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Road Trip – Guide and Walkthrough

Playstation 2.

Guide and Walkthrough (PS2) by RPGamer

Version: 1.5 | Updated: 03/22/2015

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Road Trip Adventure Guide

Welcome to the world of Road Trip Adventure

Road Trip Adventure (Known as Everywhere Road Trip in North America and Choro-Q HG 2 in Japan) is the second game in the Japanese Choro-Q HG series of games, widely known as being the best of the series for its open-ended game play and large world.

Road Trip Adventure is an Racing/Adventure/RPG. The aim of the game is to collect all 100 stamps which are obtained by completing 'missions' and to become the president by winning the World Grand Prix.

In our web guide, we will cover nearly every aspect of the game from basic world information and locations of collectibles to how to complete every stamp and becoming the president.

Getting Started

At the start of the game the player is asked to choose their name and what currency they want to use. Following this, a short scene is shown of a conversation between the worlds president and his secretary, regarding his desire to retire. The president proclaims that the winner of the next World Grand Prix will be allowed to challenge him in a one on one race for the presidency.

The game then goes to a scene whereby the player is in a Q's Factory being told about the presidents proclamation, the Q's Factory truck goes on to explain how to get a place in the World Grand Prix; getting teammates and winning all the lower class races to get a Super-A License.

Choro-Q Coins

Quick-Pic Shops

There are 9 cities in the world plus your garage which appears on the Warp List in the Pause Menu. Click the locations below to find out more information about each location, including things you can do in each place, inhabitants and stamps.

Chestnut Canyon

Mushroom Road

White Mountain

Papaya Island

Choro-Q HG 2

• View history

Barnhouse Effect did not develop this game. Instead, it was developed by E-Game. It has been highly-acclaimed by many gamers - hardcore and casual alike - and is widely known for being the best out of the Choro-Q HG series, for its open-ended gameplay and large playing area.  

• 1.1 Starting
• 1.3 Licenses
• 3 Other cars
• 4.1 Two Player Gameplay
• 4.2 Two Player Trading
• 5 Mini Games
• 6 Reception

Gameplay [ ]

Choro-Q HG 2 is a racing/adventure game where the goals are to get all 100 stamps and to become the President by winning the World Grand Prix. There are many steps before becoming president, like passing every one of the Q's Factory  races. The player will visit every city, completing races on various tracks and surfaces, while also collecting stamps as they complete tasks or make significant achievements. There are also several mini-games the player can participate in, like golf and roulette. Players may also acquire Parts to enhance the performance of their cars, though not all parts can be bought.

Starting [ ]

At the start of the game the player is asked to enter the name of the player and the currency. A scene then plays where the President expresses his desire to retire as president to his secretary. He says that whoever wins the World Grand Prix will get the chance to challenge him and take the presidency for him/herself. The game then switches to a scene where the player is in the Q's Factory and is being informed by the Q's Factory truck of the World Grand Prix. The player starts their adventure with one of six bodies; a light green 1979 Mazda RX-7, a blue 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R, a silver Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, a red Alfa Romeo SZ, a bright yellow Fiat 500 or an orange Honda S-MX. The player also starts with Normal parts. 1000 of the player's currency, and a C License. The player is then left to do whatever he or she chooses.

There are 100 stamps in total and players can see the stamps they have earned from the start menu. Stamps are awarded for completing "missions," for achieving a goal or winning a mini-game etc. After you get 100 stamps the player can get the ultimate parts for their car, known as the Devil Parts.

Licenses [ ]

There are four licenses in the game: C License, B License, A License, and Super-A License. The player starts off with a C License, which allows the player to race in beginner races which require a C License. Once the player completes all C License races, he/she will earn a B License, which allows the racer to race in B License races. In B License races, the AI racers are faster in general and more difficult race courses can be raced on. In some races, AI cars may have Jet Turbines or Propellers equipped. Once the player completes all B License races, he/she earns the A License, making the racer eligible to participate in A License races. A License races feature even faster AI racers and cars are equipped with a Wing Set and either Jet Turbines or Propellers. Once the racer completes all A License events, he/she earns the Super-A License, which is required in order to participate in the World Grand Prix.

There are nine cities (though some of them may be too small to be considered as cities, much more passed off as villages), Peach Town , Fuji City , My City , Sandpolis , Chestnut Canyon , Mushroom Road , White Mountain , Papaya Island and Cloud Hill . Most are linked together by highways and dirt tracks (With the exception of Papaya Island and Cloud Hill, which are accessed by driving on the ocean floor and by Pollepolle 's house respectively). Cities contain a Q's Factory, a Parts shop, a Paint shop, a Body shop, houses, and other buildings, like bars, where the bartender can give clues as to where Choro-Q coins are located. Many houses can be entered, as can shops and bars. There are also some rivers and trees, along with the enclosing Grand Ocean . The map is looped so if you continue driving away from the land you will eventually reach another part of the map (e.g driving onward past the mouth of the river near Peach Town will allow you to quickly gain access to Papaya Island.)

Other cars [ ]

The player can "talk" to other cars by driving into them or entering the building they are in. They can sometimes give players useful information or items, or they may just be happy to talk to the player. Most cars also ask the player if they could join your team for races (provided at least one race has been completed in sixth or better). This is a good way of recruiting team members, and you can have up to two teammates at once. If you already have two teammates when another car asks to join your team, you have the option to replace an existing teammate or decline their offer. If you do switch teammates, the parts from the old teammate are automatically equipped by the new teammate.

Conversations with other cars will appear as text in a pop-up box near the bottom of your screen.

Two Player [ ]

Two player gameplay [ ].

Choro-Q HG 2 is also a two-player game. Once two controllers are inserted into the PS2 or PS3, a Two Player option is available at the main menu. From here, gamers can play games with a friend, such as:

• Highway Race
• Sliding Door Race
• Football (!)
• Obstacle Run

There are three modes: Race Right-Away, Random Race, and Custom Race.

• Race Right-Away is where Player 1 is the Red Team, and Player 2 is the Blue Team. After competing in the multi-player mode, scores are added up via the amount of wins, and the highest amount of points upon finishing wins. This option does not require a memory card with saved data. For the blue team, the player will have a Nissan Skyline R34, and the teammates will drive a Mitsubishi Lancer ( Kuwano ) and a Lotus Elise ( Nairo ). For the red team, the player will have a Mazda RX7, and the teammates will drive a Ferrari 250 GTO ( Casa ) and an Alfa Romeo 155 ( Flower ). All of the teammates have equal skill levels. Results from these races will not be saved.
• Random Race requires two memory cards, as Player 1 will be represented by the Adventure mode save file on the memory card in slot 1 and Player 2 will be represented by the Adventure mode save file on the memory card in slot 2. Each player will have the car body from the Adventure mode file but will not have the specific parts on the car; instead, the parts equipped will be determined by the track selected. If both players have two teammates, the teammates will join the players during races; if not, then races will be 1-on-1 between the two players. Game data can be saved and the results will be saved if each player saves their game file.
• Custom Race is similar to Random Race, but each player's car (as well as their teammates) will use the parts currently equipped from their Adventure mode cars. Depending on how far each player is in the game, one racer may have an unfair advantage if they are further along in the game. If both players have two teammates, the teammates will join the players during races; if not, then races will be 1-on-1 between the two players. Players can change parts on their cars and their teammates' cars between races if they choose. Players can also trade parts as well in this mode. Game data can be saved, and if the players save their game data, not only will the results be saved but also any parts changes will be transferred over to the player's Adventure mode file.

Two Player Trading [ ]

One of the more valuable aspects of Road Trip Adventure is Two-Player trading. This allows players to sell/buy parts to a friend via inserting both memory cards into the PS2. The parts are priced based on how far one player is in the game and how far the other is. For example, if a Player is selling a part to another Player, and he/she has nearly completed the game, the part will be much more expensive for Player 2 to buy. There is also a secret in this which will allow players to acquire duplicates of the Devil Parts for their teammates to use. Once you acquire the Devil Parts on one memory card, copy that data onto another memory card and then sell the Devil Parts from one memory card to the other. You should now have two Devil Parts in your storage. Repeat this once more and your entire team will have the devil parts! (note that you will require a lot of currency and 2 memory cards for this to work, and this cheat cannot be done on the PS3 Port because there are no memory cards on the PS3). This is valuable as Devil Parts cannot be bought and are acquired only once in the game.

Mini Games [ ]

There are many mini games in Choro-Q HG 2, most of them based on human activities. Activities include:

Roulette, Football, Figure 8, Ski Jumping, Curling, Golf, Obstacle Course, Drag Racing, Highway Racing, Sliding Door Racing (Chicken), Treasure Hunting, Barrel Dodging, Rock Climbing, Beach Flag (Point-to-Point Racing), Fishing, One-Lap Racing, and even driving around in a Volcano!

The player may use his or her car directly in a mini-game or use it to manipulate other objects e.g. hit a ball in football .

Reception [ ]

Choro-Q HG 2 has been praised for its game world and depth despite the very low budget and early development date of 2001. However, Choro-Q HG 2 has often been criticised for its dodgy physics. These sometimes allow the car to "float" in the air for an unrealistic amount of time and/or go through fences at high speeds. One of the main other criticisms is the lack of graphical detail, with broad areas having plain textures. It is also criticised for it's sound. The game currently holds a score of 80 on  Metacritic.

The game was re-released on the Playstation Store on 15 Febuary 2012, although was only made available on the European store.

• It is often believed that the game is set in September 2012, according to the date on the license plate seen on the front cover of the game. Additionally, the cover mentions Las Vegas.
• In the non-American versions, the top speed is 349 and it is measured in kilometers per hour. In the US Version, the top speed is 217 but it is measured in miles per hour, where 217 mph is the equivalent of 349 km/h. It is possible to break this limit by going in reverse using the Devil Parts.
• In the Japanese version, there is a talk show found on the equivalent radio of Peach FM . However, in the European and North American releases of the game, it is replaced with tracks from indie groups, the Push Kings and The Waking Hours. It can still be selected as a third station with the use of cheat engines.
• There are 151 bodies in the Japanese version. 151 is apparently the same number of Pokemon that were released in Generation 1. This may be a reference to TakaraTomy's relationship with the production of Pokemon merchandise.
• Locations of all the race courses and most of the mini-game locations are not in Adventure Mode so their locations are an unsolved mystery.
• Unlike Choro-Q HG , Choro-Q HG 2 (as well as Choro-Q HG 3 ) was released on a CD format PS2 disc rather than a DVD format PS2 disc. CD format PS2 discs have less storage than the DVD format PS2 discs, which may explain the lack of graphical detail and criticism with the in-game sound.

• 1 Toyota Altezza (SXE10)
• 2 Choro-Q HG 2

Self-discovery on the road: Why so many upcoming games are taking us on road trips

Dustborn, Forever Ago, and Road 96: Why games are sending us on road trips in 2021 and beyond

A road stretches out in front of you for miles. You still have a long way to go, but getting to your destination isn't what's important right now. In this moment, you're moving forward, you're making your way, you're on a journey. There's always been something so romantic about the idea of going on a road trip. It allows you to step away from the everyday routine of life to see new places, meet new people, and broaden your horizons. It's a concept seldom explored in games, although it would appear that developers are eager to get us on the road and out exploring the world through 2021 and beyond.  

If we look at games like Dustorn, Forever Ago, and Road 96, it's clear that there's a growing trend of titles that want to pull us out of our comfort zones, get us behind the wheel, and begin traveling to destinations unknown. So just what is it that's so compelling about the idea of taking players on road trip adventures? We spoke to the developers behind these upcoming releases to find out.

Finding family  

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"Who doesn't love a good road trip?" says Dustborn's narrative director, Ragnar Tørnquist. "Especially this past year, the idea of jumping in a car and just going somewhere – it doesn't even matter where – is incredibly appealing. You have a destination in mind, but how you get there and how long you decide to take, is up to you. That's incredibly liberating! And there's an added romance to the American road trip. There's honestly no better country for it. The wide-open skies and roads, the ever-changing landscape, an endless supply of fast-food restaurants…" 

The thought of hitting the open road really is more appealing than ever; it offers a sense of freedom that feels decidedly absent in recent times. In Dustborn, a third-person story-driven "road-tripping" adventure, you play Pax, an ex-con and outcast. Pax, who's four months pregnant, has to set out on the road across a divided America to get a package from California to Nova Scotia. Set in a vibrant, dystopian near-future in the year 2030, Pax is what's known as an "Anomal". That, as Tørnquist puts it, is someone who has "odd powers, shaped by what we call 'Vocals' – language infused with the power of disinformation." 

Tørnquist believes that the cross-country road trip is a genre "perfectly suited to games", and points to titles such as Final Fantasy 15 and Kentucky Route Zero as the few examples we've seen in recent years that play around with the idea. Tørnquist also highlights earlier games such as Sam & Max Hit the Road and The Oregon Trail, but when the team initially began developing the concept for Dustborn, they were struck by how few games explore this genre and trope. 

"Of course, since we began development on Dustborn, all of a sudden we're seeing many other road trip games in development – and that's honestly fantastic! I can't wait to see how other studios put their own spin on it," Tørnquist says. "As a narrative genre, the road trip is as wide open as the real thing: You're going from one place to the next, on the road you meet new people, see new places, and face new challenges – and your protagonists are shaped and changed by this journey. You could literally make a thousand road trip games, and they'd all be different."

With Pax trying to get away from a troubled past, Dustborn  takes you on a journey with two parallel paths – "the geographical and the emotional." Along the way, you'll be joined by other misfits who are all on a journey of self-discovery and have their own motivations. Together, you form a crew, and you'll be presented with the opportunity to get to know your road trip companions. As a group of outcasts, one of the most interesting aspects of Pax's adventure on the road is the way in which it explores the idea of a "found family", and how the vehicle the crew journeys in provides a space to find a sense of belonging. 

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"Our characters are all separated from their "real" families in one way or another; forcibly or voluntarily. All they have now is each other, and we explore the idea of the found family: that these people get to choose who to spend their time with and what their relationships are going to be like," Tørnquist explains. "Very early in the story, our crew acquires an old bus that serves as their rolling headquarters, and they get to make this space their own – with the player's help, of course: we'll be giving you some tools to customise that space. The bus becomes a visual and geographic representation of the relationships and the idea of the found family: from photos on the wall to seating arrangements." 

Moving on  

The idea that a character can be shaped as they travel is undeniably appealing. There's a unique multi-layered sense of progression that can be found in a game that takes place on the road – not just in the literal distance the characters put behind them, but in the personal growth they can gain from the experience. The idea of rooting the player in the emotional journey and development of the protagonist as they set out on the road is at the heart of the experience of Forever Ago – the debut title from small indie game studio, Third Shift. 

The studio is founded by best friends Fabian Denter and Kai Brueckers, who make up the two-person development team behind the upcoming road trip adventure. Following the story of Alfred, who sets out on a journey north in search of redemption after a tragic incident, Forever Ago will take you to a diverse range of places and introduce you to different people. 

"It's not only visually interesting to go from green forests to arid deserts to snow-capped mountains, but all these places are also home to diverse people, with their own views and problems," says Denter. "It's exciting to work out how these characters react to Alfred and vice versa, especially as Alfred himself changes a lot throughout the journey. He also doesn't only encounter other people: At some point, he'll meet a stray dog who will eventually accompany him on the road. This gives us many opportunities to verbalize Alfred's inner thoughts as it turns out people tend to get very talkative around their animal friends!" 

As well as seeing character growth in the way Aflred interacts with the people he meets and the places he visits, the journey itself also gives him the space to be introspective. Forever Ago is a linear experience overall, and as Alfred hits the road, there are points where he gets lost in thought as he drives. "There are sections in the game that are explicitly there for Alfred to reflect on what has happened in the past, but also what may be to come. During these scenes, we try to convey the feeling that when, during a long car ride, the actual driving is only subconscious and automatic, and you sink into your thoughts at the same time," says Denter. 

Driving to freedom  

"I think road trip games will be a true genre like it is in cinema. This is an immense playground to explore." Yoan Fanise, Road 96 creative director

Road 96 from developer Digixart is going in a different direction with a road trip adventure that's procedurally generated. As you set out on the road, you'll never quite know what will happen to you next. Creative director Yoan Fanise, who previously worked on games such as Valiant Hearts and 11-11 Memories Retold, says Road 96 has a "weird mix of Roguelike, Telltale, and Life Is Strange features that make it a unique experience for each player. There are a lot of things people won't see at all and we never know what's gonna happen to you… No one's road will be the same."

The liberating feeling of departing from everyday life and going on a journey to places unknown is part of the appeal of road trips, and that idea is taken a step further in Road 96.  Set in the fictional authoritarian nation of Patria in the summer of 1996, you head out on the road and make your way to the border in order to quite literally regain your freedom from an oppressive rule. "We needed to create our own dystopian country to fulfill the need for freedom, a visceral need," Fanise says of the setting. "When your freedom is taken away, then you can feel the immense joy of regaining it." 

Playing as a teenager in the ever-evolving adventure, you'll encounter many different characters, uncover stories and secrets, and be presented with many different choices as you try to escape from the regime. As the game does have an element of the roguelike genre thanks to its procedural generation, no one adventure will be the same, and you'll never know how your journey will end. You might regain your freedom, or you might hit a bump in the road. Each decision you make will alter your journey, and could even affect those you meet. 

Road 96 looks set to open up the path to many different possibilities, which is partly what drew Digixart to the idea of creating a road trip adventure. "When you embark on a big road trip, your brain acts differently. You're forced to embrace the unknown, forced to let go. That sensation of being totally out of your comfort zone is precisely what makes it [road trips] interesting and emotional. By traveling alone, you hope to know yourself better by those you will meet and how you will react in different situations. This is a golden canvas for us storytellers to imagine crazy situations," says Fanise. 

Dustborn, Forever Ago, and Road 96 are just a small selection of upcoming indie games that are set to take us on the road in the future, but the very fact that each one is set to offer a distinctly different experience just goes to show how diverse this concept can be. From exploring character development to the bonds we form on the road, and the freeing nature of traveling away from our everyday lives, there's so much scope for creativity, and it's something Fanise believes will find its way into more games in the future: "I think road trip games will be a true genre like it is in cinema. This is an immense playground to explore." 

Road 96 is set to release on PC and Switch summer 2021, Dustborn will be coming soon to PC and next gen consoles, and Forever Ago is also coming soon to PC. 

I started out writing for the games section of a student-run website as an undergrad, and continued to write about games in my free time during retail and temp jobs for a number of years. Eventually, I earned an MA in magazine journalism at Cardiff University, and soon after got my first official role in the industry as a content editor for Stuff magazine. After writing about all things tech and games-related, I then did a brief stint as a freelancer before I landed my role as a staff writer here at GamesRadar+. Now I get to write features, previews, and reviews, and when I'm not doing that, you can usually find me lost in any one of the Dragon Age or Mass Effect games, tucking into another delightful indie, or drinking far too much tea for my own good. 

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Road Trip Adventure is a refreshingly laidback RPG

Vroom with a view.

First things first: unplug that Logitech G27 or Thrustmaster T500RS. Road Trip Adventure is not the sort of driving game that requires a force feedback steering wheel to truly appreciate its subtleties. The most appropriate peripherals are a travel rug, a Scotch egg and a few pouches of Capri-Sun - it's an open-world racing game concerned primarily with easygoing exploration, presenting you with a sizeable, brightly coloured land mass to pootle around looking for picnic spots. Parking up to admire the view? Highly recommended. Popping into a photobooth for a personalised postcard snap? Sounds like fun. Claiming the treasure at the end of an underground maze? I can dig it.

Compared to the current crowded market of sleek racing sims, Road Trip Adventure feels like a particularly crunching gear change, as if someone took Burnout Paradise and re-rendered it with Super Mario 64 assets, or sliced the point-to-point time attack out of OutRun and rolling-pinned whatever was left into a sprawling RPG. Three years before Pixar's Cars was released, here was a world inhabited entirely by sentient vehicles. The characters you meet may not have Lightning McQueen's weird windscreen eyes but the slightly cartoonish versions of recognisable real-world models - a Mercedes SL, a Renault 5, a vintage Mini, all apparently based on the chunky Choro-Q line of Japanese toy cars - have bags of personality.

If I'd taken a second to glance at the garish box art in 2003, when Road Trip Adventure was first released for PlayStation 2, I would probably have dismissed it without a second thought - too cluttered, too cute, too kiddie. As it stands, I'm still not entirely sure how I found myself pouring hours into it in late 2014. There are two possible explanations. One, I'd overdosed on gritty, complicated big budget titles crammed with so many particle effects I'd forgotten what a beautiful blue videogame sky looked like. (Essentially, I needed a change of scene, like a soot-clogged Victorian recuperating in the Alps.) Two, and perhaps even more significantly, it was possible to pick up Road Trip Adventure from PSN for roughly the same price as a packet of Penguin biscuits. The only thing better than a holiday is a bargain holiday.

So I dove into this particular road trip like it was a Costa del Sol swimming pool, and embraced its inherently rambling, unhurried nature. The overarching plot concerns the President (embodied as a Lincoln Town Car, naturally) deciding he's done with being in charge and announcing that he'll hand over his title to whoever can beat him in a race. That's the endgame: souping yourself up so you can whizz past the Prez. But in the first instance, you're encouraged to just drive around to get a feel for the world, nudging your bonnet into people's homes, chatting to them and taking on low-stakes errands to raise some dough and fill out the stamps in your achievements scrapbook. The map is uncluttered by quest markers, though roadsigns direct you to the next hub, each separated by surprisingly long scenic drives that later become stages in an optional world rally championship.

There are more traditional races to enter in each town but in the first instance your car handles like a poorly-packed wardrobe on rusty castors. Earn enough cash and you can start buying upgraded parts, with a dedicated workshop in every hub to install better components or swap out your exterior body shell. Once the underwater propellers are introduced, fitted on the rear of your vehicle like a four-spot rally headlight bar in reverse, you'll probably do what I did and immediately try and recreate the white Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me. (Other game-changing custom parts include a jetski modification that allows you to drive on water and a rocket booster for insane acceleration.)

With the questing and racing action clustered around the hubs, there's a lot of open and seemingly empty country to explore, from the deserts surrounding the Las Vegas-esque Sandopolis to the fresh powder of White Mountain. Crucially, you can putter about at your own pace or warp immediately to any hub you've already visited, allowing you to expand or contract the gaming experience like an accordion, depending on how much time you have to spare. It puts the pacing directly in the hands of the player. Weirdly, I found having such close control made me more inclined to loaf about, poking around underwater or along cliff edges safe in the knowledge I could zap straight back to wherever I needed to be if required.

To claim the right to race the President, you need to qualify for various driving licences by winning races, then succeed in a more involved championship after recruiting (and upgrading) two other cars to be part of your racing team. The races are more Mario Kart than Forza, with increasingly elaborate environmental hazards and a bustling pack of 20 drivers, but generally get more exciting as you improve the capabilities of your car and team.

Meanwhile, a wealth of minigames try and distract you from seeking office, from vehicular curling to three-a-side football, ski-jumping to drag-racing. You can also literally pimp your ride by accepting taxi-top advertisements from local businesses, resulting in your three-person racing team motoring round the wider gameworld looking like a Papa John's delivery fleet. There's always another thing to do, another coin to collect, another eccentric conversation to unlock, another photobooth to find. The scrapbook that tracks your game progress has room for 100 stamps, and filling those pages is addictive.

Road Trip Adventure should have been the perfect holiday but in the end, I sort of ruined it. There's a casino in Sandopolis where you play as the ball, driving into a spinning roulette wheel made up of gigantic numbered parking slots. I convinced myself that accelerating as soon as the wheel started meant that it would always end up on red, instantly doubling my maximum 10,000 credit bet. With a few wobbles along the way, I managed to amass a small fortune, enough to upgrade my parts at an unnaturally rapid rate. I'd been presented with a laidback playground and approached it like F1, a place where money routinely overtakes fun.

This one weird trick didn't capsize the game - other key upgrades are tied to completing tasks rather than spending money. But after Road Trip Adventure handed me the car keys to the kingdom, it felt like I'd committed a spiritual betrayal by forcing unnecessary acceleration into a world that was determinedly not fast and not furious. Thankfully, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter. Even though I've now got a monster engine with monster truck wheels, there's still lots to do on the long road ahead of me.

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Travelspirations

USA’s Top 10 Road Trips for Adventure Seekers

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Last updated 5 months ago

Who doesn’t love a good road trip ? Just imagine it: the wind in your hair, your favorite tunes blasting through the speakers, and the open road unfurling before you.

Road trips , my friends, are where unforgettable memories are minted, where you’ll find the freedom to explore at your own pace, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Now, when we talk about road trips, one place strikes an immediate chord in the minds of adventure seekers – the USA . With its sprawling landscapes, diverse terrains, and jaw-dropping scenic drives, America is a road tripper’s dream .

Table of Contents

Why Opt for a Road Trip?

A smorgasbord of experiences, flexibility and control, an adventure of epic proportions, the ultimate adventure: top 10 usa road trips, 1. route 66: the historic route, 2. california’s pacific coast highway, 3. blue ridge parkway, 4. great river road, mississippi, 5. olympic peninsula loop, 6. the road to hana, maui, 7. going-to-the-sun road, montana, 8. skyline drive, virginia, 9. route 1, florida keys, 10. beartooth highway, montana-wyoming, tips for a successful road trip, 1. have a plan, but be flexible, 2. ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready, 3. pack smart, 4. stay connected, 5. respect the environment, 6. take breaks.

Each state brings with it its own character, charm, and a tantalizing sense of discovery.

Whether it’s the historical allure of Route 66, the Pacific’s hypnotizing blues on California’s coastline, or the astonishing natural beauty of the Appalachian Highlands, the USA has something to stir the soul of every wanderer.

So buckle up, fellow travelers, because we’re about to embark on a journey through the top 10 road trips in the USA that will inspire the adventure seeker in you.

Some might ask, “why take a road trip when I could just fly?” Well, let me tell you, road trips are more than just getting from point A to point B. They’re about the journey, not just the destination.

They allow you to experience the world in a way that’s simply not possible from 35,000 feet.

A road trip is like a smorgasbord of experiences. You get to soak in the ever-changing landscapes, stop at charming small towns, sample local cuisine, and maybe even make a few unexpected detours to places you’ve just heard of from a friendly local at a gas station.

It’s about the thrill of discovery, the freedom of the open road, and the stories you gather along the way.

Road trips also offer flexibility and control over your travel that other forms of transport simply can’t match. Want to stay an extra day in that picturesque town? No problem.

Fancy a detour to see the world’s largest rubber-band ball? Why not! With a road trip, you’re in the driver’s seat (pun intended), and you can tailor your journey to your heart’s content.

And in a country like the USA, a road trip becomes an adventure of epic proportions. The country’s sheer size, stunning landscapes, and iconic highways make it a playground for those with a wanderlust.

So, now that we’re all revved up, let’s dive into the top 10 USA road trips that will take you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of America. Get ready, adventure awaits!

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Let’s kick things off with the legendary Route 66.

Often referred to as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 spans over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. The sheer variety of sights along the way – from quirky roadside attractions to breathtaking natural landscapes – makes this historic route a true paradise for adventure seekers.

Next up, we have the mesmerizing Pacific Coast Highway .

This coastal route offers jaw-dropping cliff-side views of the Pacific Ocean, takes you through iconic cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, and delivers you to the doorsteps of majestic redwood forests. If you’re looking for a taste of California’s diverse beauty, this is a road trip that’s not to be missed.

Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway will guide you through the heart of the Appalachian Highlands.

With its stunning vistas, vibrant wildlife, and numerous hiking trails, this road trip offers an immersive nature experience that’s nothing short of spectacular.

Following the Mississippi River for over 2,000 miles, the Great River Road offers a unique journey through the heartland of America.

From picturesque river towns to compelling historical sites, this road trip offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural fabric of the USA.

In the Pacific Northwest, the Olympic Peninsula Loop offers an eclectic mix of rainforests, rugged coastlines, and charming small towns.

The mesmerizing beauty and tranquillity of this region make it an unforgettable road trip destination.

Over in the Hawaiian paradise of Maui , the Road to Hana provides a lush and tropical road trip experience.

With its waterfalls, beaches, and striking seascapes, this journey is a true feast for the senses.

As the only road through Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road is nothing short of a masterpiece.

It offers breathtaking mountain views, glacier-carved valleys, and abundant wildlife sightings that will leave you in awe of Mother Nature’s majesty.

Skyline Drive, with its enchanting views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a haven for nature enthusiasts.

The route’s gorgeous scenery and serene atmosphere make it an ideal choice for a relaxing road trip.

The allure of Route 1 through the Florida Keys lies in its crystal-clear waters, tropical atmosphere, and a laid-back island vibe.

It’s a journey that offers the magic of the Caribbean without ever leaving the USA.

Last but certainly not least, the Beartooth Highway presents a thrilling journey over one of the highest roadways in the northern Rockies.

With its panoramic mountain views, abundant wildlife, and dizzying switchbacks, this highway offers an adrenaline-filled road trip experience that’s hard to match.

Now that we’ve explored the thrilling adventures waiting for you on these top 10 USA road trips, let’s ensure you’re well-equipped to enjoy these journeys to the fullest.

Here are some essential tips to make your road trip enjoyable and trouble-free:

While it’s important to have a basic itinerary, the beauty of a road trip is in its spontaneity.

Embrace the unexpected and be willing to adapt your plans. Maybe there’s a local festival happening in the town you’re passing through, or perhaps a fellow traveler has recommended a must-see detour – go for it!

Before hitting the road, give your vehicle a thorough check-up or consider getting it serviced.

Ensure your tires are in good condition, the oil is changed, and all lights and signals are functioning correctly. Having a road-ready vehicle is key to avoiding unwanted breakdowns along the way.

In addition to your essentials, consider packing a cooler with snacks and drinks, a first aid kit, spare tires, a flashlight, blankets, and, of course, a good old-fashioned paper map in case the GPS fails.

While the idea of going off the grid may sound tempting, it’s a good idea to let someone know your plans.

Regularly check in with friends or family and update them about your whereabouts.

Wherever your journey takes you, remember to respect the natural environment.

Stick to the trails, dispose of your trash responsibly, and remember the age-old adage: take only photos, leave only footprints.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the journey, remember to take regular breaks.

Stretch your legs, rest your eyes, and take some time to absorb the beautiful scenery around you.

Equipped with these tips, you’re all set to embark on your road trip adventure. Remember, it’s about enjoying the journey as much as the destination.

Happy travels!

And there you have it, my fellow adventure seekers – the top 10 road trips in the USA that offer a captivating blend of mesmerizing landscapes, rich history, diverse cultures, and downright fun.

Each journey provides its own unique flavor of adventure and a fresh perspective of what it means to explore the open road.

From the nostalgic charm of Route 66 to the tropical bliss of the Road to Hana, each of these routes has a story to tell, and they’re waiting for you to be part of it.

These aren’t just roads; they are gateways to an enriching tapestry of experiences that leave lasting impressions and memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Road trips aren’t just about ticking off destinations on a map; they’re about the stories you create, the people you meet, the unexpected delights along the way, and the sense of freedom that comes with every mile you drive.

As you prepare to embark on your road trip adventure, remember that it’s not just about the destination, but the journey. Take your time, soak in the surroundings, embrace the unexpected, and most importantly, enjoy every moment.

The open road is calling, and an incredible adventure awaits.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your keys, rev up that engine, and set your sights on the horizon.

Here’s to the road less traveled, the stories yet untold, and the adventures that await in the vast, beautiful expanse of the USA. Let’s hit the road!

Also interesting

• A Guide to the Great River Road: America's Oldest Scenic Byway

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The 11 Best Road Trips in the World

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road on an epic adventure, especially on these incredible stretches of highway

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

I love a good road trip, especially in the mountains of Colorado, where I live. It’s when I do some of the best creative thinking, and it feels like the possibilities for exploration are endless. Should I hike a fourteener tomorrow? Cross the border into Utah to go mountain biking?

I scoured the globe to put together this list of the most stunning drives you could imagine, from the snowcapped peaks of Chilean Patagonia to the windswept west coast of Ireland. I’ve completed a handful, driven parts of many of them, and the rest are on my bucket list. I also chose these road trips for their proximity to adventure, and include essential details like the best hikes, beaches, and accommodations along the way. Buckle up.

The Dempster Highway to the Arctic Ocean, Canada

Miles: 550 Road terrain: Mostly gravel Best time to go: The Dempster Highway is open year-round, but traditional summer festivals in the Arctic towns and the aurora borealis viewing in winter are seasonal highlights.

Truly rugged and remote, this overland expedition traverses dramatic tundra landscapes, boreal forests, and mountain ranges en route to the Arctic Sea. Begin in the gold-rush outpost of Dawson City, Yukon, and load up on supplies—the unpaved gravel road is a known tire eater, so be sure you have a spare and a four-wheel drive car. From there the Dempster Highway heads north through the historic Klondike region, crosses the Arctic Circle, and enters the Northwest Territories, where you’ll have panoramas of what’s known as the polar Serengeti, a wide-open wilderness teeming with caribou, moose, and grizzlies.

Along the way, you’ll pass through Indigenous communities such as Tsiigehtchic, reached by ferry in summer after the snow melts. If you’re traveling during August, you can watch canoe races and listen to traditional music during Tsiigehtchic’s Canoe Days celebration. By the time you arrive in Inuvik, Canada’s largest community north of the Arctic Circle, you’ll have logged 457 miles. Pitch your tent or park your teardrop at Happy Valley Territorial Park (from $28), perched on a bluff overlooking the Richardson Mountains and the nation’s largest river, the Mackenzie.

Pick up the final stretch of the trip in town, the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway, an 86-mile gravel road that winds past the Pingo Canadian Landmark, a collection of pingo (mounds of earth-covered ice) more than 100 feet high, and ends in the Inuit shorefront hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk.

Scenic Byway 12, Utah

Miles: 122 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Early spring and early fall

This expanse of highway connects Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Parks , traveling through Dixie National Forest and the northern part of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. The whole thing could be completed in three hours, but given its proximity to so many perfect playgrounds for hiking, paddling, biking, and fishing, I suggest a four-day road trip. Bookended by Panguitch to the west and Torrey to the east, this designated All-American Road bisects multiple ecosystems,  from sage flats to slickrock deserts, and sleepy rural communities like Boulder, where you should stop for a meal at Hell’s Backbone Grill . The photo opps are endless, but Powell Point Vista, between the towns of Henrieville and Escalante, affords some of the best views of the area’s distinct Wasatch Limestone formations. If I could overnight in one place along the way it’d be Ofland Escalante , which has a drive-in theater, a pool, and a food truck (from $99).

The Romantic Road, Germany

Miles: 220 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Spring or fall

Germany’s Romantische Strasse, or Romantic Road, could be the backdrop of a Grimm’s fairy tale, with its turreted and crenelated castles, red-roofed villages, and lake-dotted countryside in the Alpine foothills. This scenic byway across Bavaria connects the baroque town of Würzburg with the pastel-hued town of Füssen. The former is home to the Unesco-designated Würzburg Residence, one of the nation’s most opulent palaces, while Füssen is five minutes from what many consider the route’s highlight, King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle , which was the inspiration for the palace in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty . If you want to stretch your legs, you can tackle the hike to Mount Tegel, located behind the castle, or take the cable car up and explore the trail network at the top.

Along the way you’ll pass plenty of beer gardens—the riverfront Lechgarten in the hamlet of Landsberg am Lech is a must-stop—the vineyards of the Franconia wine region (pick up a bottle of dry, white Silvaner), and spend a few hours rejuvenating in the historic spa town of Bad Mergentheim; at the Best Western Premier Parkhotel ($150), you can take advantage of the indoor pool, spa, and gardens.

The Explorers Way, Australia

Miles: 1,864 Road terrain: Paved (and remember, Aussies drive on the left-hand side) Best time to go: Australia’s fall, March through May The ultimate outback odyssey, the Explorers Way is a road trip through Australia’s Red Centre. Much of the drive follows the Stuart Highway, named after 19th-century explorer John McDouall Stuart, the first European to successfully traverse the continent from south to north. Stuart’s expedition took nearly a year, but two weeks is ample time to complete the journey from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory.

I highly recommend detours to Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park to stand in awe of the 2,831-foot-high monolith sacred to Aboriginals and to Litchfield National Park, teeming with waterfalls and wildlife like dingo and wallaby. Dedicate at least a day to explore the Aboriginal art galleries of Alice Springs, the Northern Territory’s second largest city and the approximate midway point of the route. When you reach the Top End, toast your trip with a bush negroni at Willing Distillery in Darwin or celebrate with a bush safari at Bamurru Plains Eco Lodge (from $2,425, all-inclusive), just northwest of Kakadu National Park, home to more than two dozen walking trails .

Atlantic Road, Norway

Miles: 22 Road terrain: Narrow, paved Best time to go: The coast is most dramatic in September and October

Norway has 18 designated national scenic routes, but the fact that the Atlantic Road was selected as the stage for the James Bond film No Time to Die is a testament to its wow-factor beauty. Officially known as Atlanterhavsvegen , this drive links the village of Kårvåg on Averøy Island with the fishing village of Bud on the mainland via an archipelago connected by eight low-lying bridges. Few roads bring you so close to the ocean: roll down your window and you’ll likely be kissed by sea mist.

Essential detours include the coastal path at Vevang to see Jan Freuchen’s “ Columna Transatlantica ,” a sculpture scattered across the rocks and heath-covered hills, and the glass-walled viewing platform at Askevågen, which affords spectacular mountain and ocean vistas. Strømsholmen Seasport, located between the towns of Kristiansun and Molde, offers scuba diving, fishing excursions, and wildlife safaris on the water. It also has four waterfront cabins that sleep up to ten people (from $55).

The Ring Road, Iceland

Miles: 820 Road terrain: Mostly paved, with some stretches of gravel Best time to go: Late spring or early fall

Stretch after stretch of otherworldly landscapes unfold along this famed 820-mile loop , also known as Route 1. It shows off vast lava fields, tumbling waterfalls, spouting glaciers, and bubbling geysers. You’ll want at least seven days to enjoy all the attractions and adventures along the way, and if you do the drive in May, June, or July, you can take advantage of nearly 24 hours of sun.

Most road-trippers start in the capital, Reykjavík, the city closest to Keflavík International Airport. You can tackle it counterclockwise or clockwise, but if you do the latter first, the scenery crescendos from pretty to jaw-droppingly gorgeous. If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss, it’s a detour to the northern Troll Peninsula, which loops around the headlands past the end of the Skagafjörður fjord.

On the southeastern coast of Iceland , take time to explore Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon studded with icebergs, and nearby Diamond Beach, named for the brilliant chunks of ice that sparkle like gems against its black sands. The geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, just 20 minutes from the airport, are the perfect final stop. Or tack on an adventure—maybe kayak in a glacial lagoon or ride an ATV along the beach—with outfitter Icelandic Mountain Guides .

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Miles: 1,600 Road terrain: Narrow, winding, and paved (you’ll also driving on the left-hand side here) Best time to go: summer to take advantage of longer day-light hours

One of the longest coastal routes in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way hugs the Emerald Isle’s rugged and spectacular west coast for miles, from its northern terminus on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to its southern terminus in the town of Kinsale in County Cork. The route is broken into 14 stages, and you’ll want to budget a minimum of five days to complete it.

There are loads of opportunities to stretch your legs on untouched swaths of beach near soaring sea cliffs. Those at Slieve League jut up 1,972 feet at their highest point; follow the Pilgrim’s Path from Teelin village 1.5 miles to the tops, and after pop into town for lunch. You’ll have plenty of options, but I highly recommend the award-winning Rusty Mackerel pub (rooms are also available from $54). The iconic Cliffs of Moher, in the lunar-like Burren region, are one of the natural treasures of Ireland, with a five-mile (one-way) coastal walk that connects the charming villages of Liscannor and Doolin.

On Achill Island, explore Keel Beach, a nearly two-mile stretch of golden sand. When I visited, the waves were pumping and I rented a board and a thick wetsuit from Soundwave Surf School . If the water’s calm, you can rent a stand-up-paddleboard. If your final destination is County Cork, celebrate with a pint at Levis Corner House , a pub in Ballydehob that’s been run by the same family for a century.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Oregon

Miles: 363 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: Late spring, early fall, or winter

Most people associate the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, with California, but the storied road spans from Canada to Mexico. Some of the best lengths, in my opinion, are in Oregon, where the road skirts virgin beaches, craggy mountains, and rocky coves, through a series of quirky seaside resorts and sleepy fishing villages. You could zip along all of it in 10 to 12 hours, but five days is the better plan, stopping at the many parks and public lands along the route. Ecola State Park (sea stacks, tidepooling, wildlife-watching) and Oregon Dunes Recreation Area (whose sweeping sandy expanses are said to have been the inspiration for Dune’ s planet Arrakis) are both top of my list.

About 30 miles northwest of the city of Bandon is Cape Arago; this short detour off the byway takes you through the South Slough National Estuarine Reserve, home to more than 150 kinds of birds and many good hiking trails . In the town of Coos Bay, I like to overnight at the modern cabins at Bay Point Landing ($235). The next day, you can drive 24 miles east to the remote Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area and hike 1.4 miles to the top of Golden Falls for an eagle’s-eye view of the cascading waterfall and old-growth firs. Schedule your journey for spring and winter and bring your binocs—you can often spot the blows from migrating gray whales as they surface off the coast.

The Garden Route, South Africa

Miles: 124 Road terrain: Paved Best time to go: June to December, when you can spot whales from shore

This ocean-hugging highway showcases the Western Cape’s outrageously beautiful beaches, lush forests, national forests, and abundant marine life. Just under two hours’ drive from Cape Town, the former fishing village of Hermanus Bay is the gateway for the Garden Route. I always stop here to take advantage of the excellent land-based whale-watching between June and December. Continue three and a half hours east on the N2 highway to the harbor town of Mossel Bay, the route’s official starting point. Spend some time trekking around before heading out on your drive; my favorite is the 2.5-mile out-and-back trail from Pinnacle Point to Oyster Bay.

Wilderness National Park , approximately midroute, is a great spot for birdwatching and kayaking and has accommodations that include campsites (from $20), cabins (from $50), and a bed-and-breakfast (from $90). A half-hour farther east is Plettenberg Bay, nicknamed the Saint Tropez of South Africa for its palatial beach homes. Just south is Robberg Nature Reserve , a nice picnic spot where you can observe seal colonies. Spend a day exploring Tsitsikamma National Park , which boasts a 50-mile-long shoreline and an interior with 500-year-old trees. Looking to burn off some energy after hours in the car? I suggest the Otter Trail. South Africa’s oldest hiking trail takes five days to complete and begins near the Garden Route’s eastern terminus at Storms River rest camp.

Queenstown to Milford Sound, New Zealand

Miles: 180 Road terrain: Paved, two-lane highway Best time to go: New Zealand’s fall, March through May, is perfect for hiking Described by Rudyard Kipling as the “eighth wonder of the world,” Milford Sound is big nature on steroids. The drive on the South Island from Queenstown along State Highway 6 (a.k.a. the Southern Scenic Highway) and then State Highway 94 (Milford Sound Highway) will get you there  in just over four hours, but slow down to marvel at the waterfalls and alpine lakes framed by mountains. Te Anau is the halfway point of the drive and an ideal place to overnight, refuel, and stock up on food as there are no services farther en route to the sound. The lakeside town is also the gateway to the glacier-carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park and the jumping-off point for the Milford Track, arguably one of New Zealand’s most famous Great Walks , so consider tacking on a few extra days.

The Carretera Austral, Chile

Miles: 770 Road terrain: Rugged, pock-marked dirt, requiring four-wheel drive Best time to go: Austral spring and summer, November to March  

Waterfalls tumbling from hanging glaciers. Forests of lengua trees and turquoise lagoons. Ancient marble caves and flamingo-filled lakes. The wild backdrop of Chile’s Southern Highway (Route 7) is an adventurer’s fantasy. Also known as the Carretera Austral , this road cuts through remote, mountainous wilderness in northern Patagonia. Set aside at least two weeks so you can take time to visit Queulat National Park and Pumalín National Park , both located along the route.

Puerto Montt, a bustling town in the Chilean Lake District, is your starting point. It’s considered Chile’s seafood capital, so attempt to score a table at Pa Mar Adentro Restaurant and try the caldo curanto , a traditional seafood stew, before starting your journey south.

Coyhaique, the capital of Chile’s Aysén region, marks the route’s midway point. Take a day here to trek the trails of Reserva Nacional Coyhaique, home to two beautiful lakes, Los Sapos and Venus. Campsites are available in the Casa Bruja section of the reserve ($5), or continue a couple hours south to General Carrera Lake and hole up at the family-run  Mallin Colorado Ecolodge ($170). The owners serve terrific farm-to-table meals and partner with local guides who lead kayak trips to the Marble Caves and treks across Exploradores Glacier.

Rumbo Sur Hotel ($190), in the isolated terminus town of Villa O’Higgins, is a comfy final base surrounded by hiking trails and glaciers. A 4×4 is recommended, as most of the road is unpaved.

Outside travel columnist Jen Murphy hates driving but will happily sit shotgun on any road trip. Last fall she navigated on a weeklong mother-daughter road trip through southwest Colorado.

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One fine fall day, Tess Devine and her mother, Opal, discover a cache of old notes and letters carefully stashed away in the attic of their house. Hints of deep-rooted family secrets, decades-old burglaries, a lost treasure somewhere near the Canadian border… What they uncover suggests a much darker mystery, best left well enough alone.

But that’s not going to happen.

In Open Roads, Tess and Opal embark on a road trip adventure to explore a series of long-abandoned family properties, unearthing the past. They’ll search the ruins of these places that hold buried memories, things Opal has tried for years to forget. And in this search, they’ll discover not just the truth they’ve been seeking, but each other.

Featuring star performances by Keri Russell (The Americans, Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker) and Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart, Uncharted 4).

Features: • Experience the story of Open Roads as 16-year-old Tess Devine, on a road trip with her mother to discover what has been left behind in evocative places forgotten to time. • Bask in classic road trip vibes as you chill in the car en route to your next destination, fiddling with the radio and chatting with your mom. • A groundbreaking art style melds detailed first-person environments with beautifully hand-animated characters, bringing the adventure to life. • A unique and engaging interactive dialogue system moves the narrative along, exposing character flaws, secrets, and buried truths.

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18 Best Outdoor Team Building Companies for Adventures

Here is our list of the best outdoor team building companies .

Outdoor team building companies are businesses that host outdoor team bonding activities. Examples include Wildland Trekking, Escape Adventures, and Pedal Pub. Outdoor team building events are a fun way to work on communication, build connections, and reward hard work.

Outdoor team building companies host outdoor activities, games, and events . These types of team bonding activities can be used to create a team building program . These providers are examples of in-person team building companies .

This list includes:

• corporate outdoor team building companies
• nature team building companies
• outdoor activity companies for teams
• outdoor team building providers

Here we go!

List of outdoor team building companies

You can host outdoor team building events for shorter activities or longer retreats. These companies may also be good options for conference locations. From backpacking to horseback riding to skiing, here is a list of companies specializing in outdoor experiences. These curated experiences get your staff working together and having fun.

1. Wildland Trekking

Wildland Trekking offers all-inclusive trekking trips around the world. The tours range from day hikes to backpacking trips. You can even go on a llama trek!

Wildland Trekking provides high-quality gear, so there is no need to worry about bringing supplies. Food is also included, and the guide prepares all the meals.

If you want to relax and focus on the surroundings, then you can hire a porter to carry your belongings. Be sure to check out the inn-based hiking options if you are not too keen on sleeping in the woods. With these packages, you can focus on hiking during the day and still have a warm bed at night. No matter your destination, hiking is a great team building activity.

Learn more about Wildland Trekking .

2. Volunteer.gov

With Volunteer.gov, your team building event can make a difference. This group partners with outdoor powerhouses such as the National Parks Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

These agencies work together to conserve nature and share it with visitors nationwide. Volunteer opportunities range from one-day events to multi-month commitments, so you can make volunteering a part of your team’s routine. Tasks range from giving tours to cleaning up shorelines. No matter which event you choose, you can feel good about impacting your community.

Learn more about Volunteer.gov .

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3. Pedal Pub

Pedal Pub brings the pub on the road with this human-powered bike bar! Packages accommodate 8 to 16 riders and take guests on a tour around the city. One rider will be in the middle to steer, so there is no need to worry about drifting into traffic. Pedal Pub is an exciting way to see the city and relax. With franchise locations across the United States and Canada, there are plenty of places to explore via bike bar.

For your team building event, you may be able to create a customized route. Some locations will even let you rent out their entire fleet so that a large team could experience this traveling pub!

Learn more about Pedal Pub .

4. Arc Adventures

As one of the best corporate outdoor team building companies, Arc Adventures offers many bonding experiences. One fun option they provide is taking your team camping. You can go on an overnight or multi-night trip, and Arc Adventures provides all the equipment. Participants learn outdoor cooking techniques, tent building, and nature safety. Their camping tours are available all over the West Coast. Because the camping tour allows groups of up to 200 participants, Arc Adventures is an excellent choice for large teams.

Arc also offers a specific team building package. Your group will take part in activities such as obstacle courses, adventure races, and geocaching. Arc provides all the gear and set-up, and transportation is included if necessary.

Learn more about Arc Adventures .

5. Your First Mud Run

Your First Mud Run ships mud run fun straight to your door!

Packages contain all key elements to host a successful mud run, including a P.A. system, course markers, and parking signs. In addition, you can order up to 12 different obstacles for your course, such as a mud pit, a tire drag, and an inflatable tube run. You can also add on medals, T-shirts, and a D.J.

Events can be set up in one day, and YFMH’s team can help with the prep. To help integrate charity into your run, look at the fundraising page.

If you are not as keen on hosting your own race, then check out their events page for YFMR’s event schedule.

Learn more about Your First Mud Run .

6. American Ghost Walks

American Ghost Walks is one of the most unique outdoor team building providers. Tour guides take you around the city while sharing true historical stories about paranormal places.

Some tours are interactive, putting you on the spot as the lead ghost hunter! For example, during the Prairie Avenue ghost hunt, you will learn how to use paranormal investigation tools and techniques. In addition, you can customize your tours to create a fun experience for all your employees.

Learn more about American Ghost Walks .

7. Farm Stays USA

Farm Stays USA is a nonprofit association focused on bringing visitors authentic farm and ranch experiences. Participating farms and ranches must be active agricultural operations and focus on educating guests about farm life.

To find your perfect stay, you can filter by farm activities you are interested in doing. For example, once you input your location, choose “I want to milk a cow.” The site will then suggest nearby farm stays that offer milking. A fun way to incorporate the farm activity filter into your business trip is to send the categories out to your employees in a poll. Then, you can find a stay that lets your team live out their farming dreams!

Learn more about Farm Stays USA .

Go Ape is one of the nature team building companies offering ropes courses nationwide. Go Ape hosts treetop adventures, treetop journeys, axe throwing, and monkey drops. For example, treetop adventure is the original package, with tree-to-tree crossings, zip lines, and swings high in the canopy. Treetop journey offers suspended bridges, obstacles, and zip lines. Axe throwing pits you against your team in a dangerous game of accuracy. Meanwhile, monkey drop challenges participants to climb to the top of a 40-foot platform and jump off.

Go Ape offers group discounts for corporate events. You can also create a custom event and choose your activities.

Learn more about Go Ape .

9. The Dude Rancher’s Association

The Dude Rancher’s Association is an organization that certifies dude ranches across the West. Over 90 dude ranches belong to the DRA. Members follow a set of by-laws, so each stay has the same core principles. The DRA focuses on horses, hats, hospitality, heritage, honesty, and heart. Stays are all-inclusive, so each package includes lodging, food, and activities.

To fill up your schedule, check out options for gold panning, archery, and horseback riding. A dude ranch stay is a wonderful reward for your hardworking team!

Learn more about The Dude Rancher’s Association .

10. Western River Expeditions

Western River Expeditions offers whitewater rafting trips for all experience levels. Depending on the location, you may ride in a high-speed raft, a paddle raft, an inflatable kayak, or an oar rig. Western River Expeditions provides all necessary camping gear and supplies. The guides also bring and cook the food.

Be sure to check the website for a free expedition guide, which includes information like river maps, itineraries, camping info, and packing lists. For larger groups, book a trip that uses Western’s J-Rig boat, which can hold up to 28 passengers.

Learn more about Western River Expeditions .

11. Equitours

Equitours offers horseback riding trips across the globe. These long-lasting tours are perfect for a company retreat.

Typically, Equitours includes other activities alongside horseback riding. For example, in Oregon, you can go on a six-day trip through the Willamette Valley, attend wine tastings, and stay at local inns. Another unique offering is their yoga and horseback riding trip in Wyoming. In Massachusetts, you can book a journey where you will learn the art of dressage. No matter where you end up, Equitours provides exciting horseback riding experiences.

Learn more about Equitours .

12. Escape Adventures

Escape Adventures provides guided mountain- and road-biking trips across the globe. This company offers all-inclusive multi-day custom tours for any group size. You can even choose from multisport adventures where biking is only one piece of the puzzle. For example, the Mount Saint Helens bike ride includes a cave exploration!

You can choose from different fitness levels to fit any team’s needs. In some tours, an e-bike is available, which can help support riders during the longer stretches.

Learn more about Escape Adventures .

13. Jackson Hole Mountain Guides

Jackson Hole Mountain Guides offers guided outdoor adventures in the western U.S. You can book rock climbing, mountain climbing, ice climbing, hiking, and even backcountry skiing and riding trips. JHMG has single-day and multi-day trips so that you can choose the best fit for your team.

Climbing requires strong teamwork to keep participants safe, making it a great team building exercise. JHMG provides all the climbing equipment, but the rest of the gear is up to you. Be sure to look at their gear list tab to see which essentials to bring. For corporate trips, give JHMG a call. You can design custom adventures that are great for team building.

Learn more about Jackson Hole Mountain Guides .

14. Golf Trip Junkie

Golf Trip Junkie hosts golf trips to destinations around the country. These packages include lodging, course access, golf cart use, and resort fees. Teams of any fitness level can enjoy golf’s leisurely pace, and staying at resorts is a great way to relax. Golf Trip Junkie specializes in corporate outings for team building. You can build your own package if you know which course you would like to visit. If you want recommendations, you can call the company to set up a personalized vacation.

Learn more about Golf Trip Junkie .

When looking for water-based outdoor activity companies for teams, check out Oars. Oars is a multisport guide, hosting global rafting, kayaking, and fishing trips. You can choose from one-day, multi-day, or international trips, making Oars an ideal choice for many occasions. Be sure to look at the special interests section for themed trips. For example, your group can go on an astronomy-based rafting experience. This package focuses on escaping the city’s light pollution and appreciating the natural landscape.

Learn more about Oars .

You may know REI as an outdoor gear retailer, but they also host various trips! Destinations are available across the U.S. and range from Alaska to Wyoming. REI leads all kinds of adventures, from biking to climbing to snowshoeing. The packages are all-inclusive, and REI provides all the necessary food and gear.

One exciting aspect of these trips is REI offers special member pricing. If you are not already a member, then a lifetime membership is a one-time fee of $30. After joining the co-op, you can save hundreds of dollars on the adventure packages. When planning team building events, you may be interested in their private trips. For groups of six or more, the pricing is the same as their other tours.

Learn more about REI Adventures .

17. Ski.com

Ski.com is a one-stop shop for skiing destinations. From flights to rentals to lessons, Ski.com can help you plan your entire trip. This site offers stays at over 120 locations.

Skiing is a great option for large corporate teams. Ski.com has experience with booking groups of 20 to 2,000 skiers. When planning your adventure, you can even have a ski expert join your Zoom call. The expert can help you construct the perfect event to fit your budget and team needs.

Learn more about Ski.com .

18. Polaris

For the adventurous team, consider planning an outdoor vehicle trip! Polaris sells off-roading vehicles, but they also offer rentals and adventure packages. You can choose from off-road, on-road, and snow-based trips.

Off-roading vehicles are a thrilling way to see beautiful sights. You can visit national parks and climb to new heights. For an on-road adventure, consider an Indian motorcycle or a Slingshot three-wheeled vehicle. Be sure to read Polaris’s blog for destination suggestions, safety information, and gear lists.

Hundreds of locations across the U.S. offer Polaris rentals.

Learn more about Polaris .

Outdoor activities are an excellent way for your team to bond. Most of these activities require communication to be safe and successful. Practicing communication outside of work hours teaches employees how to cooperate, which translates to the office. Sharing these incredible experiences also promotes unity in the workplace. Not to mention, these events help professionals take a break from the office and get much-needed fresh air and sunshine! These outdoor team building companies can help run events that will make a lasting impression.

If you are looking to plan a retreat, check out our list of group retreat activities . For other outdoor inspiration, consider a field day , a family fun day , and summer team building activities .

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FAQ: Outdoor team building companies

Here are answers to common questions about outdoor team building companies.

What are outdoor team building companies?

Outdoor team building companies host outdoor experiences that emphasize teamwork and togetherness. These businesses create exciting environments that keep employees engaged and collaborating. Many of them have all-inclusive experiences, so all you have to do is show up and have fun! Some examples include Oars, The Dude Rancher’s Association, and Volunteer.gov.

What are the best outdoor team building companies?

Outdoor team building companies host a wide variety of outdoor activities. Some of the best outdoor team building companies include Arc Adventures, Go Ape, and Farm Stays USA. With any of these businesses, your team will create lasting memories.

Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Grace is the Director of People & Culture at TeamBuilding. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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