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  • Colorado is one of the most popular hiking areas in the USA
    Colorado is one of the most popular hiking areas in the USA Photo: f11photo, Adobe Stock

Hikes in the United States of America

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Almost limitless hiking opportunities are available to every outdoor enthusiast in the United States of America. During extensive hikes in one of the numerous national parks, for example in the Grand Canyon National Park or Arches National Park, geological highlights can be admired.
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The 10 most beautiful hikes in the United States of America

Bridal Veil Falls Telluride
Hiking route · Telluride
Bridal Veil Trail
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
3.4 km
1:20 h
263 m
263 m
This is a newly built hiking trail that follows Bridal Veil Creek up to the base of the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls and routes hiking traffing away from the Black Bear Pass Road.
adidas
The beach of Cape Cod Bay
Hiking route · United States of America
Great Island Trail, Wellfleet, Cape Cod National Seashore Massachusetts
PremiumPremium content Difficulty moderate
8.7 km
3:00 h
30 m
30 m
The Great Island Trail is a beautiful way to discover the fascinating seashore of Cape Cod. The trail passes pine forests, salt marsh embayments and beaches.
Outdooractive Premium
Hiking route · Salt Lake County
Cecret Lake - Easy Hike with Stunning Lake Views
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy
2.8 km
1:00 h
131 m
131 m
This easy out-and-back hike is family friendly and great for all skill levels. Just one mile in leads to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by stunning mountain beauty.  
Visit Salt Lake
Hiking route · Salt Lake County
Pipeline Trail - Church Creek to Pipeline Overlook
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy
11.6 km
3:25 h
102 m
102 m
Longer hike with beautiful canyon and city views. Easier and family-friendly with little altitude change.
Visit Salt Lake
The Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge
Hiking route · Salt Lake County
Hidden Valley Park to Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge on the BST
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy Open
5.6 km
1:35 h
125 m
60 m
Easy out-and-back hike, with beautiful city and mountain views. This hike will take you to a suspension bridge spanning a pretty creek.
Visit Salt Lake
Maroon Lake 2920m with Maroon Bells
Hiking route · Colorado
Maroon and Crater Lake, Colorado 12
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy
6.8 km
1:25 h
225 m
225 m
A short hiking tour that is best done at the beginning of autumn, if it is feasible. The splendid colours of the aspens make you realise where Colorado gets its name from.
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Hiking route · Salt Lake County
Bell Canyon Boulders Trail - Easy Hike with City & Mountain Views
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy
3.2 km
1:10 h
149 m
149 m
The hike to Bell Canyon is perfect for anyone wanting to experience both city and mountain views. This short and easy hike is great for people of all ages and abilities.
Visit Salt Lake
The Ensign Peak Monument
Hiking route · Salt Lake County
Ensign Peak - easy walk with view of Salt Lake
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy Open
1.6 km
0:40 h
120 m
121 m
This short hike is easily accessible from Salt Lake City downtown and is a nice excursion for the whole family. It´s a perfect way to view the city and the lake.
Visit Salt Lake
Mountain Timpanogos in Utah
Hiking route · United States of America
Hiking Mount Timpanogos (2 Summits)
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
24.4 km
10:24 h
1,699 m
1,649 m
Challenging hike with a breathtaking view from the top of Timpanogos and South Timpanogos close to Orem and Provo, Utah. 
Outdooractive Editors
Hiking route · Arizona
Sunrise Mountain Trail in Peoria
PremiumPremium content Difficulty easy
7.5 km
2:00 h
116 m
116 m
Nice walk shaped by desert landscape overlooking Westwing Mountain and the surrounding neighborhood.
Outdooractive Premium
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Forecast for United States of America

Landscapes made for hiking

The 48 core states, Alaska and Hawaii offer an incredible variety of landscapes that could not be more different. Due to America's enormous size, the states have geographical structures that seem made for hikers. There is a suitable area for all preferences in America. Each state captivates with its own peculiarities of the landscape and can come up with very special sights. Many are related to the history and culture of the country. On your hiking tours you will get to know America, its past and the landscape at close quarters.

In every state - whether Wyoming, Florida or California - there are opportunities to hike and explore the country on beautiful tours. Specially designed hiking trails facilitate access to scenic features and provide unique views, for example of the crocodiles in the Everglades or the hot springs in Yellowstone National Park. And for those who want to go higher, there are wonderful trekking tours in the Rocky Mountains.

Landscapes made for hiking

The 48 core states, Alaska and Hawaii offer an incredible variety of landscapes that could not be more different. Because of America's enormous size, the states contain geographic structures that seem to be made for hikers. There is a suitable area for all preferences in America. Those who like to be in higher altitudes will quickly find matching routes in the national parks, but also a relaxed hike along the coast, accompanied by a warm breeze is easily found in this country.

Low mountain ranges and mountain ranges like the Appalachians await adventurers of all kinds. In the forests on the east coast, the ambiance of the Indian summer will convince every outdoor enthusiast. In the south and southeast, the environment becomes more tropical and you can rest your tired hiker's feet under palm trees. The prairies and deserts in the southwest offer movie-ready settings – here, you can let your gaze wander into infinity.

Each area has its own unique landscape and attractions. Many of them are related to the history and culture of the country. On your hiking tours, you will get to know America, its past and the landscape up close.

Zion National Park
Travel tip Hikes in Zion National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
Travel tip Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Travel tip Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Travel tip Hikes in Yellowstone National Park

Challenging hikes in Colorado's high mountains

Colorado, the highest state in the USA, is characterised by the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The national park of the same name west of the capital Denver, with its wide valleys and clear mountain rivers, invites you to go on long hikes. The climate is also ideal for hiking: Almost 300 days of sunshine a year offer the best conditions for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Popular hiking trails in Colorado include the Crater Lake Trail to Maroon Lake and the Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park. The capital Denver or the popular sports towns of Colorado Springs and Boulder are ideal starting points for your journey of discovery in the Rockies.

Colorado
Travel tip Hikes in Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park
Travel tip Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Hiking in California: coasts, deserts and mountains

You will find a special variety of landscapes in California, the largest state in the USA. The long Pacific coast with the capital Los Angeles is made for relaxed hikes with a view of the sea, accompanied by a warm breeze. The seaside resorts of Mailibu Beach, Santa Barbara and Santa Monica are world-famous. To the north, the Bay Area around San Francisco is worth a detour, while in southern California, San Diego is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Away from the sandy beaches, the state is dotted with vast desert areas, alpine mountain landscapes and centuries-old forests with the famous redwoods. In Yosemite, Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks you are sure to find the right hike to suit your preferences.

The Pacific Crest Trail in the west of the USA, which is about 4000 km long, starts at the Mexican border and runs through California for the first stage until it leads through the states of Oregon and Washington to the Canadian border.

Hikes in California
Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Hikes in Death Valley National Park
Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
Long-Distance Hiking · United States of America
Pacific Crest Trail (Triple Crown of Hiking)
Travelog · Sierra Nevada
Interview with Timothy Olson – Trailrunner

Appalachian Trail

The low mountain ranges and mountain chains of the USA, such as the Appalachians, await adventurers of all kinds. One of the most famous long-distance trails in the USA is the Appalachian Trail: almost 3500 km lie between the start in Springer Mountain Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. There are a whole 14 states in between! The trail is lined with places to stay and eat and small, semi-open shelters for camping. Of course, you can also hike individual stages, such as the hike from Lewis Mountain Campground to Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park.

  • Hikes in the Appalachia
  • Long-Distance Hiking · United States of America
    Appalachian Trail (Triple Crown of Hiking)
  • Hiking route · Shenandoah National Park
    Lewis Mountain – Big Meadows (Appalachian Trail)

Alaska & Hawaii - Two states that couldn't be more different

Alaska and Hawaii are exceptional regions that welcome hikers with special wishes. Do you want to go on an expedition through the tundra or do you prefer a warm to hot climate on your hiking tours? Depending on what you prefer, the two states outside the core area of the USA are not to be disregarded.
Alaska
Travel tip Hikes in Alaska
Denali National Park
Travel tip Hikes in Denali National Park

Hawaii's unique island world consists of a total of 137 islands - among the largest are Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Niʻihau, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe. Despite their further distance from the American mainland, they are popular destinations because of the special landscapes. Whether active volcanoes, tropical landscapes with waterfalls, lakes and sandy beaches - you will find it all in Hawaii. Getting up close to the volcanoes on a hike like the one to Haleakale Crater is a unique experience not found in many places in the world. If you want to see seals, head to Kaena Point on Oahu. Of course, you can also just swim, relax and walk on the beautiful sandy beaches like Waikīkī Beach.

United States of America
Hikes in Hawaii

You’’ll remember your vacation in Hawaii forever. Find information about hikes in our Travel Guide and be sure to add ...

Outdooractive Editors
Explore our Travel Guide for United States of America
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Reviews

  684
A Hike to Big Tree, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park by Jim
February 03, 2024 · Community
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A walk in Death Valley, California by Jim
February 03, 2024 · Community
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Muir Woods - SFO Bay Area by Adam
December 18, 2023 · Community
Perfect
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Route done on November 22, 2023
Photo: Adam Shehab, Community
Photo: Adam Shehab, Community
Photo: Adam Shehab, Community
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Find hikes in neighboring regions

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Discover other hikes within United States of America

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Similar activities in the United States of America

long-distance hikes nature trails city walks

Localization

Parts of this content were machine translated using German as the source language

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