Hikes in United States

Papago Park is a popular recreation area just minutes from downtown Phoenix, and the adjacent golf course is an equally popular spot for residents and snowbirds to get a round in. Papago Park was a reservation in past years, then a fish hatchery in the Great Depression, a prisoner of war camp in WWII, and a VA hospital. Talk about a storied past! Today, it offers hiking opportunities and access to the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Gardens.

The Papago Park Golf Course Loop circles the west end of the park and the golf course grounds. It’s a flat, relaxed route that makes for an ideal morning stroll or Sunday afternoon outing with family and friends, especially at sunrise.

Indulge yourself with beautiful lakeside views along the Lake Siskiyou Trail. Located at the foot of the Trinity Divide, the shimmering reservoir boasts accessible views of Mount Shasta and Mount Eddy and the verdant hills of Cascade Range. Offering an abundance of outdoor pursuits to enjoy year-round, Lake Siskiyou is an epic adventure destination well worth a detour.

Indulge yourself in the beauty and grandeur of the world’s largest one-stem tree along the General Sherman Tree Trail. This well-revered route in the Sequoia National Park boasts the opportunity to get up close and personal with the giant sequoia that so famously adorns the forest.

The Bull Creek Flats Trail boasts an enchanting experience. Wander through an environment characterized by towering redwoods, lush ferns, year-round creeks, and a diverse repertoire of flora and fauna. This family-friendly adventure through the picture-perfect grove affords anyone a good time.

The Inspiration Point Hike is a scenic adventure in the Los Padres National Forest that boasts breathtaking panoramas of the city of Santa Barbara, the Pacific Ocean, and on a clear day—distant views of the Channel Islands.

The Shark Fin Cove Loop is a wonderful expedition along the California coast that boasts breathtaking maritime views. Plunge down onto the pristine beaches and explore the impressive sea cave before climbing up to the cultivated farmlands atop the cape. When in the San Francisco area, a trip to this beautiful setting is well worth the detour.

Seeking the best hike in the Wind River Range? Well, you’ve found one of our favorites—the Big Sandy Lake Trail. This gorgeous adventure yields a diversity of flora and fauna, stunning alpine lakes, and of course, breathtaking views of the Wind River Mountains that rise from the lively landscape—including the Cirque of the Towers.

The Grove of the Patriarchs hike is a family-friendly 2.4 km hike in Mount Rainier National Park that takes hikers through an old-growth forest and over a suspension bridge. This relaxed path requires very little elevation gain but gets you right up next to trees over 91 m tall. En route, you’ll notice interpretive signs that offer nice insight into the natural flora and fauna of the forest. For a quick walk in nature, this is a trail that promises a great outing.

Franklin Falls Trail is a 3.2 km heavily trafficked out and back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that features a waterfall. This is an easy trail suitable for families with children and it is accessible in most seasons. The waterfall is beautiful and refreshing to enjoy on a hot day, and many families and beginner hikers will find this trail enjoyable and simple. Note that the road to the trailhead can be closed during winter, so we recommend checking on its status before coming in the off-season.

The beautiful hike up to Red Pine Lake can easily be extended to grant truly 360-degree views. Hiking past the lake and onto Pfeifferhorn Ridge involves some rock hopping and scrambling and you will need to use your hands, but for confident, experienced hikers the panoramic scenery is worth the trek.

The wildest trail accessible from Artist Point, Ptarmigan Ridge is a hike for solitude-seekers. In addition to wildflowers, berries, and wildlife-spotting potential, this climbing route offers fantastic close-up views of Mount Baker.

The Mount Bierstadt hike is a popular trail and a great introduction to hiking a Colorado 14er. If you are hiking in the early or late part of the season be sure to be ready for some snow and ice as you hike this spectacular Colorado peak!

Pitkin Lake Trail makes for an adventure-filled day hike. The gorgeous trail starts off steep, but it quickly (after roughly 1.6 km) levels out. Gradually, the trail ascends the valley, past two waterfalls, to the stunning lake that sits below East and West Partner (two 3,960 m peaks).

The Portage Pass Trail near Whittier is a stunning moderate hike that goes over Portage Pass and leads to Portage Lake. There you will be blown away by the stunning Portage Glacier view and beautiful ice formations that exist on the lake.

Climbing up to a ridge with fantastic views of the Spring Mountain and Mt. Charleston, this hike is a true gem that will allow you to take in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The well-graded trail makes the elevation gain feel easier, and the absolutely stunning alpine views from the top are definitely worth the effort.

A classic loop hike in the High Uintas, the Lofty Lakes Loops passes by several alpine lakes and yields fantastic views of Mount Marsell. The walk isn’t too challenging, and it yields fantastic views.

The hike to Lake Solitude in Grand Teton National Park is a classic. This is the sister hike to Paintbrush Divide featuring great rewards and minimal elevation gain. And although it’s on the longer side, the stunning alpine Lake Solitude grants unbelievable views of the Grand Tetons.

Mere minutes from downtown Moab, this mostly flat hike leads up Mill Creek into a gorgeous, secluded canyon. A stunning waterfall and swimming area is found at the trail’s terminus – a real treat on hot summer days!

Inside the quiet Kolob Canyon area of Zion National Park, the Taylor Creek Trail runs beside the middle fork of the Taylor Creek. Leading in between stunning sandstone lined cliff faces, this gorgeous hike pays homage to the Double Arch Alcove at its terminus.

The 1st Flatiron hike is the most popular trail in Boulder. This hike is popular for a reason, it’s a great hike! Starting just outside of town, this short hike takes you to one of Boulder’s most recognizable natural features, the 1st Flatiron. This large blade of rock is beautiful and impressive. Make sure to bring your camera on this hike!