Epic adventures: Hiking trails and backpacking routes in U.S. national parks

Adventures and vacations often go more smoothly with a planned route, but sometimes it can be just as rewarding to go off the beaten path and discover the mysteries that many have not had the privilege of encountering. For all the thrill seekers and explorers out there, hiking and backpacking are some of the best activities that allow us to find secret pathways and unique viewpoints in the world around us. Embark on your next adventure with us as we show you some of the highlights within the various national parks around the country. Who knows? You might end up with your next family picture, dinner table story, or social media background.

Yosemite National Park (California)

Half Dome Hike: This strenuous 14- to 16-mile round-trip hike is definitely not for the faint of heart; however, it offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley as you climb 8,800 feet above sea level, and it culminates with a thrilling ascent up the iconic Half Dome via cables (permit required).

Yosemite Falls Trail: This moderate to strenuous hike leads to the top of North America's tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. Depending on how far you want to go and what you want to see, this hike can take up to 7 miles round trip.

Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin: Backpackers can use this 12-mile round-trip hike from Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin to pass through high alpine meadows, pristine lakes, and picturesque waterfalls along the Tuolumne River. Once you reach Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, you will have the option to continue your journey toward the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne or along the Pacific Crest Trail, both of which will obviously add time to your trip but also more potential memories to form.

Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

Bright Angel Trail: This popular trail descends into the Grand Canyon from the South Rim, offering access to Indian Garden and Plateau Point for day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips to Phantom Ranch and beyond.

South Kaibab Trail: Known for its stunning views and steep descent, the South Kaibab Trail provides a more direct route to the canyon floor, with options for day hikes or backpacking to the Colorado River.

Rim-to-Rim: Ambitious backpackers can hike from the North Rim to the South Rim (or vice versa) via the North Kaibab Trail and either the Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trail, covering approximately 21 to 24 miles depending on the route chosen. Make sure you get a permit so that you can camp within the park.

Zion National Park (Utah)

Angels Landing: This thrilling but challenging 5-mile hike ascends steep switchbacks and exposed cliffs with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet to reach the Scout Lookout viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of Zion Canyon. Completionists can go another 500 feet higher to reach the summit.

The Narrows: Hikers can travel through the narrow slot canyon of the Virgin River, wading through water and navigating towering walls, for a unique and unforgettable experience.

West Rim Trail: This multi-day trip along the West Rim Trail starts at Lava Point and descends into Zion Canyon, passing through diverse landscapes and designated backcountry campsites. It’s an elongated adventure best enjoyed in late spring, summer, or fall because the paths are often covered in dense snow during the winter.

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Bear Lake to Fern Lake: Hikers and backpackers can explore the park's diverse ecosystems on this multi-day trek, passing by alpine lakes, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls while camping at designated backcountry sites. Depending on skill and preference, you can customize this experience by starting point, elevation gain, and trip length, but all your choices will allow you to see gorgeous, one-of-a-kind landscapes.

Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail: This scenic day hike or overnight backpacking trip leads to the stunning Sky Pond, nestled beneath towering cliffs and surrounded by alpine meadows and waterfalls. It’s about 8.5 miles to go out and back, and it’s beautiful throughout the year.

Arches National Park (Utah)

Delicate Arch: This iconic hike leads to one of the most famous natural arches in the world, offering stunning views of the surrounding red rock landscape. The trail is strenuous, especially during the summer, but the view and photo op is certainly worth the effort.

Devils Garden Loop: This moderate to strenuous hike explores the Devils Garden area, passing by numerous arches, including Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, and Tunnel Arch.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)

Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte: This challenging 11-mile hike ascends to the summit of Mount LeConte, the third-highest peak in the Smokies mountain range, passing by iconic landmarks, such as Alum Cave Bluffs and Inspiration Point. The panoramic views at the top are unmatched.

Clingmans Dome Trail: Hikers can trek to the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains at Clingmans Dome, enjoying views from the summit’s observation tower that will make it seem like the land spreads out boundlessly.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (California)

Congress Trail: This easy, lollypop-shaped route is under three miles and explores the Giant Forest, home to the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth.

Rae Lakes Loop: This multi-day trek around the stunning Rae Lakes Basin passes through alpine meadows and crosses high mountain passes, offering opportunities for backpackers to camp beside pristine lakes. The entire loop is over 40 miles long and involves significant elevation gain.

Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)

Queens Garden-Navajo Loop: This popular loop hike descends into the amphitheater of Bryce Canyon, passing by hoodoos and rock formations with names like Thor's Hammer and Wall Street.

Fairyland Loop: This longer and less crowded loop hike offers sweeping views of Bryce Canyon's unique landscape, passing through more secluded sections of the park with hoodoos and rock spires.

Acadia National Park (Maine)

Cadillac South Ridge Trail: Hikers can ascend Cadillac Mountain via the South Ridge Trail, enjoying panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding islands.

Jordan Pond Path: This easy and scenic 3-mile loop circles around Jordan Pond, offering views of the Bubbles mountains reflecting in the clear waters of the pond.

Olympic National Park (Washington)

Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier: Backpackers can embark on a multi-day trek spanning 35 miles through the Hoh Rainforest, one of the wettest places in the contiguous United States, to reach the majestic backdrop of Blue Glacier and Mount Olympus.

Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall: If you like long walks on the beach, this is it. Explore 3 miles of tide pools, sea stacks, and natural arches along the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean.

Hiking and backpacking tips

No matter where you go or how long your trip is, there are some universal tips that will help you stay safe in the wilderness.

Bring food and water: High-protein snacks, electrolytes, and water bottles are a must when going on hikes. Stay hydrated and bring enough food to align with the checkpoints on your route.

Pack accordingly: You want to have enough gear and supplies to get you through the entire journey, but you also want to balance that with a load you can carry. Try to divide the stuff you pack among your group so that nobody gets overly tired, and think about what you can realistically hold for the distance you plan on traveling.

Bring a friend: It is unwise to go on an extensive hike or backpacking trip alone. Invite friends or family to go with you so that you have extra eyes on the map and your surroundings.

Tell someone where you’re going: At the very least, whether you’re alone or with a group, notify a loved one of your plans so that they can check in with you and know when to expect you to be home.

Take notes of signage and landmarks: Sometimes cell service is not reliable on trails, which means you’ll need to rely on strategies like mapping and marking. Bring a screenshot of the route you plan to take, take note of any signage or significant features, such as a large and colorful tree, and take pictures along the way to guide you back the way you came in case the trail doesn’t loop.

Check the weather forecast: Don’t get caught by surprise in an incoming storm or extreme temperatures. This will not only affect how you dress, but it will also determine how much of a hike is possible for you to accomplish.

Bring proper footwear: Hikes are not the place for flip-flops. Make sure you are wearing shoes with great traction and ankle support.

The United States is loaded with popular national parks as well as beautiful trails to explore with your loved ones. Get out there, create new memories, and challenge yourself to travel a little beyond the boundaries of the paved path.

Safety matters on foot and on wheels. Make sure everyone wears a seat belt during your road trip to these hiking trails. Buckling up saves lives!