Forget crowded tourist attractions and well-trodden city breaks – some US states offer thousands of campgrounds, endless trails and hundreds of opportunities for climbing, kayaking and rafting.
For those looking to escape the everyday and head deeper into the wilderness, choosing the right destination can make all the difference.
The team at Jantz Knife Making have analysed campground numbers, hiking trails, National Park Service-managed land, and adventure activities across the US to reveal America’s most adventurous states.
Alaska takes the top spot, achieving an impressive Adventure Score of 9.34/10, followed by Wyoming (8.67/10) and Montana (7.25/10).
America’s 10 most adventurous states
|
Rank |
State |
Campgrounds per 100,000 people |
Trails per 100,000 people |
NPS-managed land |
Adventure activities per 100,000 people |
Adventure Score |
|
1 |
Alaska |
33.6 |
171 |
12.8% |
97.9 |
9.34/10 |
|
2 |
Wyoming |
435.2 |
194 |
3.8% |
63.4 |
8.67/10 |
|
3 |
Montana |
600.1 |
150 |
1.4% |
22.3 |
7.25/10 |
|
4 |
Utah |
36.7 |
104 |
3.9% |
21.5 |
4.76/10 |
|
5 |
Maine |
1.6 |
188 |
0.8% |
5.7 |
4.74/10 |
|
6 |
New Hampshire |
4.5 |
186 |
0.4% |
1.1 |
4.52/10 |
|
7 |
Vermont |
6.8 |
173 |
0.4% |
1.7 |
4.37/10 |
|
8 |
California |
3.9 |
42 |
7.8% |
3.0 |
4.07/10 |
|
9 |
Idaho |
166.9 |
82 |
1.5% |
2.6 |
4.05/10 |
|
10 |
Colorado |
30.1 |
104 |
1.1% |
7.5 |
3.82/10 |
- Alaska is in first place, combining vast wilderness with an impressive range of outdoor opportunities. The state has 1,261 trails and 722 adventure activities, including climbing, kayaking and rafting.
- Alaska also has the highest proportion of land managed by the National Park Service among the ten states analysed, at 12.8%, helping cement its reputation as a destination for those looking to get away from the beaten track.
- Wyoming takes second place, despite having a population of fewer than 600,000 people. The state has 2,562 campgrounds, equivalent to an impressive 435.2 campgrounds per 100,000 people, as well as 1,140 trails and 373 adventure activities.
- Meanwhile, Montana ranks third, with the highest number of campgrounds in the top ten. The state has an enormous 6,869 campgrounds, equivalent to 600.1 per 100,000 people.
“Adventure isn’t always about travelling to the most extreme or remote location possible. For many people, it’s about having the opportunity to step away from everyday life, explore somewhere unfamiliar and develop practical outdoor skills,” says Shanna Kemp, manager at Jantz Knife Making.
“States such as Alaska, Wyoming and Montana offer an incredible combination of wilderness, trails and outdoor activities, making them particularly appealing for anyone looking to spend more time outside and experience the natural environment.”
Shanna adds, “When you’re heading into the wilderness, preparation becomes particularly important. Having versatile, reliable equipment and knowing how to use it safely can make a big difference when you’re further away from the conveniences of everyday life.”