The United States is a hiker’s paradise. A wide variety of climates, geography, and water features are found in every state, none the same as their neighbor. There are over 190,000 miles of trails found in US public lands, and each one is an adventure in and of itself. More difficult than hiking the trails themselves is choosing favorites.
Here are 10 standouts that should make every hiker’s bucket list.
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona
The best way to experience one of the seven wonders of the world is to hike in it! Conveniently located at the main visitor’s center and park area, the trail begins with amazing views from the south rim. Immediately the path takes hikers downwards and offers dizzying views of the trail as it switchbacks its way along the sheer canyon walls. A stout 5 mile walk will lead to an unexpected oasis of water and greenery known as the Indian Gardens.
For those looking to extend their trail, continue on downwards to the Colorado river and even stay in a rustic lodge at the bottom of the canyon (Make sure to reserve a spot far in advance)! No matter how far you go on this trail, you will be rewarded with unforgettable views and feelings of grandeur.
Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
Heading to the next-door neighboring state, Utah, will give you a chance to hike the iconic and breathtaking Angel’s Landing trail. Be warned, this may not be a path for those afraid of heights. However, all who risk the trek will be rewarded with the most unique and splendid viewpoint.
The trail switchbacks along a canyon wall and then leads you out onto a narrow walkway, a foot or so in width, with only a chain handrail for security. After traversing this section you reap the fruits of your labor and find yourself out on a rock “island” in the middle of a sandstone canyon. Enjoy the view!
Jenny Lake, Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming.
On a calm day the towering Tetons, covered in snow, are reflected perfectly in the waters of Jenney Lake, which sits at the base of these recognizable gneiss giants. A visitor center and parking lot, located on the south end of the lake, are the perfect place to start the hike off.
A 7 mile loop will take you around the lake, while shorter segments can be found, including several out and back trails. Pine trees, lake reflections, and the glacier capped mountains are the main attractions on this hike, as well as the chance to see wildlife such as moose and bears.
Cloud’s Rest, Yosemite National Park, California
The granite, glacier carved valley known as Yosemite is so awe-inspiring and massive that photos can barely do it justice. Most visitors gaze at the majestic rocks, such as Half-Dome, and El Capitan from the valley floor, but a little-known hike along the Cloud’s Rest trail will lead to a view above the famed valley.
The trail starts on the northern end of the park and winds upwards for about 7 miles, gaining a heady 1700 or so feet in the process. The steep uphill ends with a flat granite top that displays the valley below.
Delicate Arch Trail, Arches National Park, Utah
This trail brings hikers back to Utah and the red sandstone rocks that make up the Arches National Park. The relatively soft sandstone can be easily carved by erosion to make interesting and unique natural rock formations. The most famous of these is the Delicate Arch, which seems impossibly perfectly formed. The trail will take you around and up to the arch, which allows for awesome viewing angles and photography opportunities.
Garfield Peak Trail, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
The US’s deepest lake sits inside the hollowed out caldera of an old volcano found in Crater Lake National Park (an apt name!) The Garfield Peak Trail takes hikers up several hundred feet in a short mile and a half trek. Once at the terminus, panoramic views of the lake, its two islands, and distant mountains fill your vision and likely your camera’s viewfinder.
Appalachian Trail, Eastern United States
Over 2000 miles of trail link Georgia and Maine in what is known as the Appalachian Trail. Most well known for hikers attempting to complete it in its entirety, the trail offers a multitude of stretches along amazing forests and national parks.
Don’t let the trail’s immense length deter you from tackling a section. Common day hikes on the trail include the Max Patch trail in North Carolina and Cade’s Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. If you are in one of the states the famous trail cuts through, chances are that an outstanding day hike is not far away.
Pacific Crest Trail, Western United States.
The Appalachian Trail’s west coast brother runs 2600 plus miles from Mexico to Canada, largely along the length of California. Central and Northern California hold particularly picturesque patches of scenery, and short hikes can let you experience a bit of the trail’s magic without devoting months on end to completing it fully.
Knife Edge, Baxter State Park, Maine
If the narrow trail surrounded by drop-offs on both sides of Angels landing didn’t scare you off, then consider the Knife Edge Trail in Maine. True to its name, the path cuts along the ridge of several mountains, no more than 3 feet wide. To make matters more interesting, the “trail” is actually large, often unstable, rocks that seem ready to tumble at a moment’s notice. This is not for the faint of heart, but those who dare to complete it will have memories, photos, and stories like no other.
Lava Viewing Area, Kalapana, Hawaii
Every other hike on this list takes you across land that has been formed millenniums ago, but in Kalapana Hawaii, you have the rare chance to see brand new land being formed right before your very eyes.
The hike begins where the road ends. Not a formal parking lot, mind you, but where an old lava flow has cooled and hardened over the preexisting road.
There is no definitive path, but rather a scramble across uneven and oftentimes sharp, cooled lava. Eventually, you can catch a glimpse of molten lava as it crashes into the ocean. You’ll likely hear it before you see it! A word of advice to hikers: wear appropriate footwear and bring a flashlight with you.
