You don’t have to fly to the other side of the world for an epic outdoor experience. Our country offers many incredible US adventure vacation opportunities, from hiking to rafting to mountain biking.
From Colorado’s ragged mountains to those beautiful cliff-lined Californian beaches to the roaring rivers of New Hampshire, the United States of America boasts adventure vacation destinations for every kind of nature lover.
There’s a lot of joy in these experiences, and it isn’t as challenging as people might think. Our country is chock full of mountains, forests, and glaciers. So seek your thrills in one of these 6 US adventure vacations, where limited time and money are non-issues.
Click “Next.”…Your next US adventure vacation awaits!
Yosemite is one of the most sought-after gems in America’s crown of national parks and the leading destination for a US adventure vacation. You’ll find miles upon miles of pure, unadulterated natural beauty in every direction you look.
Mountains, waterfalls, forests…you can find it all within the boundaries of this mighty National Park. One of its many stand-out features is its gigantic waterfalls. The park is home to 5 whopping waterfalls over 1000ft high.
When the mountain snow begins to melt in the spring, the cascades are at full blast, making this the perfect time to seek them out. The appropriately named Mist Trail caters to all levels of adventurers because there are many sights worth seeing all along.
Unlike many other Yosemite hikes, which lead to a lookout point, the Mist Trail has stunning views the entire time you explore it.
You can hike a mile round trip to Nevada Falls, a 594-foot-high waterfall on the Merced River, or take a three-mile round-trip hike to Vernal Falls, a 317-foot-high waterfall on the Merced River slightly downstream.
Waterfalls collapse over jagged cliff faces all along the walk, that’s challenging but not too tough. This US adventure vacation spot is accessible to virtually everyone.
“Grand” doesn’t even begin to do this US adventure vacation justice. This gigantic chasm in northern Arizona is truly a natural wonder, measuring roughly 277 river miles in length, 18 miles in width, and about a mile deep.
For over 6 million years, the Grand Canyon has grown with the help of the mighty Colorado River. And for many centuries, travelers worldwide have journeyed to gaze out over its orange and red magnificence.
Officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and operated by the National Park Service, the Grand Canyon leaves its approximately 4 million yearly visitors astonished.
But if you’re seeking a private escape to get in touch with Mother Nature, you should be prepared: The Grand Canyon can get very crowded. You have the South Rim, which is home to the Grand Canyon Village.
And then there’s the well-worn Bright Angel Trail, which is extremely popular for hikers and sightseers. It’s on this side that you’ll find the most frills. But if you want a break from the crowds, head to the North Rim.
This US adventure vacation spot is where you’ll discover backwoods camping and expert hiking. We also recommend signing up for a helicopter tour for a memorable canyon view.
This US adventure vacation spot sits in the Valley between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains and shines bright with natural beauty. Glancing in any direction instantly rewards you with verdant, open plains or mountainous backdrops.
The best way to see them is with a campervan or RV rental. From the ground to the rough peaks of the mountains run smooth cliff faces. The Flatirons look like the cliff face you could slide down, though we wouldn’t recommend it.
And while the Flatirons steal the show in this city, if you look just behind them, you’ll see 3 impressive peaks, The Guardians of the Flatirons. It’s towards these guys that you should be turning your attention.
The three peaks of The Guardians are South Boulder Peak, Green Mountain, and Bear Peak. Maxing out at over 8,500 feet, these mountains are no joke.
The best way to experience The Guardians is by doing a point-to-point, by climbing each peak in succession. There’s only one trail that will lead you the entire way.
With Grand Teton National Park to the north and miles upon miles of national forest every way you look, the Jackson Hole Valley has remained relatively separated from the burgeoning travel industry.
Instead, it managed to survive in local industries like ranching, logging, and fur trading during the 19th century. In recent years, though, this US adventure vacation spot has encouraged the rise of tourism.
Former blue-collar settlements like Grand Teton and Jackson now boast notable art and performance venues. And incredible ski resorts have recast the territory into an up-and-coming winter wonderland.
When planning your getaway, we recommend considering western Wyoming. Sure, you won’t be greeted by the glitz and glamour of Lake Tahoe or Aspen.
Still, the beauty and massiveness of the Jackson Hole area has caught the attention of Hollywood hotshots like Harrison Ford and politicians like former Vice President Dick Cheney.
And even with its fresh upgrade, this US adventure vacation spot remains first and foremost the core of mountain country, with miles of open space and rugged trails that remember a time before the West was won.
Kauai is every adventurer’s dream come true. It has picture-perfect beaches, lush jungles, and endless sunshine. Its beauty alone makes it an idyllic US adventure vacation spot. But this are is more than just a pretty face.
It’s also filled with many adventure activities, from the formidable Kalalau Hike to the trek to the Waimea Canyon lookout point. Alternatively, you’ll find some of Kauai’s most incredible campervan rentals here as well.
It’s a great way to explore the island freely at your own pace! Thrill-seekers will want to check out the Koloa Zipline. It will take you racing at high speeds over the beautiful treetops attached by a harness.
You can take in scenic vistas of the island’s forests and get your heartbeat running at the same time. The entire experience takes around three and a half hours. That’s because it includes 8 ziplines, 3 of which are among the lengthiest on the island.
For instance, the longest line, the Waita Line, is half a mile long.
Whether you love sports, history, and outdoor activities or appreciate beautiful scenery, you’ll adore this US adventure vacation. Located about 290 miles north of NYC and 250 miles northwest of Boston, the Adirondacks offer a welcome break from the area’s bustling cities.
During the colder seasons, visitors can participate in various outdoor activities, including skiing, bobsledding, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. And when summer rolls around, you can go fishing, biking, canoeing, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
But no matter what season of the year it is, you’ll have your pick of incredible scenery to explore, including Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and Tupper Lake, thanks to over 6 million acres spread across 12 areas. So don’t forget to pack your camera!
And for those looking to catch a break from the Adirondacks’ outdoor adventures, this mountainous area also features plenty of historical treasures.
In Lake Placid, travelers can experience all things Olympics while exploring the Olympic Sports Complex, the Olympic Jumping Complex, and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum.
And if sports history isn’t your cup of tea, there’s also John Brown Farm State Historic Site, which is the former home and gravesite of abolitionist John Brown.
There are also seasonal events, boutique shops and, Adirondacks-inspired gastropubs, and fine-dining restaurants.
And once you’re ready to settle down for the evening, you’ll find many accommodation options, ranging from traditional campgrounds and charming bed-and-breakfasts to lavish cabins and upscale resorts.
Be sure you let us know which of these US adventure vacations you choose to explore first. In the meantime, we think you’ll also like: Top 7 Best US Mother-Daughter Getaways for Your Bucket List
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