The 15 Best Hikes in U.S. National Parks: Trails You’ll Never Forget

National parks are the ultimate playgrounds for hikers. Looking for the best hikes in national parks? Across the U.S., these trails showcase the very best of America's natural beauty — from towering cliffs to lush forests and wildflower-covered valleys.

Why National Parks Offer the Best Hiking Experiences

American national parks are some of the best places for hiking, with nature and convenient amenities in the perfect combination. They all have distinct landscapes of highlands and lowlands, forests, canyons, deserts, and beaches. These areas are well conserved, maintaining them in their original state.

The traveler is offered great conditions: safe and prepared best trails in national parks of all difficulty, route markers, maps, and information stations. These conditions allow trekking by both beginners and experienced tourists.

National parks also provide the chance to view rare flora, wildlife, and extraordinary natural wonders like waterfalls, geysers, and big old trees. Hiking in national parks is unforgettable because of the mix of beautiful trails, nature preservation, and services. By ordering a national parks map you can mark the park you have visited.

Top 15 Best Hikes in U.S. National Parks

These are the 15 best hikes in national parks every nature lover should try. These trails range in difficulty, distance, and terrain type, from canyons to glaciers to coastline.

The best hikes national parks	Distance	Difficulty	Highlights
Angels Landing – Zion National Park (UT)	~5.4 miles (roundtrip)	Hard	Scenic vistas from a narrow ridge, rocky outcroppings, Zion Valley views
The Mist Trail – Yosemite National Park (CA)	~7.8 miles	Moderate	Vernal and Nevada Falls, spray-lined trails, scenic valley
Highline Trail – Glacier National Park (MT)	~11 miles	Moderate	Alpine meadows, glacier views, wildlife
The Narrows – Zion National Park (UT)	up to 9.3 miles	Moderate	Canyon riverbed hike, characteristic rock walls
Grinnell Glacier Trail – Glacier National Park (MT)	~17 km	Moderate	Glaciers, turquoise lakes, possible encounters with bears and goats. It is one of the most iconic hikes in us national parks.
Sky Pond – Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)	~14 km	Moderate/Hard	Waterfalls, alpine lakes, steep rise at Timberline Falls
Bright Angel Trail – Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)	~19 km	Hard	Views into the canyon, ancient rock formation, crossing climatic zones
Panorama Trail – Yosemite National Park (CA)	~13 km	Moderate	Views of Half Dome, waterfalls, valley views
Harding Icefield Trail – Kenai Fjords National Park (AK)	~8.1 miles	Challenging hikes	Ice field, mountain scenery, alpine vegetation
Precipice Trail – Acadia National Park (ME)	~1.5 miles	Hard	Rock climb with ladders and railings, ocean views
Hidden Lake Overlook – Glacier National Park (MT)	2.8 miles	Easy/Moderate	Accessible trail with views of lake and mountains, goats and marmots often seen. It is one of best hikes for families in national parks
Painted Canyon Trail – Theodore Roosevelt National Park (ND)	4 miles	Moderate	Colored rock formations, badlands, chance to see bison
Kalalau Trail – Hawaii's Nā Pali Coast	~22 miles	Hard	Rainforest, cliffs, beaches - technically within a state park, but one of the top US hikes
Emerald Lake Trail – Rocky Mountain National Park (CO)	~3 miles	Easy hikes	Panoramic alpine lakes, excellent family-friendly trail
Observation Point – Zion National Park (UT)	~8 miles	Hard	Hiking trails with the best views in national parks. Nice views of the entire canyon, higher than Angels Landing but safer

How to Choose the Right Hike for You

The choice of the best hike depends on your physical condition, travel schedule, and season. Short, easy trails with little altitude gain are ideal for casual hiking or hiking with kids. The best hikes in US national parks usually have viewing platforms and resting points.

Most seasoned hikers can tackle long, demanding, must-do hikes with ascents and overnight trips, and remoteness-wise, Yosemite/Lassen Volcanic hikes are perfect.
Keep in mind the time of year–most of the parks in California are best in spring and fall. The cooler mountainous areas are at their best in the summers, while the hot sun should be avoided on barren trails. Winter snow may limit accessibility.
Confirm current conditions and park advisories prior to your hike. The correct route will make your journey secure, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Conclusion

The best hikes in the US national parks are an open invitation to get outside and connect with the great outdoors. Whether you live here or plan a long journey, each trail presents an opportunity to see the world anew. Then you can mark your journey on map of national parks California.

You don't have to ride the longest trails or climb to the highest mountain peaks – just a short outing among the redwoods, on a canyon trail, or along the desert path can leave an impression. Nature heals, inspires, and teaches – and it is how national parks can offer these all to all.

Whether it's a serene family hike, a challenging path, or adventure hikes there's something special hidden in every trip. Don't miss the chance to discover it. Fill your backpack, tie on your hiking shoes, and discover California's amazing natural world because every trail is a new tale to experience!