Comprising more than a third of a million acres, including some of the wildest and most remote areas of the state, the Conejos Peak District of the Rio Grande National Forest in south-central Colorado offers amazing recreation opportunities for everyone, no matter what time of year!

Despite urban surroundings, spectacular bird-watching and access to ample natural vegetation is accessible from 5 miles of easy, well-graded trails at the almost 2,000 acre Hayward Regional Shoreline in the East Bay.

The SIpsey on the Bankhead National Forest in northwest Alabama is a land of superlatives: it is the oldest, largest, and most popular of the state’s three designated wilderness areas. Also known as the ‘Land of 1,000 Waterfalls,’ this beautiful site is home to an incredible variety of flora & fauna, and offers an outstanding array of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Tucked between the its namesake creek and the hills of south Redlands, the 200-acre San Timoteo Nature Sanctuary offers open space and trails for humans and reliable water for local and migratory wildlife.

A short drive to east of Fremont brings you to the almost 7,000 acre Sunol Regional Wilderness, which offers amazing bird-watching opportunities, access to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, amazing views of the Bay Area, and a fantastic backcountry experience less than an hour away from the sprawling East Bay metropolitan area.

What it lacks in acreage (and the creek for which it is named), Cave Creek Regional Park north of Phoenix more than makes up in recreational opportunities, from guided horseback rides to archery lessons, hiking to stargazing (telescope included)!

Michelle ‘SuperClassy’ Markel plans to walk 56+ miles in three days to benefit Redlands Conservancy and Support Public Lands.

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If you’re going to #OptOutside on Friday, why not go all in and commit to #BuyNothingDay