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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

Siamese Twins
Hiking Trail · Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods
PremiumPremium content Difficulty T1 moderate
10.5 km
3:30 h
100 m
100 m
This hike takes you past (almost) all the rock formations of the Garden of the Gods.
Outdooractive Premium
Start beim Havasupai Campground
Hiking Trail · Coconino County
Grand Canyon Tour Etappe 2: Havasupai Campground - Bright Angel Trailhead
Toprecommended route Difficulty T1 moderate Stage 2
7.3 km
3:00 h
1,294 m
385 m
Grand Canyon Tour Etappe 2: Havasupai Campsite - Bright Angel Trailhead
alpenvereinaktiv.com
South Kaibab Trail
Hiking Trail · Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon Etappe 1 (South Kaibab Trail)
Toprecommended route Difficulty T1 difficult Stage 1
20.1 km
8:30 h
1,125 m
2,143 m
Grand Canyon Tour Etappe 1: Grand Caynon Village - Collorado River - Havasupai Campsite.
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Half Dome und Nevada Falls
Hiking Trail · Mariposa County
Yosemite Valley - Panorama Rundwanderung
Toprecommended route Difficulty T1 difficult
25.5 km
8:30 h
1,250 m
1,250 m
Grandiose Rundtour im Yosemite Valley. Die Tour verbindet in genialer weise den Four Mile Trail, Panorama Trail, Mist Trail und den John Muir Trail zu einer tagesfüllenden Tour.
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Buckskin Gulch
Hiking Trail · Utah
Buckskin Gulch - Slot Canyon
Toprecommended route Difficulty T1 easy
26.3 km
7:30 h
350 m
350 m
Wanderung durch einen der längsten Slot Canyons der USA bzw. weltweit.
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Bridal Veil Falls Telluride
Hiking Trail · 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
Hiking Trail · Arches National Park
The world-famous Delicate Arch calls in the Arches National Park in Utah
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
1
2.6 km
0:54 h
157 m
7 m
The Delicate Arch has gained fame due to its great location and majestic shape. Visitors from all over the world pilgrimage annually to the arch. It is considered one of the most photographed objects worldwide.
Community
Hiking Trail · Salt Lake County
Little Mountain Trail
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy
5.2 km
2:05 h
181 m
181 m
An easy hike that can get you up to some beautiful high up views quickly, and also can get you access to other interesting and less trafficked trails.
Visit Salt Lake
Memory Grove
Hiking Trail · Salt Lake County
Memory Grove Trail
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy
4.1 km
0:55 h
66 m
66 m
An easy kid- and dog-friendly trail that is close to downtown. 
Visit Salt Lake
Hiking Trail · Salt Lake County
City Creek Canyon Trail
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
10.6 km
2:15 h
192 m
193 m
A moderately difficult trail that is family- and dog-friendly, features a nearby river, and has both a natural trail and a paved trail that parallel each other.
Visit Salt Lake
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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 (USA)
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 Trail · 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 will 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
Webcams Accommodation offers Accessibility places to eat and drink Dog-friendly hiking Great places to visit with the family Ideas for bad weather huts Ski resorts

Reviews

  1,231
Schooley's Mountain Trail by Tom
September 01, 2025 · Community
Family of 5, kids 11,9, 5. The rock portion of the trail was a good challenge! We had a great hike!
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Photo: Tom, Community
Photo: Tom, Community
Photo: Tom, Community
Comment
Scenic hiking round trip around Jordan Pond from Mount Desert by Harry
July 31, 2025 · Community
Beautiful hike up to the Penobscot peak. Amazing views to the south. Took us 3hrs 20min - but worth it.
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Route done on July 30, 2025
Photo: Harry Benjamin, Community
Comment
Castle Dome via Crags Trail with Indian Springs by Hanna
July 08, 2025 · Community
Nice trail, a little steep in the end, good shoes recommended. It took us about 3 hours to go up and back down (without breaks) and it was only about 610 hm instead of the 1800 hm (maybe ft?).
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Comment
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Find hikes in neighboring regions

Canada Russia Mexico

Nature regions

  • Hikes in the Rocky Mountains
  • Hikes in the Appalachia
  • Hikes in the Cascade Range
  • Hikes in the Coast Ranges
  • Hikes in the Sierra Nevada (USA)
  • Hikes in Yosemite National Park
  • Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
  • Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Hikes in Shenandoah National Park

Discover other hikes within United States of America

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia (USA) Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Similar activities in the United States of America

long-distance hikes pilgrim walks nature trails city walks

Localization

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

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