12 Best Summer Hiking Trails to Explore Across the United States
Summer is the perfect time to explore some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the United States. From towering mountains to serene lakes, these trails offer stunning views and an unforgettable outdoor experience. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just getting started, there are trails to suit every skill level. A summer hike offers a great way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the season. Lace up your boots and get ready for an adventure.
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Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park, located in southern Utah, is home to some of the most famous hiking trails in the country. The park features various hikes, including the challenging Angels Landing, which stands at 5,790 feet. Depending on the hike, the time to reach the peak ranges from a few hours to a full day. While some trails are beginner-friendly, others like Angels Landing require a good level of fitness and experience.
Zion’s diverse landscapes include towering sandstone cliffs, canyons, and a variety of desert plants. Hikers can expect to encounter incredible views of red rock formations and unique wildlife, such as bighorn sheep and peregrine falcons. The park is known for its slot canyons, including the famous Narrows, where the trail follows the Virgin River. Zion is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast.
Mount Hood, Oregon
Mount Hood is located in the Cascade Range in Oregon, with an elevation of 11,240 feet. It is one of the most prominent peaks in the region and offers an exhilarating hiking experience. The climb to the summit typically takes 5 to 8 hours depending on the route and conditions. While it is suitable for intermediate hikers, beginners can enjoy the nearby lower trails that offer stunning views.
In addition to its breathtaking views, Mount Hood is known for its glaciers and alpine meadows. The trailhead starts at Timberline Lodge, and hikers will pass through diverse landscapes, including forests and rocky terrains. As you ascend, you may encounter wildlife like elk and mountain goats. This hike is perfect for those seeking adventure and beautiful scenery.
Grand Teton, Wyoming
Grand Teton, part of the Teton Range in Wyoming, reaches an elevation of 13,775 feet. The hike to the summit can take 8 to 10 hours, depending on the route and trail conditions. While the peak is a challenge for experienced climbers, the park offers trails suitable for beginners, such as the Jenny Lake Trail, which takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Grand Teton offers a variety of landscapes, from alpine lakes to rugged mountain terrain. Hikers can enjoy spectacular views of the Teton Range, wildlife like moose and bears, and wildflower-filled meadows. The park is famous for its pristine environment and provides a peaceful, serene experience. Whether hiking or simply exploring, Grand Teton is an unforgettable adventure.
Mount Rainier, Washington
Mount Rainier, located in Washington, stands at 14,411 feet, making it the highest peak in the Cascade Range. Hiking to the summit can take anywhere from 10 to 16 hours, but there are many other trails at lower elevations suitable for beginners. These trails offer beautiful views of glaciers, wildflowers, and the surrounding forest.
The mountain’s vast wilderness includes diverse ecosystems, from old-growth forests to alpine meadows. Rainier is home to many glaciers, such as the Emmons Glacier, which is the largest in the U.S. Outside of the challenging summit hike, visitors can enjoy shorter, scenic trails around Paradise or the Skyline Trail. Mount Rainier is a must-see for hikers of all levels.
Mount Adams, Washington
Mount Adams, located in Washington’s Cascade Range, rises to 12,281 feet. The hike to the summit usually takes 8 to 12 hours, and it is more suitable for intermediate to advanced hikers. However, there are less challenging trails in the surrounding area, such as the Cold Springs Trail, which offers stunning views of the mountain.
The mountain is surrounded by dense forests, wildflower meadows, and alpine lakes, creating a beautiful and varied landscape. Wildlife, such as marmots and black bears, can be spotted in the area. Mount Adams is known for its volcanic activity and glaciers, providing an exciting and unique hiking experience. For experienced hikers, the summit offers spectacular views of the Cascade Range.
Mount Shasta, California
Mount Shasta, located in northern California, stands tall at 14,179 feet. Hiking to the summit can take 8 to 12 hours, depending on the route. While the summit hike is challenging, there are shorter trails, like the Panther Meadows Trail, suitable for beginners and offering stunning views of the mountain.
Mount Shasta is famous for its massive glaciers and pristine wilderness. The mountain is sacred to many Native American tribes and offers a spiritual experience for some hikers. Visitors can find a diverse range of ecosystems, including alpine meadows, rocky terrain, and forests. Mount Shasta is a top destination for those seeking both adventure and natural beauty.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, features several trails with varying difficulty levels. The highest peak in the park is Longs Peak, which reaches 14,259 feet and takes around 8 to 10 hours to summit. For beginners, there are easier trails like the Bear Lake Trail, which offers stunning views without a long hike.
The park is known for its majestic mountain ranges, wildflower-filled meadows, and diverse wildlife, such as elk and bighorn sheep. The scenic Trail Ridge Road offers incredible views of the Rockies and is the highest paved road in North America. Rocky Mountain National Park offers something for everyone, whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker.
Mount Whitney, California
Mount Whitney, located in California’s Inyo National Forest, is the tallest peak in the contiguous U.S., standing at 14,505 feet. Reaching the summit takes about 12 hours and is considered a challenging hike. While Mount Whitney requires a permit and experience, there are other easier hikes in the surrounding area for those new to hiking.
The area surrounding Mount Whitney is known for its stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged terrain. The hike to the summit offers hikers views of alpine forests, glaciers, and wildflowers. Mount Whitney is a coveted destination for those seeking a challenging climb in a beautiful natural setting.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming, features several trails suitable for hikers of all skill levels. While the park is not known for extremely high mountains, it does have trails such as the Mount Washburn Trail, which offers panoramic views of the park and is about a 6 to 8-hour hike. The park’s geothermal features and wildlife make it a one-of-a-kind hiking destination.
In addition to stunning vistas, Yellowstone is home to geysers, hot springs, and wildlife like bison and wolves. The park is known for its diverse landscapes, including lakes, forests, and geothermal areas. Yellowstone’s trail system is vast, and there are options for everyone from beginners to experienced hikers. Hiking here allows you to explore some of the most famous natural wonders in the world.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park, located in Arizona, offers a variety of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. The South Kaibab Trail, which descends into the canyon, takes about 6 to 8 hours to complete, but the climb back up is much more challenging. Beginners can explore the Rim Trail, which is easier and offers stunning views of the canyon.
The Grand Canyon’s unique geology, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant colors make it a hiker’s paradise. Wildlife such as bighorn sheep and rock squirrels can be spotted along the trails. The park offers a range of experiences, from short hikes to longer, more strenuous treks, making it a great destination for all hikers. Visiting the Grand Canyon provides a chance to witness one of the most iconic landscapes in the world.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, offers a variety of trails suitable for both beginners and seasoned hikers. Cadillac Mountain, at 1,530 feet, is the highest point on the east coast of the U.S. The hike to the summit takes about 4 to 6 hours, offering incredible views of the park and the surrounding coastline.
Acadia is known for its coastal beauty, including rocky shores, dense forests, and serene lakes. Hikers can explore miles of trails through beautiful scenery, including wildflower meadows and mountain ridges. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including porcupines and red foxes. Acadia is a great destination for a scenic summer hike, offering both easy and challenging options.
Mount Katahdin, Maine
Mount Katahdin, located in Baxter State Park, Maine, rises to 5,267 feet and is the highest point in the state. The hike to the summit takes around 6 to 8 hours, and it is recommended for more experienced hikers due to the challenging terrain. However, there are shorter, less strenuous hikes in the park that offer great views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Katahdin is known for its dramatic, rugged beauty, including cliffs, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. It is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, making it a popular destination for through-hikers. The hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness and an unforgettable experience for adventurous hikers. Mount Katahdin is perfect for those seeking a challenging and scenic summer hike.
Summer hiking allows you to explore the diverse and beautiful landscapes that our country has to offer. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, these trails provide something for every outdoor enthusiast. Each hike is a new opportunity to discover breathtaking views and wildlife.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.