The 6 Best US States for Adventure Seekers

The best U.S. states for adventure all have something special going on, evoking emotion that's hard to put a finger on.

Whether it's the natural wonder of sheer cliff faces, man-made attractions like daunting theme parks, or death-defying adventure activities to keep your day-to-day exhilarating, these states keep the adrenaline levels high at all times.

Arizona is a breathtakingly spectacular state, with its sheer expanse matched by its desert landscapes.

If you're interested in wandering out into the wild, you'll find plenty of great hiking trails, climbing spots, and other outdoor adventures, each with jaw-dropping backdrops. An absolute stand-out is the Bright Angel Trail, found in the Grand Canyon National Park. Starting high and descending quickly from the Grand Canyon South Rim means you're treated to some incredible views you won't get elsewhere.

If you're looking for something more extreme, you can go caving, explore the Grand Canyon via helicopter, or even try skydiving for the ultimate view of the state.

For those after activities that keep your feet firmly on the ground, you can find loads of great festivals and events scattered throughout the year, meaning there's something for everyone.

'The Golden State' is one of the most famous states in the USA, and there are plenty of good reasons why it's one of the highlights of the West Coast.

Great year-round weather and lots of unique scenery mean you won't be the only traveller there, and if you're travelling America after camp, it's a well-trodden route by summer camp staff.

If you're interested in outdoor adventures, you can find plenty of places to go hiking, with the John Muir Trail being one of the most famous. There are also loads of places to go climbing (with Yosemite National Park having long lured adventure climbers), swimming, and countless other fun outdoor activities.

Touching on National Parks, some of the most famous and best U.S. national parks are right here in California. This includes the picturesque Yosemite and Joshua Tree National Parks, helping you get your nature fix.

As far as more controlled adventure activities go, California is home to plenty of great theme parks, including Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood.

There are also loads of exciting sporting events to attend, from football games to music festivals, providing plenty of thrills for nature, sports, and music lovers alike.

Colorado boasts a diverse landscape with wild expanses, rugged mountain ranges, and vibrant cities. As such, it's no surprise that it has some of the best adrenaline activities in the U.S.

Being one of the U.S. mountain states means you'll find hiking trails, skiing runs, skydiving spots, and more at every ridge. Skiing holds a special place in Colorado, with Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge all calling the state their home. They're some of the best ski areas in the entire U.S., so you'll often find ski buddies here during winter.

For those wanting to explore at a slower pace, the hiking trails are wonders to behold. The Blue Lakes Trail is one of our favourites, as is the incredibly named Garden of the Gods (also called the Perkins Central Garden Loop).

There's also a thriving arts and culture scene in Colorado, with plenty of museums, galleries, and other attractions you can visit, especially in the capital, Denver.

If you're looking for thrills in the sun (or sea), 'The Sunshine State' is the place for you.

Whether on land, in the sea, or even through the air, Florida has it. If you want to keep your feet on steady ground, there's a range of U.S. national parks or even American road trips you can take that will fill your adventure fix. But Florida is surrounded by water, and they use it to their advantage. Water sports enthusiasts flock here, with wakeboarding, windsurfing, and kitesurfing all available, whereas those wanting to explore 'the world beneath' are spoiled with loads of excellent scuba diving spots.

Yet, Florida is probably most well known for its array of theme parks and dense collection of adrenaline activities in the U.S.

Disney's Magic Kingdom takes centre stage, but there's also Universal Studios and Busch Gardens, each taking you on adventure rides through themed worlds.

If you're looking for some of the best activities all in one place, then Florida is definitely one of the best U.S. states for adventure.

Famous for Las Vegas, Area 51, and its desert landscapes, Nevada has has a very ‘other-worldly’ every traveller.

This desert state is one of the best places for adrenaline activities in the U.S., as there's so much you can do with so few people around. Quad biking through dunes, visiting the Seven Magic Mountains art installation, or peering at the Hoover Dam are examples of how varied the activities are. Plus, that's before even talking about the natural beauty, with the Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation, and the Great Basin National Park taking you on a journey with its out-of-this-world looking landscapes.

If you want to experience something a little more extreme, you can head to its most famous city, Las Vegas. There are more than enough activities to keep you busy for days here, but for the highest thrill, head to the Stratosphere. From atop Las Vegas's tallest building, you can go on different rides, including the SkyJump, a controlled free fall from the top to the floor (if you dare).

There are also plenty of exciting sporting and music events in Nevada (such as Burning Man Festival), so you won't find yourself bored here any time soon.

Many, understandably, think of the Big Apple when they hear New York. But getting out of the city and into the wider state is an even bigger eye-opener.

When you hear Niagara Falls, many think of Canada instinctively. But did you know you can also experience the Falls on the U.S. side in New York State? There's a phrase 'in Canada you can see the Falls, whereas in New York you can feel them', referring to the sheer force of experiencing this natural wonder from the 'other side'.

Natural beauty isn't in short supply, either. You can take a trip to Letchworth State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, or up to Hudson River Valley, giving you a wide selection of outdoor activities to do.

If you've just finished summer camp and you're flying home from New York City, give yourself some extra time to explore the state and the city.

If you're looking for a place where every day feels like an adventure, then these are the best states in the USA for adventure seekers.

With everything from arid deserts to craggy mountains sprawling from the West Coast to the East, there's no shortage of adrenaline activities in the U.S. to get the blood pumping and to feel alive.