Colorado is known world-wide for its excellent ski resorts, but you don't have to wait for cold weather to visit this amazing state. Outdoor activities abound all year long. Let's take a look at some of the favorites among adventure seekers.

Spending time outdoors is a great way to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and other health benefits. I really enjoy leaving the city behind and enjoying some time away from civilization. It allows me to re-center myself and experience places that few others ever get a chance to. While you can simply pick a spot and head out there this weekend, the smart way is to be prepared. Here's our tips on how to plan for an awesome weekend hiking trip.

A prime objective for most guys seeking great vacation spots is the opportunity to relax and completely get away from your everyday worries and problems. I know that this ability to escape technology and seek beauty when uncluttered by other distractions is why I love exploring off-road. While some enjoy driving, others biking, planning an awesome hike to explore a remote part of the world is a great opportunity to relax. Plus, as a photographer this is your opportunity to share the beautiful landscapes and wildlife that you've found. This in turn will inspire more people to visit and share their experiences.

There is nothing more exciting than planning for a trip. Travel is something that some people have to do to feel whole and happy in their lives, and if you can combine your travel plans with an adventure, you get the best of both worlds: fitness and fun all wrapped up together. Hiking, walking and vacations that involve sports and trekking are, however, a test of endurance. You have to be able to go the distance and if you don’t prepare properly, you’re not going to have the best time of it.

Are you planning a hike this summer? It is a great time to head off into the mountains in search of adventure!

Before you do though, check out these amazing "extreme" hikes we collected from around the world.

Hunting isn't the only excuse to pack up your backpack and head off into the woods with a few of your friends for a guys weekend. Sometimes it is great to simply enjoy nature by observing one of the most beautiful birds in the world. The American Bald Eagle is thankfully coming back strong thanks to conservation efforts across the country. Few birds match America's majestic bald eagle for inspiring awe. Winter is prime viewing season for these incredible raptors, which often are more visible against the backdrop of the season's sparse landscape. Head to a national wildlife refuge to try to spot an eagle on your own or, better still, head to one of these refuges for an organized tour!

Having seen these amazing birds in the wild, it is an experience that every man should see since these birds are as beautiful and graceful as they are amazing predators and they make amazing photography subjects too, so read on to see if there is a location near you...

With terrain ranging from rugged windswept seashore to temperate rainforest where ancient trees grow and even jagged mountains with stunning views, Olympic National Park in Washington state has something for everyone. Don't forget your rain coat though - while you won't find any tropical vegetation, the rainforest here gets an average of 150 inches of precipitation each year and up on Hurricane Ridge they get as much as 10 feet of snow during the winter months.

From a quick guys weekend getaway to a longer hiking mancation, this is a spot that shouldn't be ignored!

Photo Credit: "Lake Crescent spring" by Adbar - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

California is an amazing state with astonishing natural beauty that is sometimes overshadowed by the urban centers of San Francisco, LA, and San Diego. To experience the true majesty of California though you need to pack up the car and go exploring! 

The following are a few of our favorite natural places that you MUST visit...

The folks at Montrose Colorado sent us some info about Guys getaways in their neck of the woods.

In addition to hiking and fishing, this includes the upcoming USA Pro Challenge bike race from Durango to Denver.