You wake up on a Tuesday morning. Your desk job waits. But the mountains outside your window call louder than any alarm clock ever could.
More Americans are answering that call. In 2023, a record 175.8 million Americans participated in outdoor recreation, representing 57.3% of people age six and older. People aren’t just visiting nature anymore. They’re moving to live where the trails begin.
Making this shift takes planning. Focus on three essentials: choose your location carefully, pack and protect your gear, and plan for safe, efficient transport. Here’s what you need to know.
Choosing Your Adventure Hub
Not all mountain towns are equal. Some places offer year-round activities. Others lock down when winter hits or summer heats up.
Colorado and Utah lead the nation in the strength of their outdoor economies. Utah’s outdoor recreation economy reached a record $9.5 billion in value-added in 2023, up nearly 18% from $8.1 billion in 2022, accounting for 3.4% of the state’s GDP and supporting 71,898 jobs.
Meanwhile, Colorado’s outdoor recreation contributed $17.2 billion to the economy in 2023 (3.2% of state GDP), supporting 132,594 jobs with $8.6 billion in compensation, and ranking in the top 10 states nationally.
These states don’t just talk about outdoor living. They build their economies around it.
Look for towns with strong outdoor communities. Check for gear shops, climbing gyms, and trail access within 15 minutes of home. Read local forums. Join Facebook groups for the area. Ask real people what life looks like on a random Wednesday.
Remote work makes this easier than ever. You can keep your tech salary while living in places that used to require guide work or bartending to survive.
Packing Your Adventure Gear Strategically
Your gear matters more than your furniture now. A $3,000 bike deserves better protection than your Ikea couch.
Start by grouping your equipment:
- Weekly use items: Mountain bikes, climbing shoes, running gear
- Seasonal rotation: Skis, kayaks, camping equipment
- Specialty pieces: Expensive or fragile items that need extra care
Moving outdoor gear requires different skills from moving a typical household. Bikes need frames protected and wheels secured. Skis can crack if packed incorrectly. Kayaks are awkward and heavy.
Professional movers who understand outdoor equipment make a real difference here. Companies like Bailey’s Moving and Storage, which serve Colorado and Utah, know how to handle adventure gear because they work with outdoor enthusiasts every day. They understand the value of a custom-built bike or handmade climbing equipment.
DIY Packing Tips
Follow these guidelines to protect bikes, skis/snowboards, and camping equipment during a move.
| Gear Type | Packing Steps |
| Bikes | Remove pedals. Wrap the frame in bubble wrap. Deflate tires slightly to prevent blowouts from elevation changes. |
| Skis & Snowboards | Use foam pipe insulation on edges. Avoid stacking heavy boxes on top. |
| Camping Gear | Pack tents and sleeping bags in plastic bins to protect against moisture. |
Downsizing for Adventure Living
Adventure living means less stuff overall. You don’t need three dining room sets. You need space for your ski quiver.
Focus on quality over quantity. One great rain jacket beats five cheap ones. Multi-purpose gear saves space and weight.
Sometimes you need temporary storage during transition. Maybe your new place isn’t ready, or you’re still deciding what stays and what goes. Professional storage solutions that understand outdoor equipment can bridge this gap. Moving companies like Bailey’s Moving and Storage offer climate-controlled options that protect sensitive gear during transitions.
Sell or donate items that don’t fit your new lifestyle. Outdoor communities love gear swaps. Facebook Marketplace moves fast in mountain towns. Someone always needs what you’re getting rid of.
Setting Up Your Adventure-Ready Home
Your home should support your lifestyle. That means dedicated gear storage.
Essential features:
- Mudroom or entry space for wet gear
- Bike storage (wall mounts work great)
- Drying area for boots and wet clothes
- Space for gear maintenance and repairs
Living near trailheads changes everything. A 5-minute drive to hiking beats a 45-minute commute.
Work with experienced companies, like Bailey’s Moving and Storage, that know these regions inside and out. They understand mountain roads, weather delays, and the logistics of moving to remote areas. Their 70+ years of experience in the Rocky Mountain region mean they’ve seen every moving challenge these states can throw at you.
Find your adventure community right away. Join local outdoor clubs. Hit up group rides or runs. Show up at the trailhead parking lots and start conversations. People in mountain towns are friendly, especially to fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Moving to an adventure-first lifestyle isn’t simple. But neither is waking up every Tuesday wishing you were somewhere else.
The logistics are temporary. The lifestyle change is permanent. Your favorite places don’t have to be vacation destinations anymore. They can be home.
Start planning your move today. Research your location. Protect your gear. Work with people who understand outdoor living. Then get out there and live the life you’ve been dreaming about.
The mountains are waiting, and so are the adventures that await you.
