Hot Spas for Hiking in North America

Whether you reside in California or the New England region, fall is the perfect season for spending some time hiking the great outdoors. There’s nothing better than getting in tune with nature (while getting a little exercise along with it!). So strap on those sneakers and hit the trails at one of these resort/hotel spas that our editors picked as best for hiking.

We name our 10 hotspots here, but we know there are more out there; tell us your favorites in the comments!

Amara Resort, a Kimpton Hotel – Sedona, Arizona: Sedona has 100-plus trails that boast the beauty of red rock country—and the boutique-style Amara Resort is a good starting point prior to outdoor treks: 43 trails reside within a five-mile radius; 86 trails are within a 10-mile radius; and 113 trails rest within a 20-mile radius. Resort guests have access to various hiking packages that include hotel pickup, clinics, and guided treks provided by the Hike House.

Green Valley Spa – St. George, Utah: Green Valley Spa boasts one of the top hiking programs worldwide, challenging hikers of three fitness categories (trail, fitness, and strenuous) to trek to Zion National Park, Snow Canyon, Silver Reef, and other areas that reside within southern Utah’s red rock country.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort – Kiawah Island, South Carolina: Hike along the nature trails, the 10-mile stretch of hard-backed beaches, and the 1.5-mile pathway that begins at one end of the island and runs the main parkway—all while noticing the isle wildlife, from dolphins to bobcats to river otters.

Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat & Health Spa – British Columbia, Canada: An extensive collection of nearby trails (established by miners in the 1880s) are the focus of this health and fitness spa retreat, suspended above a picturesque lake in the midst of the rugged Selkirk and Purcell Ranges of the Rocky Mountains.

Nalu Kinetic Spa at Turtle Bay Resort – Kahuku, Hawaii: Sign up for one of Turtle Bay Resort’s guided educational hikes and say aloha to the majestic Koolauloa mountain range—along with awe-inspiring beach and rainforest valley views—on the North Shore of Oahu. Eco-enthusiasts and beginner/intermediate hikers welcome.

New Life Hiking Spa – Killington, Vermont: For 35 years, New Life Hiking Spa, founded by Jimmy LeSage, M.S., has drawn guests for its affordability, supreme location at the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail, and hiking program accessible to all fitness abilities—beginners, intermediate, and advanced.

Ranch at Live Oak Malibu – Malibu, California: The low-impact weeklong program at Ranch at Live Oak Malibu, named among the “2013 world’s best destination spas” by Travel + Leisure, encompasses 9-10 hours of exercise daily, including energizing hikes through the Santa Monica Mountains. The Ranch’s team adapts its program to suit your fitness and intensity levels.

Rancho La Puerta – Tecate, Mexico: The hiking trails—where you can explore the mountain terrain of Mt. Kuchumaa—are just part of Rancho La Puerta’s 3,000 acres. Guided hikes begin as early as 6 a.m. and vary from five miles of invigorating terrain to nearly-level nature walks; you’ll have the opportunity to see 100-million-year-old rocks littered among the mountains and meadows no matter which route you choose.

Red Mountain Resort – Ivins, Utah: This spa, surrounded by thousands of acres of towering cliffs and red rock formations, has 30 trails that accommodate hikers of varying levels, plus, impress with extreme southwestern beauty: sandstone rock, lava caves, and Native American petroglyphs.

The Hills Health Ranch – British Columbia, Canada: Hiking is a big component of this award-winning spa and fitness destination, located amid the Cariboo Mountains, where 100 miles of trails wind through rolling ranges, mountains, lakes, meadows, etc. Two to three daily guided hiking tours are available, and a team of outdoor fitness specialists and guides are on hand to schedule personal treks.