Whether your teen has a sparkling and agreeable personality who thirsts for adventure or is a bit sour on the idea of a family vacation and thinks everything is boring, the answer is likely the same. Give your teen travelers a challenge with a hiking adventure that transforms their view of the world. From relatively easy hikes in California to visiting the “black waterfall” in Iceland, here are five hiking adventure ideas with teens.
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, California
Yosemite National Park is full of fabulous and challenging hikes, but for something relatively easy teens and littles alike will love, head to Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. The one-mile hike envelopes guests in stunning views of the falls for year-round hiking. If your teens are begging for more, you can hop on a more strenuous trail for travel selfies, a friendly competition of who can hike the fastest and a chance to wear everyone out for a good night’s sleep.
Cinque Terre Village to Village Hike, Italy
Hiking in the Cinque Terre isn’t just an amazing way to take in the Italian landscape, it’s also free to do and gives your teens a chance to meet other families and explore new towns. However, some of the Cinque Terre is challenging and requires some advance planning. For a relatively easy hike, try the path from Manarola to Corniglia with rolling gardens and coastline views.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
As one of the most visited national parks in the country, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado offers endless hikes to challenge your family. For an epic hike your teens will rave about, Mt. Ida offers panoramic views along most of the route and a rugged ending. Hallett Peak offers a less ambitious, but fantastic hike with impressive views without the drop-offs and challenging terrain. Meanwhile, Bluebird Lake guides visitors past three waterfalls, with the crowning Bluebird Lake the star attraction.
Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park is a hiker’s paradise at the foothills of the biggest glacier in Europe. Teens earn bragging rites on a glacier hike and capture photos of native Icelandic birds like puffin. For a short and sweet hike, head to Svartifoss waterfall where water tumbles over black hexagonal basalt columns. Afterwards, double back and head toward the marker for Sjónarnípa for views of the Skaftafell glacier and surrounding mountains.
Dragon’s Back, Hong Kong
The popular Dragon’s Back hike in Hong Kong is easy, scenic and empties onto an idyllic sandy beach where your teens can spread out and soak up the sun. Hike options hover around two hours with plenty of stops to take in sweeping views below. Along the way, make a stop at Shek O Peak for views of Shek O and Big Wave Bay. Just make sure to start this hike before the afternoon heat and crowds sweep in.
Whether your teens have fun or are still a little sour, the benefits of a full day of hiking are new experiences and worn muscles ready to unwind. Plan for a lazy day at your campground or hotel and soak up the newfound sense of accomplishment.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Mar 27, 2024Book the Ultimate Mother-In-Law Suite in New York City’s West Village
Family travel can be hard after welcoming a newborn. Some families want their in-laws or parents close to help and soak up all the time with the newborn. For families traveling to or living in New York City, Maison Hudson, a collection of new luxury residences in the city with hotel-like amenities, has an option perfect for grandparents or visiting family.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations
Mar 27, 2024Outdoor Family Adventures on Offer with Four Seasons
Four Seasons Resorts offer outdoor experiences perfect for family travelers this spring. Check out some of what awaits your traveling brood:
Destinations / North America
Mar 27, 20243 Family-Friendly Hotels in Baltimore
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is surrounded by activities and attractions to keep families busy for several days, and for those who travel to get there, a trio of nearby hotels welcome children with amenities such as swimming pools, kid-sized bathrobes and bunk beds.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Spring Festivals in New Orleans
Spring has sprung in New Orleans, Louisiana, for family travelers! Bring your crew to the Big Easy this season for a variety of family-friendly festivals, events and attractions.
ShareThis