Avid hikers are likely already well aware of the best hikes in their own backyards, but the United States is overflowing with world-class hiking destinations that are worth centering a vacation around. The natural beauty of American landscapes is one of the biggest draws for international travelers.
The nation’s many gorgeous national parks offer some of the planet’s best hikes. Here are a few of the premier hiking destinations in the United States for hikers looking to experience the best the nation has to offer.
1. Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is internationally famous for its flowing waterfalls, immense granite cliffs, colossal groves of sequoia, mountains, lakes, glaciers, meadows, and a variety of wildlife. Hikers who visit here often find themselves in awe of the sheer diversity of landscapes, plants, and animals. The park also contains over 750 miles of trails among its wilderness.
Some of Yosemite’s best hiking trails include:
Yosemite Falls Trail
Standing at an astounding 2,424 feet, Yosemite Falls is the second-highest waterfall in the United States. Hikers seeking a closer look at Yosemite Falls have two options: a 7.2-mile round-trip hike to the top of the waterfall or a two-mile hike to Columbia Rock.
Half Dome Trail
This 8,846-foot rock formation is another one of Yosemite’s most iconic sites, but the Half Dome Trail is not for everyone. Only experienced hikers should attempt to tackle this extremely challenging 14-mile hike, which can take 12 hours to complete and contains huge elevation gains.
Mirror Lake Trail
Mirror Lake lays snuggled amongst the park’s world-famous granite peaks of North Dome and Half Dome. It is one of Yosemite’s easier hikes—the basic hike is about 2.4 miles, while a full loop around the lake is 4 miles.
Sentinel Dome Trail
The Sentinel Dome Trail is another great Yosemite option for beginner hikers, as it is relatively easygoing. The 2-mile trail only has an elevation gain of 400 feet, so most hikers will not be overly exerted. This scenic hike starts at Glacier Point Road and finishes with majestic views of the Sentinel Dome, along with the Half Dome and Yosemite Falls in the distance.
Mist Trail
Yosemite Falls may get more attention, but it is not the only spectacular waterfall in Yosemite. Vernal Fall is also well worth a hike, and the Mist Trail is the most popular hiking route centered around this waterfall. Hikers have options here, as a Mist Trail hike can be combined with a hike along the Vernal Fall Footbridge and the Nevada Trail.
2. Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park stretches across over 2.2 million acres in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and contains over 1,100 miles of hiking trails. These trails showcase some of the country’s most spectacular natural scenery. This includes a variety of hot springs, geysers, and a variety of wildlife like bald eagles, grizzly bears, wolves, coyotes, and many more.
Yellowstone’s trails vary in difficulty, offering something for hiking veterans and newbies alike. Some of the park’s most popular hiking trails include:
Grand Prismatic Hot Spring
This fairly easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is one of Yellowstone’s most popular and showcases some of the park’s famous hot springs.
Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop
A moderately difficult 5-mile loop trail popular for its views of Old Faithful, as well as bird-watching.
Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop
A 3.5-mile loop trail of moderate difficulty with striking views of a waterfall and Old Faithful in the distance.
3. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is an outdoors enthusiast’s dream and features hiking trails suited for all ages and experience levels. Perhaps most famous for the towering red walls of Zion Canyon, the park is also home to 289 species of birds, 65 mammals, and 32 reptiles. Additionally, the sprawling park has four different life zones, which include coniferous forest, woodland, desert, and riparian.
Some of Zion National Park’s most revered hikes include:
Canyon Overlook
Fortunately, some of Zion’s most breathtaking views don’t take too much effort to enjoy. The Canyon Overlook hike is a short and relatively easy one-mile trail that offers panoramic views of Zion Canyon.
Zion Narrows
Possibly the most popular trail in Zion, the Narrows trail runs alongside the Virgin River, which lies at the bottom of the narrow canyon. This is one of the best summer hikes, as you will need to swim or wade through a bit of water, which can be extremely refreshing on a blazing hot Utah day.
Emerald Pools
Zion contains three emerald pools that can be accessed by with hiking trails of various difficulties. The lower pool is the most accessible, the middle is moderately difficult, and reaching the upper pool is a challenge best suited for experienced hikers. Highlights of these hikes include Red Arch Mountain, Lady Mountain, and the Great White Throne, among other spectacular views.
