The 2026 American Adventure Index

The best adventure vacations are not about doing more. They are about doing the right things, in places where space, scenery, and silence still exist. For those looking for luxury vacation rentals in the US, that often means finding places where outdoor adventure and privacy go hand in hand.

To find out where adventure feels most rewarding in 2026, we created this index, ranking all 50 US states on access to land, water, and winter experiences.

We looked beyond headline attractions, measuring how easy it is to actually enjoy the outdoors, factoring in trail density, national parks, camping access, and water-based activities, all adjusted per 100,000 residents.

The Best US State for an Adventure Vacation in 2026

Not all adventure looks the same once you arrive.

At the very top of the 2026 American Adventure Index are states that make outdoor travel feel effortless.

These destinations offer more than variety. They give travelers room to explore without crowds, the freedom to shape each day around energy levels and interests, and landscapes that feel expansive rather than overused.

*per 100,000 people

1. Wyoming: Adventure Score of 9.45/10

Wide open, dramatic, and refreshingly unhurried, Wyoming takes first place as the best adventure state in the US for 2026. It’s a destination where the landscape sets the pace, and where outdoor experiences still feel personal.

Why Is Wyoming in First Place?

Wyoming ranks number one because it offers exceptional access to land and winter adventures, supported by two of the most iconic national parks in the country.

It leads the index for hiking trails, with 187.9 trails per 100,000 people, which is more than three times the national average of 51.9. Mountain biking and horseback riding are equally strong, with expansive trail networks that move through alpine valleys, high plains, and forested foothills.

Much of Wyoming’s adventure revolves around Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Together, they attract over 1.4 million recreation visits per 100,000 residents, yet still manage to feel spacious.

Geysers, roaming wildlife, alpine lakes, and towering peaks shape the landscape, while thoughtful timing makes it easy to find calmer trails and viewpoints. When winter arrives, ski resorts and vast backcountry terrain bring a quieter, snow-covered side of the state into focus.

What Kind of Traveler Is Wyoming Perfect For?

Wyoming suits travelers who value space, scenery, and flexibility. It is a destination where days do not need to be tightly planned, and where the landscape naturally sets a calmer, more rewarding pace.

• Couples who find romance in wide-open views, quiet trails, and evenings spent under vast, star-filled skies, rather than busy nightlife.

• Families where different interests and energy levels need to coexist. Some can head out for longer hikes or wildlife spotting, while others enjoy gentler walks, lakeside stops, or simply taking in the views, all within the same area and on the same day.

Chief of Staff, Mat Kowalewski, recommends… Wander Tetonglow Jackson Hole

Set against the dramatic peaks of the Teton Range, this mountain retreat is designed for gathering, slowing down, and taking in the scale of Wyoming’s landscape. Mornings begin with panoramic views that stretch across the valley, while evenings naturally draw everyone toward the warmth of the indoor fireplace or out to the private fire pit beneath vast, star-filled skies.

Between adventures, the home offers space to truly unwind. Guests have access to a private club with an outdoor hot tub and fitness center, while on-site features include a fully equipped gym, wet bar, and generous seating areas that make long, unhurried nights feel effortless.

2. Alaska: Adventure Score of 9.20/10

Alaska is the kind of place that reminds you how big the world really is. Days stretch longer here, landscapes feel almost unreal, and even familiar adventures, like hiking or kayaking, take on a sense of scale you simply do not find elsewhere in the US.

This is not a destination you rush through. It is one you sink into, where glaciers, wildlife, and wide-open water shape the rhythm of every day.

Why Is Alaska in Second Place?

In Alaska, adventure is guided by the elements. Rivers, glaciers, and open water shape the days, while the sheer scale of the landscape creates a sense of freedom that is hard to find elsewhere.

It is home to eight national parks, more than any other place in the top 10. Alaska also supports a broad mix of outdoor exploration, with 199.3 mountain biking trails and 164.7 hiking trails per 100,000 people – both of which are more than double the national averages (91.3 mountain biking trails and 51.9 hiking trails per 100,000 people across the country).

Water is central to Alaska’s experience. River rafting, glacier cruises, and windsurfing bring a sense of movement and scale, while winter opens up a quieter world of snow-based adventure beneath wide, open skies.

What Kind of Traveler Is Alaska Perfect For?

Alaska is ideal for travelers seeking experiences that feel lasting and deeply memorable. It is a place where the scale of the landscape, the quality of the moments, and the sense of perspective stay with you long after you return home.

• Experienced adventurers who are ready for something genuinely different. Alaska rewards confidence and curiosity, with experiences that feel immersive rather than curated. Think hiking where trails stretch on without interruption, kayaking alongside glaciers, or spending full days outdoors without seeing another group.

• Nature lovers and photographers who are drawn to moments that cannot be staged. Glaciers calving into the sea, wildlife encounters that happen without warning, and long summer days where the light seems to linger well into the evening all shape trips here. It is a place where patience is repaid with unforgettable scenes.

Chief of Staff, Mat Kowalewski, recommends… Wander Alaska Slopes

This Scandinavian-inspired retreat sits quietly within Alaska’s mountain landscape, where sweeping views and crisp air shape the pace of each day. With Alyeska Ski Resort close by, mornings can begin on the slopes, while afternoons invite a slower rhythm back at home.

Evenings here are all about warmth and contrast. Sink into the hot tub as the temperature drops, ease tired muscles in the sauna, or gather around the fireplace as snow settles outside. A separate guest house adds privacy for larger groups, while the balcony offers a front-row seat to Alaska’s vast, ever-changing scenery. It is a refined base for experiencing the wildness of the state without giving up comfort.

3. Montana: Adventure Score of 8.85/10

Montana delivers adventure with breathing room. It is a place where you can spend the morning riding or hiking through open country, and still be back in time for a long lunch by the water or an easy afternoon exploring at your own pace.

The landscape is bold and beautiful, but never overwhelming. Montana’s appeal lies in how naturally adventure fits into the day, making it one of the most versatile and welcoming outdoor destinations in the country.

Why Is Montana in Third Place?

Montana is the perfect place for land-based adventure.

It ranks second nationally for mountain biking trails, with 430.7 trails per 100,000 people, just behind Vermont. However, it leads in horseback riding, with 216.2 trails per 100,000 people, which is over 10 times the national average of 21.2.

Glacier National Park provides a dramatic focal point, while the state’s hiking and camping spots allow for trips that mix active days with long, scenic pauses.

What Kind of Traveler Is Montana Perfect For?

Montana is especially well-suited for versatile trips, where adventure and ease sit side by side.

• Active families who want days that feel full but never frantic. Montana makes it easy to mix hiking, biking, or horseback riding with slower moments, whether that is time by the water, scenic drives, or relaxed afternoons back at the house.

• Groups of friends looking for variety without pressure. One day might be spent exploring trails or rivers, while the next is spent enjoying long lunches, easy conversations, and unhurried evenings.

Chief of Staff, Mat Kowalewski, recommends… Wander Paradise Valley Peaks

Tucked into the heart of Montana’s Paradise Valley, this retreat feels both grounded and elevated. Expansive views stretch across the lake and toward the surrounding peaks, creating a constant connection to the landscape beyond the windows.

Days here unfold gently. Evenings are best spent by the fireplace or outside around the fire pit, where the sky opens wide, and the quiet feels complete. The design blends rustic textures with modern elegance, creating a space that feels welcoming without losing its sense of refinement. It is an ideal setting for families or groups who want Montana’s wilderness close at hand, paired with the ease of a beautifully considered home.

The Best States For…

Ski Resorts

Vermont - 3.9 per 100,000 People

Vermont has the highest concentration of ski resorts in the country, which means less time in queues and more time on the mountain. Its compact size makes it easy to move between slopes and villages in a single trip, allowing for a combination of active days and relaxed evenings.

This is skiing at a comfortable, unrushed pace. Early starts feel calm, lift lines stay manageable, and après scenes lean toward fireside dinners and quiet town centers rather than late nights.

Wander Travel Tip from Chief Marketing Officer, Kyle Tibbits:

If you can, ski Vermont midweek. I’ve found Tuesday and Wednesday mornings feel noticeably calmer, especially at smaller resorts, and the snow is often at its best before weekend traffic moves in.

It’s the difference between squeezing in runs and skiing at your own pace.

Mountain Biking Trails

Vermont - 484.2 per 100,000 People

Not content with just one sport, Vermont also stands out for mountain biking thanks to an exceptionally dense trail network winding through forests, farmland, and purpose-built trail systems. Routes vary widely, allowing riders to mix technical terrain with scenic rides over the course of a day.

For bike-led trips, this density matters. It keeps the focus on time in the saddle, not travel between trailheads, leaving room for swims in nearby lakes or long, easy dinners afterwards.

Wander Travel Tip from luxury vacation advisor, Rachel Entwistle:

I always plan Vermont rides early, ideally finishing by late morning. Trails stay cooler and quieter, and by the time legs are tired, nearby lakes are warming up nicely. Late afternoons are perfect for a swim and a slow reset before dinner.

Horseback Riding Trails

Montana - 216.2 per 100,000 People

Horseback riding in Montana feels deeply rooted in the landscape. With more riding trails per capita than any other state, you can spend days on the back of a horse moving through open valleys, rolling foothills, and wide, uninterrupted terrain.

Rides here tend to be long and unhurried. The experience is less about ticking off routes and more about settling into the rhythm of the land, with space to slow down and take it all in.

Wander Travel Tip from Kyle:

Early evening rides are my go-to in Montana. The light softens across the valleys, temperatures drop, and wildlife becomes more visible. It is also when the landscape feels at its most peaceful, with long stretches where you hear little beyond hoofbeats and wind.

Hiking Trails

Wyoming - 187.9 per 100,000 People

Wyoming leads the country for hiking access, pairing iconic scenery with the space to enjoy it without pressure. Trails wind through geothermal landscapes, alpine ranges, and high plains, often with far fewer people than you would expect.

That variety gives hikers flexibility. Plans can shift with the weather or energy levels, whether that means a gentle morning walk or a full day exploring deeper into the backcountry.

Wander Travel Tip from Rachel:

I try to avoid headline hikes at midday in Wyoming. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for popular routes, while the middle of the day is ideal for lesser-known trails. Some of the quietest hikes I have done here ended up being the most memorable.

Water Sports

Hawaii - 5.8 per 100,000 People

Hawaii tops the index for water sports, where warm seas and consistent conditions shape daily life. Snorkeling, paddleboarding, surfing, and guided ocean experiences fit naturally into the rhythm of a trip.

Here, adventure flows rather than competes for attention. Time on the water mixes easily with time spent resting, swimming, or simply watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Wander Travel Tip from Kyle:

I always head out on the water early in Hawaii. Seas are calmer, visibility is clearer for snorkeling, and everything feels more unhurried before tour boats and beach crowds arrive. Finishing early also leaves the afternoon free to slow down properly.

Why Adventure Travel Pairs Perfectly With a Wander Stay

Adventure days are only part of the journey. Where you return to at the end of them matters just as much.

Wander homes are designed to complement active travel, offering space to stretch out, thoughtful interiors that encourage rest, and locations that keep guests close to the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. After hiking, riding, or paddling, guests can slow the pace, gather together, and enjoy the calm that makes an adventure trip feel complete.

Find your happy place with Wander’s luxury vacation properties today.

Methodology

Wander is a luxury vacation rental brand specializing in thoughtfully designed homes across the US and Mexico, created for travelers who want space, privacy, and a deeper connection to the area. With properties situated near some of the country’s most stunning landscapes, we see firsthand how outdoor adventure influences the way people travel and how access to nature increasingly defines what makes a great trip.

As more travelers look to build vacations around hiking, water activities, and seasonal adventure rather than fixed itineraries, we wanted to understand which US states make these experiences easiest and most rewarding.

To build the index, we scored each US state on the following indicators (normalized per 100,000 people where applicable), before averaging these to produce a final score out of 10:

• Ski resorts: sourced from Ski Resort.

• Mountain biking trails: sourced from Trail Forks.

• Horseback riding trails: sourced from Trail Forks.

• Hiking trails: sourced from All Trails.

• National Park count: sourced from Integrated Resource Management Applications (IRMA).

• National Park recreation visits (2024): sourced from IRMA.

• Camping sites: sourced from Tripadvisor.

• Water sports listings: sourced Tripadvisor.

All data was collected in December 2025 and is correct as of then.