The best walks and hikes in the United States of America

The Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Trail offers an immersive journey into the heart of Bryce Canyon's iconic amphitheater, winding among thousands of unique hoodoo formations. You'll descend into a landscape of vibrant orange and pink spires, getting up close to famous landmarks like Thor’s Hammer and the delicate Queen's Garden Hoodoos. The trail provides a constant visual feast, making it one of the most rewarding easy hikes in the park.

This popular route is an easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) loop with 609 feet (186 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete. To make the most of your visit, aim to start early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. Parking at the trailhead can fill up quickly, so arriving early is key for a smooth start to your adventure.

As one of Bryce Canyon National Park's signature trails, this loop is an excellent introduction to the park's unique geology and offers a fantastic opportunity for photography. It's a family-friendly option that provides a deep dive into the canyon's features without requiring advanced hiking skills. Consider combining it with other viewpoints along the rim for a full day of exploration.

The Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail is a challenging 8.3-mile (13.4 km) hike in Yosemite National Park, gaining 2221 feet (677 metres) over an estimated 5 hours and 18 minutes. This difficult route immerses you in the power of two major waterfalls, Vernal and Nevada Falls, as you ascend steep granite steps carved into the cliffside. The trail is renowned for its close-up views and the drenching mist from Vernal Fall, creating rainbows on sunny days.

To tackle this popular route, plan an early morning start to avoid the crowds, especially if you are aiming for the top of Nevada Fall. During spring and early summer, the mist from Vernal Fall is intense, so waterproof clothing is highly recommended. The trailhead is easily accessible, but parking can fill up quickly, making an early arrival essential for a smoother experience.

Considered one of Yosemite's most popular trails, the Mist Trail offers an unforgettable experience, particularly the unique granite staircase alongside Vernal Fall. While the initial section to Vernal Fall can be very busy, the crowds tend to thin out on the more strenuous climb to Nevada Fall. You can also opt to return via the John Muir Trail, which provides a different perspective and a less steep descent, making for a scenic loop.

The Delicate Arch Trail offers an unforgettable journey through Arches National Park's dramatic red rock landscape, leading to Utah's most iconic natural arch. You'll navigate a varied terrain, starting on a relatively flat path before ascending a steep, exposed slickrock slope marked by cairns, with stunning panoramic views unfolding around you. The route winds through desert scrub, sandstone fins, and spires, eventually revealing the magnificent Delicate Arch, often framed by the nearby Frame Arch.

Planning your visit requires careful consideration of the elements. This 3.3-mile (5.3 km) hike, with 544 feet (166 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 55 minutes, is rated moderate but can feel strenuous due to the lack of shade and significant climb. In summer, temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, necessitating early morning or late afternoon starts and plenty of water. Winter hikers should be prepared for ice and snow on steep sections, requiring traction devices.

Delicate Arch is not just a geological wonder; it's a symbol of Utah, standing 46 feet high and 32 feet wide. Along the trail, you'll also encounter historical landmarks like the Wolfe Ranch cabin and ancient Ute Indian petroglyphs, adding cultural depth to the natural beauty. The trail culminates in a natural amphitheater where you can admire the arch, making it a truly rewarding experience despite its popularity.

The Angels Landing Trail is a truly unique and difficult hike in Zion National Park, offering an exhilarating journey to one of the park's most spectacular viewpoints. This 4.5-mile (7.2 km) route involves a significant 1737 feet (530 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 3 hours and 41 minutes. You'll navigate challenging terrain, including the famous Walter's Wiggles switchbacks and an exposed final ascent to the Angels Landing summit, where chains are bolted into the rock to assist hikers.

Planning your visit requires careful attention to the Angels Landing Trail permit system; permits are mandatory to hike past Scout Lookout and are secured through a lottery on Recreation.gov. Given the extreme exposure and narrow path, avoid hiking during wet weather, storms, or high winds, as conditions can become very dangerous. The trail is not suitable for those with a fear of heights or young children, and it's best to start early from the Grotto trailhead.

What makes Angels Landing so notable is its iconic chain section, an impressive engineering feat first installed in 1926, providing stability on the final, thrilling push to the 5,790-foot (1,760 m) summit. From the top, you're rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Zion Canyon's rugged spires and ancient rock layers. This hike is a true test of physical and mental fortitude, offering an unparalleled adventure for experienced hikers.

The Mist Trail is a truly immersive hiking experience, taking you right into the heart of Yosemite's powerful waterfalls. You'll navigate over 600 granite steps carved into the cliffside, feeling the refreshing spray from Vernal Fall as you ascend. The journey continues past the stunning Emerald Pool and Silver Apron, leading you to the majestic Nevada Fall, with continuous dramatic vistas of the Merced River and distant views of Liberty Cap and Half Dome.

This moderate 5.3-mile (8.5 km) hike involves a significant 1947 feet (593 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 54 minutes. Be prepared for a strenuous climb on often wet and slippery steps, especially during spring runoff. The trail is easily accessed by shuttle, but if you're driving, plan for early arrival as Mist Trail parking can be challenging. Good traction footwear is a must for this adventure.

Considered Yosemite's signature hike, the Mist Trail is renowned for its unparalleled access to two magnificent waterfalls, Vernal and Nevada Falls, which together drop over 900 feet. It's a must-do for anyone seeking a challenging climb combined with awe-inspiring natural beauty, making it one of the top rated hikes in Yosemite Valley.

The Mist Trail plunges you into the heart of Yosemite's raw power, delivering a sensory overload of thundering waterfalls and drenching mist. This moderate 5.3-mile (8.5 km) hike, with its 1947 feet (593 metres) of elevation gain, leads you up steep granite steps to the base of Vernal Fall, where you'll feel the full force of the spray. Continuing on, the trail winds past the serene Emerald Pool and Silver Apron before reaching the impressive Nevada Fall, offering a truly unforgettable experience over roughly 3 hours and 54 minutes.

To tackle this popular route, you'll want to use the park shuttle to reach the trailhead, as parking can be scarce. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season, and know that the granite steps can be wet and slippery from the constant mist, particularly in spring and early summer. Good traction footwear is essential, and a waterproof layer will keep you comfortable as you get up close to the falls.

What makes the Mist Trail truly stand out is its unique

The Vernal Fall and Clark Point Loop via Mist Trail and John Muir Trail offers an immersive Yosemite experience, taking you from the banks of the Merced River to the thundering spray of Vernal Fall. You'll navigate granite steps and forested paths, with the highlight being the powerful waterfall and the serene Emerald Pool. The trail culminates at Clark Point, where you're treated to expansive views of Nevada Fall and Half Dome, making the sustained climb well worth the effort.

To plan your visit, head to the Happy Isles Nature Center, the starting point for this adventure. Parking can be challenging, so an early start or utilizing Yosemite's shuttle service is highly recommended. This moderate 6.4-mile (10.3 km) loop, with its 1506 feet (459 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 49 minutes, so bring ample water and snacks. Spring offers the most dramatic waterfall flows, while fall provides cooler temperatures and clearer skies.

This loop is a quintessential Yosemite hike, combining the thrill of the Mist Trail's close encounter with Vernal Fall with the panoramic rewards of Clark Point. It's a fantastic way to experience two of Yosemite's most famous waterfalls and gain a unique perspective on the valley's grandeur, including distant views of Half Dome. The route provides a good challenge for those seeking a rewarding day hike in the heart of the park.

The Canyon Overlook Trail offers an incredible effort-to-reward ratio, guiding you through diverse terrain carved into sandstone walls. You will encounter rocky sections, slickrock, and even a hidden alcove with ferns, all leading to the breathtaking Canyon Overlook Viewpoint. This easy 1.1-mile (1.7 km) hike, with just 108 feet (33 metres) of elevation gain, takes around 28 minutes, providing panoramic views of Zion Canyon's iconic formations like the Towers of the Virgin and West Temple.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trailhead is accessible by private vehicle on Highway 9, just east of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, meaning no shuttle is required. While it is a family-friendly route, be mindful of some exposed drop-offs, though many are protected by railings. For the best experience and photography, aim to hike during sunrise or sunset, and wear appropriate footwear for the varied terrain.

This trail is celebrated for its spectacular views without requiring an arduous climb, making it one of the most popular trails and routes in Zion. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep along the way, and enjoy unique features like boardwalks and a narrow bridge suspended over the Pine Creek Narrows. The viewpoint also offers a unique perspective of the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and tunnel below.

Step into a world of giants on the General Sherman Tree Trail, a paved path that winds through the awe-inspiring Giant Forest sequoia grove. You'll descend into a cathedral of towering trees, passing interpretive exhibits that share their ancient history, before arriving at the base of the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree by volume. The sheer scale of these colossal redwoods, especially the General Sherman Tree, is truly humbling and makes for an unforgettable experience.

This 1.4-mile (2.2 km) hiking route is rated easy, but don't let that fool you entirely; while the initial half-mile is downhill, the return journey involves a steady uphill climb of 178 feet (54 metres). At an elevation of 6,000–7,000 feet, this can feel more challenging than expected, so plan for breaks. The trail typically takes about 38 minutes, but allow extra time for photos and soaking in the scenery. For those with mobility concerns, an accessible trail is available near Generals Highway.

Beyond the main attraction, the General Sherman Tree Trail offers a glimpse into the unique ecosystem of Sequoia National Park. You can extend your exploration by connecting to the Congress Trail, a two-mile loop that showcases more notable sequoia groups like the Senate and House. Visiting in winter offers a serene, snow-covered landscape, but be sure to bring traction devices for your footwear to navigate potentially icy conditions.