These 20 Iconic Hiking Trails Must Be On Every Outdoor Enthusiast's Bucket List
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Sarah McCosham
Author
There’s no better way to revel in the resplendence of America the Beautiful than to immerse yourself in it, out on the trails. From coast to coast, there are hikes all across the U.S. that offer unrivaled beauty and adventure.
We’re talking about next-level hikes that traverse some of the most splendid scenery in the country: waterfall adventures, journeys through old-growth forests, expeditions up majestic mountains, and odysseys through literal grand canyons. These are the iconic places in the U.S. that belong on every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list, and here are the best hiking trails that will put you right in the middle of it all.
Not Your Average Bucket List – Podcast Episode
Our travel experts and Not Your Average Bucket List podcast hosts, Sara and Marisa, dig deeper into their favorite hikes from this list, plus some essential hiking safety tips we all should know before we go. If you’re up for an audio adventure before reading below, this is your chance to get some pro tips about these iconic hiking trails in the U.S.A. Click below!
Mountain Hiking Trails
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.” If you’ve ever felt the pull of the marvelous, majestic mountains, you know there’s only one way to satisfy this particular type of wanderlust: on the trails. Whether you’re looking to scale some seriously high peaks or looking for a short-and-sweet trek that puts you there, these mountain hiking trails across the US are all worthy of your bucket list:
Burroughs Mountain Trail, Washington 98304, USA
- Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- Length & Difficulty: 9.4 miles, challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, including this cozy A-Frame!
Mount Rainier National Park is Washington's most famous national park and home to the state's most infamous active volcano.
Hiking opportunities abound in this national park, but we're partial to the Burroughs Mountain Trail. At over 7,800 feet, Burroughs Mountain sets right up against the northeastern face of Mount Rainier, adjacent to Winthrop Glacier, and offers the most extraordinary view of Washington's largest volcano.
Mount Rainier rises 14,410 feet above sea level straight into the clouds -- and this hike, a loop trail that's nearly 10 miles long -- is *the* best way to experience this commanding, intimidating, wholly grand natural wonder.
Smith Rock State Park, Oregon 97760, USA
- Location: Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
- Length & Difficulty: 3.3 miles, moderately challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: Check out this pet-friendly cabin with sweeping mountain views!
A place of sublime and awe-inspiring splendor, Oregon's Smith Rock State Park is truly remarkable. Competitive climbers come from all over the world to scale its towering buttes, but some of the park's most breathtaking vistas are actually found on the trails.
The Canyon to Rim Loop, for example, is a loop trail that's just over three miles long. Due to the elevation gain, this trek is rated as moderate -- and your knees and leg muscles will quickly remind you that even though you're not rock climbing, you're definitely still climbing.
The payoff, however, is well-worth any weary limbs: from your perch, you'll see for miles and miles, enjoying 360-degree panoramas that feature some of the park's most celebrated wildlife, including blue heron and cougars.
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Half Dome, California, USA
- Location: Yosemite National Park, California
- Length & Difficulty: 14- to 16 miles, extremely challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, including this luxury VRBO with spectacular views of Half Dome and El Capitan!
Yosemite National Park is a bucket-list destination for many, with waterfall chasers flocking to this national park to admire the largest waterfall in North America -- and perhaps even catch a glimpse of its rare and resplendent firefall.
But the park's unique rock formations are equally splendiferous; Yosemite Valley is home to the Half Dome, a monolith believed to have once been a massive, unified rock dome. At some point in its geological history, the dome split in half, leaving the iconic shape we see today.
Half or whole, it’s impressive, and something you can admire while on the Half Dome Day Hike. You'll want to set aside more than a half day for this trek, however, as it's roughly 15 miles long.
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Charlies Bunion, Tennessee 37738, USA
- Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
- Length & Difficulty: 8 miles, moderately challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, but nothing quite compares to the views from LeConte Lodge. The highest guest lodge in the eastern United States, the views from this cozy lodge are so stunning, it often books up months in advance -- so RSVP now!
There’s nothing more wholly wonderful than a day spent amidst the beauty of the Smokies. The country's most-visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains span half a million acres across eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, offering a near-endless list of bucket-list-worthy hiking adventures.
The Charlies Bunion Hike is a perennial favorite; this eight-mile round-trip hike leads to a rocky, treeless summit that affords 360-degree panoramas of the celebrated range, and is definitely one of the best vistas in the entire park.
Curious about what awaits from 6,360 feet above sea level at LeConte Lodge? Journey More shares this perspective:
Porcupine Mountains, Carp Lake Township, MI 49953, USA
- Location: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan
- Length & Difficulty: 8.4 miles, challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: For some of the best views of this breathtakingly beautiful region, check into this Luxury Scandinavian-Style Lake House. Swoon!
The Porcupine Mountains are #PureMichigan splendor: Lake of the Clouds is nestled within these marvelous mountains, and the Carp River runs through the landscape, creating a sublime scene that is breathtakingly beautiful.
Regarded as one of the Great Lakes State's most wondrous areas, this region is rife with hiking opportunities. At just four miles long, the Escarpment Trail is not only incredibly accessible, but it also offers some of the most breathtaking fall foliage views in the country.
As you can see in this beautiful video shot by YouTuber Adventures of A+K Adventures of A+K:
Maryland Heights Trailhead, 489-551 Harpers Ferry Rd, Knoxville, MD 21758, USA
- Location: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Length & Difficulty: 6.6 miles, moderately challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: For some of the best views of Harpers Ferry, this charming guest house is a total treasure.
Harpers Ferry is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, and it's truly a vision. This mountain town is famous around the nation for its immense natural beauty -- and historic significance. It's the mid-point of the Appalachian Trail. It's a National Historical Park. It witnessed several key events in the Civil War. It was visited and admired by several of the Founding Fathers... the list goes on (and on).
While you can get an excellent feel for the area by strolling through the cobblestone streets of Lower Town, the best way to experience Harpers Ferry is to venture across the state border (and the Potomac River) into Maryland.
From the vantage of the Overlook Cliff (accessible off the Maryland Heights Trail), you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of Harpers Ferry that's absolutely, positively bucket-list worthy:
Cadillac North Ridge Trail, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Location: Acadia National Park, Maine
- Length & Difficulty: 4.2 miles, moderately challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, but we're partial to West Street Hotel, a boutique experience in one of the country's most ruggedly resplendent national parks. Open seasonally starting in May, West Street Hotel is home to Maine's only rooftop infinity edge pool, from which guests can gaze out at a panorama of postcard perfection: Acadia, Frenchman’s Bay, and the outer islands.
There's a place that's quite literally at the edge of the country, where you can be the first to experience the birth of a new day. Located in incredible Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain is a vision. The rocky features of the summit and the absolutely incredible views from the top are just a few of the reasons it's regarded as the most beautiful attraction in the country.
The summit of the 1,529-foot mountain is accessible year-round and is reached via the eponymous North Ridge Trail.
Each season offers a different experience, from fall foliage to spring greenery and everything in between, making the rather steep ascent of the four-mile trek well worth the effort (and tired muscles).
If you've never seen the sun rise over Acadia National Park, let this video from Outdoors inspire you!
Canyon Hiking Trails
There’s nothing quite like standing at the precipice of a canyon, gazing out at the immense expanse stretching endlessly into the horizon. It’s a momentous moment that anchors you in the here and now, and something you really must experience in person — and you will, along these incredibly beautiful canyon hiking trails in the US.
Rim Trail, Utah 84764, USA
- Location: Canyon National Park, Utah
- Length & Difficulty: 10.7 miles, moderately challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: You'll find lots of lovely accommodations in the area, including this cozy cabin just outside of the national park.
The Rim Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park takes you to some of the most magical overlooks in the celebrated national park.
At more than 10 miles round trip, it's not a short hike; however, there are smaller increments you may choose to complete if you don't want (or are unable) to complete the full hike.
This trail follows the rim of Fairyland Canyon and Bryce Canyon, providing sweeping panoramas of *the* grand canyon and iconic hoodoos of the park. In fact, Bryce Canyon has the largest collection of hoodoos in the world -- and you can marvel at these natural wonders whilst hiking the Rim Trail:
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Horseshoe Bend, Colorado 81252, USA
- Location: Page, Arizona
- Length & Difficulty: 1.5 miles, easy
- Where To Stay Nearby: Make this expansive vacation home the "home base" for your Arizona adventures!
Arizona's Horseshoe Bend is quite literally a horse of a different color. Similar to the Grand Canyon (it's referred to as the "east rim" of the Grand Canyon, in fact), Horseshoe Bend is a place that simply must be admired from above.
The good news? A 1.5-mile hike across a barren, unforgiving landscape leads to the cliffside of Horseshoe Bend, which materializes almost as a desert mirage.
One of the most photographed sites in Arizona, it is truly as beautiful in person as it is in photos. The cerulean blue and emerald green horseshoe stands out like a dazzling gem against the coppery red desert landscape, making this spot one of the true treasures of the West, and certainly a hike worth seeking out:
South Rim Trail, Rim Trail, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
- Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Length & Difficulty: 13 miles, challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: Nothing, nothing beats the views afforded at the acclaimed El Tovar Hotel. Located literally on the rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona's El Tovar Hotel first opened its doors in 1905; over a century later, El Tovar is as enchanting as ever, offering guests unparalleled views of the Grand Canyon -- without stepping foot outdoors.
The Grand Canyon is one of the largest and longest canyons on Earth, and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. A playground for outdoor enthusiasts, the Grand Canyon can be explored in myriad ways: you can drive up to scenic viewpoints, explore on a helicopter tour, whitewater raft down the Colorado River, or even walk out onto a glass bridge.
But in our opinion, the best way to experience this world wonder is the simplest: on foot, along one of the park's numerous trails.
The South Rim Trail stretches 13 miles along the rim of the Grand Canyon and offers some of the most epic panoramas of the park. If you're looking for spectacular, jaw-dropping views, this is the way.
If 13 miles feels like too much, don't worry: the trail offers several shuttle stops along the trail, making this bucket-list-worthy adventure accessible for all explorers!
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Santa Elena Canyon Road, Santa Elena Canyon Rd, Texas 79834, USA
- Location: Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Length & Difficulty: 1.7 miles, easy
- Where To Stay Nearby: A glorious expanse in the heart of Texas, Big Bend National Park stretches across 800,000 acres along the U.S.-Mexico border. It is among the most remote, and least visited, national parks in the Lower 48; a place perfect for getting away from it all. At the threshold of Big Bend National Park, Lajitas Golf Resort offers rustic luxury amid the wilds of West Texas that's pure rustic luxury.
Everything's bigger in Texas, including the Lone Star State's national parks. Big Bend National Park, for example, is over 800,000 acres, making it one of the 20 largest national parks in the Lower 48.
However, you don't need to be a *big* hiker to experience the best of this picturesque place. Clocking in at 1.5 miles, the Santa Elena Canyon Trail is short in length but big in beauty. Santa Elena Canyon, a majestic limestone grotto nestled in the park, is one of the most splendid wonders in the country.
Traversing through the heart of the eponymous canyon, this trail offers hikers of all abilities the opportunity to immerse themselves in its splendor... and it's an opportunity you shouldn't pass up. Just look at these views!
Forest Hiking Trails
There is a peace beneath the forest canopy that can only be experienced. Immersing — or “bathing” — in the forest is guaranteed to fill your bucket, and whether you’re in the lush landscape of one of the country’s temperate rain forests or venturing into the rugged wilderness of the Badlands or one of the country’s remote national parks, the following forest hiking trails offer so much more than mere mileage.
Hall of Mosses Trailhead, Hoh Valley Rd, Forks, WA 98331, USA
- Location: Olympic National Park, Washington
- Length & Difficulty: 1.1 miles, easy
- Where To Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, though nothing compares to the lovely Lake Quinault Lodge, a perfect getaway for nature lovers!
Located in Washington's wondrous Olympic National Park, Hoh Rain Forest is an enthralling emerald oasis. One of the only temperate rainforests in the world, wandering through Hoh Rain Forest feels like stepping into another world altogether.
The rainforest gets a staggering 12-14 feet of rain annually, which gives this thriving ecosystem its verdant canopy of mosses, ferns, and trees.
In terms of hikes, the Hall of Mosses and the Spruce Nature Trail are both beginner-friendly, and while short in distance, they don't skimp on scenic splendor. The Hall of Mosses Trail is especially perfect for families; it's a 0.8-mile loop that's completely paved. This scenic trail winds through lush, old-growth forest, and showcases the most beautiful features of Hoh Rain Forest: the towering maple trees draped with hanging moss, the dazzling green canopies, and the abundant wildlife.
This trail, along with the 1.2-mile Spruce Nature Trail, are two accessible paths that let hikers of all ages and abilities experience the splendor of Hoh Rain Forest, as you can see in this beautiful video:
Grinnell Glacier Trail, Montana 59417, USA
- Location: Glacier National Park, Montana
- Length & Difficulty: 11.2 miles, challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: The largest hotel in Glacier National Park, Many Glacier Hotel is located in the northeastern corner of the park, colloquially referred to as the "Switzerland of North America." This secluded and stately five-story hotel has 200 guest rooms and, while rustic, provides some of the most epic, jaw-dropping views in the country.
Montana is known as the "Treasure State," and anyone who has visited Glacier National Park knows how fitting this nickname is.
Within Glacier, there are some truly bucket-list-level hikes; more than a dozen trail options ranging in length and difficulty. But ask any outdoor enthusiast or explorer, and they'll tell you that the Grinnell Glacier Trail is *the* trail to tackle.
At 11 miles long, it's certainly challenging, with elevation gain, rocky terrain, and other elements adding to its difficulty. But for those willing to train and plan for such a challenge, the rewards are abundant. The Grinnell Glacier is a real-life wonder, and this trail offers the most sweeping, superlative vistas of this breathtaking treasure.
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Superior National Forest, Stony River Township, MN 55731, USA
- Location: Superior National Forest, Minnesota
- Length & Difficulty: 2.3 miles, easy-to-moderate
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay in a real-life cabin in the woods at this luxury lakefront home in Minnesota!
Minnesota gets a lot of attention for its myriad lakes, and rightfully so. But Minnesota is so much more than just 10,000 lakes; the state is home to over 17 million acres of forested land, including 54 state forests.
These lush landscapes are full of many different kinds of trees, flowers, and abundant foliage -- not to mention some of the most diverse and wondrous wildlife in the country.
One of the most notable forests? Superior National Forest is an ancient forest in Minnesota that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Superior National Forest is made up of 3.9 million acres of woods in the northernmost region of the state; this boreal forest is teeming with towering pine, birch, oak, maple, and aspen trees.
You'll get a first-hand look at all of this lush and lovely landscape along the Oberg Mountain Loop Via Superior Hiking Trail, an accessible, short-and-sweet trail that's beautiful all year-round, but especially rapturous in the height of fall foliage:
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
- Location: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- Length & Difficulty: The entire Appalachian Trail stretches nearly 2,200 miles across 14 states, including over 100 miles in Virginia, however, most hikers tackle smaller segments of the trail with varying distances and challenge ratings.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, including this darling cabin in the woods!
Few places in the country are as breathtakingly beautiful as Shenandoah National Park. With stunning and radiant scenery, Shenandoah offers some of the best outdoor recreation in the U.S., including access to the world-famous Appalachian Trail.
However, due to the convenience of Skyline Drive, many visitors treat Shenandoah as a "drive-through" park, which is an absolute travesty.
Of course, Shenandoah's roadside overlooks are sublime -- but the park is so much more. Nearly all the hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park branch off of this road; for instance, the acclaimed Appalachian Trail runs parallel to Skyline Drive, and there are several access points off the road for those wishing to experience this bucket-list-worthy hike.
Waterfront Hiking Trails
For those whose wanderlust leads them to the water, there are some truly extraordinary trails that offer jaw-dropping views and a wholly wondrous waterfront experience. Lace up your boots and be prepared to get a little wet on these waterfront hiking trails for your bucket list:
Point Lobos, California 93923, USA
- Location: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California
- Length & Difficulty: 7.5 miles, moderately challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you dream of staying on the water, you'll be delighted by the sheer number of waterfront accommodations in the area, including this oceanview suite in a restored barn!
Point Lobos is pure NorCal vibes; a coastal stretch where land and sea meet in the most marvelous and mesmerizing marriage. The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in California's picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea has more than a dozen trails for visitors to explore, and the eponymous five-mile Point Lobos Loop Trail is the most delightful way to experience this picture-perfect place.
This scenic, well-marked loop boasts breathtaking views of the lush forest preserve and the picturesque Pacific Ocean. Dedicated to protecting and preserving the wondrous wilds of the Northern California coast, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a place of pristine and untouched natural beauty:
Cumberland Falls, Kentucky 42634, USA
- Location: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky
- Length & Difficulty: 1.8 miles, moderately challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in the area, though we're partial to the cabins available through Red River Gorgeous -- they even have treehouses!
With 17 miles of hiking trails, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a hiker's paradise. The trails explore some of the park's most scenic spots, including, of course, the eponymous Cumberland Falls.
The Cumberland Falls via Eagle Falls Trail is a 1.8-mile loop trail that's rated as moderate; the most challenging aspect of the trail is its myriad staircases. It's well worth the effort, however, as the trail leads to two of the state's most stunning waterfalls: Eagle Falls and Cumberland Falls, the latter of which is called "The Niagara of the South:"
Billy Goat Trail Section A, Potomac, MD 20854, USA
- Location: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland
- Length & Difficulty: 4.7 miles, moderately challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: There are lots of wonderful attractions in this scenic and historic area, including this renovated C&O Canal House!
Billy Goat Trail is an accessible four-mile hike located mere minutes from Washington, D.C., but it feels a worlds away from our nation's bustling hub.
Along the Billy Goat Trail, hikers can revel in the resplendence of the raging Potomac River and marvel at the gorgeous grandeur of Great Falls. The hike is incredibly popular, however, so plan on visiting early in the day in order to beat the crowds.
Curious about how to prepare for this trek? The experts at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP have a few tips:
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Nugget Falls Trail, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
- Location: Tongass National Forest, Alaska
- Length & Difficulty: 2 miles, easy
- Where To Stay Nearby: Live like a local in this cozy cabin that's pure rustic luxury!
For those making the once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Last Frontier, Tongass National Forest is a bucket list must.
This area is a nature lover's paradise, teeming with wildlife, mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, caves, and even Alaska's very own "swamps," known as muskegs.
Tongass National Forest is also home to more than 700 miles of trails, in fact, making it a must-visit destination for hikers of all abilities. The Nugget Falls Trail is perhaps the best all-around trek in the park, packing incredible waterfall and glacial views in a straightforward, two-mile hike:
Kalalau Trailhead, Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA
- Location: Ha'ena State Park, Hawaii
- Length & Difficulty: 22 miles, extremely challenging
- Where To Stay Nearby: Hawaii is not lacking in amazing accommodations, including this stunning luxury home on Kauai's North Shore.
In a place as immensely stunning as Hawaii, the list of superlative scenic hikes is staggering -- and frankly, overwhelming. So allow us to direct you to a breathtaking trek in Nāpali Coast State Park.
The Kalalau Trail is one of the state's most celebrated trails, but at 22 miles round-trip, it's admittedly quite a trek -- and a dangerous one, at that. Its lure is irresistible to a great number of people, even though it's dangerous.
But with great risk comes great reward, and with the right kind of training, preparation, gear, and mindset, the Kalalau Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment for your bucket list:
Lace up your boots and get ready for a soul-filling, scenic adventure when you tackle these iconic hiking trails in the U.S. Awe and wonder await.
To learn even more about some of the amazing hiking trails on this list, you can also watch our Not Your Average Bucket List podcast episode on YouTube!
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More to Explore
Best Hiking in the U.S.
Where can you find the best hiking in the United States?
"Best hiking" in the United States is totally subjective, but most outdoor enthusiasts will agree that the following areas are among the top, most bucket-list-worthy placers to hike in the US:
- The Colorado Rockies. The Rocky Mountains span 3,000 miles from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, all the way down to New Mexico. This massive mountain range is known for its dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife, and nowhere is this more true than Maroon Bells. Part of the Elk Mountains, a sub-range of the Rockies, Maroon Bells is the ultimate nature postcard: a startlingly blue lake, abundant meadows, and two 14,000-foot peaks.
- The Smokies. Most people know the park as a partial home to the famed Appalachian Trail, but hiking routes abound throughout the park, offering views of sprawling meadows, ancient forests, and blooming wildflowers throughout the year. The highest point in the park is Clingmans Dome, and Cades Cove offers myriad of historic buildings and educational opportunities, too.
- The Adirondacks. Surrounded by unbelievable landscapes and full of attractions that you won’t find in other areas of the Empire State, the Adirondack Mountains are a place of beguiling beauty. The region is flush with pristine lakes, glorious waterfalls, and scenic splendor, making for some truly exceptional hiking in the US.
- Hawaii. There's really no place more beautiful than The Aloha State, a place where mountains met ocean and lush forests, wondrous waterfalls, smoldering volcanoes, and stunning sand beaches cover the landscape. Some notable places to hike in Hawaii include Akaka Falls State Park, Haleakalā National Park, Waimea Canyon, and the Na Pali Coast.
What is the longest hiking trail in America?
The longest hiking trail in the U.S., the American Discovery Trail is a 6,800-mile route that travels from coast to coast across 15 states and boasts the longest distance of any U.S. trail. Along this epic trek, you'll encounter numerous points of interest including national parks and rivers, historic monuments, and American icons, including:
- Cape Henlopen State Park
- Chesapeake Bay
- Blackwater Falls
- Great Serpent Mound
- Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge
- Fort Larned National Historic Site
- The Garden of The Gods - both Illinois *and* Colorado!
- Pikes Peak Cog Railway
- Great Basin National Park, and, of course
- The Golden Gate Bridge
For those who don't feel like taking on a nearly 7,000 mile hike (guilty!), you can pretty much cater the trail to suit your needs, with numerous lodging and scenic options wherever you choose to trek.
What are the best mountain hikes in the United States?
While the United States might not lay claim to Kilimanjaro or Everest, our country is nevertheless home to some of the best and most magnificent mountains in the world, including, of course, some truly amazing mountain hikes:
- North Cascade Mountain Range. Referred to the "Alps of America," hiking abounds in this #pnwonderland.
- The Sawtooths. One of the country's most photographed ranges, the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho are a true treasure. The wilderness area is home to 40 trails that total over 350 miles. Used for day hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding, there's abundant adventures to be had in the Sawtooths.
- The Tetons. While Yellowstone tends to steal the spotlight in Wyoming, the Grand Tetons are nothing short of extraordinary -- and absolutely bucket-list worthy. The park's headliner, of course, is the Teton range; and to view these mountains there are myriad trails and accessible summits that don't require advanced hiking skills. However, in the interest of safety, it's best to tackle the Tetons with a guide; Exum Guides lead hikes and climbs in the park and can help you determine the best summit for your skill level and time constraints. And for advanced climbers, the adventure outfitter even offers a a climb of the legendary Grand Teton itself.
- Guadalupe Mountains. There's something for every skill level, from short-and-sweet nature walks to the strenuous, 8.5-mile trek to the eponymous Guadalupe Peak, commonly referred to as the "Top of Texas." Reaching the incredible Guadalupe Peak is quite an arduous journey, as the trail climbs 3,000 feet through a lush conifer forest.