Adventure Travel in the United States

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

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.

Live out the last days of summer in the Golden State and Grand Canyon! We’ll begin our journey in the star-studded city of Los Angeles. Stroll the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and admire the city lights at sunset from Griffith Observatory. Hang out in Venice Beach and ride the ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier. In San Diego, hang ten as you learn to surf at one of the city’s most famous beaches and kayak through secret caves in La Jolla while looking out for sea lions. On our way to the Grand Canyon State of Arizona, we’ll make a pitstop in Nevada in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Ride the High Roller ferris wheel and enjoy a delicious feast at an interactive dinner show! There’s no downtown in America quite like the Las Vegas Strip! The flashing lights and fountains complement the high energy of Vegas. No better way to end this road trip through some of the most famous places in America than at one of the seven natural wonders of the world: the Grand Canyon. See it for yourself and try to envision how the Colorado River created such a masterpiece over hundreds of thousands of years. Using Flagstaff as our home base, we’ll also travel to Page, Arizona to see hidden gems!

On this Discover Corps Vacation with Purpose, we will venture across the famed Kenai Peninsula to witness the epic beauty of the coast, mountains, and people of Alaska. Along the way, we will take you to leading organizations and introduce you to some of the most dedicated individuals working to protect the wildlife and resources of the 49th state. Learn about puffin conservation at the Alaska Sealife Center, explore creatures of the docks by way of 'belly biology, take a boat to a remote scientific field station, visit an oyster farm (and try the oysters!), and experience the Alaskan dog sledding, riding with a local family that has dedicated their life to this tradition. The Great Exploration across this region of Alaska will show you a side of Alaska that few others experience and provide a deeper sense of what is being done to protect it for future generations.

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.

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.

Can you experience every country in the Spanish-speaking world without leaving the United States? Most certainly yes! It is called Miami. Take a leisurely stroll on the white sands of South Beach and you will hear every dialect of the Spanish language – Cuban, Venezuelan, Argentinian, and more. This cosmopolitan crowd, beaming with passion, character, and natural heat, will give you a tan even on an overcast day. A melting pot of cultures, world-class hotels, restaurants, fashionable boutiques, a thriving art scene, world-famous white-sand beaches – Miami will sweep you off your feet with its unique charm! Join our students in America’s most Latin city for language and cultural immersion, exciting day trips and excursions, water sports, and fun experiential learning.

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.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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.

Join us on an unforgettable adventure to swim with the gentle giants of Crystal River, Florida. This full-day tour from Orlando offers a unique opportunity to snorkel with manatees in their natural habitat, explore beautiful state parks, and experience thrilling airboat rides. Tour package is $179 per person and includes: Roundtrip transportation from Orlando Boat tour of Kings Bay Snorkel equipment and mask Lunch and park admission Airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River Crystal River, Florida, offers an unforgettable manatee experience guided by a Coast Guard-certified captain. You'll learn about West Indian manatees and snorkel in their natural habitat. The tour includes a visit to Homosassa Springs State Park, home to diverse wildlife like the Florida panther and whooping cranes, and features an underwater observatory. The day concludes with a thrilling airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River, providing a chance to see more wildlife and enjoy high-speed water skimming. Lunch is included in the park visit. Embark on a Real Florida Adventure and make memories that will last a lifetime as you swim with manatees and explore the natural beauty of Crystal River.

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.

Spend an unforgettable summer exploring the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Alaska on the Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure Tour. This exclusive program takes you to some of Alaska’s most iconic destinations, including Seward, Homer, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Katmai National Park. Witness the majestic brown bears fishing at Brooks Falls, experience the serenity of remote locations like Hallo Bay and Silver Salmon Creek, and enjoy the abundant wildlife along the Kenai Peninsula. This small-group tour ensures personalized attention and immersive experiences, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels. Throughout the tour, you'll search for moose, whales, sea otters, puffins, orcas, eagles, and sea lions. The adventure includes a variety of activities such as cruising, hiking, kayaking, and scenic flights, offering a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Alaska’s natural beauty. With top-notch accommodations, knowledgeable local guides, and sustainable practices, this tour promises a responsible and enriching adventure in one of the world’s most stunning environments.

Experience the thrill of soaring 500 feet above the canyon floor on a 3,200-foot zipline at Grand Canyon West. This exhilarating adventure features two runs with four lines each, allowing you to race down the zipline at speeds up to 40 mph while taking in spectacular views of the canyon's rugged terrain. Highlights: Two zipline runs with four lines each Speeds up to 40 mph Stunning views of the Grand Canyon Inclusions: Safety briefing and gear Shuttle to and from the zipline towers Free lockers for personal items Join the Grand Canyon West Zipline Adventure for an unforgettable experience soaring above the canyon. With breathtaking views and thrilling speeds, this adventure promises excitement and awe. Book now to ride the sky and create lasting memories at one of the world's most iconic natural wonders.

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.

Nestled along the breathtaking Mendocino coast in Point Arena, California, the Wharf Master's Inn offers guests a serene retreat with panoramic ocean views and direct access to coastal adventures. The inn features a private trailhead leading to the Stornetta National Monument Trail, inviting guests to explore lush wildflower meadows atop coastal bluffs. For a memorable day trip, the 4.2-mile hike to the historic Point Arena Lighthouse offers stunning vistas and a glimpse into the area's maritime history. On-site amenities are designed to enhance relaxation and enjoyment. The Courtyard provides a cozy setting with fire pits, live music performances, and games like cornhole and axe throwing. Guests can unwind at The Wave Lounge, savoring a selection of wines, beers, and delectable bites in a newly renovated space. The Lookout Terrace offers umbrella seating with unobstructed Pacific Ocean views, perfect for reading or sipping coffee. The upcoming Revive @ The Wharf studio will feature the Cocoon Wellness Pod for health benefits and offer electric bike rentals for exploring the area.