En español | Once upon a time, adventure travel meant trekking expeditions through uncharted wastelands and rafting explorations along unnamed rivers. But in the past half-century, the adventure travel industry has expanded to include "soft adventures" that span the spectrum from easy hikes to arduous treks. Here are three walking vacations that indicate the rich range of trips that virtually all active travelers can enjoy.

Two pricing caveats:

• Adventure travel companies generally do not include the cost of transportation to and from their trips' departure points, so when you are budgeting for a trip, you need to factor in that cost.

• Also, not all itineraries include all meals. Before booking a trip, read the itinerary closely to determine if there are any extra meal and other costs you will need to include in your budget.

Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks (Backroads.com)
Travelers get to explore two of the American Southwest's most mesmerizing national parks on this trip, with an itinerary that offers a range of mileage options: If you're ready for a full day of hiking, you can walk more than seven miles on some days, but if you'd like to take it easy, you can walk as little as two miles one day and four on some others. It's up to you.

See Also: Frommer's Guide, Grand Canyon

Whatever option you take, the countryside you'll pass through will be spectacular: rugged orange, red and pink rock formations, river-carved canyons and Navajo sandstone cliffs, plus Bryce's iconic hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock).

Highlights include an invigorating splash through the river section known as the Narrows in Zion and soaring views from Angels Landing, plus a local expert's insights on the lessons revealed in this living geological classroom.

Accommodations are at two fine lodges: the riverside Desert Pearl Inn, overlooking the cliffs of Zion, and the National Historic Landmark Bryce Canyon Lodge, near the canyon rim. This six-day, five-night trip offers four departures in September and October, and costs start at $2,298 per person, double occupancy (add $570 for single occupancy). Departure point is St. George, Utah.

Next: The Italian Riviera and the trails of Indochina. »