Best Hiking Routes in National Parks
Best Hiking Routes in National Parks
As someone who has hiked in most of the parks on this list, I can tell you that nothing compares to the feeling of standing on a trail surrounded by landscapes that took millions of years to form. Some of these hikes changed how I think about the outdoors entirely. Probably should have led with this: I didn’t start out as a “hiker.” I was the guy who drove to scenic overlooks and called it a day. These trails converted me.
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. Here are some renowned hiking routes I’ve either completed or have on my list, along with what you should know before tackling them.
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. I spent a week here and barely scratched the surface.
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—I watched someone slip and nearly hurt themselves because they were rushing. The total round trip is about 7 miles, with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. Bring a rain jacket even on sunny days, the mist is no joke.
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, which is as intimidating as it sounds. Permits are required due to its popularity and to preserve the trail—apply months in advance or try the daily lottery if you’re flexible with your schedule.
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. I was surprised by how much hiking there is beyond the boardwalks.
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. If you’ve only seen Grand Prismatic from the boardwalk, the overlook from this trail will change your perspective entirely.
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. I saw my first wild wolf pack here at dawn, and it’s a memory I’ll never forget.
Glacier National Park – Montana
Glacier National Park’s rugged mountains and pristine glacial lakes offer some of the most picturesque hiking opportunities. This park feels wild in a way that many others don’t.
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. The exposure on some sections isn’t for everyone, but the views are worth pushing through any nervousness.
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—I carried mine the entire time and thankfully never needed it.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Tennessee, North Carolina
Known for its biodiversity, the Great Smoky Mountains offer diverse ecosystems and historically rich trails. The humidity can be challenging, but the lush greenery makes up for it.
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. If you can book a spot at the lodge, spending a night up there is worth the advance planning.
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. The name alone makes it worth mentioning in any conversation about hiking.
Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado
The alpine scenery in Rocky Mountain National Park is a playground for those seeking high-altitude adventures. Be prepared for the altitude if you’re coming from sea level—it took me a couple days to adjust.
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. Get there early—the parking lot fills up fast, especially on weekends.
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. I’m talking 3 AM early. The park rangers aren’t kidding about lightning risk.
Zion National Park – Utah
Zion’s towering cliffs and deep canyons present some unforgettable hikes. This park delivers drama on a scale that’s hard to describe until you see it yourself.
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. My palms were sweating on the chains, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Permits are now required for the chains section.
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. Rent proper water shoes and hiking poles from the outfitters near the park entrance—regular hiking boots won’t cut it.
Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
The Grand Canyon provides spectacular views and challenging routes for those looking to explore its depths. Standing on the rim doesn’t prepare you for what it feels like to hike down into it.
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. The hardest part is remembering that whatever elevation you lose going down, you have to 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. I prefer going down South Kaibab and up Bright Angel if doing a rim-to-rim style trip.
Olympic National Park – Washington
Olympic National Park encompasses several distinct ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to alpine peaks. It’s like three different parks in one.
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. The rainforest section feels like walking through another world.
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. On clear days you can see all the way to the mountains and the water in the same view.
Acadia National Park – Maine
Acadia’s coastal and mountainous terrain offers diverse hiking experiences, from sea-level cliffs to granite peaks. It’s the only national park in New England and it shows off what this region does best.
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. I watched someone turn back halfway up, and there’s no shame in that—it’s legitimately exposed.
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. Getting there for sunrise is a tradition, though the road to the summit also allows driving if you’re short on time.
Denali National Park – Alaska
Denali features vast wilderness with few formal trails, appealing to those seeking solitude and raw nature. This park operates differently than most—the lack of established trails is the point.
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. One of the few marked trails in the park, making it a good introduction to Denali hiking.
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. If the mountain is out—meaning not covered in clouds—you’ve hit the jackpot.
Shenandoah National Park – Virginia
The rolling hills of Shenandoah offer lush forests and scenic overlooks. Trails here are particularly beautiful in the fall, and it’s one of the most accessible parks for East Coast hikers.
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. Expect crowds on weekends—this one has gotten popular for good reason.
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. Perfect if you want big views without a big time commitment.
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. Standing next to a giant sequoia recalibrates your sense of scale.
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. Way fewer crowds than the more famous groves, which makes the experience more personal.
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. That’s what makes this loop endearing to us backpacking types—it demands commitment but delivers incredible wilderness in return.
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