There’s nothing wrong with a summer spent lounging at the beach. But if you want more than tan lines and sand in your shoes, consider embarking on one of these epic summer trips. We’ve ditched the tame in favor of a thrilling series of experiences you can complete on your summer break. Whether you’re a fan of crisp mountain air or sweeping glacier vistas, here are 10 incredible summer adventures for you to book right now.
Central Utah Backcountry Cycling
Central Utah has one of the largest stretches of true backcountry left in the nation. Escape Adventures’ six-day cycling tour goes eastward through contrasting desert scenery and high alpine forests along Utah Highway 12 (one of America’s most scenic highways) to Capitol Reef National Park.
https://escapeadventures.com/tour/utah-escalante-and-capitol-reef-national-park-road-bike-tour/
Yellowstone Ranch Getaway
Get away and give back during a stay at the historic O.T.O. Dude Ranch on the edge of Yellowstone National Park. Montana’s first dude ranch offers classic adventures like hiking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, archery, sport shooting and more, as well as locally inspired cuisine and cozy cabins. Proceeds from every stay go to preservation efforts at the National Register of Historic Places -listed ranch.
https://trueranchcollection.com/yellowstone-pop-up/
Galapagos, Andes + Amazon
Discover the enchanting Galapagos Islands at Scalesia Galapagos Lodge, explore the Amazon Rainforest at Sacha Lodge and experience the Ecuadorian Andes at Hacienda Piman, all in a 15-day tour. Learn about endemic flora and fauna, hike near active volcanoes, paddle tannin-rich blackwater creeks and explore the highlands of the Andes.
https://www.sachalodge.com/programs/#galapagos-programs
Wine + Bike Piedmont
The Langa and Monferrato regions of Piedmont are in one of the most important wine production areas in Italy and received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. Tourissimo’s Piedmont Barolo cycling tour will take you to the heart of these regions, over rolling hills covered with endless vineyards and past ancient castles and hidden hilltop hamlets.
https://www.tourissimo.travel/piedmont-wine-region-cycling-tour
Jackson Hole Glamping
Fireside Resort offers luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus a short distance from Grand Teton National Park, making it the perfect basecamp for summer adventures. Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting, enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife while hiking through the Tetons or revel in the wonder of Yellowstone National Park’s geothermal features.
https://www.firesidejacksonhole.com/
North Cascades Traverse
A new five-day trip from Wildland Trekking combines iconic North Cascades National Park backpacking and a stay at a remote lodge with no road access on Washington’s Lake Chelan. Backpack over alpine passes and through pristine wilderness to the lodge, then hike to views of the Stehekin Valley before returning to civilization by boat.
https://wildlandtrekking.com/trips/stehekin-lodge-backpacking-trip/
Patagonia Fjords Cruise
Book a nine-day voyage through Chilean Patagonia with Adventure Life and set sail among stunning fjords, islands, glaciers, peaks and wildlife. Visit Puerto Cisnes, San Rafael Bay and Glacier, the Gulf of Penas, the isolated village of Puerto Eden, the Strait of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego and the Beagle Channel, ending in Ushuaia, Argentina.
https://www.adventure-life.com/patagonia/cruises/17283/patagonia-chilean-fjords
Big Sky Summer Fun
A stay at The Wilson Hotel in Big Sky, Montana, offers the opportunity for summer fun in the surrounding mountains and rivers, as well as Yellowstone National Park. Hike through shaded forests and wildflower-filled meadows, float or fly fish clear, cool waters, experience the adrenaline rush of lift-served mountain biking or see the park’s natural wonders and wildlife.
National Parks RV Trip
AdventureGenie uses next-generation technology to understand what RV travelers want when planning exciting adventures. In addition to creating itineraries, AdventureGenie’s smart technology can intelligently generate custom journeys based on the most sought-after themed trips, with detailed trip guides and recommended campgrounds, RV parks and activities.
Yellowstone Family Rafting and Riding
This three-day whitewater rafting and horseback-riding package from Flying Pig Adventures offers families the opportunity to experience the Yellowstone National Park area like never before. The thrill of witnessing one of nature’s most iconic environments, tackling rough terrain on horseback and running class III rapids cannot be found anywhere else. What’s even better is if you travel in your RV and find an excellent RV park, you can combine this adventure with plenty of others, and really make the most of your time away from home.
https://www.flyingpigrafting.com/3-day-yellowstone-adventure