The U.S. is the second-best country for outdoor travel in the world
The Global Outdoor Destinations Index, which scored 183 countries across adventure options, ecological richness, environmental protections and all-around chill factor (things like weather and safety), confirms what many outdoor lovers already knew: The U.S. is kind of a big deal.
Few places cram in this much natural variety: The U.S. hosts 10 distinct ecosystems, second only to Mexico, ranging from alpine peaks to subtropical swamps. It's also home to 12 UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites and protects 12-percent of its land, making room for everything from solitary backcountry hikes to glamping in Zion.
More than 2,000 federally managed recreation areas spread across the country mean even first-timers can easily find their way to a trailhead, a ranger station or a breathtaking overlook with an actual bathroom nearby (luxury!). Signage is clear, safety standards are high, and outdoor tourism is supported without feeling overly sanitized.
As for accessibility? You could road trip across three time zones and never leave the country or your REI loyalty program. From snow-dusted Rockies to mossy Appalachian trails to the vast, surreal silence of Utah's canyonlands, each region has its own outdoor dialect.
Australia may have eked ahead thanks to its massive conservation zones and year-round temperate weather, but for Americans craving nature without the jet lag, staying domestic is far from a compromise. Rounding out the global top five were New Zealand, Canada and—surprise—France, all offering different blends of beauty and biodiversity.
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