Unearth The Voyage
Explore the breathtaking beauty of America’s most renowned hiking trails as reviewed by experts. These trails are celebrated for their stunning views, challenging paths, and the unique experiences they offer to hikers of all levels. From dramatic coastal cliffs to majestic mountain peaks, each trail promises an adventure like no other. Join us on a journey through these top 10 hiking destinations in the U.S., each with its own captivating story and allure.
1. Highline Trail, Glacier National Park (MT)
A walk along the Highline Trail is like treading on the edge of the world. Knife-edge views that stretch along the Garden Wall, offering glimpses of alpine wildlife and the vastness of the Continental Divide. It’s no surprise that this trail frequently appears on expert “best hikes” lists.
This iconic path covers approximately 7.6 miles one-way from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet, but alternate shuttle and loop options make it accessible to many. Before setting out, hikers must check real-time trail status for potential wildlife closures, especially bears. Adventure awaits the prepared!
2. Angels Landing, Zion National Park (UT)
Angels Landing stands as a testament to nature’s grand design. With its infamous chain-assisted fin and dizzying 1,500-foot drop-offs, it’s not for the faint-hearted but remains one of America’s must-experience day hikes.
The trail is about 5.4 miles round-trip from The Grotto, demanding both physical stamina and a head for heights. Permits are needed year-round for the chained section, ensuring safety amid the exposure. For those daring enough, the reward is a panoramic view that feels like a glimpse into eternity. This hike is a rite of passage for thrill-seekers.
3. Half Dome (via Mist/John Muir Trails), Yosemite National Park (CA)
Half Dome rises like a sentinel over Yosemite, a bucket-list summit for many. Its granite staircases and cables beckon those seeking both challenge and reward. The 14–16+ miles round-trip journey is strenuous, necessitating a permit for the final cable ascent.
Along the way, waterfalls cascade down rocky cliffs, providing both a visual and auditory feast. Seasonal detours and closures affect the Mist/John Muir Trail sections, so checking current conditions is a must. This adventure is as much an endurance test as it is a celebration of nature’s raw beauty.
4. Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
The Bright Angel Trail serves as a gateway into the heart of the Grand Canyon. This classic, well-serviced route offers more than just a path down; it’s an immersion into the canyon’s ancient grandeur.
Hikers can choose their turnaround point, whether it be at the 1.5-Mile Resthouse or further down to the river, each option demanding in its own right. With recent closures due to the Trans-Canyon Waterline project, it’s essential to confirm specifics before embarking. The trail challenges even seasoned hikers but rewards with vistas that inspire awe.
5. Franconia Ridge Loop, White Mountain National Forest (NH)
Franconia Ridge Loop is a jewel of the Northeast, offering an alpine ridge walk that captivates with every step. Traversing Little Haystack, Lincoln, and Lafayette, the loop provides expansive views that linger in the memory.
The ~8–9-mile journey via Falling Waters and Old Bridle Path can be challenging, with treacherous above-treeline weather to consider. With ongoing multi-year restoration, planning is crucial. The trail’s rugged beauty and sweeping vistas make it an unforgettable experience for those who venture here, a true testament to nature’s artistry.
6. Kalalau Trail, Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park (Kauaʻi, HI)
The Kalalau Trail is not just a hike; it’s a journey into one of the world’s most dramatic natural landscapes. Stretching 11 miles one-way to Kalalau Beach, this trail offers narrow paths along towering sea cliffs and lush waterfalls.
Backpackers require overnight permits, and day access rules vary, demanding careful planning and respect for the environment. It’s a trek that challenges but also rewards with unparalleled views of the Pacific and the chance to experience Hawaii’s wild beauty up close. Adventure and serenity intertwine here, offering a slice of paradise for the intrepid.
7. Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park (WA)
Mount Rainier’s Skyline Trail is a symphony of meadows, glaciers, and sky. Arguably the park’s most celebrated day loop, it invites hikers to explore its ~5.5 miles from Paradise, with longer variations available.
Opting for the High Skyline variation past Panorama Point can help avoid icy slopes, enhancing safety. With each step, wildflowers bloom in profusion, and the mountain looms majestically, reminding hikers of nature’s grandeur. It’s an accessible yet awe-inspiring path that leaves a lasting impression, perfect for those seeking both tranquility and wonder.
8. Teton Crest Trail, Grand Teton National Park (WY)
The Teton Crest Trail is a multi-day odyssey through the rugged beauty of the Teton Range. This ~39-mile point-to-point hike features over 9,000 feet of elevation gain, threading through granite basins and high passes.
Traversing both NPS and USFS lands demands careful study of zones and permits. The effort is immense, but the reward? Unmatched vistas and a sense of solitude in the wilderness. It’s a journey that calls to those with a spirit of adventure and a readiness to embrace the wildness of the mountains.
9. Precipice Trail, Acadia National Park (ME)
For those who relish a vertical challenge, the Precipice Trail offers a thrilling ascent on iron rungs straight up Champlain Mountain. With Atlantic views as the backdrop, it’s a short but exhilarating adventure.
The ~3.2-mile loop demands focus and courage, with the descent advised on a different trail to ensure safety. It’s a hike that combines adrenaline with awe, where every step feels like a dance with the edge of the world. Perfect for those who crave excitement and unique perspectives.
10. Sky Pond (via Glacier Gorge), Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)
Sky Pond is a destination that captures the imagination with its stunning backdrop of alpine lakes and towering peaks. Starting in Glacier Gorge, the ~9-mile round-trip journey is adorned with waterfalls and a touch of Class 2 scrambling.
Starting early is key to avoid weather complications and crowds. Temporary closures near the Bear Lake corridor occasionally affect access, so checking alerts is essential. As you reach the cirque, the views are nothing short of majestic, offering a picture-perfect scene that resonates with serenity and grandeur.
