Hiking Programs in United States

Adventure, Purpose, and Connection: Grow, Explore, and Discover Hawai‘i Let Hawai‘i challenge, ground, and inspire you. On this six-week journey, surf world-class waves, hike volcanic landscapes, and swim beneath hidden waterfalls—all while immersing yourself in the living traditions of Hawaiian culture. Beyond adventure, you’ll engage deeply with place and people. Live with local families, learn native crafts, and contribute to conservation projects that protect fragile island ecosystems. Through cultural exchange, leadership workshops, and guided reflection, you’ll gain confidence, resilience, and clarity about your next steps. This program is designed for all paths: a gap year student seeking growth, a traveler looking for a meaningful alternative to study abroad, an ethical explorer focused on sustainability, a skills-builder eager to make an impact, or a cultural immersion seeker wanting an authentic connection. Discover the spirit of aloha and return home with lasting friendships, new perspectives, and a stronger sense of self.

Explore diverse travel experiences in the USA! Rustic Pathways’ USA programs are designed to offer students impactful and adventurous experiences close to home. From immersing yourself in vibrant local cultures to engaging in meaningful community service, these programs are perfect for developing leadership skills and broadening perspectives. Whether you’re helping rebuild communities in New Orleans or exploring the pristine waters of Hawaii through surf and snorkel adventures, each program is packed with opportunities for growth, connection, and unforgettable memories. Surf, Snorkel, and Service in Hawaii – Join local organizations in preserving Hawaii's biodiversity and enjoy activities like hiking, beach relaxation, and surfing in your free time. Rebuilding New Orleans – Work with local organizations to rebuild homes and join community-building initiatives.

Enter a world of red-rock spires and intricate canyons as we explore the critical environmental issues shaping the American West. Live the ultimate adventure with a 2-day rafting trip down the Arkansas River, delving into water rights and the geological history of these sacred lands. Volunteer at a wolf sanctuary to study the elusive Gray Wolf and learn about sustainable living practices rooted in nature. Hike through slot canyons sculpted over millennia and navigate a labyrinth of twisted orange spires and jagged arches. Walk the historic lands of the Ancestral Puebloans and Hopi people, discover the diverse wildlife of the region, and experience the breathtaking desert sunsets that define the West!

This is truly the ultimate West Coast teenage road trip! The program begins in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe in Northern California. Then, cruise down the coast and fall in love with the beaches of Santa Barbara and the most famous hotspots in LA and San Diego. Next, it takes you into the American Southwest, exploring the majesty of dramatically changing scenery with a stay in Vegas. The grand finale is in beautiful Scottsdale. Our program leaders are experts at creating a close-knit, inclusive family atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. With so much adventure and excitement on this teen tour, you’re in for an unforgettable summer with plenty of new friendships ahead! This program is available to students completing grades 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 (ages 13-17). Separate departure dates are assigned to create compatible co-ed age groups. We offer an exclusive departure for middle school students completing grades 7 and 8.

Alaska is known as the last frontier, the land of the midnight sun, and the place where your life will change! This program combines the breathtaking beauty of Alaska, meaningful service work, and adventures that will have the whole family wishing they could come! You’ll visit Homer, one of Alaska’s best-kept secrets near Kenai Fjords National Park. Our Older Teen programs are carefully crafted with 11th and 12th graders in mind. We do not just take our standard programs and open certain dates to an older age group without changing the itineraries. Instead, we understand that older teens require a different type of program, and need itineraries with more challenges and independence to help them grow and encourage even more confidence in traveling. These programs are designed to nurture older teens and teach them to be more savvy travelers. Because as you grow, your interests and needs do too. So get ready to explore the very best the 49th State has to offer, connect with nature and local communities, and learn how to be an independent traveler!

Head north to Alaska for an unforgettable middle school adventure through wild coasts, glaciers, and tundra. Explore Kenai Fjords by kayak, hike in the Chugach Mountains, and search for moose, caribou, eagles, and grizzlies in Denali National Park. Travel by train through magnificent alpine landscapes, and work with naturalists to understand the rapid environmental changes affecting this region. Visit small towns and meet Alaska Native community members to learn about cultural traditions and ways of life deeply connected to the land and sea. Along the way, build confidence outdoors, strengthen your leadership skills, and return home with new friends and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Experience a summer exchange program, right here in America Have you ever been to the woods of Maine? The lakes of the Wisconsin Dells? The beaches of Santa Cruz? The hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone? The Blue Ridge Mountains? You'll have the unique opportunity to live and work in a beautiful part of the U.S., hopefully somewhere you've never been before. Live and work with fellow students from around the world, build valuable workforce skills, and explore new corners of your own country with this summer-long experiential work and travel program. Not Just A Summer Job *Explore a new and beautiful part of your own country. *Live and work alongside international college students. *Make new friends from around the world! Build Your Resume and Develop Global Workforce Skills *A job experience that'll make you stand out! *Build transferable skills like customer service, cross-cultural communication, critical thinking, and adaptability.

Join this gap year program designed for your adventurous soul and the part of you that craves out-of-the-box experiences alongside a group of fun-loving friends. We offer the chance to be seen and accepted for who you already are as well as see the world for what it is and what it could be. We inspire rather than coerce. We challenge you to be real. We get dirty. We think big. We work on organic farms, build using sustainable materials, make our own bread, and hike our brains out. As a group, we go on a road trip through the southwest down to Oaxaca, Mexico, looking for adventure and learning about what makes these areas rich and interesting. In the process, you learn the skills of self-sufficiency, community, and quality living. At the end of the program, you will possess new options for living the good life and experiencing the richness of the world. Fall '25 Where: Colorado, Mexico, and the Southwest When: 8/06 – 11/17 Spring '26 Where: Colorado; Utah; Arizona; Bordercountry When: 3/10 – 5/17

Experience the extraordinary beauty of Alaska during its Summer Solstice season, where you’ll enjoy 24 hours of daylight and the warmest temperatures of the year. This 6-day, 5-night adventure package is meticulously crafted to showcase the best of Alaska’s wilderness and unique landscapes. You’ll explore everything from river fishing to glacier hiking, all while staying in top-notch accommodations that ensure comfort amidst the wild. Starting your journey in Anchorage, you’ll spend two nights at a luxury hotel before heading to the renowned Wilderness Place Lodge. Here, you’ll have the chance to fish in pristine rivers and lakes under the guidance of expert instructors. The adventure continues with a stay at the Knik River Lodge, where you’ll embark on thrilling helicopter tours, including glacier landings and dog sledding. Cap off your Alaskan adventure with a coastal float plane tour for bear viewing, offering unforgettable photo opportunities and encounters with the majestic wildlife.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Alaska on a 9-day adventure through the Kenai Peninsula. This journey starts in Anchorage and takes you to awe-inspiring natural wonders, from calving glaciers and serene fjords to volcanic views and historic gold rush towns. Each day is packed with exciting activities, such as wildlife cruises, glacier hikes, and guided sea kayaking, all designed to immerse you in the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Your adventure includes accommodations in hostels and campsites, with all meals provided and cooked off the bus. You'll be led by two trained, certified leaders who will ensure your safety and enrich your experience. Whether you're hiking up to the Harding Icefield or kayaking in Seldovia Bay, this trip promises a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of Alaska's majestic landscapes. Trip dates are available in June and August 2025, offering the perfect summer escape.

Find new challenges on rivers, rocks, and snow! Explore the outdoors, from canyons to mountains on the Semester in the Rockies. This course will be your opportunity to learn a variety of outdoor skills across the western United States and earn a Wilderness Medicine certification. Paddle down rapids on Utah rivers, break trails through Wyoming’s snowy mountains, see ancient rock art, and climb high granite crags. The skills in your semester may include a combination of rock climbing, whitewater paddling, mountaineering, canyoneering, and backpacking. Each new skill will start with the basics and your instructors will teach everyone at their own level of experience, so you’ll find plenty of support and new challenges whether you’re a beginner or an experienced outdoors person. As you progress through your semester, you’ll build on the leadership skills you’ve learned throughout the course. By the end of this course, you’ll walk away prepared to be a leader in school, at home, and beyond.

If you aspire to work in the outdoors, our Outdoor Educator program delivers technical expertise, group and individual management skills, and an in-depth understanding of the Outward Bound expeditionary learning framework. Become a leader in the outdoor industry, journey through rugged wilderness in the United States and return home with the confidence and clarity to succeed in your next step in life. Working as an outdoor educator requires deep technical expertise in outdoor skills alongside hands-on training in the science behind experiential learning and how to create lasting impact for students. Outward Bound leads the outdoor education industry in both areas, providing a foundation to jump-start an outdoor-involved career.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Olivia Travel, a leading travel company specializing in vacations designed exclusively for LGBTQ+ women and their friends. From thrilling outdoor activities in breathtaking destinations to relaxing getaways on luxurious cruises, Olivia blends adventure, inclusivity, and community like no other. Whether you're kayaking through turquoise waters, ziplining through lush rainforests, or hiking dramatic landscapes, Olivia’s expertly curated itineraries ensure every moment is both empowering and exhilarating. You'll also connect with like-minded travelers in a safe and welcoming environment. With Olivia, each journey becomes more than a vacation—an inspiring celebration of life, love, and adventure tailored just for you. Choose from intimate land tours, grand cruises, or action-packed expeditions, and discover what makes Olivia an unparalleled leader in LGBTQ+ women’s travel.