Adventure Starts in Pomona's Backyard
Few cities offer such easy access to outdoor adventure as Pomona. The San Gabriel Mountains rise just to the north, with Mount Baldy offering challenging hikes and winter snow. Joshua Tree, Anza-Borrego, and the Mojave Desert are within a few hours, as are the Pacific coast, the Channel Islands, and the Sierra Nevada. Cal Poly Pomona's outdoor recreation programs and local hiking clubs foster a strong adventure culture throughout the Pomona Valley.
For travelers who want to go further, whether trekking in Patagonia, rafting the Grand Canyon, or cycling through Europe, adventure travel companies handle logistics, safety, and expert guiding. Here are the ten best adventure travel companies for Pomona explorers.
What to Look for in an Adventure Company
Evaluate guide qualifications, safety records, group sizes, physical difficulty ratings, and sustainability practices. Reputable companies provide detailed itineraries, gear lists, and pre-trip support. Consider whether you prefer small-group departures, private trips, or active trips designed for families.
1. Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is one of the world's largest small-group adventure companies, offering hundreds of itineraries across every continent. Its trips emphasize local experiences, responsible travel, and authentic connections with communities. Intrepid is a certified B Corp and has been a leader in reducing the environmental impact of tourism.
2. G Adventures
G Adventures offers affordable small-group tours with a focus on community tourism. From hiking the Inca Trail to exploring Southeast Asia, its trips cater to travelers of many ages and budgets. Its Planeterra foundation supports local social enterprises in destinations worldwide.
3. Backroads
Backroads specializes in premium active travel, including biking, hiking, and multi-adventure trips. Its itineraries include national parks in California and the western United States, as well as destinations around the world. Travelers enjoy excellent accommodations and meals after active days.
4. OARS
Headquartered in California, OARS is a pioneer in river rafting and wilderness adventures. It offers trips on the Grand Canyon's Colorado River, California's American River, and waterways around the world. Its experienced guides and commitment to conservation make it a trusted choice for river adventures.
5. Wilderness Travel
Based in Northern California, Wilderness Travel has decades of experience crafting expert-led cultural and hiking journeys. Its small-group trips to destinations such as Nepal, Peru, and Africa are known for exceptional guides and thoughtfully designed itineraries.
6. Mountain Travel Sobek
Mountain Travel Sobek is one of the original adventure travel companies, offering treks, expeditions, and river journeys to remote regions. Its trips to places like Kilimanjaro, Patagonia, and the Himalayas attract experienced adventurers seeking challenge and wonder.
7. Exodus Adventure Travels
Exodus offers walking, cycling, and wildlife adventures with clear grading systems that help travelers choose the right level of challenge. Its expertise in European trekking routes and cycling holidays is particularly strong.
8. Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, offers expedition cruises to the Galapagos, Antarctica, Alaska, and beyond. Naturalists, photographers, and small expedition ships create immersive wildlife encounters for travelers seeking once-in-a-lifetime journeys.
9. Austin Adventures
Austin Adventures designs active, all-inclusive trips for families and adults, including national park adventures in the American West. Its focus on family-friendly activities makes it an excellent choice for Pomona families wanting to introduce children to hiking, biking, and rafting.
10. Contiki
Contiki specializes in group adventures for travelers aged 18 to 35. Its trips combine sightseeing, outdoor activities, and social experiences. For Cal Poly Pomona students and young professionals, Contiki provides a fun and structured way to explore the world with peers.
Local Adventures Near Pomona
Before heading abroad, Pomona residents can enjoy incredible adventures nearby. Hike the Mount Baldy trails or the Ski Hut route for panoramic views. Explore Bonelli Regional Park for mountain biking, kayaking, and trail running around Puddingstone Reservoir. Head to Joshua Tree for rock climbing and stargazing, or visit the Angeles National Forest for camping and wildflower hikes. Local outfitters and outdoor retailers often organize group outings and skills classes.
Adventure Travel Trends
Sustainable and regenerative travel is reshaping the industry, with companies offsetting emissions and supporting conservation. Solo travel is booming, and many companies now reduce or waive single supplements. Wellness adventures that combine hiking with yoga or mindfulness are growing in popularity, as are trips focused on wildlife conservation and cultural immersion.
Tips for Planning an Adventure Trip
Train in advance by hiking local trails like those in the San Gabriel Mountains, which offer excellent elevation practice. Invest in quality footwear and break it in before your trip. Purchase travel insurance that covers adventure activities and medical evacuation. Read reviews and ask about guide-to-traveler ratios before booking.
Conclusion
Pomona's proximity to mountains, deserts, and coastlines nurtures a love of adventure. Whether you want to raft the Grand Canyon with OARS, trek the Andes with Intrepid, or explore Antarctica with Lindblad, these companies turn bold ideas into reality. Choose the experience that inspires you and start planning your next great adventure.