Arizona

Scorching deserts surround icy cold rivers of melted snow, placid pine forests straddle dramatic rocky gorges: Arizona is a land of striking contrasts. The southern part of the state is home to the Sonoran Desert and the western icon saguaro cactus. Northern Arizona boasts the Painted Desert, and of course, the Grand Canyon. Separating the state's northern and southern deserts is a refreshing highland of ponderosa pine forests perfect for escaping the heat of the desert floors. Few regions offer such diversity when it comes to outdoor adventure: Among other things, that means that you can play here any time of year.

An Arizona classic: rafting in the Grand Canyon

In winter, you can seek out Arizona's warmth with a mountain-bike ride through the red rocks of Sedona or a trek into the low-elevation Superstition Mountains. Snow lovers will want to hit Arizona's high plateaus, which usually hold an adequate snowpack for legitimate winter camping.

The snow doesn't last long in this southern land, however, and before long the infamous summertime heat arrives. Whoever said"It's a dry heat" probably never carried a pack in 110 degrees. But you can get beyond the scorching temperatures by rafting the mighty Colorado River and traveling to the 8,000-foot high Mogollon Rim, where daily thunderstorms can drop daytime temperatures into the 50s. Spring and fall are perhaps the nicest seasons in Arizona, perfect for canyoneering and rock climbing.