12 Wonderful American Wilderness Areas for the Ultimate Adventure
All recommendations on World Wild Schooling are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links.
Whether you want to take a day trip to hike in the wilderness or would like to go backcountry camping, there are some wonderful places off the beaten path. Many are also within reasonable reach of US cities, giving you more time to explore. Here’s where to head off to next time you get a serious case of wanderlust.
Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend
Which of these top wilderness escapes would you begrudgingly dare to visit for that ultimate adventure?
This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.
© Danita Delimont / Adobe Stock
© Francisco / Adobe Stock
© Jojo / Adobe Stock
© souvenirpixels / Adobe Stock
© Jo Ann Snover / Adobe Stock
Results
1
2
3
4
5
Three Sisters Wilderness, Oregon
Oregon’s Three Sisters Wilderness lies conveniently close to Bend, Oregon. It’s the place to see diverse natural wonders, from waterfalls, snowfields, and wildflower-strewn meadows to geological features created by volcanic activity. Part of the Pacific Crest Trail passes through the wilderness, named for a trio of volcanic peaks.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the US
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, Arizona
If you want to backpack through the canyons, this Arizona Wilderness is the one to add to your bucket list. It’s also incredibly picturesque and, therefore, also favored by photographers. Expect narrow, twisting canyons with colorful, curving walls, impressive sandstone arches, and natural amphitheaters sculpted from red rock.
Read more: Beautiful Neighborhoods in the US
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Colorado
Though shuttle buses operate here in summer, this area is still pretty wild. Formidable Snowmass Mountain looms over adventurers as they approach the mirror-like, alpine Maroon Lake. If you do complete the challenge you’ve set yourself, you surely deserve a relaxing soak in Conundrum Creek’s natural hot springs.
Read also: Most Scenic Train Rides in the US
Hawaii Volcanoes Wilderness, Hawaii
The Hawaii Volcanoes Wilderness within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park includes a great variety of trails. Several miles hug the Hawaiian coastline. Here, you can also take the Ka’u Desert Trail, and explore the protected Olaʻa Forest.
Read also: American Road Trips
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness, Florida
Should you want to see native Caribbean wildlife, then Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness in Florida has to be the one for you. There are colorful birds, including roseate spoonbills and flamingos, and abundant marine creatures, such as manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and alligators. The area is part of the Everglades National Park, including the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway.
Read also: US Cities With Vibrant Lightlife
Sandia Mountain Wilderness, New Mexico
This wilderness area in New Mexico even has its own tramway to transport adventurers to the summit. The area is close to Albuquerque and offers trails to get you well off the beaten path. Look out for birds of prey soaring overhead as you trek: species often spotted include hawks, raptors, and even the majestic golden eagle.
🏨 Explore all your hotel options
Read also: UNESCO Heritage Sites to Visit
Save this
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
Mollie Beattie Wilderness, Alaska
If it’s Arctic animals you long to see, then the Mollie Beattie Wilderness in Alaska is simply unbeatable. You can look out for migrating birds, seals, and whales and spot land mammals like arctic foxes, caribou, polar bears, moose, brown and black bears, and wolves. This is hardly surprising, given that the wilderness makes up around 40% of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Read also: US Harbor Towns
Desolation Wilderness, California
Desolation lies southwest of Lake Tahoe, and as it’s easy to reach from central California cities, it’s a hiker and backpacker favorite. This one’s for those who like to be by the water, as there are waterfalls, streams, and 130 lakes. Again, you can trek a section of the Pacific Crest Trail here when snow doesn’t restrict access.
Read also: US National Parks
Teton Wilderness, Wyoming
The Teton Wilderness is snugly nestled between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The Snake River flows through the area, also home to Two Ocean Creek. Come here for hunting, fishing, and the breathtaking fall foliage. You might also encounter wildlife such as porcupines, grizzly bears, moose, gray wolves, and otters, plus both bald and golden eagles.
Read also: Hidden Beaches in the US
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington State
About 40,000 acres in the Central Cascades region is known as the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. There are more than 700 lakes here, plus forests comprising hemlock and fir trees. Several major rivers also flow through the zone. Rock climbers should go to Cashmere Crags while hikers head for the Pacific Crest Trail section within the wilderness area.
Read also: Top Tropical Destinations
Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness, Idaho
This Idaho wilderness is the second-largest in the US mainland and is the place for white water river adventures and wildlife spotting. The Middle Fork of the Main Salmon River runs through a canyon and is a major river rafting destination. Species to look for among the mountains include black bears, lions, wolverines, moose, and gray wolves.
Read also: Most Beautiful Mountains in the US
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
With over a million acres and around 2,200 backcountry campgrounds, Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the most popular wilderness area in the state. Many campgrounds can only be reached by canoe, hence the name. Come here to fish or to spot local wildlife such as beavers, otters, wolves, bats, frogs, and moose.
Read also: Countries You Can Visit Without Visa
Pin It Now, Read It Later
