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This is the shortlist you would send a walking friend: 14 treks worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Spend about three hours on 97 aerial challenges across six courses near Walt Disney World. After a safety lesson and practice course, you tackle nets, bridges, swings, zip lines, and obstacles 10 to 50 feet above a pine forest. It suits active families age 7 and up.
“Though I’m scared to death of heights I did it. Great experience! Already thinking about bring my family back”
Leave Anchorage at 8 a.m. for Matanuska Glacier, about two hours away. Your guide, such as Patrick, Holly, Hunter, or Grace, handles the drive, safety briefing, and glacier route. Expect spiked footwear, helmets, blue ice, narrow passages, photo stops, and a hike of roughly two hours.
“This was an amazing experience! Holly was our main guide and Chris was our glacier certified guide. Both were super knowledgeable, and Holly took pictures of us throughout so we could enjoy the experience and not to have to worry about always getting a great pic. Our group ended up being small (8) which worked out well. We had a variety of physical fitness levels but everyone made it through. It was mostly pretty easy with a few moderately strenuous parts. Per the guides, the trail changes depending on what time of year you go so some may be easier and some may be harder than what I experienced. You…”
Ride from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier in a small Mercedes Sprinter van, then spend about two hours on the ice with guides such as Sophia, Jason, or Elias. Expect microspikes, helmets, glacier formations, photo stops, and lunch at a lodge with a glacier view. Minimum age is 8.
“It is a MUST activity! You won’t be disappointed!! The glacier walk is amazing. Drive to glacier is gorgeous. Lunch at the lunch is delicious! Such an incredible tour!”
Meet at Moqui Cave near Kanab, then ride an ATV into Cave Lakes Canyon for a beginner-friendly Via Ferrata and 180-foot rappel. Guides such as Wyatt, Keith, Andy, and Mickey coach you through the climb. The 2.5-hour trip suits first-timers with moderate fitness.
“I was with the guide Mickey, he was very nice and he speaks very clearly for foreign people (I'm French). We made the via ferrata and a rappel at the end. The route is quite easy except 1 or 2 parts a little bit more complicated but the activity is appropriate for very beginners.”
Travel from downtown Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier in a small group, stopping in Palmer for food before a guided three-hour ice walk. Guides such as Sophie, Jacob, Jason, and Chris provide glacier safety, crampons, warm gear, and stories about Alaska along the way.
“We really like the tour and guide is really knowledgeable and friendly!! Highly recommended!!! Will definitely join the tour again next time!”
You’ll hike from Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead up Black Bear Pass Road, gear up above 10,000 feet, then traverse Telluride’s Via Ferrata from east to west with a private guide. Chad Peele and Chris have been praised for calm instruction, local history, safety, and photos.
“This was our first time to do this type of activity. Our guide Chris was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable about the history of the area. He took photos for us. He was very patient with us and made sure we we comfortable and safe.”
At The EDGE: Epic Sky Trek in Castle Rock, choose from 120 aerial obstacles and ziplines up to 50 feet high. A smart safety system, strong harnesses, and staff such as Austin and Jack help kids and adults move at their own pace. Plan on about three active hours, plus breaks.
“We have done this a couple of times as a family. The first time was a ton of fun during summer and then we just did it again. The staff there is friendly, helpful, and patient. Austin was our guide who was amazing with the children and it was a fun way to spend the day as a family. We will continue to come back if you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity for everyone in your family from children to adults this is the activity for you”
Ride from your Las Vegas hotel in a small-group Pink Jeep tour trekker with an English-speaking NAI Certified Guide. Follow Red Rock Canyon’s 13-mile scenic loop, stopping at the Visitor Center, Calico Hills, Wilson Cliffs, and Red Springs. Guides such as Chris, John, and Sandy add local detail.
“I enjoyed the trip very much, even though I was traveling alone. It was a very sunny day; the air was clean, and the spectacular landscapes created by nature and the variety of plants that take root in the desert were healing for me. Many thanks to Jurgen, our guide. I learned a lot from your excellent explanations of the sights, and the conversation was delightful. It was a marvelous and unforgettable trip!”
Ride from Las Vegas in a climate-controlled Tour Trekker with a guide such as Chris, John, or Don. Visit Dante’s View, Badwater Basin, Artist’s Palette, Harmony Borax Works, and Devil’s Golf Course, with lunch, water, park fees, and hotel pickup included.
“Dennis was great. Share with us many interesting facts about the area. The stops we made had great scenery and Dennis offered to take pics of us. Anyone wanting to see Death Valley from Vegas, this is definitely the way to do it. Most importantly plenty of water available.”
Ride from Las Vegas to Valley of Fire in a comfortable 10-seat Tour Trekker, stopping at Rainbow Vista, Atlatl Rock, and Fire Canyon. Your English-speaking guide explains geology, Native American cultures, and the Las Vegas area. Lunch, water, hotel pickup, and return transport are included.
“A great viewing trip with opportunities to get up close to many formations. Chris was an excellent driver/guide with an enjoyable personality and an extensive source of information.”
Travel from your Las Vegas hotel in a comfortable Pink Jeep Tour Trekker with up to nine people. See Badwater Basin, Artists’ Palette, Devil’s Golf Course, Harmony Borax Works, and 20 Mule Team Canyon. Guides such as Nora, Bob, and Sandy add history and local detail.
“I would like to mention our guide and driver Sandy was exceptional. Pickup from hotel was on time and we left within 30 mins. Stopped on the way for breakfast- I was hungry, since i was the first one and Sandy assured me that she would stop before the drive to Death Valley Sandy was very knowledgeable about the history of Las Vegas as a city from its beginnings. Death Valley itself is stunning- bring a light jacket if visiting during Spring time as it can get cold and windy on the mountains. Death Valley itself was a pleasant 67 F. The drive smooth and I commend Sandy on being…”
Travel from Anchorage to Matanuska Glacier in a small group of up to 10. Guides such as Daniel, Petra, Leona, and Will lead a two-hour ice hike, explain glacier features, and help with photos. Pickup, snacks, water, winter gear, and safety equipment are included.
“Generally the tour took 2 hours drive to Matanuska, a 2 hour hike and 2 hours drive to return. I am not sure why limit the time for hike to two hours, wonder to cater for the physical and safety of the visitor.. The tour guide at the glazier site was strict, unpleasant tone and everyone must follow the walk on the glacier one by one with few stopovers for photo taking. I can understand it was for the safety of everyone particularly the tour had pre-teen/teen. But kind of boring. We expect something more interesting and challenging. Also October was a shoulder season which is lack of snow and…”
Climb three 250-plus-foot Via Ferrata pitches on private red and white rock near Zion with a guide such as Noah or Tyler, then complete four rappels, including a 165-foot drop into a white-rock slot canyon. Gear and water are provided, but expect dirt, heights, and a demanding half-day.
“Great adventure! It gives the experience of climbing a canyon wall and rappelling in a relatively safe way. Noah, our guide, was extremely competent and calm. My wife has a slight fear of heights and Noah’s calm presence was a huge help.”
In a group of up to eight, your guide leads you up two 250-plus-foot Via Ferrata pitches above Orderville Valley, then down two rappels into a small white-rock slot canyon. Whitney has guided at least some outings. You need hiking shoes, moderate fitness, and clothes that can get dirty.
“It was just the two of us with Whitney- she was relaxed and fun! We moved pretty quickly so we did an additional climb and rappel. Loved it! Ready for the next adventure!”
Pick a range, a cone or a valley.
