Hikes in United States

A physically demanding and technically formidable route, the Mount Whitney Trail is a must-do for the seasoned hiker who enjoys a challenge. Traversing steep switchbacks and taking you alongside sheer cliffs, the route should only be attempted by experienced hikers whose skills, physical ability and equipment are sufficient enough for the rigours of the imposing mountain.

Hidden Falls via Tarbell Trail is a moderate 17.5 km hike in Yacolt Burn State Park. This hike features waterfalls, but longer adventures on the Tarbell Trail can take you very far and through changing scenery. In this section, you’ll stroll through a very lush forest, check out multiple waterfalls, and explore clear-cut areas that open up your view. There are a few steep sections where poles would be helpful. These sections may be too steep for younger children.

The trail lacks shade in the clear-cut areas and can get quite hot, so prepare accordingly if you’re hiking on a sunny day. Long pants are also recommended for short sections with poison ivy in the bushes- staying on the trail is a must!

A popular route within Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lassen Peak Trail is jaw droppingly beautiful. Boasting stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, Lassen Peak is humbling in its scale. The trail itself is well maintained and is among the most beautiful routes within the region. Appropriate for intermediate hikers and families with older children, you won't want to miss out on Lassen Peak Trail.

Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sedona… Maybe even the most popular! This hike offers gorgeous scenery, getting you up close to one of the region’s most recognizable sandstone features. This trail has the magical energy that so many parts of Sedona do, and you’ll be in awe at the natural beauty of nature’s church.

This hike is short but difficult for some, with hands-on sections that require some climbing. We don’t recommend this trail for small children and dogs will likely struggle to make it up.

Expect heavy traffic on this very popular trail. Arriving early (before 7:30 AM) is a must in the busy season (April-May and October), especially since the parking lots are small. You can also reach Cathedral Rock from Baldwin and Templeton trails for a quieter experience.

The Black Bear Pass Trail is a fantastic hiking route in the San Juan Mountains that offers views of the dramatic peaks and a nearby waterfall. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill through the rugged terrain of Black Bear Pass, enjoying the views of Telluride and nearby Bridal Veil Falls, before descending a steep switchback path. Hikers should take note that this is also an off-road vehicle route, so make sure to keep an eye out for passing vehicles and remember to share the trail.

The Capitol Peak Hike is a rugged and extremely difficult hiking route in the Elk mountains of Colorado that will take you up to the summit of the toughest fourteener in the state. While out hiking the trail, you will trek across the landscape to Capitol Lake, before climbing up a steep saddle and traversing a dangerous ridge to reach the summit. Hikers should take note that this is an extremely challenging route that should only be undertaken by experienced climbers, as it has seen a number of fatalities due to the rugged and exposed nature of the terrain.

You probably didn’t think you could surf in Arizona, did you? The Wave Cave is a unique cave where a “wave” of rock protrudes out into the cave opening. It’s one of the many fascinating rock formations and caves that make Arizona’s landscape so fun to explore. The hike to the cave is moderate, with a few short, steep sections. Most hikers will be able to complete this trail.

If you want the perfect photo op in the cave, try hiking early in the morning before the route gets busy. You’ll also want to bring plenty of water and prepare for the heat of the desert, perhaps avoiding hiking from June through September altogether if you’re not used to the temperatures in this part of the world.

The Living Desert Wilderness Loop Trail is a fun adventure in Palm Desert, California that will take you through some rugged terrain for views of the Coachella Valley. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way uphill across some rocky terrain to reach a viewpoint over the valley, before descending through a small gully on the return leg of the hike. Hikers should take note that you will need to pay an entrance fee for the zoo in order to access the trailhead.

Tanque Verde Falls Trail is a popular hike near Tucson that climbs up the Tanque Verde Wash to an 80-foot waterfall. Along the way, you can take advantage of other small waterfalls and swimming holes. Most of this trail is quite easy and kid-friendly. Near the end, there’s some climbing over boulders required to reach the waterfall directly. Those unable to climb or those with young kids can skip the end of the hike in favor of a picnic at one of the smaller pools on the way.

As with all hikes in the Arizona desert, some months of the year may be too hot to safely adventure outside. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and head home if you start to feel unwell or overheated. Starting early in the day can help you finish your hike before the heat of the day. Finally, avoid this hike if there’s a flash flood warning or heavy rain in the forecast.

The Horseshoe Canyon Trail is a 11.3 km hike to the Great Gallery - a series of incredibly preserved petroglyphs and pictograph panels. The trail itself is sandy, moderately challenging, and leads to four major galleries. The most well known gallery is the Great Gallery - a single panel approximately 61 m long with 20 different images.

Get outside of your comfort zone as you trek the North Mount Elbert Hike up to the summit of Colorado’s highest peak. This impressive snow-dusted mountain offers an epic adventure through the high country. Often referred to as the gentle giant, Mount Elbert is ironically not the most technical ascent of the Colorado 14ers, but it may just be the most scenic. If you are seeking a challenge, then we highly recommend the North Mount Elbert Hike—we know you will love it just as much as we do.

Over 700,000 years ago, the Lava River Caves in Flagstaff were formed when molten rock erupted from a volcanic vent near Hart Prairie. The lava flow cooled from the outside in, while the center continued to flow, creating the hollowed-out caves that are present today. Evidence of this molten-hot activity can be found in the stone icicles that hang from the ceiling, which were formed when blasts of heat melted the rock ceiling, allowing it to drip down as it cooled.

The hike itself is very unique. You’ll climb down the rock into the cave, which is pitch-black without the help of headlamps and flashlights. Consistently about 42 degrees year-round, it’s a dark, cool environment to explore. Sturdy boots are a must due to the sharp rock footing, and you definitely need to come prepared with two or three sources of light. A dead battery down here will leave you over a mile from the nearest light source.

The Painted Desert Rim Trail is potentially the best available viewpoint of the Painted Desert, a unique geological feature that extends through the Petrified Forest National Park towards the Grand Canyon. The Painted Desert is an undulating desert of orange, green, and beige formed by the erosion of the sandstone deposits left by a Triassic river system. This trail is flat, easy, and suitable for all. Expect heavy traffic.

This route follows part of the rim of a mesa that juts out into the desert. The rugged landscape changes a bit with the seasons; you’ll see more greenery after heavy rain, potential snow in the wintertime, and a hot, dry expanse in the summertime. One constant out here is the wind! Bring a windbreaker and keep your hats in the car or you just might lose them in the desert’s near-constant wind.

The Grand Wash Trail via the Northeast Trailhead is one of the most popular trails in Capitol Reef National Park. This hike is relatively easy, well-marked, and well maintained. Head out on this route and enjoy the incredible views, and spend the day exploring the nooks and crannies of the canyon walls with the whole family.

A distinct change from Colorado’s quintessential alpine hikes, the Sand Dunes Loop Trail traverses the sandy terrain, boasting breathtaking panoramic vistas. This intermediate hike enables hikers of most skill levels and ages to enjoy the incredible ascent along the ridgeline of North America’s tallest sand dunes.

Rainbow Falls exhibits a beautiful scene of Fountain Creek cascading over orange-hued rocks and the towering historic bridge decorated with vibrant graffiti. This short but sweet trail near Colorado Springs is a crowd favorite escape into the fresh air.

Indulge yourself with overwhelming panoramas of Lake Tahoe from the Eagle Rock Trail. Then, ascend a family-friendly footpath up the volcanic outcrop, which sits at an elevation of 1,916 m above Tahoe Pines. The craggy bluff boasts arguably some of the best vistas of the shimmering lake and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains that bound the alpine waters.

There is nothing better than relaxing in a natural hot spring, aren’t we right? Especially when you are surrounded by stunning scenery! The Mono Hot Springs Hike is a wonderful walk through the campground to the San Joaquin River and thermal pools. If you need to relax, head out to the Mono Hot Springs.

Indulge yourself in mesmerizing views of the high country along the Highland Lakes Loop. Secluded and scenic, this route offers an unparalleled experience in the Stanislaus National Forest. Wander atop a craggy peak before meandering along the shores of the alpine lakes.

The Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail offers postcard-worthy scenes of the Californian coast and the charming lighthouse. Hike down 300 odd steps to the historic site and marvel in the uninterrupted panoramas of the Pacific Ocean from the headlands.