Truckee, CA Outdoor Activities
Recommended Outdoor Activities by Groupon Customers
To Action Whitewater Adventures' guides, setting is everything. During their full-day excursions, guides and groups mounted in rafts battle Class III and IV rapids just to make their way to a gourmet deli lunch set against the backdrop of the lush Lotus River Valley. Of course, they might argue the fun part is getting there.
They lead excursions down both the South and Middle Forks of the American River, some of the most popular rafting waters in the nation. On the South Fork, they conduct the "Chili Bar" run, a trip that covers up to 21 miles favored for its rough-and-tumble class III rapids and stellar countryside. The Middle Fork provides even rougher-and-tumbler Class IV rapids, the 18-mile journey punctuated by clear-flowing stretches populated by trout and adorable baby Poseidons.
The founders of Adventure Connection believe in magic. Not the trickery of the stage or spells cast by mysterious neighbors, but of the spiritual, environmental, and economic boons of the rivers they have spent their lives traversing. More than 25 years ago, a group of believers came together to share their love and passion for the rivers of California, building a company that combines whitewater rafting, wine tasting, and camping along the waterways they love.
Over the course of the last two decades, the staff has guided boats of up to 18 people through the rapids of the American, Kaweah, and Tuolumne Rivers, coasting through mild ripples or white-knuckling class V rapids. Groups often leave the rafts behind to explore the scenic countryside and renowned wineries of the surrounding El Dorado region or to pitch tents and sleep under the stars.
At 6,200 feet above sea level, Sailing Ventures' certified captains lead small groups into Lake Tahoe's waters, teaching them the skills needed to navigate their own aquatic adventures. The instructors can ferry students from beginner to advanced levels, with lessons catered to everyone from families to seasoned sailors wanting to make practical use of their anchor tattoos. Alternatively, the crew charters yachts into the lake, leaving passengers to enjoy the scenery.
Carved by glaciers, Lake Tahoe's bays and coastline set the perfect backdrop for Sailing Ventures' expeditions. Snow-capped mountains and dense forests paint the horizon as boats float atop waters clearer than the windows at a dermatologist's office.
Currently ranked as the 14th best hang glider in the United States, 23 year-old Alex Cuddy flies, competes, and teaches around the globe. But each summer, Cuddy returns to the familiar air of the Sierra Nevada, where he heads up Thermal Sky Sports, sharing his passion for engine-free aviation with illuminating lessons and tandem hang-gliding sessions. Before unleashing worthy pupils on their first solo flight with radio assistance, he'll teach them how to soar with the grace and majesty of an eagle-shaped helium balloon during low-flying ground towing sessions, tandem flights, and training-hill lessons. In his free time, Cuddy travels to various competitions and strives to break personal records, recently completing a 198-mile hang-gliding journey in 5 hours and 47 minutes.
High above the rink at Roller Kingdom sits a DJ booth where record spinners select new hits and 80s-night tracks to send through the thunderous sound system. The melodies fill the rink and sync up with lighting effects that glisten on the sleek surface of the skating floor. During roller-derby bouts, the announcer's voice booms through the speakers to call out point tallies or impressive hits. Roller Kingdom keeps its vinyl rotating and music libraries whirring throughout the week, with special events such as haunted attractions during Halloween and extra-spooky Armistice Days.
