Crack-in-the-Rock Guided Backpack: For a special ranger-guided backpacking experience, consider the Crack-in-the-Rock hike in Wupatki National Monument in Arizona. It's offered only on weekends in October and April, and must be booked in advance. This trip explores fantastic rock art and pueblo architecture in an area not normally open to the public. This is a strenuous 16-mile cross country overnight trip, carrying a 30-40 pound pack. Each hike is limited to 13 people; minimum age is 10. Cost is $50.00 per person, and participants are selected through a lottery system. 928-679-2365

See Related Story: Wupatki National Monument

Horseback Trips Into Canyon de Chelly: Outside Magazine and the New York Times both recommend Totsonii Ranch, which organizes half-day, full-day and overnight trips down the steep, winding trails into the Canyon. The Ranch is run by brothers, and is rarely booked up even at the height of tourist season. It is reached by a dirt road off South Rim Drive.

See Related Story: Canyon de Chelly

Stay in a Tipi: Montana's Bannack State Park has a tipi for rent. Located in the Vigilante Campground, it is available from the middle of May through the beginning of October. The cost of the tipi is $25 a night and it can accommodate eight adults. Reservations are a must. Call (406) 834-3413.

See Related Story: The Rip Roarin' Mining Town of Bannack

Interested in a personal birding tour?: The Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory has naturalists that host everything from bird walks to multiple day tours. All day outings for groups of six or more can also be arranged.

See Related Story: Southern Arizona is for the Birds