Here are the best hikes in the USA, chosen for American travellers. From chain-assisted scrambles to rainforest strolls, these are America’s iconic trails.
Best hikes in the USA
1. Angels Landing, Zion
A 5.4-mile round trip with about 1,500 feet of climbing, ending on a narrow fin of rock with chains bolted into the cliff. The final chains section requires a permit from a seasonal or day-before lottery on recreation.gov. Start early to avoid heat.
2. Half Dome, Yosemite
A 14–16-mile round trip from Yosemite Valley with about 4,800 feet of gain, finishing with a climb up steel cables on the granite dome. A lottery permit is required for the cables, which are usually up from late May to October.
3. Highline Trail, Glacier
From Logan Pass, the trail traces the Garden Wall above Going-to-the-Sun Road, with wildflowers, mountain goats and huge views. Most hikers walk 7.6 miles one way to the Granite Park Chalet area and descend to The Loop for a shuttle.
4. Delicate Arch, Arches
A 3-mile round trip across slickrock to Utah’s most famous arch, best at sunset. There is little shade, so carry plenty of water and check timed-entry rules.
Gear up for the trail
- Best hiking and camping gear BuyrSkip
Trekking poles, headlamps, hydration packs and layers for park trails. - Best smartwatches for hiking VerdictFox
GPS, altitude and heart-rate tracking are genuinely useful on big park hikes. - Camping and outdoor gear guides Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping essentials for park trips.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
5. Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon
The classic corridor trail from the South Rim. Even a short descent to the 1.5-Mile Resthouse gives a sense of scale; remember that the climb back up takes about twice as long as the descent.
6. Alum Cave Trail, Smokies
A 4.4-mile round trip to Alum Cave Bluffs passes Arch Rock and Inspiration Point; strong hikers continue to the summit of Mount LeConte (11 miles round trip).
7. Navajo Loop, Bryce
Combine the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden for a 3-mile walk among hoodoos, including Wall Street’s towering slot and Thor’s Hammer.
8. Cadillac North Ridge, Acadia
A 4.4-mile round trip to the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard, with sweeping views of Frenchman Bay. Hike up for sunrise to avoid needing a vehicle reservation.
9. Sky Pond, Rocky Mountain
A 9-mile round trip from Glacier Gorge Trailhead, passing Alberta Falls and The Loch, with a short scramble beside Timberline Falls to a stunning alpine lake.
10. Hoh River Trail, Olympic
A gentle trail through moss-draped old-growth rainforest; walk just a few miles for the best of it, or continue on a multi-day trip toward Glacier Meadows.
Permits
Several famous hikes require lottery permits; apply months ahead on recreation.gov.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Plan a trip around it
Zion National Park
Zion is a canyon of soaring sandstone walls in southern Utah, famous for Angels Landing, The Narrows and its shuttle-only scenic drive. Read our Zion National Park travel guide.
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Getting there: About 2.5 hours from Las Vegas; 1.5 hours to Bryce Canyon
- Don’t miss: Angels Landing, The Narrows and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is a granite wonderland of waterfalls, giant sequoias and sheer cliffs, including El Capitan and Half Dome. Read our Yosemite National Park travel guide.
- Best time: May to June for waterfalls; September to October for fewer crowds
- Getting there: About 4 hours from San Francisco; 1.5 hours from Fresno
- Don’t miss: Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View and Mariposa Grove
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is known as the Crown of the Continent, with the Going-to-the-Sun Road, turquoise lakes and more than 700 miles of trails. Read our Glacier National Park travel guide.
- Best time: July to September
- Getting there: About 30 minutes from Kalispell to West Glacier
- Don’t miss: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass and Lake McDonald
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel tech we recommend
- Cameras for landscape photography BuyrSkip
Canyons, coastlines and city skylines reward a camera with great dynamic range. - Waterproof action cameras BuyrSkip
Film snorkelling, ziplines and mountain biking hands-free.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Angels Landing, Zion is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Most of these destinations are best in spring and fall, when crowds are lighter and prices lower.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend $250–$400 per person per day.