Hikes in United States
What are the best hikes in the United States? There are simply so many incredible hikes in the USA that it’s almost impossible to answer. Many of the best hikes in the United States can be found in the mountain chains that cover the American West. Here you’ll find hikes that take you through untouched wilderness, up high above the forests and to beautiful mountain lakes. The American Southwest offers a different hiking experience in wonderful arid regions that are best explored on foot.
The US is so vast that you can’t even dream of seeing everything in one visit. The country contains a huge variety of hiking terrain, from protected National Parks to cool mountain towns like Aspen or Vail.
To help you plan your hiking holiday, we have found the best hikes in most of the Western US states. We find the best hikes in National Parks, National Forests and Wilderness Areas across California, Oregon, Washington State, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona and Nevada. We share the best hikes for world-famous National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Arches, Olympic and Glacier. We also help you plan your trip to other great places, like Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Salt Lake City, Vail and Aspen.
Hiking regions in United States
Best Hikes in United States
Chicago Lakes Hike
The Chicago Lakes Hike, near Denver, takes you to Colorado’s high country! The trail winds though the wilderness to beautiful alpine lakes nestled in a glacier cut valley at the base of Mt Evans!
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Flattop Mountain
The Flattop Mountain trail is a great day-hike near Anchorage. Short, but steep this trail takes you to the top of Flattop Mountain with great views of surrounding Chugach State Park. This hike is very popular among locals and includes some fun, but challenging scrambling near the top.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Lone Eagle Peak Hike
Lone Eagle Peak is a rugged hike, but it’s also one of the best hikes in Colorado. You’ll walk past many waterfalls including Cascade Falls. At the end, you’ll see Lone Eagle Peak towering over Mirror Lake and dominating the mountain landscape. This beautiful reflection makes it one of the most scenic views in Colorado.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Buckskin Pass
This hike starts from one of the most photogenic lakes in the entire Rocky Mountains. The gruelling climb up to Buckskin Pass is definitely worth the effort. From its lofty heights you will be completely surrounded by panoramic views.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Panorama Trail
If we only did one hike in Yosemite, the Panorama Trail would be it. We think it's one of the best hikes in the USA. The route up the Mist Trail, along the Panorama Trail to Glacier Point and then down the 6.4 km path is the best hike in all of Yosemite National Park.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Fletcher Peak hike
Fletcher Peak is not only one of the easiest mountains to climb in the park, but also the sixth highest point in all of Nevada. Here, you will experience spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including the Spring Mountains. This is truly a beautiful half-day hike that is nothing short of fantastic!
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Clayton Peak
The steep hike up to Clayton Peak yields unbelievably stunning views. One of the easier summits to walk in the area, it’s surprising very few people make the trek!
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Hill 88 Loop
Hill 88 Loop, located in the Golden Gate Recreation Area in Marin County, is an excellent choice for dog lovers who wish to take their four-legged friends on hiking adventures near the beach. This is a great trail with amazing views, but if you do not like dogs be sure to avoid the busy times of day!
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Upper Piney River Falls Trail
Upper Piney River Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Vail Region. The trail, which rewards hikers with stunning views of the Gore Range, slowly climbs up 213 m, spread over 4.6 km, to a cascading waterfall. This trail is commonly used as the approach to Mt. Powell - the highest summit in the Gore Range at 4,141 m.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Dead Horse Point Hike
The Dead Horse Point hike knocks you out of your boots straight from the trailhead. This scenically dense hike puts you in the heart of the action. Expect fantastic views down to the winding Colorado River and across the expansive valley to the La Sal Mountains throughout the entire route.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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Suggested Tours
Summit Mount Olympus Trekking Tour
Months Tour Operates
This tour is your chance to trek one of the most mystical mountains on earth: Mount Olympus. This self-guided journey starts in Litochoro, an enchanting town at the foot of Greece’s highest peak. Then you’ll spend two days on the mountain, sleeping in a mountain hut on the second night. You should be comfortable hiking up some serious elevation on this tour to reach the summit, a worthy reward for your effort.
Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies
Months Tour Operates
Avalanche safety is a must-have tenet of backcountry adventure and a critical step in keeping yourself and your adventure partners safe in the wintertime and shoulder season. The Avalanche Skills Training 1 in the Canadian Rockies tour is a practical chance to learn the basics of avalanche safety in one of the most beautiful mountain environments in the world.
Self-Guided Mount Triglav Trek
Months Tour Operates
Take on a quintessential Slovenian trekking adventure to the summit of its highest mountain! The Self-Guided Mount Triglav Trek allows you to hike at your own pace and enjoy the incredible scenery of Triglav National Park.
2-Day Mt Olympus Hike
Months Tour Operates
Join an exhilarating 2-day hiking tour through the legendary Mount Olympus, revered as the abode of ancient Greek Gods!
Other Activities in United States
Trip Planners
Planning a Trip To NYC
Planning a Trip To Boston
Yellowstone National Park Guide For 2021
The Extensive Guide to Zion National Park For 2021
A Guide to Glacier National Park – Plan a Trip for 2021
Planning A trip to Yosemite
Planning A Trip to San Francisco’s North Bay
Planning your trip to Indian Peaks
Planning your trip to Vail
Planning your trip to North Cascades National Park
Planning your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park
Planning your trip to Boulder
Planning Your Trip to Mount Baker
Planning Your Trip to Aspen
Planning Your Trip to Salt Lake City
Planning Your Trip to Washington’s Olympic National Park
Planning Your Trip to Bryce Canyon National Park
Planning Your Trip to The Uintas Mountains
Planning your trip to Bend, Oregon
Planning your trip to Denver
Planning a trip to Red Rocks and Mt. Charleston around Las Vegas
Planning your trek on the Pacific Crest Trail
Planning your trip to Moab & Arches National Park
Planning your trip to Joshua Tree National Park
Planning your trip to Grand Canyon National Park
Planning your trip to Tetons
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