15 Beautiful US Hikes

15 Beautiful U.S. Hikes for the Solo or Social Traveler

If you’ve been daydreaming about hitting the trails, the U.S. has a hike for every mood, such as misty forests, desert canyons, coastal cliffs, and wildflower-covered meadows. Hiking is a great way to reset on a solo trip, but it also works perfectly for a girls’ getaway or a family adventure.

Below are 15 of the most beautiful hikes across the country, each with its own vibe, best season, and practical tips like airports, effort levels, and whether you need to book ahead.

1. Glacier National Park, Montana – High Alpine Bliss

The Highline Trail is a classic ridge-line hike with sweeping views of Montana’s “Crown of the Continent.” Mountain goats and wildflowers often greet you along the way.

• Trail Pick: Highline Trail (11.8 miles point-to-point)
• Booking/Permits: Shuttle or parking reservations required at Logan Pass in peak season
• Best Season: July–September
• Closest Airport: Glacier Park International (FCA)
• Effort: Moderate to strenuous

2. Sedona, Arizona – Red Rock Spiritual

Sedona’s red rock landscapes have an almost otherworldly feel. The short but steep Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the best sunset hikes in the country.

• Trail Pick: Cathedral Rock Trail (1.5 miles RT)
• Booking/Permits: Red Rock Pass required for parking
• Best Season: March–May, October–November
• Closest Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
• Effort: Moderate

3. Acadia National Park, Maine – Coastal & Quaint

Few places combine ocean air with mountain climbs like Acadia. The Precipice Trail is a bucket-list climb with iron rungs and cliffside views, while Jordan Pond Path offers a gentler stroll.

• Trail Pick: Precipice Trail (strenuous) or Jordan Pond Path (easy)
• Booking/Permits: Timed vehicle entry passes required in summer
• Best Season: June–October
• Closest Airport: Bangor (BGR)
• Effort: Easy to strenuous

4. Yosemite National Park, California – Iconic Granite Giants

There’s a reason Yosemite draws millions every year. The Mist Trail takes you straight into the spray of Vernal and Nevada Falls, with Half Dome looming in the distance.

• Trail Pick: Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls (7 miles RT)
• Booking/Permits: Peak season day-use reservations; Half Dome requires lottery permit
• Best Season: May–June, September–October
• Closest Airport: Fresno Yosemite (FAT)
• Effort: Moderate to strenuous

5. Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC – Misty & Magical

Foggy ridgelines, lush forests, and Appalachian charm define the Smokies. The Alum Cave to Mt. LeConte trail is a favorite for its variety and views.

• Trail Pick: Alum Cave to Mt. LeConte (11 miles RT)
• Booking/Permits: Parking tag now required, no entry fee
• Best Season: April–June, September–October
• Closest Airport: Knoxville (TYS)
• Effort: Moderate

6. Zion National Park, Utah – Adventure Icon

Two of the most famous hikes in the U.S. live here. Angels Landing requires nerve and a permit, while The Narrows leads you wading through a slot canyon.

• Trail Pick: Angels Landing (5.4 miles RT) or The Narrows (varies)
• Booking/Permits: Lottery required for Angels Landing; seasonal shuttle system
• Best Season: April–June, September–October
• Closest Airport: Las Vegas (LAS)
• Effort: Strenuous

7. Olympic National Park, Washington – Three Worlds in One

Rainforest, mountains, and coastline — you can hike all three in one trip. The Hoh Rainforest Trail is like walking through a fairytale of moss-draped trees.

• Trail Pick: Hoh Rainforest Trail to 5 Mile Island (10.6 miles RT)
• Booking/Permits: No day permits; backcountry requires reservations
• Best Season: June–September
• Closest Airport: Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)
• Effort: Moderate

8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado – High-Altitude Adventure

Towering peaks and alpine lakes make this park a stunner. The Sky Pond Trail leads you past waterfalls and glaciers to a dramatic lake.

• Trail Pick: Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge (9 miles RT)
• Booking/Permits: Timed-entry permits required May–October
• Best Season: June–September
• Closest Airport: Denver (DEN)
• Effort: Strenuous

9. Big Sur, California – Dramatic Coastal Beauty

On California’s Highway 1, cliffs drop into the Pacific. The Ewoldsen Trail winds through redwoods before revealing ocean overlooks.

• Trail Pick: Ewoldsen Trail (4.5 miles RT)
• Booking/Permits: Parking fills quickly, no special permit
• Best Season: March–May, September–November
• Closest Airport: Monterey (MRY)
• Effort: Moderate

10. White Mountains, New Hampshire – Classic New England

If fall foliage is your vibe, nothing beats the Franconia Ridge Loop. It’s a long day but rewards you with endless ridgeline views.

• Trail Pick: Franconia Ridge Loop (8.6 miles)
• Booking/Permits: No permits, but weather is unpredictable — pack layers
• Best Season: September–October
• Closest Airport: Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT)
• Effort: Strenuous

11. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington – Wildflower Wonderland

The Skyline Trail from Paradise is a hike that feels like stepping into a postcard, especially when meadows bloom in July.

• Trail Pick: Skyline Trail (5.5 miles RT)
• Booking/Permits: Entry reservations required for summer weekends in 2025
• Best Season: July–August
• Closest Airport: Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)
• Effort: Moderate

12. Grand Canyon, Arizona – Timeless Wonder

Looking into the canyon is awe-inspiring, but hiking below the rim gives you perspective on its true scale. The South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point is steep but unforgettable.

• Trail Pick: South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point (6 miles RT)
• Booking/Permits: No permit for day hikes; backcountry camping requires one
• Best Season: March–May, September–November
• Closest Airport: Flagstaff Pulliam (FLG)
• Effort: Strenuous

13. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia – Rolling & Relaxing

This is one of the most accessible national parks near the East Coast. The Old Rag Circuit combines fun rock scrambles with panoramic summit views.

• Trail Pick: Old Rag Circuit (9.5 miles)
• Booking/Permits: Day-use ticket required March–November
• Best Season: April–June, October
• Closest Airport: Washington Dulles (IAD)
• Effort: Strenuous

14. Kauai, Hawaii – Tropical Escape

The Na Pali Coast is one of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the world. Even hiking the first stretch of the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Beach feels like an epic adventure.

• Trail Pick: Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Beach (4 miles RT)
• Booking/Permits: Advanced reservations required for Haena State Park entry + parking
• Best Season: April–June, September–November
• Closest Airport: Lihue (LIH)
• Effort: Moderate

15. Joshua Tree National Park, California – Otherworldly Desert

Otherworldly landscapes dotted with Joshua trees and boulders make this desert park a hiker’s playground. Hidden Valley is a short loop, while Ryan Mountain adds a bit more challenge.

• Trail Pick: Hidden Valley Trail (1 mile loop) or Ryan Mountain (3 miles RT)
• Booking/Permits: No permits for day hikes
• Best Season: October–April
• Closest Airport: Palm Springs (PSP)
• Effort: Easy to moderate

Hiking is a very rewarding way to travel. You don’t just see the landscape, you feel it with every step. Whether you’re chasing sunsets in Sedona, climbing granite cliffs in Yosemite, or wandering through mossy forests in Olympic National Park, these trails remind you how much beauty exists close to home.

Many of these trails now require parking reservations, day-use tickets, or permits. Always check the park website before you go, and if you’re traveling solo, let a friend know your plans.