USA ·HIKING & TREKKING
Every trip has one afternoon left over. These 15 hiking & trekking tours are the ones worth spending it on, with what each costs and how they differ.
Review of Lower Antelope Canyon’s Navajo-led walk in Page, with ladders, photo tips, price value, fitness needs, and booking advice.
“The lower Antelope Canyon is by far the most beautiful spot we’ve seen! Our guide Ian was very informative and personable. He took pictures of us posing in the best areas to be taken. My husband and I highly recommend!”
Review of Portland’s Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge half-day tour, with waterfall hikes, viewpoints, guide tips, price, and practical advice.
“This was a great tour! Full of beautiful sights, mild hikes, and plenty of rest stops. Ana was very knowledgeable and had amazing energy. Made the tour a fantastic experience. Would do it again.”
Review of Extranomical Tours’ Yosemite day trip from San Francisco, with Yosemite Valley, Giant Sequoias, major viewpoints, costs, and practical tips.
“Brian was an excellent guide! can tell he really loves the park and is passionate about what he does”
Review of the Valley of Fire guided hike from Las Vegas, with trail choices, guides, costs, pickup details, and practical tips.
“Sarah was so kind, helpful, and knowledgeable about the area. She did a great job with the pace as well as knowing when to chat and when to leave us to enjoy and experience nature. I really enjoyed my hike!”
Hike to the front and back of the Hollywood Sign with a local guide, sweeping LA views, photo help, history, and free street parking.
“We went during the 10 days of unusual ran in LA but this trip was fantastic nonetheless. Our trip was originally cancelled and the manager communicated very efficiently and quickly to help us rebook it for a couple days later. We went on the 90 minute tour with Jon L who was amazing! He made the effort to talk with everyone on the tour (about 10 total ranging from 6 years old to 40 year olds) and connect with everyone. As he mentioned in the tour, he's not just your guide but also your personal photographer and he would provide opinions of the best shots and locations for pictures and…”
Review of Maui’s rainforest waterfall hike, with swimming, cliff jumps, lunch, guide tips, price, trail conditions, and booking advice.
“What an incredible trip!! Abby was a fabulous guide, very knowledgeable and accommodating for the wide range of skill levels in our group. She made everyone feel included. Cliff jumping was an exhilarating experience that will never be forgotten! I cannot recommend this excursion enough. Certainly not your run of the mill hikes! Lots of varying terrain and water crossings. If you're looking for a truly unique experience do THIS!!”
Review of Kauai’s Secret Falls kayak and hike: river paddling, muddy rainforest trails, guide quality, costs, gear, and who should book.
“This was a fantastic kayaking trip! Our guide took excellent care of us and shared a lot of information about local history and plant life. Highly recommend! If you’re even considering about going on this trip, do it! You won’t regret it.”
Paddle Kauai’s Wailua River, hike muddy rainforest trails, and swim beneath Secret Falls with an expert guide on this active half-day tour.
“Wonderful day kayaking and hiking. Zack was terrific, had everyone’s safety in mind, and gave a lot of good pointers/help along the way - very good communicator. I would advise you be in pretty good shape for this adventure. Crossing the streams and navigating the slippery mud and rocks can be challenging - however sticks were provided and that helped so much. High recommend!”
Ride a UTV through Zion backcountry to Peekaboo Slot Canyon, then walk beneath towering red walls on a lively two-hour Utah adventure.
“Great ATV ride through the sandy dessert. Slot canyon was beautiful. Guide was informative and interesting. I would recommend.”
Review of the 14-hour Yosemite day trip from San Francisco, with giant sequoias, waterfalls, El Capitan, hotel pickup, and practical tips.
“Derek is a great guide. He knows the best picture spots and take us to a safe e full of joy day at Yosemite. This tour is a great option for who wants to know the park but don't have much time. For the ones who wants to explore better, I suggest stay at the park for a few days.”
Paddle Kauai’s Wailua River, hike through muddy rainforest, and swim beneath Secret Falls with a local guide.
“What the website doesn’t mention is that the hiking trails will be slushy and muddy with the rains (in January). We went slipping and sliding (and falling) along the way. Thankfully it was soft mud and no bugs, leeches or other dangerous fauna! Jonathan Cobb was an amazing guide. The river for Kayaking is 2 miles each way and can be tiring with the winds. So be prepared!”
Ride a UTV into East Zion’s private slot canyons, climb 8 to 10-foot boulders, and enjoy expert guides in a small group.
“Beautiful tour. Our original plan to hike one slot canyon had to be cancelled due to recent flash floods, so we instead visited one smaller slot canyon and ventured only so far into the larger canyon. I guess this is common for Aug/Sept- they recommended visiting in the Spring for less of this risk! It was still beautiful and educational! We have beautiful pictures! Be sure to give yourselves 2 hours of driving time if coming from the Springdale area! GPS says 55 mins and we gave ourselves 1.5 hours but arrived ~12 mins late. Luckily, they waited for us!!”
Review of the Griffith Observatory Hike in LA, with trail difficulty, views, guide quality, timing, price, packing tips, and booking advice.
“Great views and good story telling by Josh. It was a exhilarating trek to the top and it was well worth the time.”
Climb, swing, and zip through six aerial courses near Disney, with family-friendly challenges, safety training, and useful planning tips.
“Experience went very well, and enjoyed our time there. Some courses were out of service but most of the area was available to enjoy and have fun.”
Paddle Kauai’s Wailua River, hike through rainforest to Sacred Falls, swim, and enjoy lunch on this active five-hour guided adventure.
“Loved it all. Kayaking was so beautiful. Hike was magical. And that waterfall! I felt one with nature as I swam under it.”
Start on a coastline and work inland.
