Favorite Hiking Trails in U.S. National Parks

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I have personally used and would recommend. Also, Two Worlds Treasures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

When visiting National Parks in the U.S., don’t leave without doing any favorite hiking trails in the park. Hiking won’t only take you to the best spots in the park, it will help you learn a lot about the park itself along the trail, too. From geology of the park to the plants and wildlife that live there to name a few.

Hiking trails in the parks are varied in distance and difficulty. Half mile and easy, 3 miles round trip and difficult, and more than 10 miles but moderate. Sometimes the difficulty is a mix of two or three. When the map said it takes an hour to do trail A, it can be expand to 1,5 to 2 hours easily because you will stop here and there to learn about the vegetation, rocks, animals prints, take in the beautiful view, and so much more.

I have asked several travel bloggers to share their favorite hiking trails in U.S. National Parks with you. All trails are interesting and unique on its way. Keep reading this, because it has lots of information needed for your next trip to one of the favorite U.S. National Parks.

Favorite Hiking Trails in U.S. National Parks

Telescope Peak, Death Valley National Park – California, Nevada

by Allison from She Dreams Of Alpine

People don’t often think about hiking mountains when they think of visiting Death Valley National Park, but that is the beautiful thing about Death Valley. It is so diverse in landscape and plants, you can explore the sand dunes one day and summit a mountain the next. Telescope Peak is one of the best hikes to do if you have time during your visit to Death Valley National Park. The total trail round trip is about 13 miles long with 3,300 feet of total elevation gain. This trail is easily hiked in a day and the trailhead starts at Mahogany Flat Campground. On the way to Telescope Peak Summit, you’ll wind your way through switchbacks and gain epic views of the Death Valley basin, and if you look out even further you can see the Sierra Nevada Mountains stretching out in the distance. You will be standing tall at 11,049 feet when you reach the summit of Telescope Peak. The best time of year to do this hike is November to February. You just need to check before your visit if there is any snow during the wintertime. It will depend on if the Sierra Nevada’s are having a heavy snow fall year or not. Since the trail is easily accomplished in a day, you don’t need to bring too much extra gear. Poles will be useful on the downhill, and make sure to bring plenty of water as there are no water sources along the trail. Definitely put this challenging yet enjoyable day hike on the top of your list next time you visit Death Valley National Park.

Follow Allison on Instagram.

Queens Garden Trail and Navajo Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah

by Dorothy Shively from Oz and Other Places

One of my favorite hikes is the Queens Garden Trail and connecting Navajo Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce has a landscape that seems out of this world! The giant orange columns, called hoodoos, can get up to seven stories tall and the reason I love this hike is that you get to see them from all different angles. This loop allows you to see them from above and you get to walk among them (or literally through them at some spots). The Queens Garden Trail is considered easy and takes you down from the rim to the hoodoos. Then you can connect to the Navajo Loop Trail which is considered moderate because of the many switchbacks. There are named hoodoos along the way, so keep an eye out for the Two Bridges and the “Queen” herself. The Navajo Loop Trail ends on the rim with another incredible view! The full combined hike is about 3 miles. I’d suggest sturdy hiking boots or shoes especially for the switchbacks. And, of course, recommend bringing water and snacks along the way and packing layers. The day we were there it went from sprinkling and pretty cold to sunny and warm in a short time span so bringing rain gear that we could pack easily was key. Bryce Canyon, which is not actual a geological canyon, was so unique and cool. It’s a must-see any time of year.

Follow Dorothy on Instagram.

Highline Trail, Glacier National Park – Montana

by Angela Bigonia from Exploring Curiously

Glacier National Park is one that everyone who likes the outdoors should visit. Preferably sooner rather than later as the glaciers are quickly receding, and their days are numbered. The park is spread out into several sections, with the main east and west parts connected by the Going to the Sun Road. You can only drive regular sized vehicles up to van sized vehicles on this road as it is extremely narrow and curvy at its height, not allowing enough space for campers or buses.

At the peak of the Going to the Sun Road is where you will find my absolute favorite hike in the North American National Parks; the Highline Trail. I recommend getting there early and parking at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. When you are done with the hike, you will end up at The Loop shuttle stop and can take the bus back to your car. You can also park here, take the shuttle up to Logan Pass and not have to worry about getting back before the shuttle stops for the day.

The hike is moderate in steepness, yet at 11.6 miles, it is a bit lengthy. Lots of people complete this hike, and not just the very fit as it is not overly steep. The reason I love this hike is the breathtaking views all day, the abundance of wildlife typically found on the trail, the fact that it is a loop when you include the shuttle, and there is a spectacular view of the Grinnell Glacier on a short but steep side trail. Make sure you look around you as you may find goats, marmots, or even bears.

To complete this hike, wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring lots of food and water, sunblock, and make sure to start early.

Follow Angela on Instagram.

West Rim Trail and Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park – Utah

by Binny Marwaha from A Speck in Time

Zion National Park – first park in Utah – named after Zion Canyon, carved by the North Fork of Virgin River, is one of my top favorite national parks. It is packed with dramatic scenery and has many hiking options to enjoy its majestic beauty. You may hike up to soaring red and tan cliffs, wade through Virgin river or explore its delicate beauties – hanging gardens, emerald pool, weeping rock and finger canyons. I am a sucker for expansive vistas and solitude while hiking, and West Rim Trail exceeds all my expectations. It is the most diverse trail in the park – geologically and botanically. It passes through the beautiful canyons, springs, forest, plateau and offers astounding views of the canyons below. The panoramic views of 270 million-year-old rock layers are perfect portals for time travel. It gets even better by adding a side trip to the famed Angels’ Landing for pure thrill. I will highly recommend to hike it as an overnight trail for incredible sunset, sunrise and spectacular night sky.

The trail begins at Lava Point in the Kolob section of the park with a pleasant stroll across the high alpine rolling plateau of Horse Pasture Mesa. It slowly descends into a lush fold in the hills to a small pond at Potato Hollow. From here it climbs steadily to regain the ridgetops. Pitch your tent at one of the campsites and enjoy the sunset. Wake up early to watch the magic unfold as sunlight fills the canyon below. Trail opens to the magnificent views of Heaps Canyon, Behunin Canyon, summits of the Mountain of the Sun, the Twin Brothers, Mount Majestic and Cathedral Mountain. It steadily descends through a rich variety of trees and gradually gets fully exposed and sometimes tricky. Follow the signs to walk across the bedrock and down to the Scout Overlook. Angel’ Landing is only half a mile from here. The exhilarating climb goes over a thin sloping rock fin with sheer drop-offs on both sides. Stairs, railings, and chains make sure to keep adventure in check.  Angel’s Landing is a lofty perch with unrivalled views in every direction – Virgin River, Big Bend, the Organ, Cathedral Mountain, Observation Point and Cable Mountain. Once back to Scout Outlook, trail makes a quick drop via engineering marvel Walter’s Wiggles 21 switchbacks and enters into Refrigerator Canyon. For the final time, it drops sharply to the floor of Zion Canyon. Just a little further is a bridge that leads to the Grotto trailhead, which marks the end of West Rim Trail.

Trail Facts

Distance: 14.5 miles (add one mile for Angel’s Landing)

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous

Best season: Late Spring and Fall, summer gets very hot.

Essential Gear

Usual backpacking equipment for overnight camping.

Sturdy hiking shoes, a headlamp, sunscreen, ample water, water filter/purifier and food for a full-day hike.

 

Considerations

Check for trail conditions at the visitor center before heading out.

Rent a shuttle for Lava Point from any outfitter company at Springdale. Drive time to the trailhead from Springdale is about 1.5 hours.

Trail is exposed in many sections, carry enough water and apply sunscreen generously.

Reserve your campsite in advance.

Three springs provide a dependable supply of water along the way; remember to treat it before drinking.

Do not hike Angel’s Landing in wet, stormy, or high winds conditions.

Follow Binny Marwaha on Instagram.

Pipiwai Trail, Haleakala National Park – Hawaii

by Caitlyn Calabrese from Postcards from Cait

Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park in Maui, Hawaii is easily one of my favorite hikes of all time. This moderate, 4 miles out and back trail offers some of the most diverse scenery and amazing natural features I’ve ever seen. You’ll walk through a lush rainforest, a bamboo forest, see 200- and 400-foot waterfalls and a huge banyan tree. After just 0.5 miles, you will come to the overlook of the 200-foot Makahiku Falls. Shortly after, you’ll see the impressive banyan tree. Banyan trees can be found in several places throughout Hawaii. They grow upwards and sideways, producing roots on the underside of the branches which then grow downward and turn into new trunks. One mile into the trail, you’ll enter the bamboo forest. Walking through the bamboo forest is truly magical, and the sound of the bamboo knocking against each other in the wind just adds to the experience. After leaving the bamboo forest at about 2 miles, you will reach the breathtaking 400-foot Waimoku Falls and the end of the trail.

One of the great things about Hawaii in general is that it can be enjoyed any time of year. Haleakala National Park is accessible 24/7, 365 days a year via the Hana Highway. It is in the wettest region of Maui so prepare for humid and rainy weather. The trail is easy/moderate, with an elevation gain of 800 feet. It’s very well maintained and even has boardwalks and bridges to make it more accessible. Even so, make sure you wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as the trail can be slippery at times. Be sure to bring sunscreen, bug spray and a raincoat and you may want to consider bringing water shoes for stream crossings, just in case. The only con to this trail is its popularity. You will not be hiking alone. If you are looking for more solitude, be sure to get a very early start. Be aware of your surroundings and stay out of closed areas as flash floods and rock falls are not uncommon in this area.

Follow Caitlyn on facebook page.

Cumberland Island National Park and Seashore – Georgia

by Chris Moses from Chrisismink

Cumberland Island National Park and Seashore is also known as the Georgia “Island of ‘Wild’ Horses.” In photos you will see the serine animals next to the ruins of the ‘Dungeness’ that was built by Thomas and Nancy Carnegie back in 1884.  If you are traveling to the First Coast, especially from October to May, visit this beautiful Island full of nature and history.

Cumberland Island is only accessible by a 45-minute ferry ride that launches from St. Marys, GA. Once on the island, you have the choice of heading to the campsite, or joining either the 40-dollar Land and Legacy bus tour or the free National Park Ranger led hike. The hike around the island is easy and can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. The beautiful beaches and animals along with the buildings surrounding the ‘Dungeness’ are enough of a reason to make your stay on Cumberland a multi-day one. The Icehouse contains the history of the island from the first native people, the Timucuan Tribe, to the 1959 burning of the ‘Dungeness’, and is an essential to understanding the ecology and the history of Cumberland.  The gear you need to hike this beautiful Island depends on how long you stay, if you are doing the 6 to 7-mile day hike bring plenty of water, lunch, and a waterproof layer for the ferry ride and beach.

Cumberland Island conservation efforts date back to the 1960s giving the land time to recover from human development. The animals on the island live peacefully with the people who visit, however, they are wild enough that getting too close can both endanger you and the animal. Cumberland Island National Park and Seashore is not only the place of feral horses but a natural and cultural site worth exploring.

Follow Chris Moses on Instagram.

49 Palms Oasis Trail, Joshua Tree National Park – California

by Jackie Szeto & Justin Huynh from Life Of Doing

Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California is known for the endless Joshua trees in the desert. If you need a change in scenery, consider hiking the 49 Palms Oasis trail to see palm trees! It is 3 miles out and back moderate hiking trail and located outside of the National Park, off Highway 62 and Canyon Road. The hiking trail isn’t technical. You’ll need sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, and a daypack for water and snacks. There isn’t any shade along the course, so it’s best to go early in the morning. You’ll finish within 1.5-2.5 hours.

We like the course as it is an alternative to the Lost Palms Oasis trail which is 7.5 miles long and also has palm trees. For those who don’t have the time for the longer hike, the 49 Palms Oasis trail is worth it! The trail has a challenging incline (300 feet elevation gain) in the beginning and end. The course may not be the prettiest as you see a lot of rocks and cacti during the hike. However, all hikers reach an oasis filled with tall, luscious palm trees at the end of the trail. Enjoy the quietness of the oasis and check out the distant views of the valley. Use this spot as a resting point under the cool palm tree leaves before heading back to the parking lot. See our blog post for hiking ideas in Joshua Tree National Park.

Follow Jackie Szeto & Justin Huynh on Instagram

Lands End Trail, Golden Gate National Park – California

by Emily Jenks from Henry and Andrew’s Guide

Lands End Trail in the Golden Gate National Park is located in the North West end of San Francisco, and it’s a favorite hike for locals and visitors. You will see sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, Sutro Baths, a hidden labyrinth, and you can even go down to the beach or check out the Legion of Honor museum. The trail is lined with cypress trees, which makes for an amazing backdrop to any pictures.

You can make this hike as long as you want because you can keep walking and get to the famous Golden Gate Bridge, and the entire city or you could park at the parking lot and walk 1 minute to take in the view of the ocean and Golden Gate Bridge. There is about 2 miles total of the easy trail until you hit a set of steep steps. For the most part, though, it is an easy hike with amazing views the entire time.

The best time to come here is in the spring and fall, although San Francisco’s mild weather all year long makes it a nice place to come all year long. If you come on days that are too rainy, there’s also a visitor center there where you can overlook the Sutro Baths and the ocean.

For more information on what to expect when you go to Lands End in San Francisco, check out this post. https://www.henryandandrewsguide.com/lands-end-san-francisco/

Follow Emily on Instagram.

Western Ridge Trail, Rock Creek Park – Washington, D.C.

by Pam and Catherine from Everywhere Forward

If you’re to explore some of the historic sites and natural “monuments” in Washington, D.C., look no further than Rock Creek Park’s Western Ridge Trail. Running north to south through the forested Rock Creek Park, the Western Ridge Trail is approximately 4.5 miles one direction and almost 10 miles as a loop. The trail is moderate, winding briefly along Rock Creek and then into the rockier hills of the park. It is a natural trail, so wear a sturdy pair of shoes and bring water, especially if it is a hot and humid day in D.C. Western Ridge sees less foot traffic than the Valley Trail and Rock Creek Trail and is limited to hikers and runners. One highlight of Western Ridge is that you pass by a number of historic sites, including Peirce Mill, a gristmill built in 1829, and the nearby Fort DeRussy, where Union forces protected Washington, D.C. from Confederate invasion during the Civil War. The trail also passes by the Nature Center and Planetarium, where you can discover local plants and animals and learn about the night sky. We love this trail because it is a great way to explore an often unseen part of the United States capital. Park rangers also provide engaging guided hikes. Don’t forget to get your National Park Passport stamped at Pierce Mill and the Nature Center!

Follow Pam and Kathrine on Instagram.

Blue Hen Falls and Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Ohio

by Melissa Schwartz from A Little Time and a Keyboard

We discovered Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio on a road trip from Chicago to New Jersey. We scouted along route to find a place to hike and discovered the incredible waterfalls of Cuyahoga Valley National Park! The region is full of rolling hills, a winding river, waterfalls, caves and more making it ripe for exploring.

With quite a few trails to choose from, we honed in on visiting Blue Hen Falls and Brandywine Falls for our adventure. The Towpath Trail following the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal along the Cuyahoga River is also a favorite and one we will explore on a future visit. To visit Brandywine Falls, we did have to take stairs to get to the falls. As you climb down, you can see the falls from different vantage points. The falls are incredible!

The trail to Blue Hen Falls is a little more rustic. The falls were lovely and there is a nice spot to sit nearby. There are access points where you can park not too far from each of the falls we visited.

Overall, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is sizable, so I recommend heading to the Boston Store Visitor Center for orientation. In addition to trails, there are a number of historic buildings you can visit. One particularly interesting element is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad which provides scenic excursion trips throughout the park. I prefer to hike, but I have heard great things about the trip.

When hiking, remember to bring water, snacks, sunscreen and bug spray. Hiking shoes are recommended because there may be wet areas over uneven terrain.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a natural treasure and perfect for hiking explorations! We love that the landscape is full of variety lending to a number of unique hiking experiences.

Follow Melissa Schwartz on Twitter

Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park – Washington

by Jamie Harper from Fly By The Seat Of Our Pants

Our family of 6 recently fell in love with a hike in the only rainforest in the continental USA.  Olympic National Park offers a variety of hikes, views, lakes, beaches, and waterfalls.  Our hike through the enchanting Hoh Rainforest quickly became our favorite.  The hike begins at the small Hoh visitors center. The one-mile long loop meanders through the dense and completely covered canopy of trees and ground moss.  Thick tree canopies darkened the bright sun, leaving a cool and quiet environment. The air is dense and calm, instilling a sense of quiet wonder as you hike.  Moss and flora seen all around are fascinating. Our kids loved the overturned trees to hike on as well as the hollowed trunks to climb into.  A quick and easy 1-mile hike turned into 2 hours of exploration and family fun.  This hike is easy to access with no extra equipment needed. It’s also stroller and kid-friendly. Dive into a new world when you visit the Rainforest in Washington State.

Follow Jamie on Instagram

Bierstadt Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado

by Kiersten Einsweiler from Hiking In My Flip Flops

We discovered Rocky Mountain National Park’s Bierstadt Lake Trail on spring break last year.  The changing landscape through mountains, forest, and lakes in such a short distance makes this trail one of our favorites at Rocky Mountain National Park. Our first stop was to the very popular Bear Lake, but once we saw the crowded parking lot, we decided to find another option.  The first short hike we found on the park map was Bierstadt Lake Trail.  The quick out and back hike (less than 2.5 miles round trip) was just what we were looking for. What we didn’t catch was the elevation climb! The 675 ft climb was made much easier with the switchbacks along mountain side.  The back and forth trail also gave plenty of opportunity to take in the views. Once reaching the top, we made our way through a magical forest of lodgepole pines, toward the lake. The trail was difficult to find under the spring snow, but the kids loved the feeling of wandering through Narnia. Bierstadt Lake was the perfect setting for a rest and snacks before making our way back down the mountain. Snowshoes will make this trail much easier to get through the snow in the winter months.  The rest of the year all you need is basic hiking gear to hit this roadside trail in the Rocky Mountains.

Follow Kiersten on Instagram.

Ooh-Aah Point, Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

by me, Umiko Buhl from Two Worlds Treasures

One of my favorite trails in the Grand Canyon is Ooh-Aah Point. Starting from the trail head to the end of trail, the views are just amazing and once you arrive at the Ooh-Aah Point, you will be “ooh… aah….” Seriously!

Ooh Aah Point is the first stop you will make when you do South Kaibab Trail in the South Rim. It is .9 mile one way, steep, well defined, and you will walk on a maintained dirt trail. Since you will hike down and spectacular views are accompanied you all the way down, it’s easy to lose track of how far down you have hiked. You might feel you are still good to go for another .6 mile down to Cedar Ridge, but you must remember that you must hike up to where you start. Steep trail. You will need as twice long to go up.

Another thing about the trail, it has very little shade, and mostly come from the canyon walls and it depends also on time of the day. Early morning is the best time to do this trail. Cool fresh air and not too many people. Take your time, no need to rush.

You might encounter with mules/mule riders, but don’t try to touch the mules. Step off the trail on the uphill side away from the edge, remain silent and stand perfectly still, and after the last mule about 50 feet (15 meters) past your position, you can continue with your hike. It also means you will find mules drop on the trail.

As always, bring plenty of water and salty snacks. If you hike with other people, everyone has to have their own water. There’s no water source on the trail or once you get to Ooh-Aah Point.

Trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Private vehicles are not allowed on this road, so you must take the Orange Route (Kaibab Rim) shuttle bus. It’s really a beautiful trail that you must do while in Grand Canyon. Even children will like it.

Follow me on Instagram.

Now, I won’t be surprised if you want to hike to one of these trails soon. Or, maybe you’ve been to one of the National Parks mentioned above. What is your favorite hiking trails in U.S. National Parks? Do you have a different trail that is in your favorite list? Tell me by leaving your comment below.