I was reading an article in National Geographic Adventure Magazine today about the 25 best trips for 2010. It got me to think of what my top trips for  2010 might include. Yes, many of the trips from the article where great but I felt obligated to create my own list for you to start thinking of your 2010 trip bucket list. This is just a start... wait till 2011.

Hiking the Sierra High Route:

Return to the roots of John Muir. The Sierra High Route traverses the awe inspiring giant spires that lie between Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Park.  The route might be one of the best kept secrets in the Lower 48. Its extreme elevation changes, hidden mountain lakes, and unforgettable panoramic views will truly make this a trip of the year. The route was the project of Steve Roper, author Sierra High Route. The route traverse up to tree line and to some of the most spectacular spires in California. The 195-mile does meet up with some existing trails but Roper does take you off to way-find through some amazing Vistas.

Climbing Mount Rainier:

Arguably one of the most desired climbs in the lower 48, and definitely on the bucket list for every alpine climber. Mt. Rainier is the fourth tallest peak in the lower 48 but, amongst those 4 it is the only one that will require extreme technical experience, preparation, and training to deal with the many epics that you may encounter. The peak , rises 14, 410’ about sea level and can be approached and climbed from many points. However the majority of all non-commercially guided groups climb one of two routes, the Ingrham Glacier-Disappointment Cleaver on the south side of the mountain, and Emmons Glacier on the east side of the mountain. Need a guide look up International Mountain Guides (www.mountianguides.com). They have great service and wonderful guides with record setting accents of the Peak.

River Trip Down the Grand Canyon:

Unmistakably one of the most recognizable river beds in the world. For 98% of the visitors to the Grand Canyon a view from the rim is all they will see and witness. This is wonderful but being able to witness mother natures master piece from in provides for a life changing experience. Maneuvering through the red walled canyons, and paying witness to some of the spectacular jewel hidden way from views above is what will make this adventure engraved in your memories. There are several vary reputable guides that are licensed to travel through the Grand Canyon, but we would suggest O.A.R.S. (www.OARS.com) as one of the top guides to take you on this amazing rip. They offer many single day trips but we highly recommend a multi-day adventure to take in all the sights the canyon and river has to offer.

Sea Kayaking around Espiritu Santo Island, Baja:

This expedition is one of North America’s favorite winter sea-kayaking trips. The paddle around the island offers rugged shoreline, off-shore islands and series of headlands and deep bays. Each evening is spent on one of the islands countless hidden sandy coves, where you will set up camp just feet from the tide line. The beaches on this uninhabited island are majestic and picture perfect. The west coast of Espiritu is studded with some of the most spectacular white, sandy bays, while the east coast has enormous towering cliffs, bizarre rock formations and alluring sea caves. Baja Outdoor Activities (BOA), (www.kayactivities.com) offers outstanding guide service to the island, with full outfitting, and guides that have an abundance of knowledge.

Mt. Bike the Centennial Trail:

The Centennial Trail traversing through the Black Hills of South Dakota will provide you with some of the best easy riding single track in North America. This 111-mile trail begins on the North side of the Black Hills at the native american sacred place, Bear Butte. The Trail travels south through the hills past several streams and lakes, and comes within one miles of Mt. Rushmore National Monument. The Trail will end in Wind Cave National Park on the south side of the Black Hills. There are several sections along the trail that are designated for hiking use only however signage will point you to the bypass routes for these short sections. For information on the trail route visit the Black Hills National Forest service website.

Raft the Bitterroot River:

The Bitterroot Mountains straddling the Montaina-Idaho boarder is home of two of the most cleansing refreshing rivers in North America. The Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers. The Bitterroot River peacefully flow through the scenic Bitterroot Valley on its way to the confluence with the Clark Fork River near Missoula, Montana. The Bitterroot offers outstanding fly fishing and photography opportunities. Once the Bitterroot meets the Clark Fork you will have the opportunity to raft the rivers class III rapids. ROW Adventures (www.rowadventures.com) based out of Missoula Montana offers several great trips to experience these rivers.

Apostle Island Kayaking:

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior is a scenic archipelago of 22 islands surrounding the northern tip of Wisconsin’s Bayfield Peninsula. A unique mix of wilderness, ancient geography, and a rich natural history leads itself to an exceptional paddling experience. Each island provides a different experience and camp setting. The sea caves located throughout the islands are uniquely impressive and provide a remarkable feature to explore. If you are wanting a truly unique wilderness adventure this is a must on the bucket list.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro:

Kilimanjaro, Kili as the locals call it, is a non-technical but is extremely high mountain (19,340’) that must be taken very seriously.  As the world’s highest free standing, snow-covered equatorial mountains, Kili has received a tremendous amount of press in the past several years concerning it’s rapidly depleting glaciers. As one of the tallest mountains in the world you will experience the breathable oxygen at the top is less than half the amount that is common at sea level. There are many routes to the top and  Tansania offers some outstanding guide services to get you there and help outfit your travel.

Mt. Bike the San Juan Hut System:

The San Juan Hut Systems’ mission is to provide low impact, human powered, lightweight back country travel opportunities for the independent adventurer. There are two routes that have been established both take you through the mountains to the red rocks. The routes start in either Telluride or Durango, Colorado and finish in the mt. biking capital of the states, Moab, Utah. The huts have been placed approximately 35 miles apart and are equipped with food, water, propane, cook stove, and wood stove, sleeping gear, and all cookware and utensils necessary to make for a remarkable trip. Either trip will allow for an amazing adventure taking you up to timber line and down to the dessert of Utah. Get on to the single track at www.sanjuanhuts.com.