Hiking in United States
United States
National parks with posted trailheads
Named parks sell hiking as a visitor week: maps, trailheads, and shuttles on the busy ones. Some gates use timed entry in peak season; the trails themselves are marked. The landscape is why you fly.
- Posted trailheads and park maps
- Day hikes a visitor can start
- Timed entry in peak season, not a club
The vibe
Out here, walking means tracking ancient ridgelines and vast timbered basins that make every afternoon feel like a quiet expedition. Late summer brings the crispest air and clear high passes, though desert tracks shine best when the heat finally breaks. You share the path with weekend backpackers and locals testing their boots, keeping things self-reliant and straightforward once you secure a backcountry slot.
You sort a park ticket or backcountry permit
Glacier National Park (Highline Trail)
Montana
Gary Miotla / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
This iconic alpine route traverses the Continental Divide, offering dramatic ridgeline views and sheer cliff-side passages. It is a premier high-altitude experience that showcases the rugged beauty of the Northern Rockies.
Access. Accessible via the Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan Pass; shuttle services are available during peak summer months.
Notes. High-altitude exposure; trail is typically snow-free only from mid-July through September.
Inapsan Beach Coastal and Cliff Hike
Guam
Jonathan Miske from United States / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Explore the wild, less-visited northeastern coastline of Guam along rugged limestone cliffs and windswept strandlines. The route offers crashing wave views, dramatic sea caves, and a true sense of remote solitude far from the resort centers. It is a rugged trek for hikers looking to experience the raw Pacific edge of the island.
Access. Accessed via rough dirt agricultural roads branching off Route 15 on the island's east side. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the final approach.
Notes. No facilities or shade exist along this remote stretch; carry ample water and sun protection.
Kalalau Trail, Kauai
Hawaii
Michelle Maria / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
This legendary 11-mile coastal trek traverses sheer sea cliffs and lush valleys along Kauai's breathtaking Na Pali Coast. The rugged path demands respect, rewarding adventurous hikers with dramatic ocean vistas, cascading waterfalls, and remote golden-sand beaches. It stands as one of the premier backpacking routes in the United States.
Access. Access begins at Ke'e Beach at the end of Kuhio Highway. Permits and advanced reservations are strictly required for day hikers and overnight campers alike.
Notes. State permit required well in advance; flash floods and treacherous drop-offs pose serious hazards.
Mount Lamlam Summit Trail
Guam
LittleT889 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Trek up the grassy ridge of Guam's highest peak, which rises steeply from the southern hills to panoramic ocean vistas. The route traverses open savanna and rolling slopes with minimal shade, making early morning starts essential. It is a rewarding half-day hike delivering views across both coasts of the island.
Access. The trailhead is located off Route 4 near Agat, marked by a small parking pullout and a clear dirt path. No guide is required for this open trail, though sturdy footwear is recommended due to loose clay.
Notes. Subject to intense tropical sun and heavy rain runoff that makes clay paths slick. Check weather conditions before setting out.
Zion National Park
Utah
Zion National Park — Wikipedia
A dramatic canyon landscape with towering sandstone walls, lush riverbeds, and a variety of trails ranging from gentle walks to strenuous climbs. The park offers iconic hikes like Angels Landing, The Narrows, and Observation Point, each showcasing unique geological features and breathtaking vistas.
Access. The park’s main entrance is at Zion Lodge, where visitors can purchase passes and rent shuttle buses during peak season. Trails are accessed from designated trailheads; some, like Angels Landing, require a permit and a 5‑minute climb. Guided tours are available for those preferring structured hikes.
Notes. Permits are required for Angels Landing and the Narrows during high‑traffic periods. The monsoon season (June–September) can bring sudden flash floods, especially in the Narrows. Wear sturdy footwear, carry water, and be aware of altitude (the park’s elevation ranges from 1,000 to 7,000 ft).