I’ve visited over 40 U.S. national parks, and I always squeeze back-to-back hikes into my itineraries. This list includes popular trails that are worth the hype (and the fight for a parking spot) and some off-the-beaten-path hidden gems. Grab your hiking bucket list!
- Grinnell Glacier – Glacier National Park
- Seven Mile Hole – Yellowstone National Park
- Rim-to-Rim – Grand Canyon National Park
- Harding Icefield Trail – Kenai Fjords National Park
- Double O Arch – Arches National Park
- Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop – Bryce Canyon National Park
- Angels Landing – Zion National Park
- Crater Rim and Kilauea Iki – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Pipiwai Trail – Haleakala National Park
- Tolmie Peak – Mount Rainier National Park
Grinnell Glacier – Glacier National Park
11 miles, 2000 ft elevation
After two summers working in Glacier National Park, I consider myself an expert on its hiking trails. If I had to choose one hike that stands out amongst the rest, it’s Grinnell Glacier. The trail follows alongside gorgeous lakeshores to an overlook of gatorade-blue Grinnell Lake before ending at Grinnell Glacier.
If you’re planning to visit, check out my guide to Glacier’s most popular trails.
Seven Mile Hole – Yellowstone National Park
10 miles, 2000 ft elevation
This trail descends steeply to the bottom of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It has the best of everything in Yellowstone: discover hidden viewpoints in a thick forest, watch your step for bubbling thermal features, and dip your feet in the Yellowstone River at the bottom of the colorful canyon. Even during the busiest part of summer, there was hardly anyone on this challenging trail.
Don’t have time for a 10-mile hike? Try The Best of Yellowstone National Park in One Day.
Rim-to-Rim – Grand Canyon National Park
14 miles, 5000 ft elevation
Rim-to-Rim (R2R) means hiking from North to South Rim (or vice versa) of the Grand Canyon. North Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail is the easiest route. I prefer to go up South Kaibab because it has better views.
Read about my experience hiking to Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
Harding Icefield Trail – Kenai Fjords National Park
9 miles, 3000 ft elevation
Kenai Fjords National Park has few maintained trails because most of its land is covered by Harding Icefield. Harding Icefield Trail follows Exit Glacier up to an expansive view of the ice field. The trail is only open in summer, and the surrounding mountain valley is green and filled with wildflowers. I was lucky enough to see a cloud inversion and a mama black bear with her cub on my hike.
Double O Arch – Arches National Park
4 miles, 700 ft elevation
This is my mom’s favorite national park hike of all time, and she’s visited more parks than me. There’s a bit of scrambling and a walk atop the “fins,” a narrow rock formation. I recommend climbing through double O arch for the best view on the trail. People with a fear of heights may struggle on this trail, but it’s fairly low risk if you’re steady on your feet.
Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop – Bryce Canyon National Park
3 miles, 700 ft elevation
This is a combination of two trails that include canyon overlooks and a steep descent into the canyon. Bright orange rock formations called hoodoos tower over the trail; it’s a landscape like nowhere else on Earth. (I haven’t been to Bryce Canyon since 2021, so I’m sorry these photos are not my best work.)
Angels Landing – Zion National Park
4 miles, 2000 ft elevation
Zion is home to two of my absolute favorite hikes: Angels Landing and the Narrows. If I had to choose one, Angels Landing is the winner for me. At 18, conquering this trail was one of my greatest accomplishments. The sign documenting the number of deaths on the trail is no joke… this trail is not for the faint of heart. (Again, 2021, sorry about the VSCO filter.)
Crater Rim and Kilauea Iki – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
3 miles, 800 elevation
I combined this trail with Thurston Lava Tube, and it was amazing. Walk along the crater rim; then descend into the caldera of an active volcano. Unreal!
Pipiwai Trail – Haleakala National Park
3.5 miles, 800 ft elevation
Getting to this trailhead is a journey in itself—it’s a long drive down the narrow and winding Road to Hana. It was my first time hearing the sound of wind in a bamboo forest, and I was in awe. The waterfall at the end of the trail is impressive, though running pretty dry on my visit.
Tolmie Peak – Mount Rainier National Park
5.5 miles, 5500 ft elevation
I debated whether or not to add this one to the list. Most of the hike is spent on a steep trail through a forest, so it isn’t a particularly beautiful or interesting journey. However, the peak has the best view of Mount Rainier I’ve ever seen, so it deserves recognition.
A few of my favorite parks aren’t on this list because I haven’t yet discovered my favorite hikes there. Like Olympic and Yosemite—I did lots of incredible hikes, but there wasn’t one that stood out above all the others. (Just wait until I get a Half Dome permit….) Timing, crowds, and weather all greatly impacted my experiences as well.
In my hikes, I value the journey more than the destination. I love a challenging trail with unique features along the way. If you have any recommendations, leave me a comment! 🙂
Latitudes with Lucy 
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