Unearth The Voyage
Embarking on an adventure across some of the most breathtaking trails in the United States offers more than just exercise—it’s a journey through nature’s most stunning landscapes. From rock scrambles to serene river hikes, each trail presents its own unique challenge and beauty. Here’s a look at the 15 epic trails I explored this year, each promising an unforgettable experience.
1. Angels Landing, Zion National Park (UT)
The thrill of Angels Landing lies in its narrow, chain-assisted ridge that offers both excitement and stunning views. With the new permit system, the experience is less crowded, allowing for a more personal journey. Hiking early offers the best chance to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene beauty.
A permit is required beyond Scout Lookout, with lotteries conducted via Recreation.gov. The initial climb is steep, but the view at the top is rewarding.
Whether you start with the first shuttle or later in the day, the experience is unforgettable, with breathtaking vistas at every turn.
2. Half Dome (Cables), Yosemite National Park (CA)
Climbing Half Dome is a journey of endurance and awe, with granite stairs and misty trails leading the way. The cables, though daunting, provide safety with gloves and patience. The summit push, though challenging, offers unparalleled views of Yosemite’s grandeur.
Permits are essential when the cables are up, typically from late May to early October. The round trip ranges from 14 to 16 miles, depending on the chosen route.
Whether you opt for the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail, the experience is a testament to nature’s beauty and the hiker’s perseverance.
3. The Narrows (Bottom-Up), Zion National Park (UT)
Walking through The Narrows is like stepping into another world, where the Virgin River carves a path between towering canyon walls. The soothing sound of water and the play of light create an ethereal atmosphere.
No permit is needed for the bottom-up day hike, but conditions can change quickly, so checking the park’s status is crucial. Flow rates and water temperature are key considerations.
Renting dry pants and neoprene socks can enhance comfort, ensuring an enjoyable trek through this magical landscape, where nature’s artistry is on full display at every turn.
4. Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
Bright Angel Trail offers a descent into the Grand Canyon’s depths, with reliable water stops and shaded areas providing respite. The initial descent is inviting, but the climb back tests endurance.
The trail serves as a main corridor to Havasupai Gardens and the Colorado River. Ongoing construction may affect access, so staying informed is advisable.
Whether you venture to the 1.5- or 3-Mile Resthouse, the experience is a blend of natural beauty and physical challenge, with every step revealing more of the canyon’s timeless allure.
5. Kalalau Trail, Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park (HI)
The Kalalau Trail offers unforgettable views of the Nā Pali Coast, with cliff-side trails and ocean vistas creating an unparalleled experience. Stream crossings add an element of adventure, demanding caution and respect.
A permit is necessary beyond Hanakāpīʻai Valley, with day-use allowed only up to this point. The trail stretches 11 miles one-way to Kalalau Beach.
Braving this path requires careful planning around weather and stream conditions, ensuring a safe and memorable journey through one of Hawaii’s most iconic landscapes.
6. Mount Whitney Trail, Inyo National Forest (CA)
Ascending Mount Whitney is an otherworldly experience, with the summit offering a sunrise view above 14,000 feet. The journey is both physically demanding and spiritually uplifting.
Permits are required year-round, with quotas enforced during peak season. The trail’s challenge is matched by its beauty, with every step offering vistas that inspire awe.
Starting early is key to avoiding altitude-related issues, making the ascent a testament to preparation and determination. The reward is a panoramic view that remains etched in memory long after the descent.
7. Wonderland Trail, Mount Rainier National Park (WA)
The Wonderland Trail encircles Mount Rainier, offering a 93-mile journey through diverse landscapes. From glacial valleys to flower-filled meadows, the trail is a testament to nature’s grandeur.
Permits are essential, with itineraries filling quickly each season. The trail’s challenges are met with rewards in the form of breathtaking views and solitude.
Each section offers its unique charm, with creek crossings and steep climbs testing endurance. It’s a journey that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest’s beauty, leaving hikers with lasting memories of adventure and exploration.
8. John Muir Trail (Sections), CA High Sierra
The John Muir Trail presents a journey through the heart of the High Sierra, with towering peaks and deep valleys. Each section offers unique vistas, with big passes and endless skies inspiring awe.
A Yosemite wilderness permit covers the entire trip if starting in the valley. The trail’s length and elevation changes demand preparation and determination.
Whether tackling a single section or the full route, the experience connects hikers with nature’s raw beauty and the spirit of adventure, cementing its place as a must-hike for outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Pacific Crest Trail (Sections), CA–OR–WA
The Pacific Crest Trail is more than a path—it’s a community of hikers connected by shared experiences. Trail angels and water reports guide the journey, while endless horizons fuel the spirit.
For hikes over 500 miles, a long-distance permit is required. The trail’s length offers diverse landscapes and cultures from Mexico to Canada.
Whether hiking northbound or southbound, each section offers its own story, with the trail culture enriching the experience and making every step a new discovery in the vast wilderness.
10. Teton Crest Trail, Grand Teton National Park (WY)
The Teton Crest Trail offers a dramatic journey through Grand Teton National Park, with ridgelines providing close encounters with the iconic peaks. The trail’s beauty is matched by its challenges, with significant elevation gain.
Camping is competitive during mid-summer, requiring careful planning and permits. The trail’s 39-mile distance is filled with breathtaking vistas and diverse landscapes.
Whether using trams or ferries to shorten the route, the experience is a blend of rugged adventure and serene beauty, leaving hikers in awe of the park’s natural wonders.
11. Havasu Falls, Havasupai Reservation (AZ)
Havasu Falls offers an oasis of turquoise waters amidst the red rocks of the Grand Canyon. The journey requires reservations and respect for the land’s sovereign status.
The approach from Hualapai Hilltop is demanding, with timing crucial to managing the heat. The falls’ beauty is a reward for the effort, with the vibrant waters offering a refreshing respite.
Whether camping or visiting for a day, the experience is one of connection with nature and appreciation for the land’s cultural significance, making it a unique and memorable destination.
12. The Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness (WA)
The Enchantments offer a landscape straight from a fantasy, with granite basins and clear lakes creating a surreal environment. Aasgard Pass is a formidable challenge, rewarding those who conquer it with stunning views.
Day-use permits are self-issued, but overnight stays require a lottery-drawn permit. The trail’s steepness and beauty demand both preparation and awe.
Whether entering from Colchuck or Snow, the journey is a blend of physical challenge and visual splendor, making it a bucket-list destination for those seeking adventure and serenity in nature.
13. Old Rag, Shenandoah National Park (VA)
Old Rag is a thrilling rock scramble offering expansive Blue Ridge views. The ascent is both challenging and rewarding, with each step revealing more of the park’s beauty.
A day-use ticket is required, adding an element of planning to the adventure. The scramble’s intensity is matched by the vistas, making it a memorable hike.
Whether completing the full loop or opting for a shorter trek, the experience is one of discovery and excitement, with the rock formations and views creating a unique and engaging hiking experience.
14. Lost Coast Trail, King Range National Conservation Area (CA)
The Lost Coast Trail offers a journey into solitude, with the wild Pacific surf providing a soundtrack to the hike. Tide math is crucial, with specific thresholds determining safe passage.
Overnight permits are required, with three impassable beach zones that add elements of challenge and strategy. The 24.6-mile trail offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and rugged adventure.
Hiking north to south or vice versa, the experience is a retreat from civilization, offering moments of reflection and wonder in a landscape untouched by highways or modernity.
15. Mount Elbert, Sawatch Range (CO)
Climbing Mount Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak, is both humbling and exhilarating. The gentle Class-1 paths belie the challenge posed by altitude, requiring careful preparation.
Popular routes include the North and South Mount Elbert Trails, each offering unique views and experiences. The summit’s elevation provides a sense of achievement and awe.
Whether starting early or tackling the climb later, the journey is one of persistence and reward, with the panoramic views of the Rockies serving as a fitting finale to a memorable ascent.
