🥾Best Hikes in America
America's national parks and wilderness areas offer some of the world's most iconic trails, from vertigo-inducing narrow ridges to serene alpine lakes. Choosing the best involves balancing challenge, scenery, and accessibility, with stakes ranging from unforgettable views to potential danger. Vote for your favorites to rank them.
What counts: Best means most rewarding overall hike balancing scenery, challenge, and uniqueness. Figures are approximate averages or estimates.
Angels Landing▲ Rising
Zion's sheer sandstone fin has become the ultimate test of nerve, with chain-assisted climbs delivering 360-degree views of the canyon. The final half-mile scramble defines the hike for most visitors. It earns the top spot for unmatched drama packed into a short day.
Difficulty: 9/10Distance: 5.4 miElevation Gain: 1,488 ftLocation: Zion NP, UTScenic Rating: 10/10Family Friendly: —
added by IJRAngels Landing
21Zion's slot canyon hike turns the Virgin River into the trail, forcing hikers to wade between towering walls. Flash-flood awareness and route-finding add adventure to the journey. It stands out for its unique water-based canyon experience.
Difficulty: 7/10Distance: 9.4 miElevation Gain: 200 ftLocation: Zion NP, UTScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJRThe Narrows
14Grinnell Glacier Trail▲ Rising
Glacier National Park's trail climbs to a turquoise glacial lake beneath the shrinking ice. The high-alpine setting showcases the park's namesake feature. It earns its spot for pristine mountain scenery.
Difficulty: 7/10Distance: 10.6 miElevation Gain: 1,600 ftLocation: Glacier NP, MTScenic Rating: 10/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJR
12Yosemite's granite monolith requires a long approach then the famous cables to the summit. The journey through the valley and up the subdome builds to one of the most photographed moments in the Sierra. It tops lists for the complete wilderness-to-peak experience.
Difficulty: 9/10Distance: 14 miElevation Gain: 4,800 ftLocation: Yosemite NP, CAScenic Rating: 10/10Family Friendly: —
added by IJRHalf Dome
11The classic Grand Canyon corridor route drops from the South Rim to the Colorado River with historic rest houses. Hikers experience the full geologic story in one descent. It earns its place for accessibility paired with epic scale.
Difficulty: 8/10Distance: 15.3 miElevation Gain: 4,380 ftLocation: Grand Canyon NP, AZScenic Rating: 10/10Family Friendly: —
added by IJRBright Angel Trail
10Zion's high viewpoint trail climbs above Angels Landing for even broader canyon vistas. The final mesa delivers a sense of scale. It earns its spot for the superior perspective.
Difficulty: 8/10Distance: 8 miElevation Gain: 2,100 ftLocation: Zion NP, UTScenic Rating: 10/10Family Friendly: —
added by IJRObservation Point
9Mount Whitney Trail▲ Rising
California's highest peak draws hikers up 22 switchbacks to the summit plateau. The long approach and high altitude create a true Sierra test. It ranks high for the tangible reward of standing on the state's rooftop.
Difficulty: 9/10Distance: 22 miElevation Gain: 6,600 ftLocation: Sequoia NP, CAScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: —
added by IJRMount Whitney Trail
7Kalalau Trail▲ Rising
Kauai's rugged Na Pali coast trail winds 11 miles along cliffs to a secluded beach valley. Sea arches, waterfalls, and wild camping define the remote journey. It earns its reputation for tropical wilderness unmatched on the mainland.
Difficulty: 8/10Distance: 22 miElevation Gain: 5,000 ftLocation: Kauai, HIScenic Rating: 10/10Family Friendly: —
added by IJRKalalau Trail
6The trail to the famous blue-green waterfalls in Havasupai territory descends through desert then delivers a shocking color payoff. The campground sits beside the main falls. It stands out for its unique turquoise water in the Southwest.
Difficulty: 7/10Distance: 10 miElevation Gain: 2,000 ftLocation: Havasupai, AZScenic Rating: 10/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJRin 2 rankingsHavasu Falls
5Crater Lake's trail climbs above the rim for sweeping views of the deepest blue lake in America. Wildflowers and volcanic scenery line the path. It earns its spot for easy access to high views.
Difficulty: 6/10Distance: 3.2 miElevation Gain: 1,000 ftLocation: Crater Lake NP, ORScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJRGarfield Peak
5Longs Peak Keyhole Route
Colorado's highest via the exposed Keyhole ledge and narrow Homestretch. The route mixes hiking and light scrambling with big payoff. It earns its reputation as a classic 14er challenge.
Difficulty: 9/10Distance: 14.5 miElevation Gain: 5,100 ftLocation: Rocky Mountain NP, COScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: —
added by IJR
1Glacier's cliffside traverse offers nonstop mountain views with optional Grinnell Glacier spur. The Garden Wall section is the highlight. It earns its reputation for continuous alpine scenery.
Difficulty: 7/10Distance: 11.6 miElevation Gain: 800 ftLocation: Glacier NP, MTScenic Rating: 10/10Family Friendly: —
added by IJRHighline Trail
1Emerald Lake Trail
Rocky Mountain's easy trail climbs past Nymph and Dream Lakes to the vivid Emerald Lake. The short distance and big scenery make it a favorite. It stands out for family-friendly alpine access.
Difficulty: 5/10Distance: 3.2 miElevation Gain: 650 ftLocation: Rocky Mountain NP, COScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJR
1Devils Garden Trail
Arches National Park's loop visits multiple arches including the famous Landscape Arch. The fins and rock formations create a desert maze. It earns its place for concentrated geology.
Difficulty: 6/10Distance: 7.2 miElevation Gain: 600 ftLocation: Arches NP, UTScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJR
-1Old Rag
Shenandoah's granite dome requires a long approach then a fun rock-scramble finale. The 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge make every step worthwhile. It stands out for its challenging eastern terrain in a popular park.
Difficulty: 8/10Distance: 9.4 miElevation Gain: 2,600 ftLocation: Shenandoah NP, VAScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: —
added by IJR
-3John Muir Trail - Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne
The first section of the famous JMT climbs from the valley floor through granite wilderness to high meadows. Waterfalls and domes mark every mile. It represents the gold standard for multi-day Sierra hiking.
Difficulty: 8/10Distance: 23 miElevation Gain: 4,800 ftLocation: Yosemite NP, CAScenic Rating: 10/10Family Friendly: —
added by IJR
-3Chasm Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park's trail climbs past waterfalls to a high cirque beneath Longs Peak. The lake sits in a dramatic granite bowl. It stands out for alpine reward without a full 14er climb.
Difficulty: 7/10Distance: 8.4 miElevation Gain: 2,500 ftLocation: Rocky Mountain NP, COScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJR
-3Delicate Arch Trail
Arches' most famous arch requires a slickrock climb to a dramatic natural window. The final approach reveals the arch in one iconic moment. It stands out for its photogenic payoff.
Difficulty: 6/10Distance: 3 miElevation Gain: 480 ftLocation: Arches NP, UTScenic Rating: 10/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJR
-3Mount Rainier's high traverse offers wildflower meadows and close-up glacier views in a single loop. The Paradise starting point makes it accessible yet dramatic. It ranks high for Pacific Northwest alpine beauty.
Difficulty: 7/10Distance: 5.5 miElevation Gain: 1,700 ftLocation: Mt Rainier NP, WAScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJRSkyline Trail
-4Glacier National Park's trail through aspen and pine ends at a turquoise lake with floating icebergs. The flat approach makes it accessible yet rewarding. It earns its spot for easy high-alpine scenery.
Difficulty: 5/10Distance: 9.6 miElevation Gain: 1,200 ftLocation: Glacier NP, MTScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJRIceberg Lake
-4Precipice Trail
Acadia's cliffside ladders and iron rungs deliver a short but thrilling climb to Champlain Mountain. The ocean views appear suddenly at the top. It earns its place for compact adrenaline in a coastal park.
Difficulty: 8/10Distance: 3.2 miElevation Gain: 850 ftLocation: Acadia NP, MEScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: —
added by IJR
-5Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
Yosemite's stone stairway beside the powerful waterfall offers mist and rainbows on the climb. The granite steps lead to a broad overlook. It ranks high for accessibility to a major waterfall.
Difficulty: 6/10Distance: 5.5 miElevation Gain: 1,200 ftLocation: Yosemite NP, CAScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJR
-5Mount LeConte via Alum Cave
Great Smoky's signature peak offers a steady climb past arches and cliffs to a historic lodge. The summit views stretch across the range. It earns its place as the classic Smokies hike.
Difficulty: 7/10Distance: 10 miElevation Gain: 2,700 ftLocation: Great Smoky Mountains NP, TNScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJR
-5Canyon Overlook Trail
Zion's short trail ends at a viewpoint directly above the canyon floor. The easy access makes it perfect for all ages. It ranks high for big reward with little effort.
Difficulty: 4/10Distance: 1 miElevation Gain: 150 ftLocation: Zion NP, UTScenic Rating: 8/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJR
-6Mount Katahdin - Abol Trail▼ Falling
Maine's highest peak via the steep Abol slide offers a direct line to the summit plateau. The final boulder field leads to sweeping northern views. It ranks high for rugged East Coast wilderness.
Difficulty: 8/10Distance: 7.6 miElevation Gain: 4,000 ftLocation: Baxter SP, MEScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: —
added by IJR
-12Hoh River Trail▼ Falling
Olympic's famous rainforest trail follows the river through moss-draped giants to the Blue Glacier. The flat approach allows deep immersion in the temperate rainforest. It ranks high for unique ecosystem access.
Difficulty: 6/10Distance: 17.4 miElevation Gain: 1,200 ftLocation: Olympic NP, WAScenic Rating: 9/10Family Friendly: ✓
added by IJR
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