United States Adventure Tours

The best United States adventure tours combine iconic national parks, wilderness areas, and rivers with professional, expert guides who are as passionate about guiding as they are about adventure. Popular tours include hiking in Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks, trekking through Glacier National Park, rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho or the wild waterways of Alaska, descending into the Grand Canyon, wildlife safaris in Yellowstone, and exploring America’s oldest mountain range — the Appalachians. MT Sobek has been leading award-winning hiking, rafting and multi-adventure trips across the United States for more than 50 years.

Learn More: Ultimate Guide to Adventure Travel in the United States

Some of our team’s favorite national park hiking destinations include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Denali, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Arches National Parks. Each park offers distinct landscapes, features, trails and experiences. For desert canyons, unique rock formations, Native American history and warm temperatures, look to Utah’s national parks, Death Valley, Grand Canyon and Sedona. For towering jagged peaks, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and wildlife, Yosemite, Yellowstone and Glacier are the best destinations. Guided hiking tours enrich the experience by increasing safety, taking care of logistical details and educating guests about the geology, wildlife and cultural history of each destination.

Learn More: Our 10 Favorite Hiking Destinations in the United States

The best time depends on the destination and activity you’re interested in. Spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) offer moderate temperatures for hiking in the Southwest deserts, while summer (June-September) is ideal for mountain destinations like Alaska, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Glacier. Winter (December-February) brings opportunities for skiing or snowshoeing in the mountains and exploring lower-elevation national parks like Joshua Tree and Death Valley. At MT Sobek we schedule departures throughout the year to take advantage of the best seasonal conditions in every region.

Learn More: When to Go: A Seasonal Guide to US Adventure Travel

For many travelers, guided hiking tours provide a richer, more rewarding experience than traveling independently. Professional guides handle logistics, transportation, accommodations, permits, and safety while sharing local knowledge about wildlife, geology, history, and insider knowledge about how to avoid crowds, see the best highlights and take advantage of weather conditions. The trust that comes with this level of expertise allows you to focus entirely on enjoying the adventure.

For every adventure it’s important that you are in good physical health and that you exercise regularly. Finer fitness requirements vary by itinerary. Many MT Sobek trips are suitable for active travelers who regularly enjoy walking or hiking, while other tours involve longer days, higher elevations, or more challenging terrain. Every MT Sobek itinerary has a specified activity level (rated 1-5) so you can choose the adventure that best matches your fitness and experience.

Learn More: MT Sobek Activity Levels

What to pack depends on when and where you’re traveling. Mountain destinations will require different clothing and equipment than desert destinations. However, most trips require reliable hiking shoes or boots, moisture-wicking clothing (except in the desert where cotton is a better choice when it’s hot), rain gear, sun protection, warmth layers (especially in the mountains), a daypack, water bottles or a hydration bladder, a headlamp or flashlight, and trekking poles if you prefer them. Specialized equipment such as rafting gear, helmets, or technical climbing equipment is typically provided when needed. When you register for a MT Sobek trip, you will receive a comprehensive packing list.

Learn More: Planning Tips for North America Adventure Travel

A guided adventure or hiking tour relieves the stress of planning: organizing permits, reserving accommodations, arranging transportation, route planning, and thinking through safety logistics. Professional guides also know the best trails, the ideal timing, the most scenic viewpoints, the richest wildlife viewing opportunities, and local hidden highlights that are easy to miss of traveling independently. The result is a smoother, safer, and more enriching travel experience.

Learn More: Guided or DIY Adventure Travel in North America

MT Sobek offers a variety of active vacations throughout the United States, including guided hiking and trekking, rafting expeditions, lodge-based adventures, multi-adventure tours, wildlife journeys, family adventures, and custom private departures. Trips range from classic national park highlights to remote wilderness expeditions few travelers ever have the honor of experiencing.

Learn More: Award-winning North America Adventure Tours or 15 Bucket List Adventures in North America

Absolutely. Many itineraries are designed with first-time adventure travelers in mind and feature moderate daily hikes or floats; comfortable accommodations; and dedicated, supportive guides. More experienced hikers and adventurers can also choose more challenging trips and expedition-style itineraries like MT Sobek’s Alaska rafting trips. With multiple activity levels available, there’s an adventure for nearly every traveler.

Choose a hiking tour if you want days built around scenic walks, summit views, canyon exploration, waterfalls, forests, and/or national park highlights. Choose a rafting trip if you want a more thrilling adventure with canyon scenery, camp life, whitewater, and a fun group atmosphere. Choose a multi-adventure itinerary if you want variety—often combining hiking with rafting, kayaking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, or lodge-based exploration.

Learn More: Ultimate Guide to Adventure Travel in the United States and 5 Best Multi-day Rafting Trips in the United States