For those with a taste for adventure, the Southwest is brimming with dramatic landscapes home to red rock formations, vast rugged terrains, and rolling dunes perfect for an array of thrilling activities for the bold-hearted. Rock climbers, hiking enthusiasts, and sandboarding aficionados alike will find their craving for adventure satisfied at these Benchmark Resorts & Hotels properties in the midst of the Southwest.
Hiking & Canyoning in the Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is a haven for outdoor adventure enthusiasts with its array of scenic vistas, expansive trails and granite formations. High up in the Hill Country, known as the playground of Texas, La Cantera Resort & Spa is a gateway to prime hiking and rock-climbing destinations nearby. Only a brief distance away from the resort, visit Crownridge Canyon Natural Area, Eisenhower Park, or Friedrich Wilderness Park which offer miles of hiking trails, forested canyons and panoramic hillside views. For guests wanting to get their heart rate up, the resort’s running and nature trails are perfect for both the experienced trail runner or nature enthusiasts who simply want a leisurely stroll through the Hill Country. To unwind after an action-packed day, play a few holes at the resort’s championship golf course or visit the Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness sanctuary.
Experience the Thrill in Bishop, California
Bishop, California, is a small town with a vast backyard full of adventures. In the heart of this town, Wayfinder Bishop serves as an ideal base for exploring the region’s diverse landscapes and outdoor activities. Just a short drive from the property, Bishop Creek Canyon has hiking trails winding through lush forests and past pristine lakes. Death Valley National Park calls to thrill-seekers with canyoning, biking, trail running and sandboarding opportunities available. The Druid Stones and Pine Creek Crags are renowned for their scenic and challenging terrain, making them ideal spots for bouldering and mountaineering. Looking to escape the heat? Convict Lake is perfect for a fishing trip. End the day back at Wayfinder Bishop and enjoy views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada’s while sitting beside the babbling Bishop Creek, or unwind in the pool, hot tub or sauna.
Action-Packed Fun in the Wasatch Range
The Wasatch Range is a thrill-seeker’s paradise with its deep lakes and winding rivers for water sports, prime powder for winter sports, and 400 miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking. At Black Rock Mountain Resort in Heber City, guests will find a myriad of adventures waiting, all while enjoying the luxurious comforts of the resort. Searching for the perfect adventure? The resort’s activity rental service ensures unmatched convenience, complete with a dedicated valet service and top-notch gear and expert tips. Switchback Sports, an in-house resort partner, offers bike rental services so guests can conquer rugged trails. For a more immersive experience, Rocky Mountain Outfitters has expert guides ready to take guests on horseback riding and fly-fishing trips in Midway. Minutes from the resort, the Jordanelle Reservoir features recreational areas like Hailstone, Rock Cliff, and Ross Creek, each providing ample opportunity for river rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, jet-skiing and more. Hiking enthusiasts will find trails suited to all skill levels, from the beginner-friendly 7.1-mile Round Valley Rail Trail to the more challenging 5.5-mile Iron Canyon Trail. For Olympic-sized thrills, the Utah Olympic Park, built for the 2002 Winter Olympics, offers year-round activities like ziplining, an alpine slide and ropes courses.
