Hikes in United States

The White Rim Overlook Trail is a short hike with incredible views of Canyonlands National Park. If you are looking for a great spot to take family photos—this is it. The trail itself is flat and kid-friendly, and the panoramic views from the White Rim Overlook are second to none.

Are you an experienced hiker seeking your next big challenge? Well, look no further! The Mount of the Holy Cross Trail is an incredibly rewarding, but extremely technical ascent up to the summit of a famous Colorado fourteener (14er). With a snowfield cross etched into the southeastern face of the peak, this stunning mountain is one of the most photographed summits in the Sawatch Mountain Range. Go see for yourself, you will be astounded by the unique scene.

Fatman’s Loop Trail is one of Flagstaff’s most popular trails. This moderate 3.9 km loop climbs along the eastern slopes of Elden Mountain, which is a main focal point from many parts of the city. The coolest parts of the trail are the rocks and trees, as you’ll see rocks with face-like caves in them. Along the route, you will climb between rocks tipped over towards each other, and make your way up smooth stone steps. It’s an interesting peek at the volcanic past of the Flagstaff area and lots of fun for kids and adults alike.

The trees on this route are excellent, with several different species displaying their individual quirks. Take the time to revel in your surroundings on this loop and you’ll find lots to appreciate. The hike itself is moderately difficult, but still suitable for most skill levels. We do advise bringing a downloaded GPS track to help at unmarked junctions.

Blue Forest Trail is one of the most popular and historic hikes in Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park. Originally constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the trail connects the main road near the Teepees to the also popular Blue Mesa Trail. The trail shows off the blue and white striped badlands and petrified wood with constantly evolving views. The park’s landscape is one of a kind, and this trail is an ideal one to experience it from.

This hike is moderately difficult and is suitable for most skill levels and ages. If you hike this route in the summer, bring plenty of water. Adventurous hikers can use this trail to connect to the Blue Mesa Loop for a longer hike. Expect moderate traffic.

The Chimney Rock Trail is a moderately challenging, scenic hike in Capitol Reef National Park. This route brings you past Chimney Rock—a tower of Moenkopi Sandstone from approximately 245 million years ago. Along the loop, you’ll pass several viewpoints with absolutely breathtaking views of the Utah desert.

Hiking the Dunes Overlook Trail is an easy-going, scenic adventure in the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Exhibiting the diversity of the area’s flora and fauna whilst exposing epic panoramas of the other-worldly dunes, this trek is tough to beat. If you are seeking a short and sweet expedition in the park, then we may have found your match.

The Paint Mines Trail is a unique adventure near Colorado Springs that exhibits the natural beauty and diversity of the area. Located in the plains, these corridors etched into the landscape reveal historical, ecological, archeological, and geological significance, which can be traced back to the prehistoric and historic eras.

Hiking the Echo Lakes Trail is an immersive experience. Explore California’s high country and marvel in the sweeping alpine vistas along the way. Family-friendly and incredibly scenic, this lakeside route is at the top of many adventurers’ bucket lists, and we encourage you to add it to yours too.

Hiking the Shaver Lake Trail makes for an incredible day-hike in the Sierra National Forest. Boasting awe-inspiring scenery, countless outdoor adventure pursuits, and the possibility of seeing wildlife—this trek packs a punch. So the next time you find yourself in Fresno County, a trip to Shaver Lake is well worth the detour.

Hidden high in the Sierra Nevada is the Lake Alpine Trail. This fun family adventure boasts beautiful scenes of the shimmering alpine lake, bounding verdant forestland, and imposing granite peaks. Incredibly scenic and versatile—this walk is a must-add to your Stanislaus National Forest itinerary.

Hiking the Tomales Point Trail is an incredible experience. Wander along dramatic cliff sides, meadowlands abundant with wildflowers, the Tule Elk Reserve, past historic sites, and along sandy terrain to the Tomales Point Peninsula. This trek packs a punch, and we can’t recommend it enough!

Piestewa Peak is the second-tallest mountain in Phoenix after Camelback. From the top of this peak, you’ll have a jaw-dropping, expansive view of the city below and the mountains that surround it. The Piestewa Peak and Freedom Loop takes you to the top and then around the trail that encircles the mountain, which tends to be a bit less busy and quite scenic. You’ll do best on this hike if you embrace a sense of community, since this is a very popular hike.

There’s some interesting history behind the name of this mountain; read on to learn. To prepare for this hike, get an early start, stay out of the heat, bring water, and leave dogs and children at home. Expect a tough but beautiful adventure.

The Heart Lake Trail is a picturesque adventure in the Shasta National Forest that intermediate hikers and families with older children can enjoy, year-round. Explore a glacial cirque, climbing up to the charming lake that offers commanding vistas of Mount Shasta and the Klamath Mountains.

The Miracle Hot Springs Trail is a unique adventure in the Sequoia National Park that offers a natural spa treatment. Wander the short trail to the hot baths that sit along the Kern River. Indulge yourself in a soak in the natural hot springs—and if you get too hot, cool off in the refreshing river below.

The Lady Johnson Bird Grove Trail boasts an enchanting experience that hikers of all skill levels and ages can enjoy. Wander through the environment reminiscent of a fairy tale, characterized by old-growth redwoods, wild mushrooms, and a diversity of flora. This wonderful hike is a must-add to your California adventure itinerary.

Indulge in the mesmerizing scene of 37 m cascades along the Salmon Creek Falls Hike. This family-friendly adventure is well worth the detour off State Route 1—and the crowds that congregate in the area are a testament to its beauty, enjoy!

The Mission Peak Loop is a revered adventure on the outskirts of Fremont that attracts hundreds of daily adventurers eager to indulge in the unrivaled views of the Bay Area. Not familiar with the hike? You’ll surely recognize the "Mission Peeker '' marker pole at the summit which is a frequently-photographed landmark often featured on the 'gram’.

Indulge yourself with spellbinding scenery as you hike the Roaring Fork Mountain Hike. Reserved for the intrepid, this backcountry adventure demands some off-trail navigation and a low-class scramble to the summit of Roaring Fork Mountain. While taxing, the captivating views of Wind River along this route are unrivaled.

The Tipsoo Lake Loop is an easy, short hike around a lake suitable for all ages and skill levels. This short hike is often combined with an ascent of Naches Peak, but the lake loop in itself is perfect for a low-key outing. Do note that this hike can get wet in rainy weather, but it offers extremely mild elevation gain and the chance to see lush wildflowers. If you arrive later in the day, you could be treated to the trail all to yourself.

Rattlesnake Lake Trail is a 2.3 km moderately trafficked out and back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as easy. This trail provides a route around the southeastern lakeshore, where people come to swim, fish, slackline, have picnics, and rest up after hiking the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail. This is a simple, easy, family-friendly walk with no real challenges to take on. Enjoy the peace of the lake and the cheerful ambiance of its adventurers.