Best National Parks for hiking in the USA
Now that international travel is back on the agenda, it's time to plan an adventure away from the comfort and convenience of home.
If you love hiking trails and nature walks, the United States has some of the most beautiful and unique National Parks in the world.
Do you want to experience your next trip there and enjoy all that the North American country has for you and hiking enthusiasts?
Apply for your ESTA authorisation for Spanish nationals, book your flights and accommodation and pay attention to the following national parks to choose the ones that best suit your needs. Let's get down to business!
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park has more than 1,000 kilometres of hiking trails through the approximately 400,000 hectares of wilderness in this northern Montana park.
Keep an eye out for the bears, beavers and reindeer that populate the park as you walk through and around its towering mountains and freshwater streams.
Here you'll find trails to suit all profiles, including several that are wheelchair accessible. Before you start your trip, stop by a visitor centre or ranger station to plan the perfect adventure.
Yosemite National Park, California
Most travellers flock to the Yosemite Valley area of Yosemite National Park to hike some of the park's most popular trails.
Although you may have to be surrounded by other hikers while doing popular routes such as the Half Dome Trailyou will be rewarded with breathtaking views.
For a less crowded environment and beautiful views of kaleidoscopic wildflowers, weathered redwoods and stunning rock formations, hike quieter trails such as the Four Mile Trail and the Swinging Bridge Trail.
You'll have around 1,300 kilometres of trails to choose from in this park of almost 300,000 hectares in the centre of the state of California.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho is a hiker's paradise, with approximately 1,600 kilometres of hiking trails covering more than 800,000 hectares.
These trails include more than 25 kilometres of boardwalk, from where hikers can reach hot springs such as Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs. Other popular routes include those in the Canyon Village and Lake Village areas.
The hiking trails offer a more solitary experience, although visitors may encounter moose, wolves and grizzly bears, among other animal species.
For optimal conditions, it is recommended to go during the summer or autumn. However, whenever you go, avoid deviating from Yellowstone's marked trails.
Zion National Park, Utah
Sandstone cliffs of varying shades of red tower above visitors in Zion National Park.
Three areas comprise the popular trails and attractions of this Utah national park: Zion Canyon, Kolob Canyons and Zion Wilderness.
The Kolob Canyons and Zion Wilderness sections attract more experienced adventurers due to group limitations and limited accessibility.
In contrast, Zion Canyon is the easiest to access thanks to its shuttle service to multiple trails, including the famously challenging Narrows. Note, however, that the shuttle only runs from spring to autumn.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Even for experienced hikers, the combination of the immense size of this Arizona national park and its unique climate make it an unforgettable adventure.
The rims of the Grand Canyon offer trails of varying degrees of difficulty and scenic views. You will find trekking routes such as the Bright Angel Trail and the Rim Trail along the canyon's South Rim.
If you want to avoid the crowds, head to the North Rim for trails such as the challenging North Kaibab Trail. Whatever routes you plan to do, set aside several days and plan your visit as far in advance as possible.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The Teton Range creates the backbone of Grand Teton National Park, and hikers here can count on unique views as they hike the peaks.
The park, located in Wyoming's Jackson Hole Valley, caters to all levels of hikers with more than 300 kilometres of marked trails and routes.
As you walk the trails, keep your eyes peeled for grazing bison and bald eagles soaring through the skies.
Also remember to carry bear spray, as black and grizzly bears are frequently seen in this park and could pose a threat. For the best hiking conditions, go between mid-May and late September.
Arches National Park, Utah
While some of the rock formations in this eastern Utah national park are visible from the road, hikers have many more options for admiring them.
Some easy, circular routes are found around Balanced Rock and Double Arch, the highest arch in the park.
Meanwhile, those looking for a challenge can hike challenging trails to visit points of interest such as Fiery Furnace and Delicate Arch.
As a high desert, Arches National Park is prone to extreme temperature fluctuations, so check out possible routes and take the necessary equipment with you before you start your adventure.
Well, after this you are sure to have a clearer idea of where to go. documents needed to go to the United States and get ready for an unforgettable experience.