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The Best National Parks in the US for Hikers

By JJames janeiro 19, 2025

The United States boasts an incredible array of national parks, many of which are prime destinations for hikers. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the sweeping deserts of the Southwest, the national parks offer hikers a variety of landscapes, ecosystems, and challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, these parks provide some of the best hiking experiences in the world. Here’s a complete guide to the best national parks for hikers in the US.

1. Yosemite National Park, California

Highlights: Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Mist Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Yosemite National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering a variety of trails ranging from short, easy walks to multi-day backcountry routes. The park’s most famous hike, the Half Dome, is a challenging 16-mile round trip with steep climbs and the iconic cable section near the summit. For something a bit easier, the Mist Trail leads to the base of Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. The views of granite cliffs, meadows, and pristine rivers make Yosemite a must-see for any hiker.

2. Zion National Park, Utah

Highlights: Angels Landing, The Narrows, Kolob Canyons
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Zion is one of the most stunning national parks in the US, known for its striking red rock landscapes and towering sandstone cliffs. The Angels Landing hike is one of the most famous in the park, offering incredible views from the top but requiring a thrilling scramble along narrow ridgelines with chains for support. For a unique experience, the Narrows trail takes you through a river gorge, where hikers walk through the Virgin River with towering cliffs on either side. Zion offers a variety of challenging trails that are sure to test even experienced hikers.

3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Highlights: South Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Trail, Rim-to-Rim
Difficulty: Strenuous

The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic hiking destinations in the world. The trails within the park allow hikers to explore the canyon’s vastness, with stunning views of the Colorado River and geological formations that have been shaped over millions of years. The South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails both lead to the canyon’s floor, offering steep descents and intense climbs. For a real challenge, hikers can attempt the Rim-to-Rim trail, a 24-mile trek from the North Rim to the South Rim, requiring stamina and endurance.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Highlights: Longs Peak, Emerald Lake, Sky Pond
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park offers breathtaking alpine scenery, from wildflower-filled meadows to towering peaks. Longs Peak, the park’s highest mountain at 14,259 feet, is a popular but challenging climb, requiring hikers to be well-prepared for the altitude and weather conditions. For those looking for less strenuous hikes, the Emerald Lake and Sky Pond trails provide stunning views with moderate elevation gains, making them excellent options for hikers seeking to experience the park’s beauty without the difficulty of a summit climb.

5. Glacier National Park, Montana

Highlights: Grinnell Glacier, Highline Trail, Hidden Lake
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Glacier National Park is a hiker’s dream with over 700 miles of trails to explore. Known for its pristine landscapes, alpine lakes, and glaciers, the park offers a variety of terrain for hikers of all skill levels. The Highline Trail is one of the most popular and scenic hikes in the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The Grinnell Glacier Trail is a bit more strenuous but rewards hikers with incredible views of glaciers, waterfalls, and turquoise lakes. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike or a multi-day backpacking adventure, Glacier has it all.

6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

Highlights: Alum Cave Trail, Clingmans Dome, Laurel Falls
Difficulty: Easy to strenuous

As one of the most visited national parks in the US, the Great Smoky Mountains offers a wide range of trails suitable for hikers of all levels. The Alum Cave Trail is a moderately challenging hike that leads to a beautiful rock overhang with scenic views of the surrounding mountains. For panoramic vistas, the Clingmans Dome Trail takes you to the highest peak in the park, while Laurel Falls Trail offers a short, easy walk to the park’s most famous waterfall. The Smokies’ lush forests and mist-covered peaks create a magical hiking environment.

7. Acadia National Park, Maine

Highlights: Cadillac Mountain, Precipice Trail, Jordan Pond
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Acadia National Park, located along the rugged coastline of Maine, offers a unique mix of coastal views, dense forests, and mountain landscapes. Cadillac Mountain, the park’s highest peak, offers one of the most stunning sunrise views in the country. The Precipice Trail is a challenging, exposed route that requires a combination of climbing and scrambling up the cliffs. For a more leisurely experience, the Jordan Pond Trail takes hikers around the picturesque pond with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

8. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Highlights: Hidden Valley, Ryan Mountain, Barker Dam
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Joshua Tree National Park is known for its surreal landscape, featuring iconic Joshua trees, massive boulders, and desert vistas. The park’s relatively short and accessible trails make it perfect for those seeking a unique hiking experience in the desert. Hidden Valley is a relatively easy 1-mile loop that provides stunning views of the rock formations, while Ryan Mountain offers a moderate hike with sweeping panoramic views of the entire park. Joshua Tree’s landscapes are both stark and beautiful, making it a must-visit for desert hiking enthusiasts.

9. Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada

Highlights: Telescope Peak, Golden Canyon, Dante’s View
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

As one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, Death Valley National Park offers a challenging hiking experience. The park’s unique landscapes, including salt flats, canyons, and towering mountains, create a striking backdrop for adventurous hikers. Telescope Peak is the highest point in the park, providing stunning views of the valley below, while the Golden Canyon Trail takes hikers through a colorful desert landscape. Hikers should be prepared for extreme heat and challenging terrain, especially in the summer months.

10. Arches National Park, Utah

Highlights: Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace, Devils Garden
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Known for its surreal sandstone arches and rock formations, Arches National Park offers several relatively short but scenic hikes. The Delicate Arch Trail is the park’s most famous hike, leading to one of the most iconic natural arches in the world. The Fiery Furnace is a challenging and unique maze of rock formations that requires a guided tour, while the Devils Garden Trail offers a relatively easy hike to several other impressive arches. Arches National Park is perfect for those looking for a combination of adventure and scenic beauty.


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