This country is so big that you will be able to find at least one perfect spot on this top of adventure destinations USA that is close to where you were planning on going if you were already making plans or something that can work for your next destination.
The United States is such a big country, that literally takes a whole continent-wide long, having one different ocean by each of its coasts, it’s obvious that the options for different destination options are countless. If you are not sure of what your next destination should be or unsure of what type of vacation have next, here we suggest you a top 25 of the best adventure destinations in the whole country so you can have plenty of options and information to plan your best overseas adventure travel this new year.
1. Juneau, Alaska
Called also “The Last Frontier” this place is full of adventure in its vast wilderness, their big mountains are what predominates on the scenery. Here you will have plenty to do like kayaking, hiking, a boat trip to watch the crumbling glaciers, fishing, glacier climbing while having amazing views of the wildlife around.
The best time to visit here is between May and August, where it will be warmer, temperature going around 15°C and 20°C during that month will make it more enjoyable.
2. Yosemite National Park, California
This place is a gem, its pure, natural, and unadulterated beauty will take your breath away and give you amazing views. Incredible trails some beautiful waterfalls over 300mts on the route, you can trek around the mountains, forests, and waterfalls, so beautiful that will make it feel like a dream.
The best time to visit Yosemite is between May and September, during this time is not too crowded and all the trails are reopened during this season thanks to the weather.
3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
This is the perfect spot for the ones who like travel and adventure, with lots of trails, hiking, and the fun is assured. Other forms of going around the park are also available like biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and snowmobiling (when the weather allows it) will be great ways to get to know the area and see all the fantastic scenery this place has to offer. There’s a 30 USD fee per vehicle, so you can get your friends or family together and get on a new adventure.
The best months to visit are between April and May, and between September and October, during these shoulder months, you’ll have milder weather, fewer crowds, and almost no roads closed.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
This is an underrated adventure destination and one of the best hiking spots in the United States. The views here are amazing, plenty of different trees makes it beautiful scenery perfect for a hike. Full of mountains with small waterfalls around is a great outdoor experience by all its trails, here you will find a lot of history around the town.
The best time to visit is March and May, and between September and November, discover around through the spring while all the blooms blossom or check it around fall when the leaves are changing colors and starting to fall.
5. Bend, Oregon
This is an adventure place but one where also can be relaxing, with all its lakes, trees, peaks, and the Deschutes River is what makes it so special and beautiful. There are chill open trails where it will be more about enjoying the view by biking, hiking, or just walking them. One of the most popular things to do here is tubing, so just sit, relax, and get on the river.
The best time to come here is during the summer season, between June and September, you can have all the fun here and enjoy all the attractions and things this place has to offer.
6. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
This place does look like a tropical island thanks to its turquoise waters, but here you will find snow-capped mountains as the backdrop, one of the most amazing views around. Here you will be able to enjoy your time doing kayaking, canoeing, boating, hiking, and exploring the trails. So, take your time here and enjoy the breathtaking views this incredible place offers.
The best time to visit is from September to November, these shoulder months have the best weather of the year here and you will be able to do anything before it closes for the snow, and the crowds are gone by this time.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
This is a stunning national treasure protecting its natural beauty by the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by woodland, this is an amazing place to visit and walk around its trails, make sure you make it on time to watch the sunrise, an early walk but totally a worthy one, the scenery will take your breath away, with the Cadillac Mountain in the view.
Visit this place between October and March to catch the most amazing sunrise views and enjoy mild crisp weather by fall and definitely fewer crowds.
8. Hyalite Canyon, Montana
Here you will find an amazing fauna, this is the home of many wildlife species and moose, mountain goats, weasels, and even grizzly bears can be spotted around. Ice climbing here is a fun and exhilarating thing to do here, and you should definitely try it at least once. If the ice climbing isn’t exactly for you, you will have great trails to check and amazing landscapes to view and contemplate the mesmerizing nature.
The best time to visit is between June and October to enjoy the trail and the views of the Hyalite Lake when the weather is warmer.
9. Maui’s North Shore, Hawaii
This paradise offers a lot of fun and it’s the perfect spot if you are looking for adventure travel. What could be more exciting than volcano hiking? That and more you’ll find here to make your vacations the best ones. There are many small islands around and different activities can be found around. Ziplining, snorkeling, kiteboarding, kayaking, and more. You will find amazing activities on the water and by the mountains as well. This tropical destination has it all.
The best part is that you can visit Hawaii all year round, the weather is always good, and the activities are always open thanks to that, but if you want to avoid the crowds you should plan your trip for the shoulders months between April and May, and between September and November, you will find better rates as well.
10. The Missouri River, Montana
This is the longest river in North America and the scenery offered is amazing here. You can paddle your way over the river by nearly 500mts, it will be a tiring situation but totally fun, exciting, and worth it. You can also do the trails that go all the way and enjoy the view, rocky cliffs frame the sky while gently meeting the edges of the water, a beautiful thing to picture. For many kilometers, the way is really quiet so you will be able to connect with yourself and with the nature that surrounds the area.
It is good to go all year round, you can even fish there in the dead of winter with great success, but to enjoy its perks and have more sun time it is best to visit between April and November.
11. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
As the largest national park in the United States, it is very probable that once you get inside the park you won’t cross another person for a while, that’s how big it is. This is an incredible total white view with some glacial lakes or forests in between, which makes the trails even more amazing and beautiful to visit. Because it is so big, it is very recommendable to go around with a guide so you don’t get lost and can also make your way faster to the glaciers and enjoy the view. This is a great place to watch the Aurora Borealis if you come during the “season” which is between September and April.
The best time to visit this park is between May and September, where you can catch the best views and nice weather. Be prepared for a lot of sun time, since during summer the sun sets by 11 pm and rises around 4 am.
12. Telluride, Colorado
This place is like the capital of adventure vacations, you can find here exciting and different things to do the whole year-round. Incredible to think that this amazing town used to be a gold and silver mining town until 1972. Here you will find plenty of ski trails starting for beginners through the most experienced ones. Incredible mountains can be also found around here where you will be able to do mountain biking, ultrarunning, rock climbing, paragliding, and trekking, it will be a great experience all the way.
We have said that all the year is a good opportunity to visit Telluride, but the best time is between June and August, and between November and April. Even though these are the high peak seasons, you’ll have a greater time since the activities are more on point due to the weather.
13. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This is another great adventure destination to visit all year round, you can ski, snowboard and tube during the strong winter months. When the weather is warmer you can opt for a sleigh ride to enjoy the views and have a relaxing time. During summer kayaking, whitewater rafting, climbing, or hiking are the best options to do around. The views here are amazing all the time as well, the vast green meets the snow-covered mountains, and mixed with the sky casting some dramatic shadows over the land is better than you can imagine.
The best time of the year to enjoy all the adventures that are not skiing or snow-related is during April, May, September, and October. If you are looking to explore the snow trails, the best time will be during winter when this is on point to do this kind of activity.
14. Chattanooga, Tennessee
This is a completely beautiful place and the perfect spot to have some adventure. You will find here what is called “the Grand Canyon of the Tennessee” having great trails to explore, climb, or hike plus, you can also try paddling around the Tennessee River. Also, try getting yourself up to a cliff and enjoy the amazing view you will get while you glide through the air, feeling like an eagle. This country city mixes the adventure and rush with the accessible town life.
The best to visit Chattanooga is around the fall, between September and November you will get the best weather and fewer crowds since the peak season just passed. And the leaves changing their colors make a whole spectacle around.
15. Moab, Utah
This is Utah’s adventure capital, and you will find plenty of hiking and cycling trails. This is an amazing desert-like landscape that offers great scenery around. You will have great hiking options and offer different difficulty trails for mountain biking going from beginner to expert. During the winter, the cross-country ski trails can be found, and it will be an amazing view to watch the red rock trails dusted and being covered in snow.
The best time recommended to visit Moab is during spring, the fewer crowds and the mild temperatures make it the perfect time to enjoy hiking, biking, or any outdoor activity that can be done around all day. A good time is also during fall because it has almost the same conditions, so these shoulder season months will offer the best experience time.
16 White Mountains, New Hampshire
This totally green landscape will leave you breathless if you could see how its leaves change colors during the year and the beautiful scenery it makes. The adventure part comes with the white water rafting that can be spotted across the few rivers that have different level rapids. For a dryer adventure check the trails around the mountains where you can hike and have the same exciting time. Let yourself immerse into nature and enjoy all the different activities.
The best time to visit the White Mountains is between late September and October, where you can find the best fall color in the Mountains and have a boost of adrenaline while enjoying the beautiful views.
17. Cody, Wyoming
This town is located by the edge of Yellowstone National Park but is no excuse to find your own adventures here. You can go fishing on the Clarks Fork River or hiking on its trails and mountains. If you are lucky, you will be able to watch buffalos crossing around. There are also excursions you could check for more local adventure which will also lead you to the great history behind this town. Enjoy its amazing scenery while hiking around and be back in time for a famous Rodeo in town.
The best time to visit Cody is around summer between July and August to have the best outdoor time, this time is rainless and warm temperatures, so the trails are excellent to check during this season.
18. Aspen, Colorado
In the middle of the Rocky Mountains, give the best location it could, and any time of the year will be a great time to enjoy and have a great adventure around. It has different mountains where you can choose from during winter to ski, enjoy skiing and ending on the many shops downtown. During summer and the warmer months, a visit to the Maroon Bells is a must, these twin summits will give you great trails to hike and wander around while enjoying breathtaking and incredible views of all the landscape.
Aspen is more known for its ski resorts and their cold wonders, so during winter is probably the best time to visit but try to go during the warmer months between June and September and you won’t be disappointed at all.
19. Bellingham, Washington
This is a paradise for mount biking lovers but is not the only adventure you can have around. This snow-covered volcano ripe offers the perfect spot for winter sports and turns into summer with great hiking trails. It has extensive trail networks where you can do biking, hiking, climbing, and running all year long along its trails. The greatest attraction here is the town’s famous Ski to Sea race, a rigorous trek starting by the Mount Baker slopes and going all the way down to the water of Bellingham Bay.
The best time to visit Bellingham is between March and May, during spring you will get mild and nice temperatures and less rain than the rest of the year, so it will be the perfect time to let your adventure side show.
20. Boise, Idaho
This city sits by the edge of the mountains and high desert, it offers a great long mix of trails of over 200 km. The Boise River is the perfect spot to do some canoeing and paddling. Its long trails offer a long list of outdoor activities like cycling, mountain biking, hiking, climbing during the warm months, and skiing during the winter. This is a great spot to go for outdoor travel and get some amazing scenic views.
Most of the activities can be done between March and May and that is why is probably the best time to visit Boise and enjoy it the most. The warm temperatures are ideal to try all the outdoor activities and clearly winter is the best time to go for the ski slopes.
21. Salt Lake City, Utah
This mountain town is the perfect escape for all the people who are looking to try skiing, climbing, mountain biking, running, cycling, paddling, and more because of the great trails and areas this city has to offer. You can follow the sunset on a cruise or catch it while kayaking or paddling and get the spectacular view that will be. There are many trails for the different activities this place has to offer and all year you will find a new adventure to pursue.
The best time to visit Salt Lake City is during September and October when all the crowds from the summer are long gone and the skiers haven’t arrived yet because is still too warm for that. Since it’s not peak season, you will find lower rates for the hotels and other amenities you wish for.
22. Burlington, Vermont
A great adventure destination by the Lake Champlain where paddling by the summer nights is a must and an incredible experience as well. This is a great place over New England for hiking, mountain biking, and even backpacking thanks to the beautiful views and great trails it has. You can even get a cruise on Lake Champlain and get a great view of the sunset. Check the mountains for some good climbing spots and hiking trails while enjoying the landscape.
The best time to visit Burlington is between May and September because you will be able to catch the local festival schedules as well as enjoy all the adventure around. The shoulder months of April and November have lower rates which could be more desirable for an adventure trip.
23. Boulder, Colorado
This city is situated between prairie and mountain, giving it the best location for plenty of outdoor sports plus excellent wildlife spotting. You can climb by the peaks of the mountains and check the cliffs while at it. The best way to experience the set of peaks called The Guardians is by climbing each peak in succession and getting a combination of the three trails. These mountains are excellent as well for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and trekking. While you are enjoying any of the activities you can get great wildlife watching around and amazing scenic views.
The best time to go to Boulder and enjoy it the most is during the spring or fall season when temperatures are good warm and there are plenty of festivals going on in town.
24. Adirondacks Mountains, New York
Going northeastern Upstate New York, you will find these mountains covering around 8,000 square kilometers, through all this area you can find beautiful and plenty of forests, lakes, rivers, and outdoor trails for different activities opportunities. Get canoeing on any of the lakes, go climbing or hiking by its rock faces, can also do some sightseeing around while enjoying the amazing views. During the winter months, skiing and winter sports are also an option offered here.
The best time to visit Adirondacks is between May and August, the warm weather will help to go to any of the outdoor adventure spots, and places are open for longer hours. During the winter clearly will be the best time to enjoy skiing and any other winter sport.
This has been a complete top 25 of the best adventure attraction places to visit in the United States if you are planning for an overseas adventure travel 2022. So, cease that the year is just beginning and start planning your next adventure because all these places are truly amazing and beautiful.
25. The Grand Canyon, Arizona
This place is completely iconic, and here you will find plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities like hiking, whitewater rafting, and riding. The helicopter rides will give you an amazing bird’s-eye view of all the Grand Canyon if you can get one booked. The views here are breathtaking and you will definitely be surprised by the power of Mother Nature. There are less crowded routes like the ones by the North Rim and you are welcome to do the trails on your own and at your own pace.
The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is between March and May, and between September and November; these shoulder months have milder weather and fewer crowds, so you’ll have an amazing time discovering around.
Keep in mind the restrictions or measurements being taken by each county, the United States has one policy regarding general restrictions, but each state and county has the power to increase the measurements taken on. Since the situation is changing rapidly, check back before traveling so you can have the best and updated information regarding your destination.
Wait no longer, get your visa and start packing for any of the destinations and let your adventurous side be free and enjoy your next vacation.
AdminPUBLISHED ON 13 Jan 2022
