The Family Guide to Getting Outside

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Check out all the features on the family-friendly Honda Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve

There’s never been a better time to seek the positive benefits of being outdoors, especially if you head for some of the country’s more wide-open spaces, where there’s plenty of elbow room to be had. Whether you’re a seasoned family of RVers, are just trying out camping—or glamping—for the first time, or are simply looking for new outdoor activities to do, spending time together on an outdoor adventure is the ideal way to bond with your family. Given the diversity of our country’s parks, forests, rivers, campgrounds, backcountry roads, and coastlines, the hardest part might be just figuring out where to go and what to do. That’s where we come in. To help you plan your next outdoor family adventure, and do so in a safe and responsible manner, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know, broken down by landscape, activities, and how much time you have. Translation: whether you want to spend several days in the mountains or just a few hours at the beach, we’ve got you covered.

Everything you need to explore new roads and savor more time in the outdoors with your family

presented by Honda Powersports

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landscape

activity

timing

where do you want to go?

landscape

Adventure Planning 101

start here

That’s the first question to answer. From craggy shorelines on both coasts to every stripe of mountain range, desert landscape, and forest in between, the U.S. has it all, each with its own unique adventure opportunities. For more info on each, click on an icon at left.

01. Coast

America’s coastlines vary from the dramatic to the sublime and provides families with wild entertainment in and out of the water The U.S. has a staggering 95,000 miles of shoreline, only a tiny fraction of which ever sees crowds. Translation: for every popular beach or stretch of coastline, there are dozens and dozens of more secluded options. There are sugar-white beaches on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico that rarely host flip-flops, dramatic, craggy cliffs that meet the Pacific, and dune-ridden beaches on the Atlantic You can camp on the beach, surf-cast for flounder, paddleboard the placid bays … or you can just build sandcastles and read a book. Depending on the regulations, driving on the beach is a pastime unto itself, and it becomes even more fun when your family is loaded into the open-air Talon. Imagine the ground you can cover and the shells you can forage as you cruise up and down the coast. Being able to drive on the beach also opens up a whole new world for car camping right in the sand. Bring a portable shower to hose off the sand before getting in your tent and remember to air down your tires to increase traction as you’re driving on the sand.

Coast

desert

mountains

Forests + Plains

lakes + rivers

02. Desert

Surfing sand dunes, mountain biking through acres of saguaro cactus … the country's desert landscape can be as thrilling as they are serene In geological terms, the U.S. has four official desert regions: the Great Basin, the Mojave, the Sonoran, and the Chihuahuan. And all of them, as well as the surrounding desert-like landscapes, mountain ranges, and badlands that abut them, are teeming with life and adventure, whether it’s in the giant ditch known as the Grand Canyon or the peaks towering above the Rio Grande in West Texas. You can hike for petroglyphs in the Great Basin Desert, surf sand dunes in the Mojave, mountain-bike through fields of sparkling crystals in the Chihuahuan Desert of Big Bend near the Mexico border, or just chill out and camp next to one of the many rivers that provide the lifeblood to these surprisingly diverse ecosystems. The off-road potential in these areas, of course, is huge. The Bureau of Land Management oversees much of the arid terrain in the western U.S. and provides copious 4WD access points leading to arteries of dusty roads cruising through Mars-like landscapes suited to your Talon. Wherever you go, be sure to bring plenty of water, and don’t forget the sunscreen and hats. Plan to do most of your adventuring in the early morning, then retreat to the shade for lazy afternoons. And keep in mind that most deserts get cold at night, so bring warm sleeping bags and layers.

03. mountains

From the jagged Rocky Mountains to the lush southern Appalachians, the high peaks in our country offer classic adventure Three major mountain ranges punctuate the U.S.—the Appalachians, on the Eastern Seaboard, the Rocky Mountains, which divide the continent, and the dramatic Sierra Nevada, in California and Nevada. Each range has its own unique characteristics, but all offer epic outdoor adventure, whether you’re looking to camp, hike, paddle, or hit off-road trails. While it might be tempting to base your adventure from one of these ranges’ popular mountain towns, in the midst of our pandemic you might consider avoiding the crowds and looking to lesser-known areas. Try to stay within a day’s drive of your home, to limit travel, and try to be self-contained, packing all your supplies in your vehicle. Instead of popular national parks, check out some of the less-frequented national forests and Bureau of Land Management tracts, which offer thousands of acres of solitude as well as endless trails for off-roading. The Forest Service alone has more than 60,000 miles of trails, designed for vehicles like the Talon, that you can learn about on this interactive map. Pack for colder weather, even in the middle of summer, and if you’re staying at high elevations, remember to take it easy and drink lots of water for the first few days.

04. Forests + Plains

The open and vast prairies and woodlands that define the Midwest hide some of the most family-friendly outdoor opportunities in the country The vast stretches in the middle of the country are often overshadowed by the mountains flanking either side, but there’s way more to the Midwest than just prairies and farmland. The terrain is surprisingly diverse, with subtle mountains rising to almost 2,000 feet in elevation, thick forests that hide expansive trail systems, and abundant wildlife. There are a bevy of national parks that offer everything from caves to hot springs, while trail builders are turning the forests into hiking and mountain biking paradises. And then there’s all the water, from the Great Lakes to the thousands of rivers and lakes. If you’re thinking about getting into off-roading or are looking for new places to explore in your Talon, you’ll find vast networks of sinuous gravel and dirt roads virtually everywhere. Dig a bit deeper and you’ll find thousands of acres of sand dunes, many of which are dedicated to off-road vehicle use, uniquely midwestern gems like the 47-mile off-road “Cheese Country Trail,” which connects small villages in Wisconsin, and much, much more.

05. Rivers + lakes

The U.S. might be known for its towering peaks and rolling plains but there’s also a lot of water between our coasts. First and foremost, there are the Great Lakes, which form an inland ocean with 10,000 miles of shoreline and more than 250 species of fish. Meanwhile, the Mississippi River forms one of the largest river basins in the world as it divides our country in half. And that’s just the beginning. There are hundreds of manmade lakes throughout the South and Southwest, countless remote, natural lakes in the mountains of the Northeast and Rocky Mountains, where native trout hide in the shadow of tall peaks, and vast networks of rivers and streams that feed all those lakes…The Talon makes for an ideal shuttle vehicle, transporting people between put-ins and take-outs of rivers, and moving around rugged corners of lakes to give you better access to the goods. Fishing is king, sure, but don’t overlook the art of tubing, or even snorkeling in fresh water, finding fish and mussels just beneath the surface.

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what do you want to do?

activity

Another way to think about planning your next family adventure is to first figure out what you want to do. From cycling and hiking and camping to paddling and fishing and off-roading, we break down all your options here. Click on an icon at left to learn more about each.

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cycling

Cycling

Whether you’re looking for a greenway cruise or steep singletrack, America’s favorite social-distance activity is your ticket to big-time fun There’s a legitimate biking boom in the U.S. as families discover—or rediscover—the simple joy of riding bikes. Whether it’s to get exercise, get to work, or simply get out of the house for some fresh air, biking is the ultimate fun, easy, and healthy activity. If you’re new to cycling, or just getting your kids up to speed, stick to your town’s greenways, paved paths, and bike lanes. If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, you’re in luck: there’s also been a surge of trail building as towns and advocacy group such as IMBA build everything from pump tracks at local parks to entire networks of new trails. And thanks to a new type of mountain/road-bike hybrid that’s designed to go anywhere, a whole new style of biking—gravel riding—has sprouted up to explore dirt roads and mellow trails all across the country. Sound fun? Check out MTB Project for info on mountain bike trails and gravel routes in your neck of the woods. Bring plenty of water—either in your bike’s cage or in a backpack with a hydration bladder—and wear a neck gaiter so you can pull it up over your face if you find yourself on a crowded section of trail. Try to keep your trip close to home, ride at off-times to avoid crowds, and don’t forget the bike bell—ring it to let other trail users know you’re approaching so everyone can keep a safe distance.

hiking

Lace up your boots to search for hidden waterfalls, spy wildlife, and bag picturesque peaks There’s no simpler way to enjoy the outdoors than hiking. Find a trail and start walking. But being prepared, especially when you’re taking your entire family on a hike or heading out for longer than an hour, can make the difference between a successful afternoon and unhappy campers. Be sure to carry the 10 essentials with you, which range from extra water to a rain shell, in case the weather changes. The most important of those essentials is often a paper map; don’t expect your phone to work when you’re in the wild. You don’t need to go crazy with the gear, but everyone should wear comfortable shoes. Young kids also get a kick out of carrying their own backpack, loaded with their own water, snacks, and fun items like binoculars. It’s always smart to have a destination in mind—a waterfall or mountain summit—but that destination can also just be a pretty spot for a picnic. Most people hike at 3 miles per hour. If you have young kids in tow, knock that down to 1-2 mph. Start small, tailor the excursion to what the youngest member of your family can handle, and consider tackling a series of short hikes instead of one longer trail. Whatever you do, set yourself up for success. Kids can get bored quickly, so use your Talon to get from your campsite to the trailhead or lake, or as a support vehicle to provide younger family members with breaks between hikes.

paddling

Canoe, raft, paddleboard … Choose your craft, then seek adrenaline in rushing whitewater or find serenity on a placid mountain lake There are guides who are leading COVID-safe trips on a variety of water all over the country, but this could be your opportunity to tackle a DIY paddle trip on a mild river or lake. Like cycling and hiking, paddling is an ideal activity in our socially distanced times. If you’re new to paddling and not sure if you’ll fall in love with it, rent your equipment first. Most destinations have a variety of rental options close by. American Whitewater has info on rivers throughout the country, from mild to wild. Stand-up paddleboards have a low barrier of entry for beginning paddlers and are a fun way for the whole family to explore a familiar lake close to home. Another good option is a canoe, which allows you to bring plenty of supplies, so you can paddle toward a rocky beach or island and have an elaborate picnic, or use it to facilitate a multi-day trip where you pitch a tent near the water. If you’re heading out for more than an hour or two, think of the boat as an extension of your vehicle: your family has everything it needs to enjoy a day or more on the water, allowing you to explore in a contained unit. Remember your PFDs and a dry change of clothes for everyone. And if you plan on exploring a river with a rocky bed or a lake with a craggy shoreline, water shoes will help avoid stubbed toes.

fishing

Cast for trout in a mountain stream or bass from a boat in the middle of a lake From the prehistoric-looking alligator gar to the ubiquitous smallmouth bass, there are dozens of popular freshwater fish native to the United States. But reeling in a fish is just a tiny part of why fishing is such a valued activity. The true joy of fishing is using the rod as an excuse to spend time outdoors together as a family, especially now as we all seek fun and solitude in the outdoors. If you’re new to fishing, you can find inexpensive spinning rod combos, which come with both the rod and reel and are easy for beginners to use. Just get one or two for the whole family to share at first—you can always expand your gear arsenal later. Take Me Fishing has current info on state regulations, which are constantly evolving under pandemic guidelines. Looking for a bit more assistance? Many fishing guides are still operating safe trips to local waters, but you can also find information on local fisheries on Fishbrain, a website and app that uses crowdsourcing to offer incredible detail on local fishing holes. And, like paddling, fishing is an ideal low-risk, pandemic-friendly adventure, as proper fishing etiquette already dictates you give other anglers plenty of space. The Talon is a great way to access the river or lake explore the land surrounding a body of water. Pack it with snacks, drinks, chairs, and blankets and move from one spot to the next until you find the perfect fishing hole.

car camping

Find the optimal spot and bring the right gear to set up a base camp for adventure Car camping and RVing might be the official vacation of the pandemic. Turns out, spending a couple of nights surrounding a campfire is exactly the distraction we need right now. Of course, COVID-19 restrictions mean that some public campgrounds are closed, while others are booked solid every weekend, making it the perfect opportunity to try dispersed camping, where you pitch a tent on primitive campsites that are accessible by vehicle (sometimes requiring a 4WD) on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land. Some dispersed sites will have designated tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables, but many will just be open spots between the trees. The thing to remember with dispersed camping is you’re on your own: there are no restrooms, electricity, or water hookups. Another option is to head over to HipCamp, an online directory of private land that’s open to camping, where you’ll find everything from yurts and cabins to treehouses and simple campsites on which to pitch your tent. Whether you opt for public land or a privately owned site, try to find a spot near water, which might allow you to fish or swim, or in the nexus of a variety of trails so your family will be entertained. Wherever you go, the Talon will help turn your car camping site into a true base camp. You can leave your main vehicle and camping gear at the site and explore the surrounding area, allowing you to access rivers and trailheads with ease.

off roading

Where can your Talon take you? It’s the perfect vehicle whether you’re exploring mellow gravel roads or tackling rockier trails. The term “off-roading” means different things to different people. For some, off-roading is rock crawling, deep in the desert. For others, it’s a mellow cruise on easy dirt just outside of town. Whatever your style, the first thing to do is find roads and OHV (off-highway vehicle) areas you can legally and responsibly ride. To do so, check your local government website for OHV laws and regulations or head over to the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, which has tons of resources like basic off-road driver courses and tips for minimizing your impact. As you’ll quickly find, a whole new world awaits exploration in your Honda Talon, as there are literally hundreds of thousands of miles of dirt and gravel roads traversing our national forest and BLM lands. Translation: just a bit of research will allow you to eschew the common destinations and find your own slice of forest or desert. Where to start? OnX Offroad is a new app that gives you details on off-road routes all over the United States and assigns each road a difficulty rating. It also works offline, so it’s handy even if there is no cell service. Drive within your skill set (if you’re new to off-roading, stick to dry ground and established trails), and keep in mind that off-roading is the perfect “add-on” adventure, something that works seamlessly with other activities like fishing and hiking. And, of course, before you head out, remember to wear protective gear and review safety guidelines.

hiking

paddling

Fishing

car camping

Off Roading

how much time do you have?

Timing

Whether you’re looking to squeeze in a family outing midweek or are planning a full week of vacation, there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had. You just need to plan accordingly. For tips on how to make the most of your next adventure window, click on an icon at left.

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a week

A Weekend

an overnight

a few hours

A FEW HOURS

Make the most of your postwork escape or Saturday morning window If you only have a few hours of free time—say, after work midweek, or in the morning before other activities on a weekend—keep it simple. Choose one activity and location close to your home. Fishing is a great way to unwind after a day at the home office. A family bike ride on a local greenway, or even through your neighborhood can be the highlight of the week. Plan a short hike for a weekend morning, packing a daypack with the essentials and a lunch the night before so you can leave first thing in the morning. Keep drive time to a minimum by picking an easy trail close to home. If you’re truly ambitious, opt for a sunrise hike on a familiar trail.

an overnight

Find campsites and quick excursions close to home The “overnight” is the quick fix, a reset between obligations. And the truth is, the more you camp, the more you’ll want to camp. Make it easier on yourself by planning ahead. Organize your camping gear into different bins (sleeping gear in one, cooking gear in another) so you can load the car quickly. Don’t go overboard with dinner—there’s nothing wrong with bringing a pizza to the campsite or prepping a meal at home that you basically warm up in the woods. Look for campsites that are close to home and familiar, so you know exactly what to expect and what gear to bring. And don’t worry if the site isn’t “dramatic” in the classic sense. The key is to be outside. Download a stargazing app, play a campfire game, and don’t forget the cooler with your favorite beverages.

a weekend

Set out for two or three days of fun to find new family-favorite destinations and try new activities This is your chance for a big adventure. You have two options: choose a basecamp with multiple activities close by to satisfy the whole family, or dedicate a weekend to a single pursuit, like backpacking for three days or exploring several mountain bike trails in a single section of national forest or state park. Either way, keep it relatively local so you’re spending more time in the wild than on the road. The Talon will help you get the most out of your 72 hours of freedom by making even the furthest corners of the state park or national forest tract accessible.

a week

Seven days of adventure and outdoor relaxation is exactly the kind of vacation your family needs right now A weekend in the woods is great, but, just when you’re getting into the groove of a wilderness escape, Monday rears its ugly head and you have to get back to work and school. Carve out several days for a prolonged wilderness experience to give your family a full reset before digging back into our “new normal.” In a week, you can knock out an extended paddling trip, canoeing and camping your way down a given river, or you can set up an extensive base camp and devote yourself to several days of multisport adventure. Plan a variety of activities (paddling one day, hiking the next …), but don’t go overboard. Part of the joy of camping or an outdoor adventure is the downtime at camp or in a cabin, where kids can explore nearby creeks and climb trees, and parents can nap in hammocks. And if you bring your Talon and base yourself near networks of OHV roads, you’re bound to discover new places to savor, be it an alpine meadow, a secluded canyon, or a beaver dam on a quiet creek. This is your chance to go a little further from home and spend time exploring a dramatic landscape. And remember: the rewards of spending time together outdoors are always worth the effort. You might burn the marshmallows or get lost on the trail, but you’ll also gaze up at the stars and laugh around the campfire, and all of those memories you create together will last a lifetime.

The Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve is the only side-by-side offering both an automatic transmission and launch mode. You won’t believe how fast you’ll come off the line–and neither will the other guys.

launch mode

Using proven technology from Honda’s automotive division, the Talon’s second-generation i-4WD system has the unmatched traction of a locking front differential with the lighter steering, better high-speed tracking, tighter turning radius, and reduced kickback associated with unlocked front differentials. An industry-first brake-traction control system for side-by-sides further increases drivability and optimizes traction.

INTELLIGENT 4WD

Welcome to the best seats in the house: Because they sit nearly three inches higher and two inches closer together than the front seats, the Talon 1000X-4’s rear “Stadium Seats” let passengers see more. Enjoy the view!

HIGHER VIEWS

Talons feature a long-wheelbase high-performance chassis paired with long-travel independent front and rear suspension and generous ground clearance. The result? Superior handling and stability on all terrain.

confident handling

The Talon 1000X-4 FOX Live Valve’s suspension system adjusts damping on each wheel’s 2.5-inch shock independently, automatically, and up to 16 times per second for superior ride quality and less pitch and roll over all terrain.

upgraded suspension

With the convenience of an automatic and the strength, control, and efficiency of a manual, Honda’s DCT lets you drive the way you want. Pick your engine speed and gear ratio—or let it do all the thinking for you. Sport Mode adds to the fun, shifting at higher RPMs for a spirited, full-performance driving experience.

PERFORMANCE ON DEMAND

No need to worry about a little brush on the side of the trail. Because the Talon 1000X-4’s body parts are painted (vs color-molded plastic), they resist scratching better. Plus, they just look cooler—the first time you see a new Talon in person, we’re sure you’ll agree.

LOOKS THAT LAST

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2021 Honda Talon 1000x-4 Fox Live Valve

Honda Talon 1000x-4 Fox Live Valve

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