Hard
Angels Landing
Zion National Park, Utah
A steep sandstone climb to a narrow fin above Zion Canyon. The last section is exposed and requires a permit; many hikers turn around at Scout Lookout.
On foot
Hiking Trails
Explore hiking routes by destination, difficulty, distance, and landscape. Distances and times are typical ranges—confirm conditions with the park before you go.
Expert
Half Dome Trail
Yosemite National Park, California
A full-day Sierra hike from Yosemite Valley to the cables on Half Dome. It needs fitness, an early start, a cables permit, and a willingness to turn around in weather.
Moderate
Bright Angel Trail
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The South Rim’s main corridor trail. Day hikers should pick a rest house and treat the river as a multi-day objective, not a casual turnaround.
Hard
Sky Pond Trail
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
A Glacier Gorge classic past Alberta Falls, The Loch, and Timberline Falls to a high lake beneath the Keyboard of the Winds. Snow often lingers into early summer.
Moderate
Mount Rainier Skyline Trail
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
The classic Paradise loop: wildflower meadows, glacier views, and a high point near Panorama Point. Snow can cover parts of the route well into July.
Moderate
Delicate Arch Trail
Arches National Park, Utah
The park’s signature arch, reached by a sun-exposed slickrock walk from Wolfe Ranch. Carry water and treat the last ledge as a no-passing zone when it is crowded.
Moderate
Vernal Fall via Mist Trail
Yosemite National Park, California
The signature valley waterfall walk. The spray section is slick. Rails exist for a reason; the river above the fall is not a swimming hole.
Easy
Canyon Overlook Trail
Zion National Park, Utah
A short east-side walk to a view of lower Zion Canyon. Uneven rock and drop-offs still deserve attention, especially at sunset.
Moderate
South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
A ridgeline descent from the South Rim with big views almost immediately. There is no water on the trail. Ooh Aah Point is a shorter turnaround.
Moderate
Emerald Lake Trail
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
The Bear Lake corridor’s most popular lake chain. Expect company, alpine scenery, and a trail that gets icier as you climb in shoulder season.
Moderate
Hoh River Trail to Five Mile Island
Olympic National Park, Washington
A moss-draped valley walk in the Hoh Rain Forest. Mileage adds up on a gentle grade. Mud, river weather, and Roosevelt elk are part of the day.
Moderate
Cadillac North Ridge Trail
Acadia National Park, Maine
A quieter way onto Cadillac Mountain than the summit road. Granite slabs, spruce, and a wide view of Frenchman Bay when the clouds lift.
Easy
Watchman Trail
Zion National Park, Utah
A moderate-easy Zion hike from the visitor center to a canyon viewpoint. Good for the first afternoon in the park when shuttle timing is still unfamiliar.