Best Hiking Routes in National Parks
Best Hiking Routes in National Parks
Hikers often seek paths that offer breathtaking scenery, diverse landscapes, and a solid challenge. National parks across various regions provide some of the best such experiences, each with its unique allure. Let’s explore some renowned hiking routes in national parks that you should consider for your next adventure.
Yosemite National Park – California
Yosemite National Park is home to some iconic hiking routes. The park’s granite cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems make it a treasure trove for hikers.
Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
This trail takes you up close to the Vernal and Nevada waterfalls. Starting at Happy Isles, it ascends through a series of stone steps. The mist from the waterfall can make the path slippery, so caution is necessary. The total round trip is about 7 miles, with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet.
Half Dome
For a more strenuous hike, consider the Half Dome. This 14- to 16-mile round trip offers panoramic views from the summit. The last part of the ascent involves climbing cables bolted into the rock. Permits are required due to its popularity and to preserve the trail.
Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
The world’s first national park is not just about geysers and hot springs. Yellowstone has trails that lead you through wonders of geology and teeming wildlife.
Fairy Falls Trail
Starting near the Midway Geyser Basin, this trail offers a scenic view of the Grand Prismatic Spring. At 5 miles round trip, this easy to moderate trail takes you to Fairy Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the park. The path is mostly flat, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Lamar Valley
For wildlife enthusiasts, explore the Lamar Valley. Known as America’s Serengeti, it’s rich in wildlife such as bison, elk, and wolves. The trails here are less formalized, allowing you to search for routes that best suit your stamina and interests.
Glacier National Park – Montana
Glacier National Park’s rugged mountains and pristine glacial lakes offer some of the most picturesque hiking opportunities.
Highline Trail
This popular trail starts at Logan Pass and runs along the Continental Divide. It spans approximately 12 miles one-way, with an elevation change that suits intermediate to advanced hikers. The Garden Wall section offers incredible views of glacial valleys and peaks. There’s an option to take a spur trail to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook, adding another one-mile round trip.
Grinnell Glacier Trail
A more challenging route is the Grinnell Glacier Trail. It has a 2,200-foot elevation gain over a 10.3-mile round trip. The trail leads you through dense forests and alpine meadows, ending at the glacier itself. Bear spray is recommended, as grizzly sightings are not uncommon.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee, North Carolina
Known for its biodiversity, the Great Smoky Mountains offer diverse ecosystems and historically rich trails.
Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
This 11-mile round trip leads you to Mount LeConte’s summit, with a lodge at the top. The trail starts with a gentle climb but gets steeper as you approach Alum Cave Bluffs. The views from the bluff are spectacular, and the second half of the hike offers even more breathtaking vistas.
Charlies Bunion
Starting at Newfound Gap, this 8-mile round trip trail offers panoramic views of the Smokies. Hiking to Charlies Bunion provides an excellent perspective of the park’s rugged terrain. The path is well-maintained, making it accessible for intermediate hikers.
Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado
The alpine scenery in Rocky Mountain National Park is a playground for those seeking high-altitude adventures.
Bear Lake to Emerald Lake
Starting at the Bear Lake trailhead, this 3.5-mile round trip hike is relatively easy. It takes you past Nymph Lake and Dream Lake, culminating at Emerald Lake with views of Tyndall Glacier. Ideal for families and casual hikers, it offers rich scenery without a demanding climb.
Longs Peak via Keyhole Route
For seasoned hikers, tackling Longs Peak is a challenge. The Keyhole Route spans 15 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of over 5,000 feet. The route is non-technical but requires scrambling and careful footing near its summit. Starting early in the morning is a must to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
Zion National Park – Utah
Zion’s towering cliffs and deep canyons present some unforgettable hikes.
Angels Landing
Known for its breathtaking and heart-pounding final ascent, this 5.4-mile round trip hike is exhilarating. The last half mile includes steep drop-offs and chains bolted into the rock for support. The summit offers expansive views over Zion Canyon, rewarding the effort with unmatched vistas.
The Narrows
This unique hike lets you wade through the Virgin River as you travel upstream into a slot canyon. No maintained trail exists, so you’re walking directly in the water. Depending on how far you go, the hike can be several miles round trip. Proper footwear and knowledge of water levels are crucial, as flash floods can occur.
Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
The Grand Canyon provides spectacular views and challenging routes for those looking to explore its depths.
Bright Angel Trail
Starting at the South Rim, the Bright Angel Trail descends approximately 4,380 feet over 9.5 miles to the river. This well-maintained trail includes several rest stops with water and shade. Be aware of the temperature changes as you descend, and plan for a strenuous climb back up.
South Kaibab Trail
The South Kaibab Trail offers a shorter, but steeper route to the Colorado River. It spans 7 miles one-way with no water sources along the way. Ooh Aah Point, Cedar Ridge, and Skeleton Point offer great turnaround spots for day hikes. The vistas are open and expose the immensity of the canyon, making it a visually stunning hike.
Olympic National Park – Washington
Olympic National Park encompasses several distinct ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to alpine peaks.
Hoh River Trail
One of the longest trails in the park, the Hoh River Trail runs 17.3 miles to Glacier Meadows. The lower parts of the trail take you through lush rainforest and alongside the Hoh River. Further up, the vegetation transitions to subalpine and alpine environments. It’s a gradual elevation gain of 3,700 feet, making it accessible for most hikers over multiple days.
Hurricane Hill
This 3.2-mile round trip hike provides sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Starting at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, it’s a broad path suited for families and beginners. The elevation gain is moderate, but the payoff is significant with panoramic vistas.
Acadia National Park – Maine
Acadia’s coastal and mountainous terrain offers diverse hiking experiences, from sea-level cliffs to granite peaks.
Precipice Trail
The Precipice Trail is short but intense. This 1.8-mile round trip trail involves metal rungs and ladders to navigate the steep cliffs of Champlain Mountain. The exposure and effort are worthwhile for the views from the summit. It’s recommended for experienced hikers not afraid of heights.
Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail
This 7-mile round trip hike offers a moderate challenge and incredible views. The trail ascends gradually to Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the U.S. East Coast. From the summit, you can see the surrounding islands and the mainland stretching out beneath you.
Denali National Park – Alaska
Denali features vast wilderness with few formal trails, appealing to those seeking solitude and raw nature.
Mount Healy Overlook Trail
Starting from the visitor center, this 5.7-mile round trip hike offers significant elevation gain and expansive views. The ascent is steady up to Mount Healy, where you’ll be rewarded with vistas of Denali and the Alaska Range. This trail provides a mix of forested paths and alpine scrambles.
Wonder Lake Trails
Near Wonder Lake, hiking options abound with less formalized paths. The Reflection Pond Trail is short, leading to fantastic views of Denali reflected in the water. For a more extended hike, roaming around Wonder Lake itself offers endless exploration opportunities and stunning scenery.
Shenandoah National Park – Virginia
The rolling hills of Shenandoah offer lush forests and scenic overlooks. Trails here are particularly beautiful in the fall.
Old Rag Mountain
This 9-mile loop trail is known for its rock scramble. Starting from the Old Rag parking area, you ascend through forests before reaching rock outcrops. The final scramble to the summit is challenging but provides extensive views of the valley. It’s a favorite for those seeking a combination of hiking and climbing.
Stony Man Mountain
The Stony Man Trail is relatively short at 1.6 miles round trip. Starting at the Skyland Resort, it’s an easy hike suitable for all skill levels. The views from Stony Man’s summit are profound, overlooking the Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks – California
These neighboring parks boast some of the largest trees in the world, along with deep canyons and high peaks.
Muir Grove
For a serene walk among giant sequoias, the 4-mile round trip to Muir Grove is perfect. The trailhead starts at Dorst Creek Campground. It’s a relatively easy trek through mixed coniferous forests, culminating in a secluded grove of towering sequoias.
Rae Lakes Loop
A 41.4-mile loop, the Rae Lakes Loop is a challenging multi-day hike. It offers the best of Sequoia and Kings Canyon with alpine lakes, high passes, and lush meadows. The trail starts at Roads End and involves significant elevation gain and loss, catering to experienced backpackers.