It is good to start 2026 with a nice walk! The United States boasts some of the most gloriously breathtaking sights to behold preserved within its many national parks. From shimmering alpine lakes and lush forests to shocking geological formations and vast deserts, taking one of these scenic day hikes on foot will give you the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature firsthand.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure in one of these popular 10 most scenic day hikes in U.S. national parks below!
10 Iconic Hiking Trails with Amazing Views in U.S. National Parks
Take your time exploring some of the most enrichingly scenic hikes in the United States’ top national parks. From Zion National Park to Yosemite National Park, prepare yourself for unrivaled viewpoints of canyons, waterfalls, and panoramic vistas galore.
Angel’s Landing Trail – Zion National Park
Location: Zion National Park
Distance: 4.3 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Estimated Duration: About 3-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,827 feet
Requirements: Permit.
Located in one of the most famous national parks, Angel’s Landing is a well-known out-and-back hiking route found within Zion National Park. The hike was named by Methodist minister Frederick Vining Fisher, who claimed, upon first seeing Zion Canyon in 1916, that only an angel could land there.
Throughout this day hike are steep drop-offs and pretty narrow areas to be careful of while relishing in the eye-catching views of Zion Canyon. The hike begins near Grotto Trailhead, where hikers will cross a bridge over the Virgin River to the West Rim Trail. At the top of Angel’s Landing, hikers get to relish in the awe-inspiring observation point 1500 feet above Zion Canyon, witnessing unrivaled views that will continue to inspire admiration for ages.
Grizzly Giant Loop Trail – Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Duration: About 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 380 feet
Requirements: Permit.
Walk through one of the oldest and most awe-inspiring giant sequoia groves in Yosemite National Park on the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail. Named after Grizzly Giant, the largest sequoia tree in the park, this towering tree is estimated to be 2,000-3,000 years old.
On this cozy trail, hikers will get to see other rewarding sights, including the California Tunnel Tree. This is the only remaining giant sequoia tunnel tree, with the other three remaining tunnel trees being coastal redwoods.
3-Mile Resthouse via Bright Angel Trail – Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Grand Canyon National Park
Distance: 6.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Estimated Duration: About 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,112 feet
Requirements: Permit (only for overnight camping).
The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most favored hiking trails within Grand Canyon National Park for obvious reasons. Along this path, hikers can follow history as they trace the footsteps of the canyon’s indigenous peoples and early pioneers, many of whom were miners who used the trail to access mining claims.
On this hike, scenic views of the Colorado River and Grand Canyon are bountiful, allowing hikers to feast their eyes on rewarding vistas. You can choose to extend your hike after reaching the 1.5-mile Resthouse to find your way to Havasupai Gardens, a popular rest and camping spot, once cared for and cultivated by indigenous peoples such as the Havasupai, Puebloans, and Cohonians. Once you reach the gardens, if you veer left to Plateau Point, hikers can witness unrivaled viewpoints of the Colorado River at this revered overlook.
Precipice Trail – Acadia National Park
Location: Acadia National Park
Distance: 2.7 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Estimated Duration: About 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Requirements: Park entrance pass
Both a challenging and exhilarating hike, the Precipice Trail, situated within Acadia National Park, boasts shocking views of the rugged Maine coastline. Although a shorter trail compared to the other scenic day hikes provided in this article, Precipice Trail’s nearly three-mile path brags its own unique viewpoints.
From dramatic cliff landscapes to striking granite formations, hikers experience the beauty of Maine and nature on this spectacular hike that weaves through lush forests filled with fir and spruce trees. And from the summit of Champlain Mountain are the rewarding panoramic vistas with views of Frenchman Bay and the islands off the coast.
Maple Pass Loop – Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Distance: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Estimated Duration: About 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,162 feet
Requirements: Northwest Forest Pass
On the border of North Cascades National Park, Maple Pass Loop is one of the top scenic day hikes that partially coincides with both the national park and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Well-known for its difficulty, this hike is even more widely repped for its epic views that make the whole journey that much more rewarding.
Along this scenic hike, hikers will experience the ultimate adventure through the Pacific Northwest’s enriching landscapes. Travel through alpine meadows swarming with beautiful wildflowers, trek up winding slopes, and revel in the abounding vistas of the Cascade Mountains, nearby peaks, and the shocking blue waters of Lake Ann.
Avalanche Lake Trail – Glacier National Park
Location: Glacier National Park
Distance: 5.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Duration: About 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 757 feet
Requirements: National park entrance pass
Get ready to soak in the breathtaking scenery of the Rocky Mountains on the Avalanche Lake Trail within Glacier National Park. The Avalanche Lake Trail features a relatively easy five-mile trip showcasing the natural beauty of Montana.
Revel in lush forests full of towering fir and spruce trees with backdrops of mighty mountains or the shockingly clear rushing waters of Avalanche Creek. Follow its path to Avalanche Lake, marked by its cascading waterfalls, tremendous cliffs, and serene shores.
Emerald Lake Trail – Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Duration: About 1-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 692 feet
Requirements: Timed entry permit
Be prepared to be wowed by the remarkable sights waiting along Rocky Mountain National Park’s Emerald Lake Trail. This captivating hike sets the scene for hikers to be knocked off their feet by the enriching sights of flourishing wildflower meadows, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain vistas.
The hike steadily climbs in elevation with scenic views for hikers to savor throughout. Once hikers reach Emerald Lake, nestled below the impressive Hallett Peak cliffs, they can bask in the picturesque emerald waters that shimmer with blues and greens, serenely reflecting the landscape around it.
Delicate Arch Trail – Arches National Park
Location: Arches National Park
Distance: 3.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Duration: About 1-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 629 feet
Requirements: Timed entry ticket
Located inside Arches National Park, the Delicate Arch Trail is one of the most renowned and iconic hikes in the United States. It features some of the most breathtaking sights, including the astounding naturally established arch that it’s named after.
Only a moderate three-mile hike, travelers can take their time absorbing the magnetic beauty of Utah’s rocky geologic structures. Don’t forget to capture plenty of pictures when you reach the Delicate Arch itself, the largest free-standing arch in the park, surrounded by unique rock formations and stunning sights that you’ll never want to forget.
Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn – Yellowstone National Park
Location: Yellowstone National Park
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Duration: About 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,404 feet
Requirements: Entrance fee
Raved about for its breathtaking views, the Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn hike in Yellowstone National Park is not one to be skipped. Hikers will begin at the parking lot area for Dunraven Pass; from there, the fun begins!
On this scenic journey, hikers will continue to be wowed by the outrageously gorgeous sights of alpine meadows, mountain backdrops, and enriching landscapes. Be prepared to see the local wildlife in their natural habitat, including bears, elk, and bison roaming freely.
Mount Storm King Trail – Olympic National Park
Location: Olympic National Park
Distance: 4.1 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Estimated Duration: About 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,106 feet
Requirements: National Park Pass
Expanding across four miles, this challenging hike is ever-so-rewarding with its stunning viewpoints. Across rocky terrain, surrounded by towering mountains, travelers will hike up the steep ascent to Mount Storm’s summit within Olympic National Park.
Although there are plenty of enriching sights to behold along this scenic day hike, the most rewarding is at the summit of Mount Storm. Here, hikers will be in awe of the impeccable panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, Lake Crescent, and the surrounding landscapes.
Tips for Planning Your Hike
Before you get hiking, it’s critical that you adequately prepare before you set out on one of these trails. Safety is of the utmost importance, especially with these longer and more challenging hikes.
- Check the weather forecast.
- Print/download your hiking permit if one is required.
- Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Follow the Leave No Trace rule.
- Carry a map or GPS device to prevent getting lost.
- Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit.
If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, you need to check out these scenic day hikes. Each hike features some of the most iconic backdrops, geological formations, and breathtaking vistas you could ever set your eyes on. These U.S. National Parks are the ultimate treasure trove for outdoor lovers, so get packing and get hiking!
Which national park has the best hikes?
Out of all the parks, Grand Canyon, Zion, and Yosemite are consistently cited as having the best hikes. While Zion is known for its slot canyons, the Grand Canyon is popular for its vast size and geological formations, and Yosemite for its shocking granite peaks and rushing waterfalls.
What are the top 10 national parks in the US?
There are many well-known national parks in the United States. Some of the most popular national parks include: Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Olympic, Great Smoky Mountains, and Grand Teton.
What is the #1 most visited national park?
The most visited national park in the United States is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was recorded to have had 12.19 million visitors in 2023.
