11 Best Hikes In U.S. National Parks

America is filled with outstanding hikes that carry you into scenery you never imagined would be in our great 50 states! From purple mountain majesty to towering red rock canyons, even the powerful coastlines of our national parks have something incredible to teach us about the enormity and diversity of our country. It feels nearly impossible to narrow it down to a short list of “best hikes.” So, we thank our readers for these fantastic recommendations! 

1. Rim Trail

Grand Canyon National Park

You may have dreams of hiking from the Grand Canyon rim down to the Colorado River, but if you’re not in tip-top shape, the Rim Trail offers a great alternative. Whether you choose to hike all 13 miles, or just a few, this hike offers spectacular views without the physical demands of switchbacks and steep inclines. 

Hike the entire trail and back or use the shuttle service to take you from point to point, or back to the visitor center. Shuttle stops along the trail range from 0.3 to 1.8 miles.

Along the route is a variety of points of interest, including Hermits Rest, a stone building that was built for the Sante Fe Railroad and designed by Mary Coulter; one of the most scenic views of the canyon at The Abyss; and the Yavapai Museum of Geology, where you can learn about the Canyon’s rich geological history and features.

2. Jenny Lake Trail

Grand Teton National Park

Jenny Lake at Grand Teton National Park offers a variety of trails for hikers of all levels, making it one of the most popular hiking areas in the park. In particular, the Jenny Lake Loop takes you on a beautiful 7.1-mile hike around the lake with an elevation gain of just over 1,000 feet. Expect the full hike to take between 3–5 hours, depending on your speed, or how many times you stop for pictures, and skill level.

Here’s what we love about this hike: mountain and lake views galore! There’s also a good chance you’ll spot moose, beaver, bear, or other wildlife on this hike, so make sure you follow safety guidelines. On the western shore of the lake, you may opt to return by shuttle boat. The shuttle runs continually throughout the day and reservations are not required, so you can decide when you get there.

3. Bear Lake To Fern Lake

Rocky Mountain National Park

Bear Lake to Fern Lake Trail is rated as a more strenuous hike, but with four gorgeous alpine lakes and a 60-foot waterfall along the way, we think you’ll agree it’s a worthy hike if you’re up for this 9.2-miler! Leave your car in a park-and-ride lot and take a free shuttle to the trailhead. When you finish your hike at Fern Lake, the shuttles will arrive every half hour to deliver you back to your parking lot.

This hike is especially stunning in the fall when the colors begin to change.

The Fern Lake trailhead, where you will end your hike, is located on the west side of Moraine Park. The valley is home to large herds of elk and other wildlife including big horn sheep, deer, and coyotes. If you’re there in the fall, you may also enjoy the elk bugling!

4. Delicate Arch Trail

Arches National Park

Arches National Park’s iconic Delicate Arch is a true showstopper! At 46 feet high and 32 feet wide, Delicate Arch is the park’s largest free-standing arch. Because it’s one of the most popular features at Arches National Park, you can expect to have a lot of company on this hike — especially at sunrise or sunset.

Round trip, Delicate Arch Trail is about 3.2 miles and takes approximately 2 or 3 hours, start to finish. While most of the trail is wide and easy, be ready for no shade, some steep slickrock terrain, and a suspension bridge over a salt wash. Along the route, watch for Frame Rock for a fantastic photo op of Delicate Arch, and a short spur trail where you can see Ute petroglyphs up close!

The most ideal time to trek this trail is spring and fall. If you must go in the summer, park rangers strongly recommend you start in the morning to avoid the heat of the day.

Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water. No water is available at the trailhead.

5. The Narrows Riverside Walk (Tie)

Zion National Park

The Narrows Riverside Walk is one of the easiest hikes in Zion National Park. Narrows Riverside Walk is a paved, 2.2-mile round-trip trail with peaceful views of Virgin River that end at the infamous Narrows trailhead. The canyon offers visitors a little bit of the unexpected with lush, green hanging gardens dotting the walls all along the trail. Ferns, mosses, and trees are naturally watered by the canyon’s weeping walls.

The Narrows Riverside Walk begins at the Temple of Sinawava and guides you along the banks of the Virgin River. Because it’s paved and well maintained, this trail is suitable for wheelchairs. At the end of the trail (your turn-around point) take a moment to dip your tired feet in the water and cool off.

Pro Tip: The Temple of Sinawava is the last stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle System. Hike earlier in the day to avoid over-packed shuttles when you are ready to return to your car.

5. Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail (Tie)

Acadia National Park

If you’re looking for a short, easy stroll, look no further than Cadillac Mountain Summit Trail Loop near picturesque Bar Harbor, Maine. This summit (Cadillac Mountain) may only be 1,530 feet above sea level, but it ranks as the tallest mountain on the entire eastern seaboard.

If you want to catch a sunrise or do some stargazing while you’re there, driving to the top is your best option! Between October and March, the summit is said to be the first point of land in the U.S. to see daybreak. If you go, be sure to bring something to sit on to watch the sunrise. After you watch the sunrise, take the short half-mile summit loop trail for more stunning panoramic views.

If you want a longer, more difficult hike, you can trek to the top via the Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail (4.4 miles round trip), Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail (7.1 miles round trip), or the shorter Gorge Path (2.5 miles round trip). All three options are moderate to difficult, taking you straight up the mountain.

Pro Tip: The park requires time-specific reservations for Cadillac Summit Road during tourist season.

7. Door Trail

Badlands National Park

Door Trail in Badlands National Park is a short and easy trail that gives you panoramic views of South Dakota’s Badlands. The 1.5-mile round-trip trail begins with a boardwalk section that leads you to an impressive lookout point where you can observe the Badlands’ famous rock formations and unforgiving landscape. From there, the trail transitions to a rocky, mostly level surface that is not well-defined. Look for numbered yellow poles along the way to help point you in the right general direction.

Because of its location (close to the northeast park entrance) and short duration, you can easily hike a few other short, easy trails nearby, like Window or Notch. Or, if you prefer, take a scenic drive. Either way, you won’t be disappointed! If you need an afternoon (or morning) snack, make your way to Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota, for a refreshing pit stop!

8. Moro Rock Trail

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Entering Sequoia National Park, it’s impossible to miss Moro Rock. This massive granite dome stands erect at 6,725 feet. If enjoying the splendor and beauty of this landmark from down below isn’t enough, take Moro Rock Trail to the summit! This short but strenuous climb features 350 stone and concrete steps and is only wide enough for one hiker at various points along the way. But if you are up for the challenge, you won’t be disappointed for all the gifts the mountain offers along the way.

Without a doubt you will marvel at the views around every corner, but at the top, try (if you can) to take in the panoramic views in all directions. To the west, you’ll see the foothills, Three Rivers, and the San Joaquin Valley. To the east, take in the vast beauty of the Great Western Divide and the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River.

9. Angels Landing Via West Rim Trail

Zion National Park

Angels Landing might be the most rigorous hike on our list. This hike offers stunning scenery as you trek below and between towering red rocks while grasping chains bolted into the ground to help steady your steps. The end offers an impossible view that more than makes up for your sore, achy legs by the time you get there. If you are an adventure seeker, this one is for you!

Don’t schedule anything else for this day, except perhaps a massage! The entire hike is just 5.4 miles, but the narrow trail, with unrelenting, steep switchbacks, is at times quite vertical and exhausting. Because of its increasing popularity, the park now requires reservations if you want to hike Angel’s Landing.

To get to the trailhead, take the park shuttle to the Grotto shuttle stop and head over the bridge to West Rim Trail.

If this hike is a little too intense for you, take a shuttle to Big Bend Viewpoint where you can enjoy Angel’s Landing from a safer vantage point.

10. Highline Trail

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park boasts more than 730 miles of trails throughout the park, but there’s one in particular that has captivated the hearts of Americans — Highline Trail. This amazing 12-mile hike is a perfect day hike. Pack a picnic, and extra snacks in your backpack, and plan to spend the day wandering through mountain wildflower meadows and taking in views of the incredible glaciers.

While the hike is long, it is mostly downhill, with only 800 feet of elevation gain throughout. At the end of the trail, a free shuttle will pick you up and take you back to your car.

Stay at the nearby historic Lake McDonald Lodge for earlier access to the trailhead. It’s a great jumping off spot for this, and many other hikes, not to mention a Red Bus Tour.

Pro Tip: This is bear country so bring your bear spray and walk in groups.

11. Chilkoot Trail

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

A hike in the Alaskan wilderness is a dream trip for many. If that’s you, make sure you include the historic Chilkoot Trail in Alaska’s Klondike Gold Rush National Park to your hiking itinerary! This 33-mile trail system stretches all the way down from the park into British Columbia, but crossing the border on this trail is not currently permitted.

While not overly crowded, 10,000 people visit this trail every year. Some turn their trip into a 3- to 5-day guided backpacking excursion, while others take in easier, shorter portions of the trail for a few hours at a time. This adventure is up to you! Regardless, you’ll enjoy the incredible mountains, glaciers, meadows, and wildlife. As you watch for beavers, birds, eagles, moose, bear, and more, the real fun begins as you discover hundreds of artifacts left along the trail more than 100 years ago by gold seekers!

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