Going on a vacation with your partner, friends, colleagues, or family can be fun. However, try epic adventures if you want the vacation to be memorable and excellent for a good story during your old age.

Extreme adventures can take a lot of time to plan as you want to ensure your safety while having fun. Whether you already have it on your bucket list or considering it, the United States (U.S.) is a great location to explore.

Here, you will find many excellent adventure travel destinations, from hiking, camping, mountain biking, and climbing to rafting. There are also outdoor sports to try.

According to Wild Bunch Desert Guides, a firm that offers guided mountain bike trips in Scottsdale AZ, adventure travels can help individuals or teams to think big and understand their only limitation is their mind.

If you are looking for adventurous activities to spice up your vacation experience, we have shortlisted the top 10 epic adventures you should try before you die.

1) Ziplining

Ziplining is an adventure that involves the use of a glove, harness, helmet, and trolley to ride a cable from one point to the other.

The cable usually starts at a higher point than it ends. It can be scary because you may be suspended in the air, in the middle of the forest.

Every state in the U.S. has a commercial zip line, except for maybe Mississippi and North Dakota. North Carolina has the highest number of zip lines. So, you know where to go if you want a state offering many zip line options.

Things to know before going ziplining

  • Safety: Ziplining is safe. The average cable is capable of holding over a few thousand pounds. However, the rider is expected to follow all safety protocols.
  • Braking system: There are two types of braking systems on zip lines: passive and active. Passive requires little or no effort from your end. An active braking system may require grabbing the cable to slow down your speed. Ask the operator about their braking system and the best practice.
  • Cloth choice: Wear long shorts or trousers. You may also wear a T-shirt or tank top during summer. Wearing pieces of jewelry, scarf, and hats should be avoided as they may fall off or get tangled in the zip-line trolley.

2) Skydiving and BASE Jumping

Skydiving is an adventure that involves jumping out of an airplane and helicopter while in the air. Parachutes are deployed at a certain distance in the air for a floating experience.

On the other hand, BASE combines partial experience of skydiving and cliff jumping. It involves jumping from a fixed object and then using a parachute to descend safely to the ground.

BASE is an acronym for Building, Antennae, Span (places like bridges), and Earth (locations like tall cliffs).

While skydivers deploy their parachutes at about 2,000 feet in the air, BASE jumpers jump from objects lesser than 2,000 feet tall.

It is recommended to first experience skydiving before trying BASE jumping.

3) Mountain biking

Mountain biking is a fun adventure that involves pedaling the bicycle off-road and among nature. It is usually set on rough terrain like mountains and rocks.

It is experienced using a specially designed mountain bike and professional guidance for optimal safety.

Bike manufacturers design their bicycles for unique riding styles even though they may still be able to handle other functions. Below are some of the mountain biking styles;

  • Trail mountain biking
  • Cross-country mountain biking
  • All-mountain biking
  • Park mountain biking
  • Fat-tire biking

Any state you visit in the U.S. should have some form of mountain biking. States like Arizona offer a picturesque terrain you will enjoy during your adventure.

4) Canyoneering

Canyoneering is an adventure that involves exploring the canyon using different techniques like hiking, sliding, rafting, and scrambling.

It is a perfect activity to explore if you are not scared of squeezing yourself through the deep varying shapes of the deep earth.

There are two major types of canyons – the dry canyons and the aquatic canyons. The exploration skills required for the successful tour of these canyons differ.

Generally, tour guides check weather reports before entering a canyon and ensure that all safety materials, such as helmets, are available to tourists. They are also trained to help you mitigate your fear of heights.

Canyoneering tours can be found in almost every state in the U.S. However, Ohio, Georgia, and Colorado are some states with the best tours. Most of the well-known canyoneering tours are located in Utah and Arizona.

5) Swimming with whale sharks

If you are thinking of an adventure undersea, consider swimming with the largest fishes alive today. Although scary by size, whale sharks are considered not dangerous to humans.

The Georgia Aquarium is the guaranteed location where you will get the opportunity to swim with whale sharks.

The swimming with the giant sea creature adventure is about a 2.5-hour experience, including educational sessions.