Are you looking for epic adventures and inspiration for your next trip? While there are a million adventures you could go on across the globe, these 10 bucket list adventures are sure to give you thrill and magical views and inspire you to keep seeking out epic locations.
I’ve personally visited and experienced all of these and highly recommend each and every one. If you’re looking for a new adventure, this is your sign to look into one or all of these excursions and see a part of the world you never thought you would.
1. Hike to Havasupai
An oasis in the desert, Havasupai in Arizona is one of the most incredible and beautiful places the United States has to offer. It has towering waterfalls and gorgeous turquoise waters, and the temperatures are quite nice most of the year.
It’s a 10-mile hike to reach it, but let me tell you, it is so worth it if you can make it!
2. See the Northern Lights
I first saw the northern lights in 2019 in Iceland. It was totally unexpected. Then, in February of 2024, I visited Alaska and saw the most unbelievable display I’ve ever witnessed. I highly recommend visiting Alaska, Norway, or Iceland to see these stunning sights. (Then go figure, I saw them in Nevada, too!)
3. Summit Mount Whitney
The tallest peak in the Lower 48 is also, surprisingly, reasonably achievable. It requires no technical climbing and can be done in a single day. (I know from experience.) It’s grueling, but the view on top is otherworldly, and the accomplishment is one I’ll never get over.
If you want to take this hike, you’ll need permits, as they regulate entrance strictly.
4. Watch Sunrise at Mesa Arch
It’s a classic shot that every photographer wants. But it’s amazing to see in real life, trust me. I endured sub-20-degree temperatures to watch the sunrise under Mesa Arch at Canyonlands National Park in Utah.
5. See Bears in Alaska
Talk about bucket-list adventures! Seeing coastal brown bears living life in Alaska’s Lake Clark was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. I will admit that it’s an expensive adventure, but if you can afford it, I highly recommend it!
6. Hike Near Mount Rainier
It is the tallest volcano in the Lower United States, and it’s accessible to all hikers. From Paradise hop on the Skyline Trail, and from Sunrise, hike up to Fremont Lookout for surreal views of Rainier.
7. Go Whale Watching in Hawaii
Now, this has been at the top of my bucket list since learning humpback whales congregate around Maui during the winter months. I headed out there this past March and saw breaching whales on our tour and while just sitting on the beach.
It truly was the most extraordinary sight I’ve seen.
8. Experience the Midnight Sun in Iceland
Who needs sleep anyway? I traveled to Iceland in June 2023 to experience the midnight sun and had the biggest blast! With enough time to hike at any hour of the day (on our final day, we hiked until 3 a.m.), you can see so many epic places that you wouldn’t be able to see during the winter.
9. Hike the Grand Canyon
Millions visit the Grand Canyon each year, and while it’s fantastic to see at any angle, the true magic and beauty lie beneath those massive walls. Every hiker will tell you that when you get below the rim, you understand its magnitude even more.
Getting to hike Rim to Rim in 2019 is something I’ll never forget.
10. See a (Total) Eclipse
If you got lucky enough to see the total solar eclipse, I heard it was phenomenal. I’ve only seen a partial one, but watching it is still pretty cool. Start planning those international trips to see them in the coming years.