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Best National Parks in the US for Hiking: Epic Trails & Scenic Views
Tired of crowded gyms and boring treadmills? The best national parks to visit in the US are calling!
Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a weekend warrior, America’s national parks offer some of the world’s most spectacular hikes. From cliffside paths with ocean views to alpine lakes hidden in the Rockies, these parks deliver unforgettable adventures and many are just a short drive from major cities.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best national parks to visit in the US for hiking, highlighting iconic trails, difficulty levels, and nearby cities to help you plan your next escape.
1. Yosemite National Park (California)
Nearest Major Cities: San Francisco (4h), Sacramento (3.5h), Fresno (2h)
Best For: Waterfalls, granite domes, and legendary day hikes
Yosemite is hiking heaven, with trails that range from gentle valley strolls to adrenaline-pumping climbs. If you only do one hike here, make it Half Dome—but be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart.
Top Hikes in Yosemite:
- Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls
- Distance: 7.2 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Why It’s Epic: Hike 600 granite steps past two massive waterfalls with rainbow mists (best in spring).
- Half Dome via Mist Trail
- Distance: 14-16 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
- Why It’s Epic: Permit required (lottery system). 360° views from the top of Half Dome (cables assist the final climb).
- Taft Point & Sentinel Dome
- Distance: 5.2 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why It’s Epic: Less crowded than Half Dome but equally stunning sunset views.
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Distance: 2-7 miles (various loops)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Why It’s Epic: Walk among 3,000-year-old giant sequoias, including the Grizzly Giant.
2. Zion National Park (Utah)
Nearest Major Cities: Las Vegas (2.5h), Salt Lake City (4.5h), St. George (1h)
Best For: Slot canyons, red rock cliffs, and thrilling scrambles
Zion is one of the best national parks to visit in the US for hiking, thanks to its dramatic sandstone cliffs, emerald pools, and the famous Narrows. The park’s shuttle system makes trailheads easy to access.
Top Hikes in Zion:
- Angels Landing
- Distance: 5.4 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
- Why It’s Epic: Chain-assisted scramble to a knife-edge ridge with 1,500-foot drop-offs. Permit required.
- The Narrows (Bottom-Up)
- Distance: 2-10 miles (out & back)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why It’s Epic: Hike through the Virgin River in a slot canyon with 1,000-foot walls. Rent water shoes & a walking stick.
- Observation Point via East Mesa Trail
- Distance: 7 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why It’s Epic: Less crowded than Angels Landing, with panoramic views of Zion Canyon.
- Emerald Pools Trail
- Distance: 1.2-3 miles (loops)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Why It’s Epic: Waterfalls and pools, great for families and hot days.
3. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Nearest Major Cities: Denver (1.5h), Fort Collins (1h), Boulder (1h)
Best For: Alpine lakes, wildlife, and high-altitude adventures
With over 350 miles of trails, Rocky Mountain NP is a hiker’s dream. The park’s diverse ecosystems means you can spot elk, moose, and bighorn sheep while trekking.
Top Hikes in Rocky Mountain NP:
- Longs Peak
- Distance: 14.5 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
- Why It’s Epic: 14,259-foot summit, one of Colorado’s famous 14ers. Start before dawn to avoid storms.
- Sky Pond
- Distance: 9.5 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Why It’s Epic: Alpine lakes, waterfalls, and a scramble up a rock chute to a secluded glacial pond.
- Emerald Lake
- Distance: 3.6 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Why It’s Epic: Stunning frozen lake in winter, wildflowers in summer. Best for beginners.
- Bear Lake to Dream Lake
- Distance: 2.6 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why It’s Epic: Short but rewarding, turquoise lakes with Half Mountain reflections.
4. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Nearest Major Cities: Las Vegas (4.5h), Phoenix (3.5h), Flagstaff (1.5h)
Best For: Canyon vistas, rim-to-rim challenges, and desert solitude
The Grand Canyon isn’t just a sightseeing spot, it’s a hiker’s playground. While most visitors stick to the South Rim’s easy trails, adventurous hikers can descend into the canyon for multi-day treks.
Top Hikes in Grand Canyon NP:
- Bright Angel Trail (Day Hike)
- Distance: 3-12 miles (out & back)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- Why It’s Epic: Most popular canyon descent switchbacks with sweeping views. Turn around at 1.5 or 3 miles if not going all the way.
- South Kaibab to Bright Angel (Rim-to-Rim)
- Distance: 24 miles (one-way)
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
- Why It’s Epic: Bucket-list trek from North to South Rim (or vice versa). Requires permits for overnight stays.
- Havasu Falls
- Distance: 20 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Why It’s Epic: Permit required; leads to turquoise waterfalls in the Havasupai Reservation.
- Rim Trail (South Rim)
- Distance: 2-13 miles (various sections)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why It’s Epic: Flat, scenic walk along the canyon’s edge—perfect for sunrise/sunset.
5. Glacier National Park (Montana)
Nearest Major Cities: Kalispell (MT) (30 min), Missoula (MT) (2.5h), Calgary (Canada) (4h)
Best For: Glacial lakes, rugged peaks, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road
Glacier is one of the most scenic national parks in the US, with crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and trails that feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. The Going-to-the-Sun Road (open late June to October) provides access to some of the best hikes.
Top Hikes in Glacier NP:
- Highline Trail
- Distance: 11.8 miles (one-way)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why It’s Epic: Cliffside path with sweeping views of the Garden Wall. Shuttle back from Logan Pass.
- Grinnell Glacier
- Distance: 10.6 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Why It’s Epic: Hike to a disappearing glacier with turquoise lakes and waterfalls.
6. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Nearest Major Cities: Portland (ME) (3h), Boston (MA) (4.5h), Bangor (ME) (1h)
Best For: Coastal cliffs, ocean views, and short-but-sweet hikes
Acadia is the only national park in the Northeast, making it a prime hiking destination for East Coasters. Its rocky shores, granite peaks, and carriage roads offer unique coastal trails.
Top Hikes in Acadia NP:
- Precipice Trail
- Distance: 2.7 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
- Why It’s Epic: Iron rungs and ladders up a cliff face, thrilling but not for those afraid of heights.
- Beehive Trail
- Distance: 1.6 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Why It’s Epic: Similar to Precipice but shorter 360° views of the coast.
- Ocean Path
- Distance: 4.5 miles (out & back)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why It’s Epic: Flat, scenic walk along rocky shores and Thunder Hole.
- Cadillac Mountain (North Ridge Trail)
- Distance: 4.4 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Why It’s Epic: Sunrise hike to the highest point on the North Atlantic coast.
7. Olympic National Park (Washington)
Nearest Major Cities: Seattle (3.5h), Portland (OR) (4.5h), Olympia (WA) (1.5h)
Best For: Rainforests, mountain peaks, and wild coastlines
Olympic is one of the most diverse national parks in the US, with three distinct ecosystems: rainforest, alpine mountains, and rugged coastline. That means three totally different hiking experiences in one park.
Top Hikes in Olympic NP:
- Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island
- Distance: 10 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Why It’s Epic: Moss-covered trees, giant ferns, feels like a Jurassic Park set.
- Hurricane Hill
- Distance: 3.2 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why It’s Epic: Wildflower meadows and mountain views—best in summer.
- Ruby Beach
- Distance: 1-3 miles (explore)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why It’s Epic: Tide pools, sea stacks, and driftwood—perfect for a sunset walk.
- Mount Storm King
- Distance: 4.1 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Why It’s Epic: Steep climb with ropes, rewarded with panoramic lake views.
Which of the Best National Parks to Visit in the US Will You Hike First?
From the grandeur of Yosemite’s Half Dome to the mystical slot canyons of Zion, the best national parks to visit in the US offer hikes that will leave you breathless, both from the climb and the views.
Ready to lace up your boots? Pick a park, book a flight to the nearest city, and start planning your next great adventure.
