Through the Trails of USA: America’s Best Walks and Hikes

The United States is a veritable gold mine of varied landscapes with plenty of different possibilities. For anyone looking to maximise the great outdoors, perhaps through a meditative walk across calm woods, heart-mountain ascents to mountain summits, or multi-day adventures across the unspoiled wilderness, these USA walks provide you a chance to re-connect with the rhythm of nature, awaken the wanderer inside you, and create stories etched in the paths you walk.

 

Come with us on this exciting escapade as we reveal the best walks and hikes in the USA.

 

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Photo Credit: MaurusMeierhoffer

 

 

The Half Dome Trail

Often regarded as one of California's top walks, the Half Dome Trail captures the beauty of Yosemite National Park quite like a few other routes. Comprising a difficult 22–26-kilometre round journey with an amazing elevation increase of 1,463 metres, this legendary expedition Begins in Yosemite Valley, past breathtaking sites including towering sequoias, the misty cascades of Vernal and Nevada Falls, and unrelenting slopes challenging even experienced hikers.

 

The final stretch demands courage and strength, as you ascend the cables—a 122-metre climb up the steep granite face of Half Dome Every bit of work, though, pays off at the top, where Yosemite Valley extends below, El Capitan rises majestically, and unspoiled nature reaches as far as the eye can see.

 

 

Photo Credit: ArtTower

 

 

The Delicate Arch Trail

Imagine, for a moment, a place shaped by the elements—wild and unspoiled—then moulded by time.  Arches National Park, in Eastern Utah, is a masterwork of rough beauty and eternal awe, displaying some of the most amazing natural surroundings in the country.

 

The paths of this trail reveal a panorama of more than 2,000 natural stone arches, precariously placed boulders, and tall rock pinnacles as you saunter across this remarkable terrain. Among these, the Delicate Arch Trail is a must-see. Beginning at the Wolfe Ranch Trailhead, a 5-kilometre round-trip climb leads to the foot of Delicate Arch, an iconic symbol of Utah and one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the United States.

 

The trail’s steady ascent, with a 146-metre elevation gain, is moderately challenging and typically requires 2-3 hours to complete. You can’t fall out of thrilling sights, as the stunning viewpoints on the trail occasionally offer sweeping vistas of the surrounding desert and the distant La Sal Mountains.

 

 

Photo Credit: TreptowerAlex

 

 

Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail

With hundreds of soaring hoodoos—spire-like rock formations— Bryce Canyon's unearthliness produces an unmatched and mystical scene. For those ready to see its amazing landscape up close, the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park are among the top walks in the United States.

 

Starting at Sunrise Point, this 5-kilometre moderate loop drops sharply down the canyon via the well-known Wall Street portion, where tall red and orange rocks seem to encircle you. The Queen's Garden section guides you through fanciful hoodoos including one modelled like Queen Victoria. You’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the amphitheatre below as the route climbs back to the rim, its vivid colours moving drastically with the daily light change.

 

 

Photo Credit: Alex Azabache

 

 

Island in the Sky Trail

Easily reachable from the Island in the Sky Visitor Centre, the Island in the Sky Trail winds through Canyonlands National Park in Southeastern Utah. This 4.8-kilometer, somewhat easy loop provides the ideal mix of jaw-dropping landscape and convenience. You’ll come across some of the most breathtaking views in the park along the route, including Murphy Point and Grand View Point, where jagged rock formations and wide-ranging valleys span the horizon.

 

The centrepiece of the hike is the famous Mesa Arch, a naturally occurring stone arch framing an amazing perspective of the canyon bottom below. For a truly rewarding sight, set out in the morning when the soft golden and crimson light changes the rugged landscape into a warm, soothing masterpiece.

 

 

Photo Credit: Attilio Pregnolato

 

 

Harding Icefield Trail

Among the best USA hikes, the Harding Icefield Trail in Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-do for those looking to test their wits on hikes that defy gravity.

 

Rising 1,067 metres, this difficult 13-kilometre round-trip walk winds through old-growth woods, vivid alpine meadows, and rocky terrain to a vantage point commanding a view of the great Harding Icefield. At this point, over 1,800 square kilometres of icefield extend indefinitely with its glittering surface broken by rushing glaciers and craggy mountains.

 

You can also see mountain goats grazing on the slopes, marmots sprinting between boulders on occasion, or perhaps a black bear hunting far off down the trail. And on clearer days when the ice field sparkles beneath the Alaskan sun, the route presents a stark, pure beauty that is both humble and thrilling.

 

 

Photo Credit: Unai Huizi Photography

 

 

The Angels Landing Trail

The pleasures of the Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park are unparalleled even if it challenges your nerve and endurance. Beginning at the Grotto Trailhead, this 9-kilometre round-trip ascent usually takes 4 to 5 hours to reach Walter's Wiggles, a steep sequence of switchbacks.

 

The last 800 metres is tough for timid hikers as it features a narrow slope that falls quickly on both sides. Chains anchored into the rock give vital support as you negotiate this exposed part—and at the top, you have an amazing perspective of Zion Canyon, where the Virgin River runs between red granite cliffs, emerald-green valleys, and eternally extending panoramas. For those brave enough to challenge it, the experience is unforgettable as much as thrilling.

 

 

Photo Credit: Edmund Lowe Photography

 

 

Hickman Bridge Trail

Though less attention is paid to the Capitol Reef National Park than to its neighbours, this adds to its appeal. Rich history and beautiful rock formations abound in this hidden treasure, and one of its best walks is the Hickman Bridge Trail. Though it's short—just 3 kilometres round trip—it packs enough to see.

 

Beginning close to the Fremont River, the path meanders across a desert scene filled with vibrant rock formations and juniper plants. Along the route, you'll see ancient petroglyphs scribed onto the canyon walls, providing insight into the region's Native American history. The most striking feature of course is the 40 metre-wide natural arch known as Hickman Bridge, which appears to dangle unrealistically in the air. Standing under it, you are in awe of the sheer enormity and unspoiled beauty of this sandstone rock.

 

 

A Hiker’s Paradise Awaits

From the blazing red ridges of Utah to the frosty wilderness of Alaska, the best USA walks aren’t just trails—they’re invitations to step into nature’s magic. These hikes lead you far beyond the usual and inspire your spirit with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Put on your boots, welcome the adventure, and let the natural outdoors shape your next narrative.

 

 

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