1. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Popular Trails:
- Skyline Trail
- Burroughs Mountain Trail
Mount Rainier in the Cascade Range is the tallest summit in the Mount Rainier National Park. The park showcases scenic hiking trails, including the Skyline Trail, a 6-mile round-trip hike offering stunning views of Mount Rainier and the neighbouring mountains. One more on the list is the Burroughs Mountain Trail, a 4-mile round-trip trek leading to three viewpoints of Mount Rainier. It's undoubtedly a rewarding hike for enthusiasts alike.
2. Glacier National Park, Montana
Popular Trails:
- The Highline Trail
- Hidden Lake Trail
Glacier National Park has strikingly over 700 miles of hiking trails. This serene location has some well-known hikes, including the Highline Trail and the Hidden Lake Trail. The Highline Trail is a 7-mile round-trip hike that offers scenic views of the park's alpine meadows and glaciers. The Hidden Lake Trail is a 3-mile round-trip hike that leads to a hidden lake surrounded by stunning mountains.
3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Popular Trails:
- South Kaibab Trail
- Bright Angel Trail
Grand Canyon National Park is a paradise with one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. There are many great hikes in Grand Canyon National Park, including the South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail. The South Kaibab Trail is a 10-mile round-trip expedition that leads to the Colorado River. The Bright Angel Trail is a 9-mile round-trip hike leading to the Colorado River.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Popular Trails:
- Canyon Overlook Trail
- Emerald Pools Trail
Zion National Park shelters some of the most charming sceneries in the Southwest. Zion National Park has fantastic hiking trails, including the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Emerald Pools Trail.
The Canyon Overlook Trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike offering beautiful canyon views below. The trail begins at the Canyon Overlook Trailhead and climbs gradually to an overlook that offers panoramic views of the canyon. The Emerald Pools Trail is a 3-mile round-trip hike that leads to three waterfalls. The trail begins at the Emerald Pools Trailhead and descends into the canyon.
5. Yosemite National Park, California
Popular Trails:
- Half Dome Hike
- The Mist Trail
Yosemite National Park dwells some of the most iconic hikes in the world, including the Half Dome Hike and the Mist Trail. The Half Dome Hike is a challenging 14-mile round-trip hike that rewards hikers with stunning views of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls. The Mist Trail is a shorter, more moderate hike that leads to Vernal and Nevada Falls and offers hikers the opportunity to get close to the falls and feel the cool mist on their faces.
While the Half Dome Hike is very popular and making a reservation in advance is beneficial, the Mist Trail is relatively less crowded, except in summer.
Here are some must-remember tips to perfectly plan out your hiking adventure:
- Be prepared for all types of weather. Be prepared for anything. Bring layers of clothing, sunscreen as well as a hat.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks. You won't see any stores or restaurants on the trails, so bring your own food and water.
- Start early. To avoid unnecessary crowds, starting early in the morning is best.
- Be aware of your surroundings. These parks have a variety of wildlife, including bears, deer, and rattlesnakes. Be mindful of your surroundings and make noise to let any wildlife know that you are coming.
- Leave no trace. Pack out all the trash and leave the trails as you find them.
Now that you have the insides on the best hiking spots and important considerations for planning your getaway remember to add these 5 breathtaking hikes in the USA to your travel itinerary. There are hikes for all kinds of experiences across the country. With some planning, you can have a safe and enjoyable hike.
