Discover the Best Hikes in U.S. National Parks
The U.S. National Parks are home to some of the most incredible hiking trails in the world. With landscapes ranging from rugged mountain peaks to vast desert canyons, these parks offer unforgettable trails for every type of hiker. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic walk or a challenging all-day trek, there’s no shortage of breathtaking routes to explore. When planning your next adventure, make sure to check out the best hikes in U.S. National Parks for an unforgettable experience.
This guide highlights 10 of the best hikes in U.S. National Parks, each offering stunning views, unique terrain, and an unforgettable experience. From iconic landmarks like Angels Landing to the towering hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, these trails showcase the incredible beauty and diversity of America’s public lands. Get ready to hit the trail and experience the best hikes in U.S. National Parks that will leave you in awe of nature’s wonders.
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How to Choose the Best Hike in U.S. National Parks for You
With so many incredible trails in U.S. National Parks, choosing the right one can make or break your hiking experience. Whether you’re looking for a casual stroll with stunning views or a strenuous climb to a breathtaking summit, considering key factors like difficulty, elevation gain, and terrain will help you find the perfect trail from the best hikes in U.S. National Parks. Pro Tip: Download AllTrails to help find the perfect hiking trails for you.
Understanding Difficulty Levels
Most trails are categorized as easy, moderate, or strenuous based on distance, elevation gain, and technical challenges. Easy hikes are typically under 3 miles with minimal elevation change, making them great for beginners and families. Moderate hikes may involve steeper sections, uneven terrain, or longer distances. Strenuous trails demand endurance, with steep ascents, high elevation, or exposed sections that require careful footing. When choosing your next hike, consider what fits your skill level from the best hikes in U.S. National Parks.
Key Factors to Consider
Beyond difficulty ratings, consider the trail’s distance, terrain, and elevation gain. A short but steep hike can be just as challenging as a longer, gradual trail. Check if the route includes exposed ledges, rock scrambles, or river crossings, and assess whether you’re comfortable with these elements. You can check all of these trail conditions on AllTrails. These factors will help you select the right trail among the best hikes in U.S. National Parks.
Family-Friendly vs. Advanced Hikes
If you’re hiking with kids or beginners, look for well-maintained trails with gradual inclines and scenic stops, like Mesa Arch or Queen’s Garden in Bryce Canyon. For more experienced hikers, challenges like Half Dome’s cables or Angels Landing’s narrow ridge offer adrenaline-pumping rewards. Matching the trail to your skill level ensures a safe and enjoyable adventure in the best hikes in U.S. National Parks.
The 10 Best Hikes in U.S. National Parks
Ready to explore some of the most breathtaking trails in the country? Here’s a list of the best hikes in U.S. National Parks that showcase the diverse beauty and unique landscapes of America’s most iconic public lands. From towering peaks to dramatic canyons, these trails are a must-do for any adventure lover.
1. Angels Landing – Zion National Park, Utah
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,500 feet
Trail Length: About 5 miles round trip
Note: A permit is required to hike this trail.
Why It’s Special: Angels Landing is renowned for its iconic rock formation and offers sweeping views of Zion Canyon. The trail is famous for its narrow ridgeline and steep drop-offs, making it both thrilling and rewarding.
Trail Highlights: Hikers navigate steep switchbacks, including the notorious “Walter’s Wiggles,” before reaching the spine of the ridge. The final half-mile features chains bolted into the rock for assistance, leading to panoramic vistas that are unparalleled.
2. Mesa Arch – Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Approximately 130 feet
Trail Length: 0.7 miles round trip
Why It’s Special: Mesa Arch is celebrated for its stunning sunrise views, where the arch frames the distant landscape, creating a picturesque scene.
Trail Highlights: This short hike leads to the arch perched on a cliff edge, offering exceptional views of the canyons below. It’s a favorite spot for photographers aiming to capture the first light of day illuminating the red rock.
3. Highline Trail – Glacier National Park, Montana
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain: Varies depending on the endpoint
Trail Length: Approximately 11.8 miles one way to Granite Park Chalet
Why It’s Special: The Highline Trail offers incredible alpine views, wildflower-filled meadows, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
Trail Highlights: The trail parallels the Garden Wall, providing expansive vistas of glacial valleys and rugged peaks. A notable section includes a narrow path with a cable for support, offering jaw-dropping views for those with a head for heights.
4. Half Dome – Yosemite National Park, California
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Elevation Gain: Approximately 4,800 feet
Trail Length: About 14-16 miles round trip, depending on the starting point
Why It’s Special: Half Dome is one of the most iconic hikes in the U.S., offering panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.
Trail Highlights: The trail passes landmarks like Vernal and Nevada Falls before reaching the subdome. The final ascent involves climbing the famous cables section, a challenging and exhilarating experience leading to expansive vistas at the summit.
5. Skyline Trail – Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,700 feet
Trail Length: 5.5 miles loop
Why It’s Special: The Skyline Trail offers dramatic views of Mount Rainier, wildflower-filled meadows, and glaciers.
Trail Highlights: Hikers traverse alpine meadows, encounter cascading waterfalls, and enjoy sweeping views of the iconic mountain. On clear days, distant peaks of the Cascade Range are visible, enhancing the trail’s scenic appeal.
6. Bright Angel Trail – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain: Approximately 4,380 feet to the Colorado River
Trail Length: 9.5 miles one way to the river
Why It’s Special: Bright Angel Trail is one of the best ways to experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, offering a journey from rim to river.
Trail Highlights: The trail features a steep descent into the canyon, with resthouses and water stations along the way. Hikers are treated to close-up views of the canyon’s geological layers and the Colorado River, with breathtaking vistas at every turn.
7. Mist Trail – Yosemite National Park, California
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 feet to Vernal Fall
Trail Length: 3 miles round trip to Vernal Fall; 7 miles round trip to Nevada Fall
Why It’s Special: The Mist Trail offers incredible views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, two of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls.
Trail Highlights: The trail ascends alongside the Merced River, with sections that can be misty and slippery near the falls. The climb includes granite steps and offers dramatic, mist-filled walks to the top of the waterfalls, providing a refreshing experience.
8. Precipice Trail – Acadia National Park, Maine
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 feet
Trail Length: 1.8 miles round trip
Why It’s Special: The Precipice Trail is a challenging route featuring cliffs, iron rungs, and exceptional coastal views, making it a favorite among adventurous hikers.
Trail Highlights: Hikers navigate narrow ledges, iron ladders, and exposed cliffs, requiring sure-footedness and a head for heights. The summit rewards with panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.
9. Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail – Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: Approximately 600 feet (183 meters)
Trail Length: 3-mile (4.6 km) loop
Why It’s Special: Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail offers hikers the opportunity to walk among Bryce Canyon’s iconic hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that have been eroded into unique formations. It’s the park’s most popular hike and provides a comprehensive experience of its geological wonders.
Trail Highlights: Starting at Sunrise Point, the trail descends into the canyon through the Queen’s Garden Trail, named for a hoodoo that resembles Queen Victoria. Hikers then connect to the Navajo Loop Trail, ascending via the famous Wall Street section, which features towering canyon walls and tight switchbacks. The loop concludes along the Rim Trail, offering panoramic views of the amphitheater below.
10. Rim Trail – Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Difficulty: Challenging
Elevation Gain: Varies depending on the segment
Trail Length: Approximately 20.1 miles (32.3 km) loop
Why It’s Special: Encircling the deepest lake in the United States, the Rim Trail offers unparalleled views of Crater Lake’s pristine blue waters, surrounding cliffs, and volcanic islands. The trail provides a comprehensive perspective of the caldera’s geology and the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Trail Highlights: The trail can be accessed from various points, with Rim Village being a common starting location. Hikers traverse through old-growth forests, open meadows, and along the caldera’s edge, with numerous viewpoints such as Discovery Point and The Watchman offering breathtaking vistas. Due to its length, many hikers opt to explore shorter segments of the trail.
Plan Your Next Adventure in U.S. National Parks
With so many incredible trails to explore, the best hikes in U.S. National Parks offer something for every adventurer. Whether you’re tackling a challenging summit, wandering through otherworldly rock formations, or soaking in panoramic canyon views, these hikes showcase the beauty and diversity of America’s most treasured landscapes.
Ready to plan your next trip? Check out our other guides for travel tips, itinerary ideas, and more must-visit National Parks to help you map out your next adventure. Whether you’re looking for the best scenic drives, hidden gem trails, or essential gear recommendations, we’ve got you covered. Start exploring today and make your next national park trip unforgettable!