When Labor Day rolls around, we start looking forward to the end of summer's heat and humidity, as well as the coming of fall's crisp bite and brilliant colors. Maybe you'll spend the weekend at the beach, have a barbecue, hit the road, or put all your white outfits into storage (just kidding).

While we all appreciate another day off, let's not forget that Labor Day was originally established to honor the American worker. In that spirit, GORP offers ten ways to celebrate our Puritan work ethic (and still enjoy the three-day weekend).

	Take the high road Escape the summer heat and enjoy breathtaking scenery on Colorado's Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Eight glorious miles (55 in all) break 11,000 feet. Construction workers had to deal with permafrost and a short construction season (just four months, from mid-June to mid-October), but they finished in three years (19291932) and were careful to preserve the original landscape as much as possible. Top Rocky Mountain Trips
	Island cruise In the early 20th century, philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. engineered 45 miles of crisscrossing carriage paths on Maine's Mount Desert Island. Take a scenic tour of Acadia National Park on these roads, traveling via mountain bike, by foot, or in a horse-drawn carriage. While Rockefeller probably never did a lick of manual labor in his oil-blessed life, the laborers who built these crushed-stone roads worked long and hard, from quarrying granite to landscaping the roadsides. Book a Trip to Maine
	Making their mark It took sculptor Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers a good 14 years to complete Mount Rushmore's four 60-foot presidential busts. Gaze up at the granite likenesses of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, take a moment to remember their presidential labors, and then head off to explore South Dakota's Black Hills. Top Midwest Trips
	Mother Nature hard at work In Utah's Arches National Park you'll be swept away by the labor of wind, water, and geologic pressure upon the landscape. Whether you're a budding photographer or an avid climber, the rock spires, arches, windows, and fins will make your mouth water. Book a Trip to Utah
	The Last Frontier Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has been the subject of much attention and effort—from both development advocates and environmentally minded individuals. Why all the fuss? The refuge harbors oil and gas resources that many wish to tap. It also harbors pristine, fragile habitats and a great diversity of wildlife—from Porcupine caribou and musk oxen to snow geese and loons. If you have the time and the chutzpah for a true backcountry adventure, experience this amazing wilderness for yourself. Book a Trip to the Alaskan Arctic
	Never cry wolf For about 20 years, the only wolves in Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park were the two stuffed and mounted in the visitor center display case. After being eliminated from the park as enemies and nearly driven to extinction, gray wolves were reintroduced as animals essential to the ecosystem in 1995. It took a lot of lobbying and hard work to overcome the resistance from local farmers, but now the park population has risen to about 120 wolves. Head to Yellowstone to catch a glimpse of the wolves—not to mention elk, moose, bear, and other marquee wildlife. Book a Trip to Wyoming
	Get a job If you really want to put the labor back in Labor Day, why not do a little outdoor job hunting? GORP's guide to outdoor careers profiles everyone from adventure-travel writer Tim Cahill to a NOLS instructor and a climbing guide. Read their stories and get tips on how you can turn your passion into a career. Top Learning Trips
	Where's the beach? With a little effort, you can leave the sun-worshipping crowds behind and put a GORP spin on the traditional beach experience. Soak up the peace and quiet of Texas's Matagorda Island or do a rugged coastal hike on Washington's Olympic Coastal Strip. Take a Trip to the Coast
	Fire up the grill, er, camp stove Get your BBQ fix and enjoy the great outdoors with GORP's Trailside Cookbook. Whether you work up an appetite by hiking, paddling, or just setting up camp, you'll enjoy these tasty recipes and helpful camp-cuisine hints. Top Culinary Tours
	Aim high If you're not afraid of a little work, check out this little-known long-distance gem. California's Sierra High Route, a rugged, cross-country trek, offers timberline terrain, sweeping views, sublime campsites, and welcome solitude. Book a High Sierra Trip

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