The Top 9 U.S. National Park Hikes

2) Avalanche Lake: Glacier National Park (Montana)

Length: 5.8 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/avalanche-lake-via-the-trail-of-the-cedars

Avalanche Lake is a great hike for getting acclimated to the high elevation of Glacier National Park. This half-day hike gradually climbs through the dense cedars and takes you up to a stunning alpine lake. If you are lucky, you may even spot a few deer or a bear on your journey!

Photo Courtesy of NPS and Jacob W. Frank

See also A Cozy Mountain Cabin in Montana

3) Vernal and Nevada Falls Trail: Yosemite National Park (California)

Length: 5.4 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/vernalnevadatrail.htm

Vernal and Nevada Falls Trail is a great way to get up close and personal with two of Yosemite’s famous waterfalls. This trail is perfect if you do not have time for a full day of hiking. You get to experience the natural beauty of California’s High Sierra without the time commitment of the other popular hikes in the area.

Photo Courtesy of Cam Adams on Unsplash

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4) South Kaibab Trail: Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) 

Length: 1.8-12 miles

Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/SouthKaibabTrail.pdf

The Grand Canyon is perhaps one of the most iconic geographic features of the West. While you can appreciate the canyon’s beauty from above, voyaging down one of the park's many hiking trails is an experience like no other. The South Kaibab Trail follows open ridgelines of the canyon where you will experience spectacular views no matter what direction you are looking.

Photo Courtesy of Kristen M. Caldon

5) Blackrock Summit: Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

Length: 1 Mile

Difficulty: Easy

https://www.theoutbound.com/virginia/hiking/hike-to-blackrock-summit-shenandoah-np

Virginia is known for its stunning Fall season, and this hike is a great way to experience the changing colors. The hike is short and perfect for beginners and families with young children who want a small taste of the Appalachian Trail without much effort.

Photo Courtesy of the NPS and Neal Lewis

6) Devil's Loop: Arches National Park (Utah)

Length: 7.8 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/devils-garden-loop-trail-with-7-arches

Did you know Utah has five National Parks? It's only natural that it ended up on our list twice! Devil’s Loop is the best way to see many of the famous red sandstone arches in the park as well as the beautiful, local wildflowers. The Arches get hot in the desert summers, so make sure to bring plenty of water.

Photo Courtesy of NPS and Andrew Kuhn

7) Uncle Tom’s Trail: Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)

Length: .7 Miles

Difficulty: Easy (But steep stairs)

https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/hike-yellowstone-national-parks-uncle-toms-trail

Explore America’s first National Park. Yellowstone is commonly known for its geothermal activity, but has other stunning features you don't want to miss. Uncle Tom’s Trail is under a mile and takes hikers to the base of the 308-foot-high Lower Falls. It is a great way to experience the history and beauty of Yellowstone.

Photo Courtesy of Jim Peaco

8) Enchanted Valley: Olympic National Park (Washington)

Length: 28 Miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/enchanted-valley

This hike is the longest on our list—but definitely worth it. The 28-mile hike winds you through the lush forest paralleling the East Fork Quinault River. The destination of the hike is a breathtaking valley surrounded by striking mountains, waterfalls and even an old chalet.

Photo Courtesy of NPS

9) Sky Pond: Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Length: 10 Miles

Difficulty: Intermediate-Strenuous

https://www.theoutbound.com/colorado/hiking/hike-to-sky-pond

Sky Pond is an awe-inspiring alpine lake in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The hike passes by waterfalls and two other lakes before a steep scramble up to the crystal-clear lake. Though the hike is challenging, it can easily be done in one day and is worth it for the great Instagram shots you'll get.

Photo Courtesy of NPS

See also Off the Grid Cabin in the Rockies