Adventure sports trips are all about experiencing new and exciting places near and far. And not all adventures require white-knuckle experiences or adrenaline junkies. The best trips let all skill levels test their limits while doubling down on comfort and fun.
Although adventure travel ideas are abundant in the U.S., crafting the right itinerary is a skill left to the pros. Whether you prefer to conquer challenging terrains on two wheels, navigate rapids on a raft, or ski down picturesque mountains, there are countless opportunities for you to create unforgettable memories, both on and off your feet.
In this post, we’ll explore four unique adventure sports trips in the U.S. and abroad, including cycling tours, rafting trips, and ski vacations. Get ready to be inspired and plan your next nature-fueled adventure.
Western River Expeditions’ Top Adventure Recommendations
4-Day Cataract Canyon Rafting Adventure
5-Day Desolation Canyon Expedition
5- or 6-Day Middle Fork Salmon River Rafting
3- or 4-Day Rogue River Lodge-to-Lodge Trip in Oregon
Experience an Epic Winter Adventure at evo Hotel Salt Lake City
There’s no doubt that Salt Lake—a modern ski hub with an eclectic demographic—is one of America’s best ski destinations. Thanks to a new “Epic Adventure” package, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts who book between now and March 30th at the new evo Hotel in Salt Lake City will receive:
- 25% off the best available rate
- Complimentary amenity fee
- $25 F&B credit at the welcoming Curator’s Café on the ground floor or the hip Crown Bar, with access to an outdoor seating area with a patio fire pit
- 10% off retail purchases at evo Retail Store, evo Salt Lake
- 30% off Ski and Snowboard Rental in evo Salt Lake
- Complimentary access for two people to climb at The Bouldering Project
- Complimentary access for two people at the onsite Skate Park
Every detail at evo Hotel pays homage to Salt Lake City and the outdoor recreation that guests will discover in the city’s iconic mountain surroundings. The property’s evo Salt Lake, a pro repair shop, offers ski and snowboard tuning, waxing, and binding mounting, so guests can conveniently rent or upkeep gear and enjoy the slopes more.
Guests enjoy the energetic vibes at the onsite climbing gym, Bouldering Project, and All Together Skatepark, where all are welcome. evo Hotel’s range of room types caters to diverse interests and needs, creating a vibrant social scene that spans solo travelers and families:
Rafter Rooms feature cozy cabin-style interiors, lightbox action photography at their entrances, and spacious chests in the hallway for storing large snowboards.
Boulder Rooms channel a retro lodge with climbers in mind and feature a pegboard as the headboard and figure 8 knots in the lamp wiring.
Bunk Rooms include a model ideal for traveling with kids, with a bathtub and curtains surrounding a bunk bed.
Wasatch Rooms feature specialized suites, including private balconies with sweeping mountain views and living and dining spaces.
Magnifica Cycling and Hiking Tours in Italy
The Magnifica edition tours started because they wanted to take guests to some of our favorite places and do it magnificently. Are you ready for the ride-and-dine experience of your lifetime? Here are Magnifica Tours Best Sellers
- April 23 – April 29, 2023
- October 22 – October 29, 2023
- May 23 – May 28, 2023
- August 26 – August 31, 2023
- June 13 – June 18, 2023
- September 12 – September 17, 2023
- May 14 – May 20, 2023
- October 6 – October 12, 2023
Veneto Grappa and Prosecco Cycling
- June 11 – June 17, 2023
- September 18 – September 24, 2023
Mountain Bike and Camp the Trail of the Ancients with Escape Adventures
East of the Colorado River, the Needles District of 330,000-acre Canyonlands National Park is named for the rock pinnacles that loom over the Southeast Utah landscape like an enormous succession of sentinels.
Ed Abbey once described it as “the weirdest, wonderful, magical place on Earth.” Located over 100 miles from the nearest interstate highway, Needles remains one of the most remote regions left in America. This six-day mountain bike Tour offers a unique POV into the region’s varied history.
The Trail of the Ancients accesses archaeological sites and significant cultural and historical sites in this remote region. Guests will ride past ancient Indian ruins into Ruin Park and The Needles District, hike slot canyons, pedal to Elephant Hill, traverse Lockhart Basin (a 50-mile jeep road that follows the gentle sways and contours of the Colorado River), pass over Chicken Corners and descend back to Moab.
The mountain bike and camp tour with first-class camping included starts at $1,499 per person.
“The Canyonlands region was looked upon as nothing but a wasteland until the mid-1940s,” said Jared Fisher, Director of Escape Adventures.
“Then, our nation’s urgent needs for uranium, vanadium, and petroleum products brought mining, prospecting, and drilling cycles to the area. These activities carved out most of the backcountry road and trail networks still in use today. But long before modern times, the Ancestral Puebloans developed a flourishing civilization in these canyons. Located far into the backcountry, vestiges of their society have remained undisturbed for over 800 years.”
Jared Fisher, Director of Escape Adventures
Geared to the intermediate rider and athletic beginner, the Trail of the Ancients, mostly dirt road, and double track route, features layered or staggered challenges. Though that landscape features only ramp up in difficulty in relation to your comfort level and skills expanding. Consider this the ideal substitute for the White Rim Trail, but marked by more remote riding coupled with deeper explorations.
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of the tour. All transportation, food preparation, meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies, and community gear are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations are included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile-first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and support vehicles.
Day 1-2: Meet in Moab. Shuttle to Needles. Ride Beef Basin to Needles Overlook. Ride to Ruin Park. Hike ruins.
Day 3-4: Ride through Needles; Hike slot canyons. Ride to Lockhart Trail.
Day 5-6: Ride Lockhart Basin to Chicken Corners. Ride over Hurrah Pass to Moab.