6 Girls Weekend Getaways with Outdoor Adventures in the US

Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the US National Whitewater Center is an official Olympic Training Center and a sprawling outdoor playground that’s open to the public. Nestled on 1,300 acres deep in the woods, it’s the largest manufactured whitewater course in the world and the only facility of its kind in the country.

A day pass will grant you access to a laundry list of activities on both water and land that include Standup Paddleboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, zip lines, and high ropes courses to test your agility and strength. Beyond the whitewater rafting, none of the activities require a reservation. There is professional staff and gear at each of the activity stations so all you need to do is show up and get your adventure on.

For those groups of picky girlfriends that can never agree on anything; there’s truly something for everyone here. Plus, they regularly host live music, festivals, and events so you can sweat to a soundtrack. And when you’re done, retreat to the comfort of the Queen City to get glammed up for a scintillating Southern meal and a nightcap.

Cloud Camp is where the Real Housewives would go if they decided they wanted to “rough it” for a weekend. An all-inclusive, five-star nature retreat, the ritzy wilderness center is designed to introduce you to the Rocky Mountain backcountry without sacrificing creature comforts – and a cozy bed.

Nestled 3,000 feet above The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, their version of glamping features one and two bedroom cabins, suites, and a guest lodge. A daily itinerary will keep you busy from dusk until dawn with activities like mule rides, disc golf, cooking classes, crafting, fly fishing, yoga, guided hikes, and archery lessons. If you’re looking for something a little less rigorous, there are lawn games, stargazing, bird watching, and board games at your disposal.

There’s this strange misconception that ski resorts shut down in the offseason, but Jackson Hole is a year-round playground. Home to one of less than 10 via ferratas (protected climbing routes) in the country, the “iron route” is a way to circumvent a mountain using a combination of suspension bridges and cables. Originally created as a way for soldiers to cross the Alps, it’s a unique way to expose yourself to raw nature in a safe and controlled manner.

For another “stomach in your throat” type of bonding activity, take to the skies on a tandem paraglide. There’s nothing quite like running off the side of a cliff together to cement your vacation memories and get your adrenaline pumping. In fact, nothing sounds more deserving of a cocktail afterward.

Practice your outdoor photography in one of the country’s most unique landscapes—the painted desert. Looking like a cross between sand art and another planet entirely, the Northern Arizona desert is 50 shades of red. Blessed with a number of Instagram hotspots, Antelope Canyon offers photography tours with lessons dedicated to capturing the intricate geological features and light beams in all their glory.

You can take your newfound skills to nearby Horseshoe Bend and the Grand Canyon, one of the most popular national parks in the country. Havasupai Falls and the Wave are also nearby but require special permits you must secure months in advance.

You could spend your vacation chilling on the beach catching up on the latest celebrity gossip, or you could try toning and tanning while learning to surf, kiteboarding, or windsurfing under the San Diego sun. The area is a treasure trove of saltwater adventures with sea kayaking, speed boating, and snorkeling the best way to get active and meet the locals — the marine life that is.

One of the more unique watersports available is flyboarding, where you can simultaneously glide like a dolphin and soar like Superman with flips and spins that promise epic (or hilarious) video footage. It’s easy to pick up but hard to master, so if you’re up for a challenge, it’s a fun alternative to the standard water sports.

With sprawling red sandstone cliffs, Zion is basically a “choose your own adventure” destination with activities for all levels of difficulty. The Narrows is one of the most famous slot canyons in the world and a bucket-list worthy hike that’ll have you hiking directly in the river with water ranging from knee to waist deep for 16 miles or until you decide to call it quits.

(Pro Tip: Renting waterproof gear is highly recommended, especially when it promises to have you looking like a 21st century Power Ranger for the photos.)

If you’re not afraid of heights, Angels Landing is another once-in-a-lifetime trek. A challenging jaunt with steep switchbacks and metal handholds, you’ll gain altitude ascending straight up the exposed cliff face. Zion is also known for its rock climbing and rappelling so if you’re looking to try something new, there are plenty of local operators who can show you the ropes – literally.