Top 10 Adventures in the US

Mark Pawlak    Adventure Sports & Travel Thoughts     4x4, adventure holidays US, Adventures in the US, California, colorado, Colorado River, east coast, florida, holidays to America, Horse Riding, indian county, montana, Overland tours, Rock Climbing, Scuba Diving, Skiing, top ten adventures in the US, travelling in the US, trekking, united states, USA holidays, Walking, whitewater rafting

It’s such a big place! Seriously, look at an online map of the US, perhaps pick just one state, and then zoom in. Vast. Past this, the superlatives rarely match the scale. And if you’ve never visited, deciding where to find the best adventures in the US is a daunting task.

Let’s see if we can help:

Kayaking in Alaska

This area of natural beauty has such a rugged coastline that in places only a kayak will suffice. And as the largest state, bristling with mountains, glaciers and national parks, it really is top of an adventurer’s ‘to visit’ list. There’s the chance to paddle through fjords, enjoy the calm waters of glacial lakes, and even get some sea kayaking in – maybe even some whale watching.

Image: Flickr//lucylu

The coast-to-coast road trip

The road trip is a classic travel experience, and the US offers up one of the widest selections of tarmac tours. Travelling coast-to-coast is almost a rite of passage, little wonder as you’ll visit the most majestic wildernesses: Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Great Lakes, and pass Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse – even get to see the Niagara Falls. From coast-to-coast, from metropolis to mountain valley, it’s a great journey.

East Coast tours

Washington DC overflows with history, and is a capital that will captivate and entertain in equal measure. But head south for the real surprises. After the Appalachian Mountains it’s onto New Orleans, the beaches of the Florida coast, Orlando, and ultimately, Miami. With sufficient time on your hands, you could spend months following this route; you’ll need several days just to absorb the unique style and culture of New Orleans.

4×4 Driving in Indian Country

The traditional territory of the Navajo Indians is between southern Utah and northern Arizona. Where routes between Monument Valley and Moab were once only accessible to braves on horseback, some of these stunning grounds can also be reached by 4×4. Expect flat -topped mesas and sandstone arches as well as opportunities to get on your horse and ride.

Climbing in California

California is much more than a sunshine state: it’s home to the stunning climbing routes of Yosemite and Joshua Tree national parks. Options include the most basic learner scrambles, but also the heart-quickening and internationally respected challenges found near Yosemite’s Camp 4.

Rafting The Grand Canyon

Picture the Grand Canyon: it’s easy to conjure up an image of sun-baked ravines and colossal valleys, and easy to forget this is the place for some of the best white-water rafting in the world. Fast, powerful water fills sections of the Colorado River, its rapids graded 8-10 in places – on a scale of 1-10, gulp!

Image: Flickr/YoTuT

Skiing in Colorado

The US landmass can serve up top winter activities as well as it can other adventure sports. Colorado has prime skiing and snowboarding real estate, and Boulder leads powder and piste fans to Eldora Mountain Resort. Nearby, there’s also Breckenridge, a classic Colorado mountain town. Try Vail, just two hours from Boulder, if you like more commercial locations and Copper Mountain for great backcountry routes.

Horse riding in Missouri

Ranching was a traditional way of life in the US. With swathes of fertile grassland stretching along the Missouri River, this state provided prime land on which to raise cattle and horses. And it still does. There are family owned ranches here that welcome tourists, provide guided riding tours, and give you access to wonderful pine forests and creeks: a traditional adventure holiday.

Hiking in Montana

Between Montana and Alberta (Canada) is the world’s first International Peace Park. Waterton-Glacier, thanks to its geographical position, unites prairie, alpine and mountain communities, and is home to plant species found nowhere else in the world. Hiking here you’ll have access to five large eco-regions and enjoy routes that pass snow-capped peaks and follow 100kms of rivers, and streams: a hiker’s dream – and there’s a Waterton three-peaks challenge for the fittest.

Image: Flickr/Daquella manera

Scuba diving in Florida

With more than 1,000 miles of coastline, Florida has some prime dive spots. The main attractions are the reefs found off the Florida Keys and South Florida. For divers in the US, these are the only naturally occurring reefs, so real efforts have been made to protect them. There are also shore-entry dives to try and wrecks to be discovered. Florida Keys has the warm currents of the Gulf Stream and there’s even diving to be had in the state’s inland springs and lakes.

About the author

Mark Pawlak wrote 194 articles on this blog.

Editor at Adventure Sports Holidays, Mark's love affair with travel and the challenges of adventure sports continues... "You could save all year for a two-week, all-inclusive, doss by the pool, booze and buffet binge. Or, with a little planning and some good equipment, get off your arse and plan an adventure!"

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