The American West offers some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes on the planet. From towering mountain peaks to deep desert canyons, ancient forests to coastal cliffs, the terrain provides endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure on foot. The region’s national parks, wilderness areas, and public lands protect these natural wonders while providing access to hikers of all experience levels.
Here is a list of 20 magnificent hiking trails in the Western United States that showcase the region’s remarkable diversity and natural beauty.
The Narrows, Zion National Park
This iconic hike takes adventurers through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, with walls towering up to 1,000 feet overhead as hikers wade through the Virgin River. The ever-changing light creates a photographer’s paradise as sunbeams bounce off red rock walls in an endless display of color.
The trail can be experienced as either a top-down overnight journey or as a bottom-up day hike, accessible to most fitness levels.
Angels Landing, Zion National Park
Perhaps the most thrilling trail in America’s national park system, Angels Landing tests both physical stamina and mental fortitude. The final half-mile traverses a narrow ridge with 1,000-foot dropoffs on both sides, aided by chains bolted into the rock.
Those who conquer this challenging route are rewarded with unparalleled panoramic views of Zion Canyon’s magnificent landscape.
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Half Dome, Yosemite National Park
This legendary 14–16 mile round-trip adventure culminates in an exhilarating climb up steel cables to reach the summit of Half Dome at 8,846 feet. The trail passes beautiful Vernal and Nevada Falls before ascending through forests to the base of the dome.
Permits are required for the cable section, which rises 400 vertical feet at a steep angle that’s nearly impossible to climb without assistance.
The Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness
This challenging 18-mile traverse through Washington’s Cascade Mountains showcases a fairy tale landscape of crystal-clear alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and pristine forests. Mountain goats roam freely among polished granite basins that hold turquoise waters.
While it is possible as a challenging day hike, most hikers secure the coveted overnight permits to appreciate this magical wilderness fully.
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park
This well-maintained trail provides the classic Grand Canyon hiking experience, descending 4,380 feet from the South Rim to the Colorado River. Switchbacks cut through 2 billion years of Earth’s geological history, revealing layer upon layer of colorful rock formations.
Rest houses and water stations positioned along the route make this an ideal introduction to canyon hiking.
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Kalalau Trail, Kauai
Stretching 11 miles along Kauai’s stunning Na Pali Coast, this trail delivers breathtaking Pacific Ocean views from towering sea cliffs. The path crosses five valleys before ending at secluded Kalalau Beach, where waterfalls cascade directly into the sea.
The trail’s narrow passages, stream crossings, and occasional exposure to heights make this a serious undertaking that requires proper preparation.
Observation Point, Zion National Park
Rising 2,100 feet above the canyon floor, this trail rewards hikers with the most comprehensive view of Zion’s magnificent landscape. The 8-mile round-trip journey winds through stunning Echo Canyon before climbing to the viewpoint that stands 700 feet higher than the more famous Angels Landing.
The panorama encompasses most of Zion Canyon, creating perspective-altering vistas that capture the park’s full grandeur.
Lake Solitude, Grand Teton National Park
This moderate day hike delivers visitors to a serene alpine lake surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Teton Range. The trail passes through wildflower meadows and forest before opening to dramatic mountain views that intensify with each step forward.
Wildlife sightings frequently enhance the journey, with moose often seen grazing in the marshy areas along the route.
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Highline Trail, Glacier National Park
This extraordinary path follows the Continental Divide through Glacier’s dramatic alpine landscape, offering constant panoramic views of glacially-carved valleys and peaks. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep regularly appear on nearby slopes, sometimes venturing onto the trail itself.
The relatively modest elevation gain makes this spectacular route accessible to moderately experienced hikers despite its high-alpine setting.
South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park
This ridge-line route offers superior views compared to its more popular counterpart, the Bright Angel Trail. Its steep descent is accompanied by unobstructed panoramas. Just 0.9 miles in, “Ooh-Aah Point” lives up to its name, providing an early reward for minimal effort.
The trail’s lack of shade and water makes it better suited for the winter months or very early morning summer starts.
Mount Whitney Trail, Sierra Nevada
Standing tall at 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney represents the highest summit in the contiguous United States and a bucket-list achievement for many hikers—the 22-mile round-trip trail gains over 6,100 feet in elevation, requiring excellent physical conditioning and proper acclimatization.
Most hikers start before dawn to reach the summit by midday and return before afternoon thunderstorms develop.
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Wonderland Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
This legendary 93-mile loop completely encircles Mount Rainier, crossing through virtually every ecosystem within the national park. Hikers traverse subalpine meadows, ancient forests, and rocky slopes while experiencing dramatic views of the mountain from all angles.
The trail features nearly 23,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain, making it a serious endeavor typically completed over 7-14 days.
The Wave, Arizona
Located in the remote Coyote Buttes area of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, this surreal sandstone formation resembles a petrified ocean frozen in time. The undulating patterns of red, orange, and yellow stone create one of the most photographed landscapes in the Southwest.
Access is extremely limited, with only 64 permits issued daily through a highly competitive lottery system.
Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
This moderate 5.5-mile trail offers perhaps the most spectacular wildflower displays in the national park system when summer blooms peak in late July and early August. The path climbs through Paradise meadows with constant views of Mount Rainier’s glaciated slopes looming overhead.
Mountain streams, small waterfalls, and potential wildlife sightings enhance the experience throughout.
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Middle Fork Salmon River Trail, Idaho
Following the pristine Middle Fork of the Salmon River through the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, this 80-mile trail passes natural hot springs, Native American pictographs, and abundant wildlife.
The moderate elevation changes make this a more accessible multi-day adventure compared to many mountain treks. Side trails lead to crystal-clear alpine lakes nestled among forested mountains.
Buckskin Gulch, Utah
The longest and deepest slot canyon in the Southwest stretches for 13 miles through southern Utah’s remarkable landscape. Towering walls rise hundreds of feet overhead while narrowing to just 2 feet wide in some sections, creating an otherworldly hiking experience.
The relative flatness of the canyon floor makes this more an adventure in navigation and scrambling than a traditional hiking challenge.
Timberline Trail, Oregon
This 40-mile loop around Mount Hood traverses wildflower meadows, alpine forests, and dramatic ridgelines while providing constant views of Oregon’s highest peak. The trail crosses numerous glacier-fed streams and passes several waterfalls, including the famous Ramona Falls.
Variations in terrain and ecosystems create a constantly changing backdrop throughout the journey.
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Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, Yosemite National Park
This strenuous 7.2-mile round-trip hike climbs 2,700 feet to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall, where hikers can (carefully) peer over the edge of the 1,430-foot upper cascade. With each switchback conquered, the trail delivers increasingly spectacular views of Yosemite Valley.
Early morning starts help hikers avoid crowds and afternoon heat on this challenging but rewarding route.
Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop, Colorado
This 26-mile backcountry route traverses four mountain passes over 12,000 feet, offering some of the most stunning alpine scenery in the Rockies. The trail passes through fields of wildflowers beneath the iconic Maroon Bells, two of Colorado’s most photographed peaks.
Crystal-clear alpine lakes provide perfect camping spots during this challenging 3-4 day adventure.
Pacific Crest Trail, Oregon Section
While the entire 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail would require months to complete, the Oregon section offers a perfect two—to three-week sample of this legendary path. The trail winds through ancient forests, alpine meadows, and volcanic landscapes while passing pristine mountain lakes perfect for afternoon swims.
Moderate elevation changes make this section more accessible than the California or Washington portions.
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Trails of Wonder
The Western United States holds an embarrassment of riches for hiking enthusiasts seeking unforgettable outdoor experiences. These trails represent just a small fraction of the incredible routes weaving through this remarkable landscape.
The diversity of ecosystems, geological features, and terrain ensures that every hiker can find their perfect path through this magnificent wilderness, creating lasting connections with some of America’s most precious natural treasures.
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