Music inspires action, stokes the adventure and serves as a memorable audio journal in time. Below is a soundtrack to get you rolling.

You’ve dreamed up the adventure, you’ve researched the route and you’ve got your crew on board. The last piece is to get out the door! There’s nothing like the right tune or set of songs to provide that last bit of stoke for getting you on your way towards your next outdoor adventure. Below are some songs and artists that might excite, inspire and amplify your call to adventure this summer.

1. Lord Huron – Ends of the Earth

The proverbial “ends of the Earth”… where rivers wind on forever and unclimbed peaks abound. Some part of that picture calls to us all, and even more so through this tune by Lord Huron. These lyrics are forever tied to big adventure for me. I first heard this song while backpacking through the deserts of Namibia in Southern Africa. Later, I set it as the soundtrack to a video-documentary of a personal trans-Atlantic Ocean sailing expedition. The lines spark that deep human excitement for exploration into the unknown and adventurous living.

Sunrise in the Namib Desert. Photo by author, Cullen Welch.

2. Fleet Foxes – Ragged Wood

Right off the beat you can’t help but get psyched on this song by Fleet Foxes to get outside and start moving through nature! For me that looks like summer trail running and riding winter slopes. I’m not sure about the bit on having “been gone too long… [up on] the mountain” because it certainly inspires me in forest and alpine spaces to carry on running and snowboarding my way through some massive terrain.

Dropping in on the western terrain of Steamboat Springs, CO. Photo by author, Cullen Welch.

3. Coldplay – Adventure of a Lifetime

Feeling a little stagnant? Sometimes in life we find ourselves stationary for too long and perhaps needing to move—2020, anyone? Maybe the movement is geographical around the world. Maybe it’s choreographically in your own living room. It looks different for all of us.  But regardless – remain stationary no longer because this tune, and Youtube music video, by Coldplay will quickly get you dancing and rolling into your next adventure of a lifetime.

Early morning stretches on an Outward Bound Semester course. Photo by author, Cullen Welch.

4. Jeremy Loops – Waves

Early morning wake-ups, dawn golden hour and catching the first swells of the day are some special experiences indeed. Jeremy Loops, a Cape Town native and gifted surfer, captures this adventurous essence in this epic surfing montage. He and his team of artists also embody sustainable recreation through their organization, Green Pop. Good vibes all around!

Locals of Uluwatu, Bali, observe the approaching ocean swell. Photo by author, Cullen Welch.

5. Xavier Rudd – Follow The Sun

Being present in the moment is such an essential part of every great adventure, and how better to be present than to focus on your breath, your intentions and the natural world around you. Xavier Rudd captures this essence with a calming reflection on following the sun and the wind.

Following the sun and the wind in Sedona, AZ. Photo by author, Cullen Welch.

6. Ben Howard – Old Pine

Ben Howard channels positive feelings of barefoot nature walks, crackling fires and summer adventures with all of his songs, but especially this relaxing nature-themed track fit for morning coffee and acoustic sunrise. The track is a classic early morning motivator for me, bridging the gap between calm-waking and action-adventuring for the day. Having grown up in the pine forests of the southern United States, this one also speaks “home” to me.

Enjoying the view after a day of rock climbing near Chattanooga, TN. Photo by author, Cullen Welch.

7. José Gonzáles – Step Out

Step outside! I learned of this high-energy song through the soundtrack to “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” one of my very favorite films ever. The story is about stepping outside of your comfort zone, taking a leap of faith and going for your dreams. Careful on this one, it might just inspire you into dropping everything to go out and explore the world on an Outward Bound expedition.

Sunset atop Table Mountain near Cape Town, South Africa. Photo by author, Cullen Welch. 

8. Paper Kites – Woodland

Playing in the woodland realm – what could be better? The Paper Kites hit that sweet spot between chill and upbeat with their nature-themed songs.

Students gather under the stars on an Outward Bound Semester course. Photo by author, Cullen Welch.

9. Reliant K – Savannah

Savannah, Georgia is an amazing place if you ever get the chance to go. Spanish moss and an ocean breeze make for a unique experience. This tune by Reliant K might just take you there.

Crossing the Atlantic Ocean with a breeze under full sail. Photo by author, Cullen Welch.

10. Hollow Coves – The Open Road

Dream big. Roam free. Hit the open road—or trail! Time to get outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

Dreaming of roaming in Steamboat Springs, CO. Photo by author, Cullen Welch.

No matter if you’re gearing up for an Outward Bound expedition or driving 15-minutes down the road to a local trail, we hope this playlist or adventure songs helps stoke your fire for adventure. Check out the full line-up below!

About the Author

Cullen is a Logistics Coordinator for the Colorado Outward Bound School with three big interests: Earth sustainability, interplanetary exploration and visual storytelling. As such, you might as likely find him aboard a scientific research vessel in the mid-Atlantic as in a rocket development hangar in central Texas. He lives minimally and on the go, with plans to continue solar-powered van life, trail ultra marathoning and outdoor education. You can see more of his work and photography at www.cullenwelch.com.