Introduction: Best National Parks Hikes in The U.S.
The United States boasts an extraordinary variety of national parks, each offering its own unique landscapes, ecosystems, and adventures. From towering red cliffs to ancient forests and glacier-carved valleys, these parks are home to some of the most scenic and diverse hiking trails in the world. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or just starting to explore the outdoors, national park hikes offer something for everyone—from short nature walks to multi-day treks that push you to your limits.
Exploring these trails is more than just a physical challenge; it’s an opportunity to connect deeply with nature and witness some of the most dramatic and pristine environments in the country. The trails highlighted in this list are among the best, offering a range of experiences that showcase the beauty, grandeur, and diversity of America’s natural heritage. You’ll traverse desert canyons, walk alongside towering waterfalls, ascend to alpine peaks, and immerse yourself in ancient forests.
These national park hikes also offer a chance to disconnect from the modern world and experience solitude, tranquility, and inspiration. Along the way, you might spot wildlife, from grizzly bears and bighorn sheep to bald eagles soaring overhead. Each hike has been selected not only for its physical challenge but for the incredible views and unique landscapes it reveals. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or a thrilling adventure, these 10 hikes will leave a lasting impression on your soul and a profound respect for the natural wonders of the United States.
Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park’s Angels Landing is one of the most famous and exhilarating hikes in the U.S. The 5.4-mile round-trip hike offers not only a test of endurance but a test of nerves, as the last half-mile follows a narrow spine with steep drop-offs on both sides. Chains are installed to assist with the final ascent, where sheer cliffs rise on one side and fall away dramatically on the other.
Though the trail is challenging and can be daunting, it’s highly rewarding. Once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Zion Canyon’s stunning red rock formations, winding below like a desert river. Angels Landing has earned its reputation for being a must-do hike for thrill-seekers, but it’s essential to be cautious, as the trail’s popularity sometimes leads to crowded, precarious conditions.
Length: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: Spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler.
Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California
Half Dome is one of Yosemite National Park’s crown jewels and a bucket-list hike for adventurers from all over the world. The 16-mile round trip takes you up through some of Yosemite’s most breathtaking landscapes. You’ll pass Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls as you wind your way up to the famous Half Dome cables, a daunting section that requires climbers to pull themselves up using metal cables.
The final ascent is a test of both strength and willpower, but reaching the top of Half Dome is an unparalleled experience. The view from the summit offers a 360-degree panorama of Yosemite Valley, the granite cliffs of El Capitan, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada. Due to the hike’s difficulty and the exposure involved in the cables section, this is best suited for seasoned hikers.
Length: 16 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: Summer, after the cables are installed, typically from May to early October.
The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah
If Angels Landing is Zion National Park’s most iconic land-based hike, The Narrows offers a completely different, water-based adventure. Hiking The Narrows means wading, and sometimes swimming, through the Virgin River, flanked by towering canyon walls that rise hundreds of feet overhead. The hike can be as short or as long as you wish, but many hikers aim for a turnaround point around Wall Street, roughly 4 miles in.
The cool, refreshing water is especially inviting during the summer, and the experience of walking through the river with canyon walls closing in around you is otherworldly. Keep in mind that water levels and flow rates can vary depending on recent rainfall, so be sure to check conditions before starting the hike.
Length: Varies, up to 9.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Best Time to Hike: Late summer to early fall when water levels are lower.
The Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana
The Highline Trail is one of Glacier National Park’s most beloved hikes, offering uninterrupted views of the park’s dramatic alpine scenery. The trail begins at Logan Pass and follows the Continental Divide for 11.6 miles, taking hikers through flower-filled meadows, past sheer cliffs, and along ridges with panoramic views of glacier-carved valleys.
While the hike is long, the elevation gain is relatively moderate, making it accessible to a wide range of skill levels. Along the trail, you might spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional grizzly bear. The trail can be hiked one-way if you arrange a shuttle, or you can turn back at any point for a shorter journey. Either way, you’ll be treated to some of the finest mountain scenery in the country.
Length: 11.6 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Hike: July to September, after the snow has melted.
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
For those who want to experience the Grand Canyon from the inside, the Bright Angel Trail is the most popular and accessible route. The trail starts at the South Rim and descends into the canyon, offering breathtaking views as you make your way down. While the full hike to the Colorado River and back is 15.6 miles, many choose to hike only part of the trail, such as to Indian Garden (9 miles round trip) or Plateau Point (12 miles round trip).
The descent into the canyon is thrilling, but be prepared for a tough climb back up, as the elevation change is nearly 4,500 feet. The extreme summer heat can be dangerous, so it’s best to hike this trail in spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler.
Length: 15.6 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: Spring or Fall.
Hoh River Trail, Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rainforest is one of the most magical ecosystems in the U.S., and the Hoh River Trail takes you deep into its moss-draped wonderland. The full trail is 17.4 miles round trip, ending at Glacier Meadows, but even a shorter hike along this trail offers an unforgettable experience. You’ll walk through towering trees covered in moss, alongside the glacial blue Hoh River, all while being surrounded by the sounds of a living, breathing rainforest.
The trail provides views of Mount Olympus at the end for those who hike the full distance, but even a few miles into the trail, the lush scenery and peaceful environment make this one of the best rainforest hikes in the country.
Length: 17.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Hike: Late spring through early fall.
Mount Healy Overlook Trail, Denali National Park, Alaska
For sweeping views of the untamed Alaskan wilderness, the Mount Healy Overlook Trail in Denali National Park is a perfect choice. This 4.9-mile round-trip hike offers a moderately steep climb to a vantage point with incredible panoramic views of Denali’s rugged landscape. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of Denali itself, the tallest peak in North America.
The trail starts in a spruce forest and ascends into open terrain, rewarding hikers with sweeping vistas of the park’s tundra and mountains. While the hike is short, the elevation gain and rocky terrain can make it feel challenging, but the solitude and scenery make it a must-do for anyone visiting Denali.
Length: 4.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Hike: Summer.
The Wonderland Trail, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Circling the base of Mount Rainier, the Wonderland Trail is a multi-day trek that immerses hikers in some of the most stunning alpine scenery in the Pacific Northwest. The 93-mile loop takes about 10 to 14 days to complete, offering an unforgettable experience for those with the time and endurance to tackle it. The trail passes through lush forests, alpine meadows, and glacier-fed rivers, all while providing incredible views of Mount Rainier’s snow-capped peak.
For those looking for a shorter hike, sections of the Wonderland Trail can be done as day hikes, offering a taste of its grandeur. Whether you do a section or the entire loop, you’ll experience some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain in the country.
Length: 93 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: July to September.
Old Rag Hike, Shenandoah National Park
Old Rag Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park, drawing outdoor enthusiasts with its breathtaking views and challenging terrain. The hike features a mix of rocky scrambles and well-defined trails, making it an adventure for those seeking a physical challenge.
Starting from the Old Rag parking area, hikers will embark on a steady ascent through a beautiful forested landscape before tackling the famous rock scramble. This section offers exhilarating challenges as you climb over boulders and navigate narrow passages, with the effort rewarded by stunning vistas.
Length: 9 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best Time to Hike: Spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler.
Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail, Acadia National Park, Maine
If you’re looking to be the first person in the U.S. to watch the sunrise, then hiking Cadillac Mountain is a must. The South Ridge Trail is a 7.1-mile round trip hike that leads you to the summit of the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic Coast. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the ocean, forest, and granite rock formations. The early-morning effort pays off with a breathtaking sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.
Length: 7.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Hike: Spring to fall.
Conclusion
The national parks in the United States are home to some of the most spectacular hikes on Earth. From the steep cliffs of Zion to the rainforests of Olympic, these trails offer experiences that will challenge and inspire. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or just looking for a day hike, these 10 hikes will provide unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the natural beauty of the parks.
Remember to always prepare well, respect nature, and leave no trace, ensuring these trails remain pristine for future generations. Happy hiking!
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