7 US Hikes That Need to Be on Your Bucket List
Challenge yourself this Summer to get out in the world and connect with nature. Along with being a motivator for doing a bit of traveling, these adventurous hikes are ones that will leave you feeling accomplished and ready to take on new challenges. And all of these easy-to-moderate trails are ones that offer breathtaking views and can be accomplished in one day. So make a plan and get out there!
Buckskin Gulch, Utah
Trail: Wire Pass Trailhead
Distance: 1.7 miles
This hike takes you to famed Buckskin Gulch, with over 13 miles of curving trail through the canyon. Take the Wire Pass Trail to the entrance and explore a bit before returning back to the parking area.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Trail: Hidden Lake Trail
Distance: 5.4 miles
Take this hike, which begins from the west side of Logan Pass Visitor Center, and discover a gem of the park. Hidden Lake Trail takes you through meadows and forest area to a glistening lake at the base of the mountains. You might even run into some bighorn sheep.
Zion National Park, Utah
Trail: Angel's Landing
Distance: 4.4 miles
Hike up Zion National Park's sandstone cliffs to a summit with spectacular views of the vistas. There are a few sketchy parts, with chain hand-holds to help you along the way, with the last section really getting up there in height. Angel's Landing is famous for being one of the most thrilling hikes in the national park system, which makes it a must try!
Rock Creek Park, Washington DC
Trail: Western Ridge Trail
Distance: 5 miles
It's an easy dirt trail for running or hiking, located north of Military Road, and you can park in the picnic area at Bringham Drive. You can stroll Rock Creek Park through the forest alongside meandering streams and completely forget you're anywhere near the city.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Trail: Rim Trail, Maricopa Point to Hermit's Rest
Distance: 6.4 miles
With amazing views of the stunning surroundings, all sections of the Rim Trail offer great hiking, but this section feels more like an adventure. And you can use the park's shuttle service to get to the trailhead and back, which makes it a nice hike for beginners.
Lost Coast Trail, California
Trail: Horse Mountain Creek Trail
Distance: 4.2 miles
A gradual hike that connects the ridge to the beach passes through meadows and forests down to the water. Check out sea lions, tide pools, and seasonal flowers while taking in California's beautiful coastline.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Trail: Ouzel Falls Trail
Distance: 5.5 miles
Walk through the waterfalls of the Rocky Mountains with this easy trail. The Ouzel Falls Trail is best in Summer when you can catch a glimpse of the ouzel, the falls' namesake bird, and listen to the crashing sound of the water.