Forget the hotel gym. There are far more exciting ways of keeping fit on your vacation.
Here, we take you on a (sometimes nerve-shredding) tour of extreme adventures you can book around America in landscapes ranging from the searingly hot to the intensely cold.
There are treks you can take in Alaska that require crampons and ropes, high-altitude hikes in Hawaii with underfloor heating, and adventures in Utah that lead you through narrow slots of sandstone.
In Arizona, paddle through one of the country’s most stunning national parks, and in California, cycle through sweltering deserts while testing your climbing skills on towering granite formations.
All of the activities here can be experienced via guided tours, and to help you plan, we’ve included the names of companies for booking. Plus, we’ve highlighted hotels that provide great bases for launching your adventures.
1. Glacier Trekking — Alaska
What’s involved: This guided hike takes you across mesmerizing glacier terrain, where you’ll navigate ice caves and crevasses. Safety gear like helmets and crampons is usually worn, and you may be attached to a rope team for added safety. The trek generally lasts between two to four hours.
Top sights: Matanuska Glacier and Mendenhall Glacier are two popular trekking spots in Alaska. Each offers unique landscapes and breathtaking views.
Good to know: While climbing experience isn’t required, good balance is beneficial. Tours typically run from May to September.
Who to book with: Matanuska Glacier Adventures and Alaska Icefield Expeditions are great options.
Good gateway base: Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage provides an ideal base for your Alaskan adventures, featuring an indoor pool and stunning mountain views (rooms from $250).
2. Lava Field and Volcanic Trekking — Hawaii
What’s involved: Expect guided hikes across hardened lava flows and steep crater descents. The views are unforgettable!
Top sights: Haleakalā Volcano on Maui offers stunning landscapes, while Hawaii Volcanoes National Park showcases rugged lava fields.
Good to know: Prepare for fluctuating temperatures and wear sturdy boots with sun protection.
Who to book with: Consider Maui Hiking Company or Hawaii Forest & Trail for guided volcano hikes.
Good gateway base: Maui Seaside Hotel, Kahului (rooms from $220) offers proximity to Haleakalā along with outdoor pool access.
3. Slot Canyon Hiking and Canyoneering — Utah
What’s involved: Enjoy guided expeditions through narrow rocky formations, navigating between canyon walls and using ropes for controlled descents.
Top sights: Zion National Park is renowned for its stunning sandstone cliffs, while Grand Staircase-Escalante offers breathtaking slot canyons.
Good to know: Be aware of flash flooding risks, and ensure good mobility for canyon adventures.
Who to book with: Zion Adventure Company and Escalante Outfitters are excellent choices.
Good gateway base: Cable Mountain Lodge in Springdale (rooms from $300) is well-located for Zion adventures and offers a relaxing pool.
4. Expedition-Style White-Water Rafting — Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
What’s involved: Embark on multi-day rafting trips along the Colorado River, paddling through exhilarating rapids.
Top sights: Experience Lava Falls, one of the most thrilling rapids, alongside breathtaking waterfalls at Havasu Creek.
Good to know: Being a strong swimmer is essential and expect long days of adventure.
Who to book with: OARS and Arizona Raft Adventures provide great rafting experiences.
Good gateway base: Little America Flagstaff (rooms from $230) serves as the main gateway city for rafting trips.
5. Ultra-Endurance Cycling — Death Valley, California
What’s involved: This activity consists of long-distance road cycling through extreme heat, requiring careful hydration and stamina.
Top sights: Routes will lead you past Badwater Basin, North America’s lowest point.
Good to know: This is no casual cycling trip; prepare for high temperatures and hydration needs. Expect to consume between six and 10 liters of water daily.
Who to book with: Look for Escape Adventures for Death Valley endurance rides.
Good gateway base: The Inn at Death Valley (from $350) offers amenities in a picturesque desert setting.
6. Rock Climbing — Yosemite National Park, California
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What’s involved: This thrilling activity includes scaling dramatic granite walls, with some climbers even sleeping on vertical rock faces.
Top sights: Expert guides can take you up Yosemite’s iconic monoliths, including Half Dome and El Capitan, both offering breathtaking views.
Good to know: Strong fitness and a good head for heights are essential for both climbing and safety.
Who to book with: Yosemite Mountaineering School caters to experienced climbers, while Lasting Adventures offers less demanding options.
Good gateway base: Yosemite Valley Lodge (rooms from $320) is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of climbing adventures.
