Author: Nick Wharton / Source: Wise Bread
The United States is home to some of the most diverse landscapes on the planet, ranging from barren deserts and vast canyons to lush forests and snow-capped mountains. Because of this, it’s no surprise that it also has some of the most spectacular and accessible hiking trails in the world.
The National Park Service has done wonders to preserve the trails and scenery that make these destinations so special. Here are some of the best national parks for hiking in the U.S., as well as some easy day hikes that you can do within each park. Of course, there are plenty of multiday treks available in most parks as well, but if your time is limited or you’d simply rather spend your time doing other things, day hikes may be what you’re looking for.
So get your boots on, get your daypack stocked, and get ready for a look at the 10 most breathtaking day hikes in the United States. (See also: How to Save on National Park Visits in 2018)
1. Yosemite National Park
Located in California, Yosemite sits amid the stunning granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Within the park, there are countless waterfalls, including nine with drops cascading over 1,000 feet, so no matter where you go in the park, you’re bound to be wowed. Yosemite is also known for groves of ancient, giant sequoia trees, some of which are estimated to be around 1,800 years old and stand at over 200 feet tall.
Day hikes
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Vernal and Nevada Falls: This hike only takes around 2–5 hours, depending on how far you go. It’s around three miles round-trip to Vernal Fall, and seven miles round-trip to Nevada Fall, with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet.
The stunning scenery makes this one of the best day hikes at Yosemite, so if you only have time to do one hike, make it this one. -
May Lake: This hike only takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, but it really is beautiful. It’s 2.5 miles round-trip to May Lake, and an elevation gain of 500 feet. Almost exactly at the park’s geographical center, Mount Hoffmann stands at 10,850 feet and commands spectacular views of Yosemite.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Arizona’s awe-inspiring Grand Canyon is over 270 miles long, at some points 18 miles wide, and in some places up to a mile deep. Considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world, there are several ways to explore the scenery — with helicopter rides, rafting, and cycling all popular options.
Hiking, however, provides you with a unique experience among the canyon’s landscapes. You’ll get to experience the different weather systems it creates, ranging from chilly to balmy, and feel the sheer awe as you peer out across this massive crevice. (See also: 11 Incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites Right Here in the U.S.)
Day hikes
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Bright Angel Trail: This lovely walking trail begins west of Bright Angel Lodge and is a distance up to 12 miles (round-trip), depending on how far you want to go. There’s a bit of shade, but bring plenty of water and know that this is a seasonal trail with ice in winter and early spring.
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North Khabib Trail: This is one of the best trails on the North Rim and while the trail itself to Coconino Overlook (1.5 miles round-trip) or Supai Tunnel (four miles round-trip) isn’t too difficult, some hikers struggle in warmer months due to the heat at these lower elevations. The views are worth every drop of sweat along the stunning path!
3. Glacier National Park
In northern Montana, skimming the border with Canada is the wondrous Glacier National Park. It has so many lakes (762 in total) that only 131 of them have ever been named. There are also 175 mountains, including Mt. Cleveland, which stands at over 10,000 feet tall. And of course, there are the 26 glaciers that have shaped the landscapes and given the park its name. The biggest of these is the incredible Harrison Glacier. The park has over 700 miles of trails allowing visitors to discover the picturesque scenery by foot. (See also: 20 Hiking Hacks to Take to the Trails This Summer)
Day hikes
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The Highline Loop: This 11.8-mile hike is definitely one of the best trails in the park and will take you around 7–9 hours. It can be windy, so bring warm clothes and plenty of food and drinking water as the trail water in the park isn’t always potable.
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Grinnell Glacier Trail: The hike to Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint is a beautiful 10.3-mile haul that will likely take around 6–8 hours to complete. Here you’ll enjoy stunning views of the lakes and jagged cliffs in this part of the park.
4. Arches National Park
Deriving its name from the 2,000 plus, naturally formed stone arches, this national park has some of the most distinctive scenery in the U.S. Besides the arches, you’ll also find towers, turrets, and rocks balanced on top of each other, all from the same striking sandstone. Utah’s Arches National Park has various trails that weave their way through, over, and even under the main attractions here, giving visitors a remarkable perspective of them. (See also:…
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