A New Report Ranked the Best States for Adventure in the U.S. — and No, It’s Not Colorado at the Top

Beautiful Woman Climbing on the High Rock at Foggy Sunset in the Mountains. Adventure and Extreme Sport Concept. — Editorial credit: maxpro / Shutterstock.com

When people think of outdoor adventure in the U.S., one state usually comes to mind: Colorado.

Big mountains. Endless trails. Iconic views.

However, according to a new report from Kühl, it might not actually be the best place to get outside.

A recent analysis using something called the Adventure Access Index looked at all 50 states, not just for scenery, but for how easy it actually is to access outdoor activities like hiking.

And the results were a little unexpected.

Here are the states that came out on top.

10. Wyoming Offers Big Space, But Shorter Seasons

Sunrise Over Island Lake and Fremont Peak. The Wind River Range, Wyoming. — Photo credit: Tobin Akehurst // Shutterstock.com

Wyoming kicks off our list, ranking at number ten.

It has massive open land and incredible landscapes, but a shorter hiking season keeps it from ranking higher. Still, when conditions are right, it’s hard to beat.

Just keep in mind that it ranked on the list of the 10 riskiest U.S. states for solo travelers. So, you may want to visit with a friend

9. Oregon Brings Classic Pacific Northwest Energy

Hug Point beach near Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast, USA. — Photo credit: CSNafzger / Shutterstock.com

Oregon offers a little bit of everything, from coastlines, forests, and mountains. We’ve even covered reasons to spend the day at the Oregon zoo, which is a completely different type of adventure.

The state ranked well for its balance of trail access and public lands.

8. Connecticut Proves Smaller States Can Compete

Beautiful Connecticut countryside during foliage season, South Kent, Connecticut, USA. — Editorial credit: Richard Cavalleri / Shutterstock.com

Another smaller state made the list.

Connecticut earned a top 10 spot thanks to strong trail density and a solid six-month hiking season. Again, proximity matters more than size.

7. Colorado Isn’t #1—And That’s the Surprise

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. — Photo credit: Sean Pavone // Shutterstock.com

Despite its reputation, Colorado ranked seventh.

Included in a previous review of the best U.S. states for hiking, Colorado still scored well for public land and outdoor culture. However, shorter seasons and longer distances between trail access points held it back.

It’s not that Colorado isn’t great. It just isn’t the most accessible.

6. New Hampshire Keeps Things Consistent

Fall colours in Franconia Notch State Park | White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, USA. — Photo credit: Winston Tan // Shutterstock.com

Not only is New Hampshire one of the 10 safest U.S. states for solo travel, but it also performed well across the board in terms of adventure. It might not always be top of mind, but it offers a variety of attractions from White Mountains to dense trail networks.

Overall, it’s a solid pick for everyday outdoor access!

5. California Combines Variety and Long Seasons

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California. — Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Not only has California been crowned the top food state, but it also landed in the top five adventure states thanks to one major advantage: flexibility.

With nearly 11 months of usable hiking weather and thousands of miles of trails, it offers everything from coastal walks to mountain climbs.

You’re not limited to one type of adventure here.

4. Vermont Is a Quiet Outdoor Powerhouse

A view of the Green Mountain National Forests in Vermont. — Photo credit: Ethan Quin // Shutterstock.com

Vermont may not get as much hype as Western states. However, ranking as the top fittest state in 2026, it holds its own, and it’s easy to see why!

The state ranked highly for its well-maintained trail systems and consistent access to nature.

It’s a reminder that adventure isn’t just about size. It’s about accessibility.

3. Rhode Island Is the Biggest Surprise

Block Island bluffs, Rhode Island. — Editorial credit: DanOch / Shutterstock.com

This one caught a lot of people off guard.

Despite being the smallest state and having no federal public lands, Rhode Island ranked third overall.

Why? Trail density.

There are simply more trails packed into a smaller area, making it easier to get outside without long drives. It also ranks among the best states for cycling in 2026!

2. Alaska Delivers Massive Wilderness (With a Catch)

Denali is the highest mountain peak in North America, located in Alaska. — Photo credit: evenfh // Shutterstock.com

Alaska came in second, and it’s easy to see why.

The state offers an incredible amount of public land, far more per person than anywhere else. The only downside? A much shorter hiking season. That said, when conditions are right, though, it’s nearly unmatched.

According to our post on where you should travel based on your zodiac sign, Alaska is perfect for Aries, but we think everyone who loves the outdoors will have a great time.

1. Hawaii Takes the Top Spot

Napali Coast on Kauai, Hawaii. — Editorial credit: Francois Seuret / Shutterstock.com

If you want year-round adventure, Hawaii is hard to beat.

The study ranked it #1 thanks to its 12-month hiking season and strong outdoor recreation economy.

In other words, you can actually use the trails all year long, not just admire them. Hawaii also offers one of the best national parks for introverts. So, there’s a little something for everyone.

The idea that you need to move out West for the “best” outdoor lifestyle might not be as true as it once seemed. According to this data, some of the most adventure-friendly states are the ones that make it easiest to get outside regularly, consistently, and without the extra hassle. Add these states to your bucket list, along with 10 outdoor adventures to try with your kids for an unforgettable trip.