The best trekking routes in the USA

Index

Arizona

Arizona is a famous sun destination, and a great location for a holiday between autumn and spring. Of course, you'll find the world-famous Grand Canyon of Arizona, but that's not all.

Grand Canyon "

Listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a trip to the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona should be on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket list.

South Kaibab Trail (24.2km 1,442m 7.5-8h, difficulty: high)
Bright Angel Trail (28.5km 1,328m 10-11.5h, difficulty: high)
Dripping Springs (11.3km 703m 3-3.5h, difficulty: medium)
South Rim Trail (12.9km 130m 1.5-2h, difficulty: easy)
Shoshone Point (3.5km 81m 1-1.5h, difficulty: easy)
Bright Angel Point (1.6km 88m 0.5-1h, difficulty: easy)
Grandview Trail (10.3km 829m 3.75-4.5h, difficulty: medium)
Cape Final (6.9km 192m 1.5-2h, difficulty: easy)
Santa Maria Springs (6.9km 640m 2-2.5h, difficulty: easy)
Cape Royal (1.6km 47m 0.5-0.75h, difficulty: easy)

California

California is a great choice for your next holiday. But don't just focus on the beach or theme parks, be sure to experience the breathtaking outdoor scenery throughout the Golden State.

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California is an incredibly interesting combination of two different desert environments.

Boy Scouts Trail (13.2km 162m 2.5-3h, difficulty: medium)
Ryan Mountain (4.8km 426m 1.25-1.5h, difficulty: easy)
Warren Peak (8.7km 312m 1.5-2h, difficulty: medium)
Pine City (6.3km 104m 1.25-1.5h, difficulty: easy)
Circular Lost Horse Trail (10.6km 279m 1.5-2h, difficulty: medium)
Split Rock Trail (3.2km 37m 0.75-1h, difficulty: easy)
Indian Cove Nature Circuit (1.0km 22m 0.25 - 0.5h, difficulty: easy)
49 Palm Oasis (5.2km 224m 1.25-1.5h, difficulty: easy)
High View Trail (2.1km 120m 0.5-0.75h, difficulty: easy)
Hidden Valley Circular (1.5km 35m 0.5-0.75h, difficulty: easy)

North Bay

The North San Francisco Bay Area is rich in its variety of foliage, stunning coastal views, and many creatures to observe! The North Bay has many places to camp, small towns to explore, and plenty of places for all kinds of water adventures.

Hill 88 Circuit (8.6km 404m 2.5-4h, difficulty: medium)
Salt Point Trail (4.9km 21m 1-2h, difficulty: easy)
Kirby Cove (4.4km 142m 1.5-3h, difficulty: easy)
Tomales Point Trail, Marin County (15.4km 309m 4-6h, difficulty: moderate)
Abbotts Lagoon Trail (5.1km 17m 1.5-2h, difficulty: easy)
Mt. Tamalpais Pantoll Circuit (9.2km 441m 2-4, difficulty: medium)
China Camp Circuit (16.8km 410m 4-6h, difficulty: moderate)
Shollenberger Park (6.9km 13m 1.5-2.5h, difficulty: easy)
Olompali State Historical Park Circuit (5.3km 165m 1-2.5, difficulty: easy)
Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve (3.4km 67m 1-1.5h, difficulty: easy)

Yosemite

Oh Yosemite - there is so much to say, but do we really need to say anything? Yosemite National Park is world famous.

Panorama Trail (23.9km 1,275m 7-9.5h, difficulty: high)
Mount Dana (8.6km 940m 4.5-6h, difficulty: moderate)
Mount Hoffman (10.1km 630m 4.5-7h, difficulty: moderate)
Sentinel Dome to Glacier Point (4.6km 245m 1.5h, difficulty: easy)
The Mist Trail (13.5km 685m 3-6h, difficulty: medium)
Yosemite Valley (11.6km 50m 1-6h, difficulty: easy)
Clouds Rest (20.3km 925m 7-9h, difficulty: moderate)
Cathedral Lakes (11.7km 396m 3-5h, difficulty: medium)
Lembert Dome (6.5km 285m 1.5-2.5h, difficulty: easy)
Yosemite Falls (9.6km 580m 3-5h, difficulty: medium)

Colorado

Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, full of big mountains, mountain lakes, high passes, beautiful waterfalls and incredible mountain towns. Whatever you can dream of doing in the great outdoors, you can do it, from spending a night under the stars on a Colorado cabin to enjoy the abyss by hiking the trails of the Grand Canyon.

Aspen

The name Aspen conjures up visions of a picture-perfect mountain town at the foot of a legendary ski hill. This beautiful town has become a haven for celebrities.

Buckskin Pass (16.1km 1,020m 5-8h, difficulty: moderate)
Electric Pass (14.7km 1,113m 6-8h, difficulty: moderate)
Lost Man Trail (7.4km 390m 3-4h, difficulty: medium)
West Maroon Pass (23.7km 1,182m 9-11.5h, difficulty: high)
Midway Pass (11.6km 505m 3-4.5h, difficulty: medium)
Crater Lake (6.6km 177m 2-3h, difficulty: easy)
New York Creek Trail (13.5km 649m 4.5-6h, difficulty: moderate)
Maroon Lake (2.4km 58m 1-1.5h, difficulty: easy)
Cathedral Lake (9.5km 637m 4-5h, difficulty: medium)
The Grottos Circuit (1.0km 25m 1-1.25h, difficulty: easy)

Boulder

Boulder is a great holiday plan if you like to be outdoors. We really enjoyed this college town, a vibrant city with lots of smiles - it was named the happiest place in America after all!

1st Flatiron (4.2km 472m 2-3h, difficulty: easy)
Bear Peak (12.9km 862m 5-7h, difficulty: moderate)
Betasso Preserve (14.8km 499m 4-6h, difficulty: medium)
Sugarloaf Mountain (2.4km 128m 1-2h, difficulty: easy)
South Boulder Peak (12.7km 897m 4-6h, difficulty: moderate)
Green Mountain (7.7km 738m 3-5h, difficulty: moderate)
Gregory Canyon to Flagstaff Mountain (6.0km 409m 2-3h, difficulty: easy)
Mount Sanitas (5.3km 372m 2-4h, difficulty: easy)
Royal Arch (6.0km 583m 2.5-4h, difficulty: medium)
Boulder Creek Trail (7.4km 108m 1.5-2.5h, difficulty: easy)

Denver

Denver is one of the best cities in the world for outdoor adventures. Located just east of the Rocky Mountains, this capital city allows you to get outdoors any time of year.

Beaver Brook to Chavez Trail Loop (8.0km 383m 2.5-3.5h, difficulty: easy)
Elk Meadow Park (17.2km 565m 5-7h, difficulty: moderate)
Lair o' the Bear Park (11.6km 335m 3-5.5h, difficulty: medium)
North Table Park (11.7km 322m 3-5h, difficulty: medium)
Centennial Cone Park (7.7km 348m 2-4h, difficulty: easy)
Enchanted Forest Trail (9.3km 411m 3.5-5.5h, difficulty: easy)
Matthew/Winters Park (7.7km 221m 2-4h, difficulty: easy)
Red Rocks Park (2.4km 120m 1-1.5h, difficulty: easy)
Bear Creek State Park (6.8km 39m 1.5-3h, difficulty: easy)
Mount Falcon Park (15.1km 557m 5-7.5h, difficulty: moderate)

Indian Peaks

If you live outside Colorado, you probably don't know much about the wilderness of the Indian Peaks, which is a shame, as it's a beautiful part of the state.

Lone Eagle Peak (23.3km 624m 6-8h, difficulty: high)
Arapaho Glacier Trail (20.9km 851m 5-7h, difficulty: high)
Lake Dorothy (12.1km 594m 4-6h, difficulty: moderate)
Lake Isabelle Trail (15.1km 354m 4-6h, difficulty: medium)
Lost Lake (6.4km 248m 2-3h, difficulty: easy)
Pawnee Pass (16.1km 529m 5-6.5h, difficulty: moderate)
Long Lake Trail (5.0km 38m 1.5-2.5h, difficulty: easy)
Blue Lake Trail (6.0km 195m 2-3h, difficulty: easy)
Diamond Lake Trail (9.2km 361m 3-4.5h, difficulty: medium)
Rainbow Lake Trail (4.3km 84m 1.5-2.5h, difficulty: easy)

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is one of the most impressive national parks in the United States. With more than 100 peaks rising above 11,000 feet, this is truly a place for mountain lovers.

Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes (9.8km 220m 3-4h, difficulty: easy)
Sky Pond and Lake of Glass (13.6km 526m 4-6h, difficulty: moderate)
Chasm Lake (13.4km 812m 4.5-6h, difficulty: moderate)
Lake Haiyaha (6.0km 243m 3-4h, difficulty: medium)
Trail Ridge Road (1.7km 46m <1h, difficulty: easy)
The Loch (8.9km 325m 2.5-3.5h, difficulty: medium)
Twin Sisters Peak Trail (11.3km 627m 3-4.5h, difficulty: medium)
Bluebird Lake (15.7km 490m 4-6h, difficulty: moderate)
Flattop Summit and Hallett Peak (14.2km 866m 5-6.5h, difficulty: moderate)
Gem Lake and Balanced Rock (11.6km 475m 3-4.5h, difficulty: medium)

Vail

Vail is one of America's great ski resorts. Famous for the back bowls and the wonderful base villages, most people make a pilgrimage to Vail for a ski holiday.

Upper Piney River Falls Trail (9.3km 213m 2.5-3.5h, difficulty: medium)
Booth Falls Trail (6.3km 375m 2-3h, difficulty: easy)
Pitkin Lake Trail (15.6km 837m 5.5-7h, difficulty: moderate)
Shrine Ridge Trail (5.5km 206m 1.5-2h, difficulty: easy)
Gore Lake Trail (20.0km 823m 6-8h, difficulty: high)

Montana

Montana is a state of big mountains, abundant game, clean rivers and incredible lakes. For travellers making the journey, it's also a place to find solitude.

Glacier

Montana's Glacier National Park is one of the best wilderness areas in America, combining great mountains, glaciers, stunning lakes and some of the best hiking in North America.

Grinnell Glacier (16.1km 625m 5-6h, difficulty: moderate)
Hidden Lake Overlook (4.2km 165m 1-2h, difficulty: easy)
Swiftcurrent Pass (21.9km 820m 6-8h, difficulty: high)
The Highline (21.4km 705m 7-9h, difficulty: high)
Ptarmigan Tunnel (18.2km 760m 5-7h, difficulty: moderate)
Iceberg Lake (16.4km 465m 4-6h, difficulty: medium)
Swiftcurrent Creek and the Lakes (12.4km 230m 3-5h, difficulty: easy)
Scenic Point (9.7km 635m 4-6h, difficulty: medium)
Piegan Pass (14.7km 550m 4-6h, difficulty: medium)
St Mary and Virginia Falls (5.8km 190m 1-2h, difficulty: easy)

Nevada

Nevada is not commonly known as a hiking destination, yet it should be. Although it is too hot to hike in summer, from late autumn to early spring, Nevada is full of great trails.

Las Vegas

Who would have thought that Sin City would be surrounded by breathtaking nature? That's right, there are great opportunities to get out of the overwhelming lights of Las Vegas.

Fletcher Peak (11.3km 688m 2.5-3h, difficulty: medium)
La Madre Springs (6.6km 246m 1.25-1.75h, difficulty: easy)
Trail Canyon (7.7km 623m 3-3.5h, difficulty: easy)
Moenkopi Trail (3.4km 54m 0.5- 1h, difficulty: easy)
Calico Hills Circuit (2.1km 38m 0.5-1h, difficulty: easy)
Cathedral Rock (4.7km 263m 1-1.5h, difficulty: easy)
White Rock Trail (4.2km 212m 1-1.5h, difficulty: easy)
Calico Tanks (3.7km 105m 1-1.5h, difficulty: medium)
Mary Jane Falls (5.2km 278m 1.25-1.75h, difficulty: easy)
Icebox Canyon (4.0km 112m 1.5-2h, difficulty: easy)

Oregon

Oregon has it all - the beaches along the Pacific Ocean, the mountains and national forests that climb through Central Oregon and the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. The state is a great place to visit.

Bend

Bend is one of America's great outdoor cities, famous not only for the variety of outdoor activities available, but also for the stunning views and great weather.

Belknap Crater (10.8km 539m 3-4h, difficulty: medium)
West Metolius River (8.7km 78m 1.5-2.5h, difficulty: easy)
Smith Rock's Summit Trail (12.6km 375m 2.5-4h, difficulty: medium)
Green Lakes (16.1km 416m 2-3.5h, difficulty: moderate)
Black Butte (6.4km 454m 1.5-3h, difficulty: medium)
Paulina Peak (10.3km 635m 2.5-3h, difficulty: medium)
Benham Falls (3.4km 27m 0.75-1.5h, difficulty: easy)
Tumalo Falls (6.4km 165m 1.5-3h, difficulty: easy)
Smith Rock's Misery Ridge Circuit (9.8km 304m 2.5-3.5h, difficulty: easy)
Whychus Creek Trail (9.8km 204m 2-3h, difficulty: medium)

Utah

From the famous deserts of the southwest to the mountains and jagged peaks east of Salt Lake City, Utah is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The state is ripe for adventure, with plenty of opportunities.

Bryce Canyon

Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its epic landscapes - most notably Hoodoos, the bizarrely shaped rocks left standing after eons of erosion.

Fairyland Trail (13.2km 379m 1.75-2.25h, difficulty: medium)
Peek-A-Boo Trail (8.5km 347m 1.75-2.25h, difficulty: easy)
Cassidy Trail (28.3km 473m 7.5-9h, difficulty: high)
Riggs Spring Trail (14.2km 528m 3-3.75h, difficulty: medium)
Mossy Cave Trail (1.4km 77m 0.5-0.75h, difficulty: easy)

Moab and Arches

Moab is a mecca for mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts who love the two nearby national parks and the perfect mountain biking terrain found throughout the city.

Dead Horse Point Circuit (8.3km 144m 2-2.5, difficulty: easy)
Overlook Portal (8.2km 391m 2.5-3, difficulty: medium)
Mill Creek (3.7km 103m 1.5-2, difficulty:easy)
Fisher Towers (7.8km 371m 2-2.5, difficulty: medium)
Granstaff Trail (8.1km 177m 2.5-3h, difficulty: easy)

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is one of America's premier outdoor cities. The fact that you can be done with work and out on the trail in half an hour makes Salt Lake City a hit with local outdoor enthusiasts.

Clayton Peak (4.2km 455m 1.5-3h, difficulty: medium)
Sunset Peak (10.3km 540m 3.5-4.5h, difficulty: medium)
Red Pine Lake & Pfeifferhorn Ridge (15.9km 1,202m 7.5-9h, difficulty: high)
Mt. Raymond (13.2km 945m 4-5.5h, difficulty: moderate)
Box Elder Peak (22.0km 1,496m 8-10h, difficulty: high)

Uinta Mountains

The Uinta Mountains, about 75 minutes east of Salt Lake City, are often overshadowed by the more prominent mountains near the capital.

Ibantik Lake (13.5km 368m 3-5h, difficulty: medium)
Clyde Lake (7.4km 174m 1.5-3h, difficulty: easy)
Lofty Lakes Circuit (7.2km 268m 2-3h, difficulty: easy)
Bald Mountain (4.2km 295m 1.5-2h, difficulty: easy)
Shoreside Circuit (Mirror Lake) (2.3km 7m 1-1.5h, difficulty: easy)

Zion

With incredible red and pink sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons and wonderful hikes, Zion National Park will amaze you. Zion means "the heavenly city".

Observation Point (12.7km 896m 4-5h, difficulty: medium)
Angel's Landing (8.2km 505m 2-2.5h, difficulty: medium)
Taylor Creek Trail (9.3km 193m 1.5-2h, difficulty: easy)
Pa'rus River Trail (2.7km 0m 0.5-0.75h, difficulty: easy)
Canyon Overlook (1.8km 44m 0.5-0.75h, difficulty: easy)

Washington State

Washington State has it all, and when it comes to outdoor activities, you can spend a few years exploring what the state has to offer - stunning coastline, volcanoes, mountains and much more.

Mt Baker

Mount Baker is a legendary volcano in the North Cascades in Washington State. It is known primarily as a winter ski area, famous for the most snow in the United States.

Chain Lakes Circuit (10.0km 550m 4-6h, difficulty: medium)
Skyline Divide (11.3km 610m 4-5h, difficulty: moderate)
Ptarmigan Ridge (15.1km 427m 6-7h, difficulty: high)
Yellow Aster Butte (11.4km 777m 4-5h, difficulty: moderate)
Heliotrope Ridge (9.0km 475m 3-4h, difficulty: medium)

North Cascades

North Cascades National Park is one of America's most iconic national parks. Famous for jagged peaks and over 300 glaciers!

Maple Pass Circuit (11.0km 623m 4-6h, difficulty: medium)
Hidden Lake Trail (13.0km 914m 5-6h, difficulty: moderate)
Easy Pass (11.4km 935m 5-6h, difficulty: moderate)
Blue Lake (7.0km 305m 2-3h, difficulty: easy)
Cascade Pass (11.9km 518m 3-4h, difficulty: medium)

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse national parks in the United States. It has everything you need to keep you entertained throughout your holiday.

Royal Basin (24.7km 1,361m 10-12.5h, difficulty: high)
Obstruction Point (12.1km 325m 3-4h, difficulty: medium)
Klahhane Ridge (11.4km 521m 3.5-4.5h, difficulty: medium)
Hole in the Wall (5.3km 23m 1.5-2.5h, difficulty: easy)
High Divide Circuit (29.6km 1,197m 9-12h, difficulty: high)

Wyoming

Legendary Wyoming evokes romantic images of the American West. Wyoming is also home to two of America's best-known national parks: Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park offers some of the most epic skiing and hiking in the United States. Often overshadowed in summer by the adjacent Yellowstone National Park.

Paintbrush Divide (30.1km 1,440m 9-12h, difficulty: high)
Hanging Canyon (9.7km 975m 5-7h, difficulty: high)
Lake Solitude (24.5km 870m 7-9h, difficulty: high)
Phelps Lake (12.6km 360m 3.5-5h, difficulty: medium)
Garnet Canyon (13.4km 710m 4-6h, difficulty: medium)
Colter Bay (4.5km 140m 1-2h, difficulty: easy)
Amphitheater Lake (16.9km 1,070m 6-8h, difficulty: moderate)
Inspiration Point (3.8km 235m 1-2h, difficulty: easy)
Summit Trail JHMR (5.2km 90m 1-2h, difficulty: easy)
Grand View Point (2.8km 180m 0.5 - 1.5h, difficulty: easy)

Yellowstone "

Yellowstone is one of America's most famous national parks. The name alone conjures up images of abundant game, breathtaking natural wonders and evocative landscapes.

Avalanche Peak (8.1km 700m 3-5h, difficulty: medium)
Sky Rim (31.2km 1,585m 10-13h, difficulty: high)
South Rim (4.5km 200m 1.5-2.5h, difficulty: low)
Upper Geyser Basin (8.2km 190m 2-3h, difficulty: low)
Brink of the Lower Falls (1.9km 100m 0.5-1h, difficulty: low)
Artist Point to Point Sublime (4.8km 150m 1-2h, difficulty: low)
Bunsen Peak (7.1km 475m 2-3h, difficulty: medium)
Norris Geyser (4.0km 100m 0.75-1.5h, difficulty:low)
Mount Washburn (11.4km 475m 2.5-4h, difficulty: medium)
Mystic Falls (5.7km 215m 1.5-2h, difficulty: low)