If you’re the kind of person who’s hardwired for adventure, vacation planning probably looks a little different than for someone looking for, say, a leisurely tropical getaway. The thrill and excitement that comes with exploring new landscapes and terrains in unfamiliar places is a pillar of outdoor travel, and if you’re about to plan your next great escape, there are plenty of adventure travel ideas here in the United States
There are two ways to find out how to choose a trip that’s best for outdoor enthusiasts: by destination or by activity. If there’s a part of America that’s been on your bucket list for a long time, you can do your research national parks and wilderness areas to decipher what the area is known for. Alternatively, if you’re a die-hard mountain biker or have always wanted to try something like horseback riding or canoeing, check out the regions best known for it. From there you can create an itinerary leading to a worthwhile, unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.
Ahead, 10 travel-inspiring adventure travel ideas to get you started. Whether you’re a die-hard hiker or a fly-fishing enthusiast, there’s sure to be an outing for you. Get ready for the road.
Canoeing in the Boundary Waters
In northeast Minnesota, in one of the most remote and breathtaking parts of the United States, lies the Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area is located in the Superior National Forest. It stretches 150 miles along the Canadian border and covers approximately 1,098,000 acres with over 1,100 lakes and 1,500 miles of canoe trail. If you’re a paddler, this adventure will tick that off journey of her life box pretty nice. And one of the best aspects of choosing this getaway is the remoteness – nobody lives here and it’s easy to spend several days on the routes when you only see a handful of other visitors in the water. If you’re planning to make it a multi-day trip, there are more than 2,000 designated campsites to pitch your tent at. Leave the phone behind, enjoy the sounds of nature and enjoy the feeling of being connected to your surroundings.
Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park
The largest concentration of hoodoo rock formations on planet earth can be found in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. It’s an otherworldly landscape, culminating in the top of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (not a bad place to watch the sunset). If Bryce is already on your list, add a three-day hiking weekend getaway REI co-op adventure for an in-depth and guided adventure that includes a stay at their private base camp, hikes to waterfalls and other must-see trails, and mesmerizing views of these soaring towers. As a heads-up, park elevations reach 9,100 feet, so it is highly recommended that you exercise and prepare well in advance for the elevation change and always make sure you drink enough water.
Mountain Biking in Scottsdale
While Sedona is Arizona’s premier mountain biking destination, nearby Scottsdale is another landscape that offers excellent terrain for this adventure sport. most notably in the scenic McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Start your adventure by checking in at Andaz and book the mountain bike package that offers a guided tour on high-performance bikes. The property sits on 23 acres in the heart of the Sonoran Desert and is surrounded by plants such as cacti, yucca, prickly pears and mesquite.
Kayaking in the San Juan Islands
The Pacific Northwest is a treasure trove of outdoor activities and the San Juan Islands, an archipelago known for its world-class whale watching, should be on your bucket list. Position your journey around kayaking, an activity that allows you to get up close and personal with the marine environment that you will find here. As the currents in the Salish Sea can be strong here and often counteract the winds, it’s best to sign up for a guided tour on your first excursion to ensure you are comfortable with safety. Also, it’s not uncommon to encounter whales here, so brush up on yours Be whale wise guidelines.
Zip lining in Kauai
Often referred to as Hawaii’s “Garden Island”, Kauai is the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain and is characterized by its tropical rainforests, majestic waterfalls, rugged cliffs and lush valleys. Unsurprisingly, it’s a travel destination best appreciated through outdoor activities, and one of the most exciting things to do is ziplining. outfitter is the longest zip line on the island and its tours take you over landscapes featured in famous films such as Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbeanand Indiana Jones. Soar through the trees, strapped in Superman-style, for a memorable, immersive experience.
Fly fishing in Montana
If ever there was a destination that was good for a quiet day of fly fishing, it’s Montana. With its crystal clear lakes and babbling brooks, Big Sky Country is a popular place to cast your line. Because of the state’s clear, cold water, which creates a strong habitat for these aquatic creatures (and anglers, too), there are countless spots where you can find fish. two of which are Paradise Valley and Flathead Lake. To keep the environment free of invasive species, be sure to follow three steps: clean, drain, and dry (learn more here).
Forest bathing in the Ozarks
If 1.2 million acres of hardwood and pine forests accented by clear mountain streams sounds like something your blood pressure could use right now, it’s time to book a forest bathing adventure Ozark-St Francis National Forests. This natural wonderland in Northwest Arkansas is as scenic as it gets and activities like hiking, camping, kayaking, horseback riding and fishing are all within easy reach. For more ideas see Forest Service website Depending on the activity, you can discover different areas in the forest.
Backpacking on California’s Lost Coast
Another guided trip by REI Co-op Adventures takes outdoor enthusiasts on a backpacking tour from Mattole Trailhead to Black Sands Beach, covering 25 miles in four days The Lost Coast. This is an isolated stretch of California coast not typically visited by the crowds. Traverse challenging terrain such as sand, cobblestone and streams as you head south with the wind at your back. It’s the kind of backcountry experience that leaves you recharged and revitalized despite the rigorous physical demands.
Riding in New Mexico
Most people go on outdoor adventures to commune with nature, but if you want to take it a step further and also interact with animals in a way that is safe for both you and wildlife, why not follow along New Mexico for a horseback riding adventure? at bishop’s lodge in Santa Fe you can go horseback riding their historical stables for a one to six hour outing, complete with a picnic lunch and a lesson from their wranglers on how to feed and care for the horses.
