the country.
Boulder Dash
Tucked away in the hills above Vacaville lie more than 50 bouldering routes through fields of primo basalt boulders. Most of the routes are on the easy to moderate side, with most boulders in the 10-20 foot range. The Nut Tree Boulders are one of the most popular with tourists.
WATER SPORTS
Heady Eddy
Get ready to get wet on a rollicking whitewater adventure rafting on the South Fork American River in El Dorado County. The upper section promises a white-knuckle ride over countless rapids with names like Meat Grinder, Satan’s Cesspool, Triple Threat and the infamous Troublemaker.
Swimrun Challenge
Catalina Island is home to one of just a handful of Otillo Swimrun races. A team of two racers alternate between running and swimming along a pre-marked course between islands or lakes. What started as a drunken bet between four friends in Sweden has turned into an extreme sport whose world championships, CNN has ranked one of the toughest in the world.
Skim City
Skimboarding started in Laguna Beach as a way for lifeguards to travel down the beach by riding the shore break that couldn’t be surfed traditionally. Today the best skimboarders in the world hail from Laguna Beach and make the waves at Victoria, Aliso Beach Park and West Street their home. Because the sport is highly technical, visitors will want to try a lesson from a skim school like Solag Skim School before they hit the water.
AIR ACTIVITIES
Ultra Fun
Soar over the Ventura Coast, cruise above the Pacific Ocean’s wave and salt spray and buzz the Santa Clara River in a high-flyin’ ultralight flight that conveniently departs from the Camarillo Airport. Skyrider Ultralights offers several options for visitors to take to the sky, including one to enjoy a gorgeous California sunset.
Jump Around
Whether you’re a skydiving novice or an experienced jumper, Skydive Elsinore is ready to showcase the beauty of skydiving. Beginners can sign up for a tandem jump or an accelerated free fall, while experienced skydivers can choose from wingsuiting, freeflying or formation skydiving.
Soaring High
Ride the thermals with hawks and eagles as you soar above San Diego in a sailplane. Introductory rides from Sky Sailing, a world leader in the sport of soaring since the 1950s, give travelers a chance to experience the thrilling yet serene sport of soaring while enjoying the beauty of Southern California.