Hikes in United States

Poo-Poo Point is a heavily frequented destination on the shoulder of West Tiger Mountain. The point has clear views of Mount Rainier on sunny days and provides just enough of a challenge on the way up. On a good day, it’s the ideal overlook across the forest and to Tahoma. While there is more than one way to get to the point, this route follows the 11.1 km hard Poo-Poo Point Trail, which makes for a longer hike than the Chirico Trail approach. Expect heavy traffic on this hike.

While this hike isn’t exceptionally long or strenuous, it does have steep sections that where poles might be helpful to have.

Looking for a relaxed hike in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park? The Warner Point Trail is the perfect balance through various Colorado landscapes. Wind through a lush forest and out past a sagebrush and juniper field to a lookout point. This hike is great for adventurers of all skill-levels and families.

The hike to Lake Ingalls is a very popular adventure, and it won’t be hard to see why. The gorgeous lake, crowned by rugged mountains, is impossibly blue and a delight to sit beside. The hike is fantastic through the summer, but we especially love it in the autumn when the larches turn golden. On the way, you’ll be able to appreciate Esmerelda Peaks and Headlight Basin.

The hike is difficult. Expect about 14.5 km of distance and 762 m of elevation gain. The gain is consistent and somewhat gradual, making it more of a slog and less of a sprint.

Be prepared for the road out. It’s not in great condition and there is no reception, so having a spare is wise. We also recommend arriving early to beat some of the crowds. Note that dogs are not allowed at the lake, nor on most of the route to the lake. Dogs are permitted on the trail to Esmerelda Basin but at the junction of this trail and the trail to Lake Ingalls, they must turn around.

The Ubehebe Crater Trail is a stunning route within Death Valley National Park. The route circles the large and visually striking Ubehebe Crater, offering incredible views of the impressive volcanic geological formation. For those willing to put the time and effort in, a trail to the bottom of the crater also exists.

With a spectacular variety of cacti and other desert plants, the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail takes you on a short footpath alongside the beautiful desert vegetation. The trail boasts a number of interpretive signs throughout its length to help inform you about the greenery surrounding you. In addition to desert vegetation, the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail is also an excellent place to see lizards, snakes, and other wildlife.

The Colorado Mines Peak Hike is a neat excursion in the Rocky Mountains. Trek up a winding service road to the Mines Peak summit and weather station. The Mines Peak summit is dotted with equipment that the Colorado Mines School uses to aid in aviation navigation through the Rocky Mountains.

The Treasure Lakes Trail is a magical route within Inyo National Forest that is ideal for intermediate hikers, and families with older children. Traversing steadily inclining terrain, the route brings you to a pair of tranquil lakes where incredible sightlines can be enjoyed.

Panther Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades over a mossy slope in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The hike to the viewpoint for the falls is extremely easy and quick, making it possible to enjoy for most adventurers. The trail is a mere 0.5 km long and is nearly flat. The trail is well maintained and offers a great viewing deck for the falls.

The signage for this hike is poor, but it’s not hard to find your way. Download the GPS track to help find the trailhead if you need to.

The Reflection Lake Trail is an ideal route for those seeking a more casual hiking experience. Short and with little to no elevation incline along its extent, the trail is appropriate for all skill levels and families with young children. Along with its relative ease, the route boasts incredible views of the surrounding Lassen Volcanic National Park landscape.

Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s most recognizable rock formations, and the hike there is a gorgeous, popular trek. Right beside it is Courthouse Butte, a large formation dominating the landscape south of Gibraltar Rock. This loop hike takes you around both, giving you 6.4 km of incredible views and the chance to appreciate these landmarks from every angle.

This route is busy, so arrive early if you can. There are plenty of extensions that can be made using the huge network of trails in this area. You can hop up Bell Rock, scramble Baby Bell, or venture over to Gibraltar Rock. This trail is suitable for all skill levels and ages.

If you just want to see Bell Rock on a short, easy hike, check out our Bell Rock route guide.

Hiking the Piedra River Trail is a great intermediate-length adventure in Colorado that will allow you to enjoy the scenic views along a winding river. While out on the trail, you will follow along the riverbank in a southwestern direction, enjoying the views of the surrounding trees and hills as you meander through the valley. Hikers should take note that bears and cougars are sometimes spotted along the trail, so be sure to bring bear spray and exercise all precautions.

Hiking the Lost Lake Trail is a fantastic outdoor experience in Mesa Lakes, Colorado that the entire family will be able to enjoy. While out on the trail, you will pass through tranquil stretches of woodland terrain while experiencing beautiful views overlooking several emerald lakes spread throughout the area. This is a great trail, but you will definitely want to bring plenty of bug repellent to keep the critters at bay!

The Treasure Trail and Siphon Draw Loop is a 4.8 km hike in Tonto National Forest with amazing desert scenery. This route takes you through a dramatic basin lined by low granite mountains, and you can also use this route to climb The Flatiron. Even if you want to stay on the easier paths, this is a hike with incredible scenery. It offers a lot without being too difficult or demanding.

There are lots of trails in this area aside from this loop, so we recommend consulting a map if you’re unfamiliar with the network of routes to avoid getting lost. The good thing is that hikers who want to extend their adventures can make use of these trails to keep hiking.

The Jenks Lake Trail is a laidback hiking experience in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you uphill to a charming lake. While out on the trail, you will work your way uphill through the forest alongside Frog Creek to eventually arrive at the peaceful woodland shores of Jenks Lake. Hikers should take note that parking and navigation along the trail are easy, although you will likely want to arrive early to beat out the crowds.

The Sabino Tram Road through the Sabino Canyon is a stellar hike. This 11.9 km moderately difficult trail is located on the north side of Saddleback and Thimble Peak in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness on the northeast edge of Tucson. This hike is excellent for its ease of access from the city and for its diverse, beautiful terrain. You’ll hike next to towering saguaros and prickly pears, witness the area’s astounding bird population fly by, and be able to appreciate the scenic canyon.

This canyon can reach scorching temperatures in the middle of the day. Start your hike early, bring plenty of water, and avoid hiking this route in the summertime if at all possible. Since this is such a popular hike, midweek visits are recommended if possible.

The Whale Rock Trail is a fantastic little hike with incredible views. The hike up this sloping sandstone structure is so much fun for adventurous kids to climb on, play around, and conquer. The views from the top are absolutely stunning—the top of Whale Rock gives you a 360-degree look at the desert landscape of Canyonlands National Park.

Is climbing a Colorado 14er on the top of your adventure bucket list too? If so, the La Plata North Trail is the perfect summit hike that possesses the ideal ratio between strenuity and scenery. Immerse yourself in the high country as you ascend Colorado’s 5th highest peak and let the impeccable vistas of the surrounding mountainous landscape motivate you.

The Lockett Meadow Inner Basin Loop leads you through a gorgeous basin in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness underneath some of Arizona’s tallest mountains–Humphreys Peak, Aubineau Peak, and Rees Peak. With those kinds of mountains surrounding you, the views have to be good. This route leads you through a meadow that’s easily accessible from the Lockett Meadow Campground, making it a perfect trip for campers.

This route is moderately difficult, but we’d say it’s on the easier side of moderate. Hikers of most skill levels and ages will be able to complete this route. It’s especially brilliant in the fall when the aspens at the start of the route are alive with bright color. The drive to the trailhead might be the most intimidating part of the whole trip; buses, trailers, and RVs are not recommended up here.

The Old Jasper Forest Road is an off-the-beaten-path hike in Petrified Forest National Park. It shows off the petrified wood fossils this park is known for in addition to the interesting mesas and rugged desert landscapes that define this park. This hike is easy and good for all skill levels, but you’ll want to have a downloaded route available to you to help with navigation.

The Sulphur Creek Trail is a one-way hiking route that begins at the Sulphur Creek trail and ends at the Capitol Reef National Park Visitors Center on highway 24. Along the way, this trail whisks you past three beautiful waterfalls and through cool, deep pools. Be prepared, depending on the season, you will likely get your feet wet as you splash your way along the creek bed that marks your route.