National Parks Hikes

20 Fun, Short Hikes in the National Parks

Julie United States 6 Comments

One of the best ways to experience the national parks is from a hiking trail. Hike to amazing viewpoints, deep into the forests, through scenic canyons, and to hidden lakes and waterfalls. Along the way, you have a better chance of spotting wildlife and potentially leaving the crowds behind. Here are 20 fun, short hikes in the national parks. Every …

Notch Trail

How to Hike the Notch Trail in Badlands National Park

Julie United States 4 Comments

The Notch Trail is the most thrilling trail in Badlands National Park. This hike is pure fun. It features a walk through a scenic canyon, a climb up a wooden ladder, and a brief walk along a cliff trail. The Notch Trail ends with a beautiful view of the Badlands. Notch Trail Hiking Stats Distance: 1.5 miles round trip Difficulty: …

Summerland Hike to Panhandle Gap Photo

Summerland Trail to Panhandle Gap Hike | Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 2 Comments

In Mount Rainier National Park, hiking the Summerland Trail to Panhandle Gap is on the longer and more difficult side, but it has a little bit of everything…old growth forests, fields of wildflowers, views of Mount Rainier, the chance to spot wildlife, high alpine views, and panoramic views out to Mount Adams. I wouldn’t classify the Summerland Trail as off-the-beaten-path …

Shenandoah Hiking List

10 Great Hikes in Shenandoah National Park

Julie United States 10 Comments

500 miles of hiking trails travel through Shenandoah National Park. These trails range from short, easy summit hikes, gorgeous walks to waterfalls, to challenging climbs up the tallest mountains. You also have the option to walk a few miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail. In this post, we have 10 great hikes in Shenandoah National Park to share with you. …

Continental Divide Mt Ida

How to Hike the Continental Divide Trail to Mt Ida, RMNP

Julie United States 4 Comments

While hiking to Mt Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. For much of this hike you walk along the Continental Divide, so you have panoramic views across the park. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt Ida. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches …

Best National Park Hikes

20 Epic Day Hikes in the National Parks (USA)

Julie United States 16 Comments

With 63 national parks and thousands of miles of hiking trails, your options are endless for exploring the American national parks. We narrowed down the list for you to 20 of the best day hikes in the national parks, 20 amazing ways to explore this beautiful country. Hike to the tallest peaks, through massive canyons, and to gorgeous alpine lakes. …

Best Hike in Wind Cave

Lookout Point Trail & Centennial Trail Loop | Wind Cave National Park

Julie United States 8 Comments

Wind Cave National Park is home to one of the longest cave systems in the world. Touring the cave is the main reason for visiting this park but there is a lot more to do here than explore this underground world. Above ground, Wind Cave National Park is home to one of the largest mixed-grass prairies in the United States. …

Hikes in Grand Tetons

15 Best Day Hikes in Grand Teton National Park

Julie United States 22 Comments

Grand Teton National Park truly is a hiker’s paradise. Hike through picturesque canyons, around glacier-fed lakes, and up to the highest peaks. Wildlife sightings from the hiking trails are frequent, with elk, moose, and bear making regular appearances. If you want to add some adventure to your visit to Grand Teton, strap on your hiking shoes and take your pick …

Watchman Trail Zion

How to Hike the Watchman Trail in Zion National Park

Julie United States Leave a Comment

The Watchman Trail is a relatively easy hike that offers nice views over Springdale and the southern end of Zion National Park. Since this trail starts at the visitor center, no shuttle is necessary, making this a great option if you want to go hiking in Zion without waiting in line for the shuttle. Here’s how to do it. Watchman …

Paintbrush Divide Hike Grand Teton

Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop Trail | Grand Teton National Park

Julie United States 25 Comments

The Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop is one of the best hikes to do in Grand Teton National Park. In just one hike, you can visit a handful of the park’s top spots: Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point, Lake Solitude, Cascade Canyon, and Paintbrush Canyon. Throw in panoramic views across the Teton mountain range and a few moose, and you …

Nymph Dream and Emerald Lake Hike

Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lake Hike (+ How to Add on Bear Lake & Lake Haiyaha)

Julie United States 13 Comments

The Emerald Lake hike is one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. On this hike, you get to see three very pretty alpine lakes (Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake), with the option to add on Bear Lake and Lake Haiyaha. This is a great hike for almost all ages and ability levels. The Emerald …

How to Hike the Beehive Trail

How to Hike the Beehive Trail, Acadia National Park

Julie United States 8 Comments

The Beehive Trail is one of the most thrilling hikes in Acadia National Park. This trail is a tamer, easier version of the Precipice Trail. It features sections of cliff walks and metal rungs, but with less elevation gain and less exposure, this is a good option if you are not quite sure if you can handle the Precipice Trail. …

Hike Mt Angeles in Olympic NP

Hiking the Klahhane Ridge Trail to Mount Angeles, Olympic NP

Julie United States 11 Comments

The hike from Hurricane Ridge to Mount Angeles is a spectacular day hike in Olympic National Park. Along the Klahhane Ridge Trail you have panoramic views over this side of Olympic National Park. To get up onto Mount Angeles, it’s a tough hike that ends with some tricky rock scrambling, but you are rewarded for your efforts. On a clear …

Longs Peak

Complete Guide to the Twin Sisters Peak Trail, RMNP

Tim United States 2 Comments

The Twin Sisters Peak trail, which crosses between Rocky Mountain National Park and the Roosevelt National Forest, offers 360° views from the top of the Twin Sisters Peaks. Since this hike is on the far eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, you get a panoramic view of the national park, with Longs Peak and Mount Meeker in the foreground. …

Skyline Trail Loop Hike

Skyline Trail Loop & Panorama Point, Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 15 Comments

For jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier National Park, it’s hard to beat the Skyline Trail Loop. The entire hike is a beauty. Starting in Paradise, you will hike past lovely Myrtle Falls, through pine forests, and then ascend the slopes to the base of Mount Rainier. From Panorama Point, enjoy spectacular views over the park, and on a clear day …

Best Hike in North Cascades

Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Hike: North Cascades National Park

Julie United States 22 Comments

For outstanding views of the North Cascades, put the Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm hike on your list. Often labeled as the best day hike in North Cascades National Park, the Sahale Arm hike is gorgeous every step of the way. You’ll hike through evergreen forests, through fields of heather and wildflowers, past marmots, mountain goats, and maybe even bear. …

Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park

15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Julie United States 15 Comments

Rocky Mountain National Park is best seen from a hiking trail. Fortunately, there are hikes for all ages and ability levels. From short, easy strolls around lakes, to ridgeline trails with panoramic views, to challenging but epic climbs to the tallest mountain peaks, there truly is something here for everyone. Here are 15 of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain …

Deer Mountain Hike Colorado

How to Hike Deer Mountain, RMNP | Helpful Tips, Trail Stats, Photos

Julie United States 2 Comments

Deer Mountain is one of the easier hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offers high mountain views. To get to the peak, it’s an almost constant uphill walk through an evergreen forest. You will get occasional glimpses of Longs Peak early on during the hike, but for the most part, you will have to wait until you reach the …

How to Hike the Gunnison Route

How to Hike the Gunnison Route | Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Julie United States 8 Comments

The Gunnison Route takes hikers from the south rim of the Black Canyon to the Gunnison River. It’s the most popular inner canyon experience on the south rim, but don’t let that fool you. This is a hard, strenuous hike where you will descend (and later hike back up) a massive amount of elevation in a short period of time. …

Gem Lake

How to Hike to Gem Lake, RMNP (Trail Stats, Photos & Helpful Tips)

Julie United States 4 Comments

Gem Lake is a short but strenuous hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Not only do you get to visit a pretty lake but you also get sweeping views of Estes Park with Longs Peak in the distance. If you are looking for a short, family-friendly hike, and don’t mind a bit of a stair climb at times, this is …