The Most Popular Extreme Bucket List Activities Across the U.S.

With basketball season nearly over and football season still a couple of months away, how do adrenaline junkies fill the summer gap? Many are turning to extreme bucket list activities like skydiving and other thrill-packed experiences that offer the perfect off-season rush.

Often considered a rite of passage, there’s an ever-growing list of dream experiences that look to blend adrenaline with awe-inspiring sights, unparalleled selfie opportunities, and the chance to make memories that truly stand out.

Whether it’s the freefall excitement of skydiving over Florida, or the soul-stirring challenge of hiking the Grand Canyon, thrill-seeking activities and extreme sports have officially gone mainstream. For a generation hungry for moments that matter, ticking off one-of-a-kind adventures has become a serious goal rather than simply a fantasy.

In this article, we’ll explore which bucket list experiences are capturing the imagination of Americans. And for added inspiration, we’ll reveal the best states to head to if you’re ready to make them happen. Ready to dive in?

Here’s your guide to the most-searched-for activities and once-in-a-lifetime trips across the States!

The best states for extreme bucket list activities

If you’re looking for extreme sports and list-worthy activities to check off your bucket list, then you definitely need to head to these states asap:

1. California

California’s diverse landscape offers everything from rugged mountains and serene beaches to vast deserts and towering forests, making it an extreme sports paradise. Whether it’s surfing on the Pacific coast, skiing in the Sierra Nevada, or paragliding over scenic valleys, the state’s size and biome variety provide endless opportunities for adventure.

California has 115,310 bucket list activities and a search volume of 701.79 per 100,000 inhabitants, giving it a score of 8.03 out of 10. Popular activities include taking on the state’s many hiking trails (an incredible 18,467 miles in total) and 31,920 climbing routes.

However, it also offers 26 skydiving centers, 219 canoe and kayak trails, 3 bungee jumping centers and 33 hot air balloon locations, earning it the number-one spot in our rankings!

2. Florida

As a peninsula surrounded by water, Florida is a haven for water-based extreme sports. From jet skiing and parasailing to skydiving over breathtaking coastal views, the state’s year-round warm weather and flat terrain make it a top destination for thrill-seekers looking to combine adventure with sunshine.

Florida has 40,280 bucket list activities and a search volume of 582.35 per 100,000 inhabitants, giving it a score of 4.37 out of 10. The state has 2,670 miles of hiking trails and 17 climbing routes. Add to these 22 skydiving centers, a whopping 4,180 canoe and kayak trails, 4 bungee jumping centers and 14 hot air balloon locations, and there’s no wonder it ranks so highly for bucket list destinations.

3. Colorado

Known for its towering peaks and expansive wilderness, Colorado is synonymous with outdoor adventure, and the Rocky Mountains in particular offer world-class opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, hiking and mountain biking. With its blend of high-altitude terrain and dramatic landscapes, Colorado is the ultimate destination for anyone craving a heart-pounding, nature-filled challenge.

Colorado has 44,052 bucket list activities and a search volume of 863.20 per 100,000 inhabitants, giving it a score of 4.02 out of 10. With 11,516 miles of hiking trails and a truly impressive 27,776 climbing routes, there’s plenty to do if you’re looking for action. Colorado also has 9 skydiving centers, 8 canoe and kayak trails, 2 bungee jumping centers and 18 hot air balloon locations.

4. New York

It may be home to the Big Apple, but New York is also a great place for big adventures! From the Adirondack Mountains to Finger Lakes, its many sites of natural beauty provide ample opportunities for extreme sports. Hiking, rock climbing and kayaking are popular in the upstate region, while the state’s proximity to water also makes it a prime spot for extreme water sports, such as wakeboarding and white-water rafting.

The state of New York has 48,821 bucket list activities and a search volume of 685.46 per 100,000 inhabitants, giving it a score of 3.59 out of 10. If you’re looking to get some exercise, there are 4,447 miles of hiking trails and 5,276 climbing routes. As for other extreme sports destinations, New York has 12 skydiving centers, 362 canoe and kayak trails, 2 bungee jumping centers and 26 hot air balloon locations dotted around the state.

5. Washington

Washington combines rugged coastlines and volcanic peaks with dense forests and alpine lakes, all within reach of its cities. It’s ideal for adventure travelers who want to kayak in the San Juan Islands, climb Mount Rainier or hike in the wild beauty of Olympic National Park.

Washington State has 23,168 bucket list activities and a search volume of 711.22 per 100,000 inhabitants, giving it a score of 3.05 out of 10. Lovers of the great outdoors will appreciate the 10,590 miles of hiking trails and 7,215 climbing routes. We then have the other bucket list classics, including 10 skydiving centers, 137 canoe and kayak trails, 3 bungee jumping centers and 15 hot air balloon locations.

The most popular extreme bucket list activities in the US

Now let’s see which bucket list activities and extreme sports are getting the most attention right now:

1. Rock climbing – 236,330 searches

Swinging in at number one, rock climbing and vertical thrills top our list. Clearly, rock climbing appeals to both beginners and seasoned climbers thanks to its scalable nature, from indoor walls to natural wonders like Yosemite in California, Red River Gorge in Kentucky, and the Garden of the Gods in Colorado, it’s a challenge for both body and mind, plus the views are genuinely unbeatable!

2. Skydiving – 212,900 searches

There’s no forgetting your first jump. Whether you’re freefalling over Florida’s coastline or the California desert, skydiving offers the kind of bucket list moment that defines a lifetime. It’s widely available across the US, with standout drop zones in Arizona, Hawaii and Texas.

3. Ziplining – 154,220 searches

Less intense than skydiving but just as scenic, ziplining gives you a taste of flight, except that it’s usually through treetop canopies or mountain ranges. Popular in places like North Carolina, Oregon and the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

4. Hot Air Ballooning – 133,280 searches

More serene than extreme, hot air ballooning offers a bird’s-eye view of nature in slow motion. It’s particularly iconic in states like New Mexico, which is the home of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, while Arizona and Utah have vast desert landscapes that make for the perfect backdrop.

5. Caving – 103,930 searches

For those drawn to depths rather than heights, caving is the ultimate underground adventure. Whether exploring lava tubes in Hawaii or mammoth systems in Kentucky, spelunking delivers eerie beauty and a test of nerves.

6. Spartan Racing – 99,770 searches

This high-intensity obstacle race blends physical endurance, mental grit and a fierce community spirit. Popular nationwide, Spartan Races are held in states like California, Florida and Colorado, often in rugged outdoor settings to add to the atmosphere.

7. Whitewater Rafting – 94,500 searches

Churning rapids and crucial teamwork define this wet and wild activity. From the Arkansas River in Colorado to West Virginia’s Gauley River, rafting draws thousands of adrenaline lovers each season.

8. Paragliding – 87,750 searches

If you want to fly without jumping from a plane, paragliding offers long, scenic flights with just wind and wings. It’s best experienced in mountainous states like Utah, Washington and California, as the views are spectacular.

9. Snowmobiling – 84,000 searches

Snowy states like Colorado, Wyoming and Montana become high-speed playgrounds in winter. Snowmobiling combines exploration and excitement across snowy backcountry trails, making it great fun as well as exhilarating.

10. Triathlons – 73,780 searches

Triathlons require months (if not years) of training, as they blend swimming, cycling and running into one grueling test of endurance. Races take place nationwide, but hot spots include New York, Florida and Oregon.

Which states offer the most affordable extreme bucket list activities?

Bucket list dreams don’t have to come with sky-high price tags. While some adventures require specialist gear or flights across the globe, many of America’s most exhilarating experiences are surprisingly affordable, especially if you know where to look:

Rock climbing – Free to minimal cost

This is one of the most accessible adrenaline rushes, especially if you’re climbing in the great outdoors. Many routes are free to access and gear rental is widely available:

• Utah: Moab’s dramatic sandstone formations, including Indian Creek and Castle Valley, offer world-class climbs at little to no cost.
• California: Yosemite and Joshua Tree are legendary among climbers, offering routes for every skill level.
• West Virginia: The New River Gorge boasts hundreds of climbing routes and a welcoming climbing community.
• Oregon: Smith Rock State Park is a bucket list destination for climbers in the Pacific Northwest.
• Colorado: Around the areas of Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Boulder Canyon, climbers can find endless challenges with breathtaking views.

Caving – Starting at just $8

Caving, also known as spelunking, lets adventurers explore the hidden depths of America, often for less than the price of lunch:

• Kentucky: Home to Mammoth Cave National Park, where guided tours start at just $8. It’s the world’s longest cave system, offering a range of tours for beginners and thrill-seekers alike.
• Tennessee: Cumberland Caverns offers immersive (sometimes overnight) caving experiences.
• Missouri: Known as the “Cave State,” Missouri features hundreds of public and private caves to explore, many at budget-friendly prices.

Ziplining – $80-$120 per tour

Affordable, accessible and packed with scenery, ziplining is a thrilling way to see the world from above without the commitment of a parachute:

• New York: Adventure parks in the Catskills offer some of the longest zip lines in North America, up to 975 metres.
• California: Sonoma Canopy Tours features 14 lines stretching over 1km, plus sky bridges and spiral staircases through redwood forests.
• North Carolina: Zip through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, with stunning views and reasonable rates.
• Hawaii: Despite the island location, zipline tours in Kauai and Maui often remain affordable and unforgettable.

Whitewater rafting – $79-$135 for half-day trips

High-energy, water-soaked adventures don’t need to drain your wallet. Whitewater rafting is widely available and often includes gear, a guide and unbeatable memories:

• Colorado: Affordable and thrilling rafting experiences can be found along Clear Creek and the Arkansas River.
• Wyoming: Snake River trips near Jackson Hole deliver spectacular views and exciting rapids, often at lower costs than comparable destinations.
• West Virginia: The Gauley River offers one of the most challenging whitewater runs in the country, with budget-friendly trip options for adventure-hungry rafters.

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Methodology

This study ranks all 50 US states based on how good they are for extreme bucket list activities. To do so, the following 8 factors were used based on data from Google Maps and TripAdvisor:

• The number of mountain bike routes in each state.
• The total length of hiking trails in each state.
• The number of climbing routes in each state.
• The number of skydiving centers in each state.
• The number of canoe and kayak trails in each state.
• The number of bungee jumping centers in each state.
• The number of hot air balloon centers in each state.
• The average search volume for 29 bucket list activities in each state from Google Keyword Planner; normalized per 100,000 residents.

Once the data was collected, each factor was normalized and given a score between 0 and 1. The scores were then added and multiplied to give a final score out of 10.

This study also ranks 29 extreme bucket list activities based on how popular they are in each US state. To do so, search volumes were collected for each state and the activities were ranked from highest to lowest. Data is accurate as of 05/23/2025.