Best Hikes in the United States in 2026
Where to Hike in United States
Activities 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.
If you want the logistics handled for a bigger national-park trip, browse our guided and self-guided United States hiking tours, including trips in Alaska, the Rockies, the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest.
What’s New for Hiking in the United States in 2026
The United States remains one of the biggest hiking destinations on 10Adventures, with thousands of routes across national parks, mountain towns, desert canyons and coastal forests. For 2026 planning, think by region and season: high alpine routes in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Washington are usually best from late spring through early fall, while desert routes in Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California are often better in spring and autumn. Popular national-park trailheads can be busy, and some routes require reservations, permits or shuttle planning, so check local access rules before travelling. Weather also varies dramatically across the country, from snow in the Rockies to heat in the Southwest, so build flexibility into your itinerary and always check conditions before setting out.
Best Hikes in the United States by Type
Looking for a specific kind of route? These handpicked hikes use the strongest route cards already surfaced on the USA page and group them by effort, scenery and trip style.
Best Family-Friendly Hikes in the United States
- Hoh Rainforest Hike: a very easy 1.8 km walk through Olympic National Park’s mossy temperate rainforest, making it one of the best beginner and family-friendly hikes in the USA.
- Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail: a flat, short walk across Death Valley’s famous salt flats, ideal for families who want a dramatic desert landscape without a long climb.
- Snoqualmie Falls Trail: a quick Washington waterfall walk with easy access and big payoff, perfect for a short stop near Seattle.
Best Half-Day Hikes in the United States
- Dead Horse Point Hike: a classic Utah route with sweeping canyon views over the Colorado River, making it a strong half-day hike in the American Southwest.
- Chain Lakes Loop: a scenic Mount Baker circuit with alpine lakes, wildflowers and mountain views, a strong Pacific Northwest half-day route.
- Cascade Pass Trail: one of the signature North Cascades hikes, climbing steadily to glacier, valley and mountain views without requiring a full overnight trip.
Best Full-Day Hikes in the United States
- Panorama Trail in Yosemite National Park: one of the strongest full-day hikes in the USA, linking Glacier Point, the Mist Trail and classic Yosemite Valley views.
- Chicago Lakes Hike: climbs into Colorado’s high country near Denver, with alpine lakes and mountain cirque scenery in a demanding day out.
- South Kaibab Trail: one of the most memorable Grand Canyon routes, dropping into the canyon for a challenging and scenic full-day hike.
- Lone Eagle Peak Hike: a rugged Indian Peaks Wilderness route with waterfalls, Mirror Lake and one of Colorado’s most dramatic mountain views.
United States Hiking Tours
For travellers who want a planned itinerary instead of building everything from scratch, our guided and self-guided United States hiking tours cover national parks, mountain regions and long-distance adventure routes across the country. If your trip is focused on the Rockies, Utah, Arizona, California or the Pacific Northwest, the more specific guided hiking tours in the Western US are an especially relevant next step.
Hiking Near the United States
For a cross-border trip, pair US hiking with nearby hikes in Canada, where the Rockies, British Columbia and national parks offer a natural extension to western USA hiking itineraries. You can also browse all 10Adventures hiking destinations to compare the United States with other major walking and trekking regions around the world.
Other Activities in the United States
Hiking is only one way to explore the country. For urban routes, see our city walks in the USA, or switch to two wheels with mountain biking routes in the USA and guided and self-guided United States bike tours for a more logistics-supported cycling trip.
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Route guides for Hiking in United States
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Chicago Lakes Hike Route Guide
The Chicago Lakes Hike, near Denver, takes you to Colorado’s high country! The trail winds though the wilderness to beautiful alpine lakes nestled in a glacier cut valley at the base of Mt Evans!
Flattop Mountain Route Guide
The Flattop Mountain trail is a great day-hike near Anchorage. Short, but steep this trail takes you to the top of Flattop Mountain with great views of surrounding Chugach State Park. This hike is very popular among locals and includes some fun, but challenging scrambling near the top.
Lone Eagle Peak Hike Route Guide
Lone Eagle Peak is a rugged hike, but it’s also one of the best hikes in Colorado. You’ll walk past many waterfalls including Cascade Falls. At the end, you’ll see Lone Eagle Peak towering over Mirror Lake and dominating the mountain landscape. This beautiful reflection makes it one of the most scenic views in Colorado.
Buckskin Pass Route Guide
This hike starts from one of the most photogenic lakes in the entire Rocky Mountains. The gruelling climb up to Buckskin Pass is definitely worth the effort. From its lofty heights you will be completely surrounded by panoramic views.
Panorama Trail Route Guide
If we only did one hike in Yosemite, the Panorama Trail would be it. We think it's one of the best hikes in the USA. The route up the Mist Trail, along the Panorama Trail to Glacier Point and then down the 4.0mi path is the best hike in all of Yosemite National Park.
Fletcher Peak hike Route Guide
Fletcher Peak is not only one of the easiest mountains to climb in the park, but also the sixth highest point in all of Nevada. Here, you will experience spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including the Spring Mountains. This is truly a beautiful half-day hike that is nothing short of fantastic!
Clayton Peak Route Guide
The steep hike up to Clayton Peak yields unbelievably stunning views. One of the easier summits to walk in the area, it’s surprising very few people make the trek!
Hill 88 Loop Route Guide
Hill 88 Loop, located in the Golden Gate Recreation Area in Marin County, is an excellent choice for dog lovers who wish to take their four-legged friends on hiking adventures near the beach. This is a great trail with amazing views, but if you do not like dogs be sure to avoid the busy times of day!
Upper Piney River Falls Trail Route Guide
Upper Piney River Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Vail Region. The trail, which rewards hikers with stunning views of the Gore Range, slowly climbs up 699ft, spread over 2.9mi, to a cascading waterfall. This trail is commonly used as the approach to Mt. Powell - the highest summit in the Gore Range at 13586ft.
Dead Horse Point Hike Route Guide
The Dead Horse Point hike knocks you out of your boots straight from the trailhead. This scenically dense hike puts you in the heart of the action. Expect fantastic views down to the winding Colorado River and across the expansive valley to the La Sal Mountains throughout the entire route.
Paintbrush Divide Route Guide
The hike to Paintbrush Divide in Grand Teton National Park is phenomenal. The steady climb brings you up from String Lake, through the gorgeous wildflower-filled Paintbrush Canyon and up to the most magnificent pass in the Teton Range. This long trail will take the entire day, so clear your calendar!
Chain Lakes Loop Route Guide
Chain Lakes Loop is a classic and beautiful summertime hike near Mount Baker. This alpine circuit offers massive mountain and lake views, summer wildflowers, and blueberries to boot.
Cascade Pass Trail Route Guide
Cascade Pass Trail is one of the classic North Cascades hikes. We love Cascade Pass for a relatively easy climb to subalpine grandeur. Mountains, valleys, glaciers, waterfalls, and more make a hike to Cascade Pass pretty much unbeatable for the effort.
South Kaibab Trail Route Guide
The South Kaibab Trail is one of the hardest hikes in the Grand Canyon National Park and makes for an unforgettable challenge if you’re up to the task! You’ll be provided with incredible views over the park for most of the way and then enjoy some backcountry camping at the scenic Bright Angel Campground.
Avalanche Peak Route Guide
The trail up to Avalanche Peak is one of the highlights of walking in Yellowstone National Park. The hike up is steep, but it all becomes worth it at the top, where plentiful mountain views and gorgeous alpine valleys fill the horizon.
Observation Point Trail Route Guide
This stunning hike brings trekkers to the most scenic viewpoint that can be found in Zion National Park – Observation Point. Towering above the entire Zion Canyon, this route is longer, harder, and less crowded than the famous Angel’s Landing, making it a true gem of a hike.
Fairyland Loop Trail Route Guide
This beautiful half-day loop meanders through some of the most stunning hoodoo formations in the park yielding a fantastic atmosphere to enjoy the splendid beauty of Bryce Canyon – without the huge crowds usually following the classic hikes in the region.
Ibantik Lake Route Guide
This hike, in the heart of one of the most picturesque valleys of the High Uinta Mountains, walks up over ‘The Notch’ and down to Ibantik Lake immersing you in the paradoxically sterile, yet inviting beauty of the park; it’s almost as if it’s the blank pages of a book, waiting for you to write your adventures on.
Hoh Rainforest Hike Route Guide
Hoh Rainforest is one of the most-visited trails in Olympic National Park. You’ll wander through lush temperate rainforest on an easy, family-friendly trail. You’ll see massive old hemlocks, spruce, ferns, and mosses. Watch for Coho salmon swimming in the creek, and name all the species of plant and animal you can. This is a true Washington rainforest adventure and it’s very accessible for beginners and young children.
The trail presents no real challenge and is conveniently located near a visitor center and a campground. Although this trail gets busy, we recommend making the trip if you’re in the park. If you can, visiting on a weekday offers the best chance of a quieter trail.
Snoqualmie Falls Trail Route Guide
Snoqualmie Falls Trail takes you along an easy 1.4mi route to see one of the most iconic waterfalls in Washington. This hike is family-friendly and very suitable for beginners, but it’s a worthwhile stop for any hiker in the area. Learn about the region’s ecosystem and Native American culture as you walk, then snap photos from the perfectly placed falls viewpoints. You can walk to each viewpoint for the full experience or keep it as easy as possible by just visiting the two viewpoints close to the parking area.
Dogs are allowed on this hike but must be kept on leash. This area gets quite busy on the weekends, so we recommend visiting early in the morning or during the week for the least crowded experience.
Exclamation Point Hike Route Guide
The Exclamation Point Trail is one of our favorite scenic hikes in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. This short but sweet trail culminates at one of the National Park’s most incredible lookouts over the Canyon-sign us up! Compared to the South Rim of the canyon, this hike along the North Rim is more rustic and often less trafficked, making it the perfect trail to meander and enjoy the grandeur of the steep-walled gorge.
Colchuck Lake Trail Route Guide
Laying eyes on Colchuck Lake for the first time is a breathtaking moment. The 8.0mi round trip hike to the lake and back? Also breathtaking, but for different reasons. This is a steep, heavily trafficked hike, but it’s worth all the effort. You’ll be able to sit down on one of the most sublime spots in the Enchantments, where mountain peaks cradle an emerald lake adorned with an island of trees. It’s a fine reward for the brutal last couple of miles you’ll be tasked with. Poles and good boots are recommended.
We don’t recommend this trail for young kids, anyone with mobility challenges, or beginners, as there are some extended steep sections. We also recommend arriving early to beat some of the traffic. You can also arrange to camp on the shore of the lake, but make sure you’ve got your permit sorted ahead of time.
Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail Route Guide
The Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail is a stunning route in Death Valley National Park. Short, flat and family-friendly, the route takes you onto arid salt flats that are both picturesque and humbling in their sheer vastness. The Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail is simply a must do when visiting Death Valley National Park.
Jumbo Rocks Campground Loop Route Guide
The Jumbo Rocks Campground Loop is an easily accessible and scenic route within Joshua Tree National Park. Being both short and with little elevation change, the loop is perfect for families and those seeking a more casual hiking experience. The Jumbo Rocks Campground Loop leads the hiker through beautiful large boulder gardens and windswept desert shrubbery.
Mount Evans via Chicago Creek Hike Route Guide
The Mount Evans via Chicago Creek Hike is a beautiful, but demanding hike through Colorado’s wilderness. Perhaps one of the most picturesque hikes in the Front Range, this trail will guide you past several crystalline alpine lakes before delivering you to the base of the postcard worthy Mount Evans. This hike may be challenging, but the scenery supersedes the effort.
High Rock Lookout Trail Route Guide
High Rock is high, indeed. This viewpoint soars above the surrounding region of the South Cascades, giving you the best view you can find in the area! The views are truly panoramic and the trail to reach them isn’t that difficult. At 3.2mi in length and with moderate elevation gain, it’s a suitable trail for most skill levels and for active families. You’ll climb up Sawtooth Ridge to a fire cabin, where you can relax and savor the sightlines.
Expect heavy traffic on this hike, making a visit during the week or early in the morning a good choice. Most of the trail is wide, save for a few skinner sections. That being said, no part of the trail is highly exposed.
Cinder Cone Nature Trail Route Guide
Short in distance and with a moderate amount of elevation incline, the Cinder Cone Nature Trail is a family-friendly route with lots to offer! Leading you on a fascinating and informative journey throughout an incredible volcanic formation, the trail is mesmerizing in its uniqueness. In addition to its intriguing geology, the views found throughout the Cinder Cone Nature Trails duration are sublime.
Devil’s Bridge Hike Route Guide
Devil’s Bridge is a natural sandstone bridge in Sedona, Arizona. This geological feature is the star on this very popular moderate trail. Climb out onto the bridge and gaze over a great view of the iconic red rocks of Sedona. This is a fun hike for most ages and definitely one to bring a camera for.
This hike is either 2.0mi long or about 45.0mi long depending on which trailhead you start at. With a 4X4 vehicle, you can drive up to the actual trailhead for the hike for a shorter walk. Without a 4X4, you’ll need to hike up one of two access roads. This guide starts from the Dry Creek Road trailhead, which is where most hikers without a 4X4 vehicle start (those with one can drive up Dry Creek Road). Expect heavy traffic on this very popular trail. Arriving early is a must in the busy season (April-May and October).
Piedra Falls Trail Route Guide
The Piedra Falls Trail is a quick and easy adventure in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado that will take you to a stunning waterfall setting. While out hiking the trail, you will follow along the banks of the East Fork Piedra River and pass through some woodland terrain, before arriving at the sight of the cascading Piedra Falls. This is a fantastic trail that the entire family can enjoy on a fun weekend outing!
Crystal City Road #314 Route Guide
The Crystal City Road #314 is a great hiking route in Marble, Colorado that follows along a mountain road to reach a historic site. While out hiking the trail, you will gain elevation along the rugged road as it runs parallel to the Crystal River, passing through the mountains to arrive at the site of an old mill dating to 1892. Walkers should take note that this route is not accessible during the winter months due to dangerous conditions.
Water Wheel Falls Hike Route Guide
Water Wheel Falls is a hike in the Tonto National Forest near Payson that has become increasingly popular because of its excellent swimming opportunities. The trail was named for an old water wheel you can see from the trailhead, and the route follows the East Verde River to a gorge used by cliff jumpers and a short waterfall into a swimming hole.
There are lots of points along this route where you can take a swim, but the swimming hole at the confluence of the two creeks is the best spot. This easy hike might not be well-marked, but it’s an exceptionally fun adventure for families or for any hiker on a hot Arizona day. Small children might need a hand on some of the rockier parts of the trail
Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail Route Guide
The Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail is a popular hiking route in the San Bernardino Forest that leads you to a series of relaxing thermal pools set along the creek. While out hiking the trail, you will traverse the rugged desert landscape until you arrive at the edge of Deep Creek where you can soak in the relaxing hot springs before heading back. Hikers should take note that the road leading into the trailhead is very rough and will require a 4x4 high clearance vehicle to safely traverse.
Tumamoc Hill Hike Route Guide
Tumamoc Hill is one of the most popular hikes in Tucson thanks to its great city views, relatively short length, and night hiking opportunities. The route is paved, which is a plus for hikers who prefer or require even footing. Because Tumamoc Hill is on university property, it’s the only hike in the Tucson Mountain Range that is open for night hiking. If you want to watch the sunset or sunrise, this is the place to be!
The route is 3.1mi long, but some hikers turn around at the midpoint instead of going the entire way. Expect a 5ft paved route with plenty of signage. Some parts of the trail are steep, which could make using a stroller or wheelchair very difficult without some assistance. Overall we rate this trail as moderately difficult. If you come in hot weather, please ensure you’ve got lots of hydration and some sun protection with you.
Mesa Arch Trail Route Guide
The Mesa Arch trail is a short hike to a stunning sandstone arch on the edge of a 500ft cliff. This hike is busiest at sunrise when the sun peaks above the horizon, illuminating the arch from below. Due to its impressive size and perfect positioning, the Mesa Arch is one of the most photographed arches in Canyonlands National Park
Mount Princeton Trail Route Guide
Looking to challenge yourself? The Mount Princeton Trail is a demanding adventure up to the summit of one of Colorado’s famous fourteeners (14ers). Put your stamina to the test as you ascend over 3281ft to the summit of the Collegiate Peak that sits in the Sawatch Mountain Range. The unparalleled vistas of the encompassing mountains will motivate even the most discouraged hikers to persist and complete their trek.
Humphreys Peak Hike Route Guide
Humphreys Peak is one to put on the top of your Arizona hiking bucket list, as this mountain is the tallest point in the entire state at 12633ft. It’s a challenging route with stiff elevation gain, but most strong hikers can find their way to the top thanks to the lack of technical challenges (aside from some light scrambling) and the clearly defined trail. From the top, you’ll enjoy an expansive view of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness.
Humphreys Peak can be hiked year-round, but the winter months make for a more demanding climb. You’ll need snowshoes and you may benefit from packing ice axes and microspikes, too. Navigating the route is more difficult in the winter when the trail is covered in snow. Try the summer ascent first, which is generally easier to follow and more suitable for less experienced hikers. Bring a camera for that top-of-the-state view!
Blue Mesa Trail Route Guide
Blue Mesa Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park. With dazzling views of the neatly striped hills and mesas, giant fossils of petrified wood, and a convenient paved trail, this hike is a great pick for hikers of any skill level and age in the park. It’s a short loop, but it definitely packs in the scenery. Use this as a first introduction to the park since it’s right in the middle of the park road, or enjoy it on its own. Expect heavy traffic on this route.
The Blue Mesa Trail is best done in the morning when the sun is at a low slant. This illuminates the colors of the hills and prevents shadowing from the hills on the western side of this loop (which you’d experience in the afternoon). Don’t stress if you can’t do this hike in the morning, though, it’s just a suggestion!
Hickman Bridge Trail Route Guide
The Hickman Bridge Trail is one of the most popular hiking routes in Capitol Reef National Park. This trail leads you to, you guessed it, the Hickman Bridge: an incredible formation of kayenta sandstone that spans 133ft across. This hike is family-friendly and a great way to get out and learn about the incredible history of Capitol Reef National Park.
High Dune Trail Route Guide
Did you know there are sand dunes in Colorado? Well, the highest dunes in North America are located in Colorado, and the High Dune Trail is the best way to experience this geological anomaly. Though you may have never considered adding the Great Sand Dunes National Park to your Colorado adventure itinerary, we highly suggest you explore these immense sand mounds that are the most biologically diverse environments in the state.
Manitou Incline Trail Route Guide
The Manitou Incline Trail is one of the most arduous, and most popular trails in Colorado. A state littered with impressive 14ers, the 2768 steps up 1969ft of elevation prove to be one of the most technical and demanding hikes in the area. Reserved for intrepid and athletic adventurers, this trek is often ventured by Olympic athletes, firefighters, and military. Though realizable by the average joe, this amazing climb is not for the faint of heart.
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