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
Muir Beach and Tennessee Beach Loop
The Muir Beach and Tennessee Beach Loop beckons the exploration of adventurers seeking a coastal day hike near San Francisco. Meander atop the fog-shrouded headlands and revel in the beauty of the coastal environment. This wonderful hike is a must-add to your Bay Area itinerary.
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Willow Lake Trail
The Willow Lake Trail is unrivaled in its beauty, boasting breathtaking views of the Bighorn Mountains from the shoreline of the blue-hued alpine lake. Granting tranquility and isolation from the real world, this hike into the clouds provides ample time for reconnection and relaxation.
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Skyline Loop Trail
The Skyline Loop Trail is a 8.9 km moderately difficult trail in Mount Rainier National Park that boasts exceptional views and wide swathes of wildflowers in the summertime. Not only will you see countless wildflowers, but this moderate-length hike packs a punch when it comes to stunning scenery. Expect to pass by cascading waterfalls and mighty glaciers. Of course, the star of the show is the grand view of Mount Rainier. This pretty hike is a favourite among locals and a must-do for anyone visiting the park.
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Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is an 8.5 km heavily trafficked out and back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as moderate. This popular hike leads you from the blue shores of Rattlesnake Lake up to an impressive viewpoint with broad views over the lake and the surrounding mountains of the Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area. While the trail does require a bit of a climb on steeper sections, it’s technically simple and favored by intermediate hikers. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.
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Arapaho Glacier Trail
The hike on this high alpine trail leads you to an overlook of Arapaho Glacier and one of the best views of the Continental Divide and Indian Peaks. Trail ends at the saddle of South Arapaho Peak. It’s a tough hike though; you'll want to bring hiking poles for this one.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Sky Pond and Lake of Glass
The Sky Pond and Lake of Glass hike is a favorite hike for locals. Get a beautiful glimpse of Rocky Mountain National Park on this fun, yet challenging hike that takes you by stunning lakes and to a waterfall and two beautiful hidden lakes! We think it's one of the best hikes in the USA.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mount Evans
The Mount Evans hike takes you to 4,348 m, with the route going along the West Ridge via Mt. Spalding is an epic hike that will provide separation from the crowds on this popular Colorado 14er!
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
West Maroon Pass
One of the classic long hikes though the Maroon Bells Wilderness, the trek up to West Maroon Pass is certainly not one to miss. Be forewarned, however, that there are two gnarly creek crossings that separate you from the prize of this high alpine pass.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Moenkopi Trail
Best appreciated in the early morning, the Moenkopi Trail is a gorgeous loop that ventures out from the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Centre and climbs up a ridge to yield stunning panoramic views of almost the entire park. Bring your camera, folks!
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Shrine Ridge Trail
Shrine Ridge Trail gradually hikes through lush pine meadows, passing two small ponds, to Shrine Ridge. The Shrine Ridge leads to the top of Shrine Mountain (elevation 3,580 m). You’ll get incredible views, considering it’s such a short hike.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Fisher Towers
This popular trail brings hikers through monumental sandstone towers popular with many climbers, otherwise known as the majestic Fisher Towers. The trail slowly climbs beside the towers until if finally gains a ridge, granting panoramic views of all the towers as well as the expansive valley and the Colorado River.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Tomales Point Trail, Marin County
The Tomales Point hike is located in the Point Reyes National Seashore, sandwiched between Tomales Bay and the Pacific Ocean. This hike is a unique experience with it being a Tule Elk Preserve and often quite foggy. When not foggy, the views are great, with the views from Tomales Point itself spectacular!
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Crow Pass Trail
The Crow Pass Trail near Alyeska Resort is a beautiful moderate route that leads to Crow Pass. You will pass by beautiful Crystal Lake along the trail and will be rewarded with a great overlook to Raven Glacier.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mt. Raymond
Hiking Mt. Raymond is an incredible trek granting incredible views into the heart of the Wasatch, as well as west to Salt Lake City. Due to the somewhat larger elevation gain of the walk, there are also typically fewer people on the trail; it is not uncommon to have the summit to yourself.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
South Rim Trail
The South Rim trail is easily the most popular hike in the park – it’s generally flat, connecting Grand Canyon Village with Hermits Rest Point and boasts fantastic views of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Yellow Aster Butte Trail
The Yellow Aster Butte trail has summer wildflowers, fall colors, twinkling tarns and 360-degree mountain views. All that adds up to Yellow Aster Butte being an undeniably spectacular trail in the Mount Baker wilderness in the North Cascades region of Washington.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Sentinel Dome to Glacier Point
The hike from Sentinel Dome to Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park is a wonderful day out with a summit of Sentinel Dome and a walk to one of the park’s best viewpoints.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Washington Pass Overlook
The Washington Pass Overlook hike is a must-do for anybody visiting the North Cascades. This hike takes you along a short, paved path leading to incredible Liberty Bell views from the 1,707 m heights of Washington Pass. This little leg stretch is an excellent way to break up the drive between eastern and western Washington State.
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- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
We can hardly think of another short hike in the world that can rival the views from the Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park, Montana. In addition to witnessing some spectacular views, you might get lucky and spot some handsome Rocky Mountain goats nearby on the trail!
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Phelps Lake
With little elevation gain, the hike around Phelps Lake in Grand Teton National Park is a great family-friendly walk, especially perfect for small children – plus there are fewer people here than Jenny Lake. The sandy beach at the far end is also ideal for a picnic and a swim.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty