The earth boasts rugged landscapes, breathtaking spots, and scenic vistas. Being an avid hiker, I know it feels like quite a task to choose between various hiking destinations. One side of your personality might convince you to trek through the rugged treks of mountains; the other one might be dying to visit waterfalls, but where can you get all? It’s the US, a versatile land encompassing dramatic coastlines, deep canyons, and towering mountains. So, if you are planning on hiking, I am here covering the seven best states of the US for hiking. Let’s uncover each of the lands, leaving you awe-inspired by their beauty.
1. California
The diverse landscapes of California offer unmatched hiking experiences to people, rendering it one of the best states in the US.
- Why It’s Great: California offers a diverse range of hiking experiences, from the rugged coastline to majestic mountains and arid deserts. Its national parks are world-renowned, providing something for every type of hiker.
Top Trails
- John Muir Trail: This 211-mile trail in the Sierra Nevada is a must-do for serious hikers, taking you through some of the most stunning scenery in the High Sierra, including impressive rock formations.
- Yosemite’s Mist Trail: Famous for its waterfalls, this trail offers spectacular views and a challenging climb. The trail is perfect for those seeking panoramic views and day hikes.
- Pacific Crest Trail: Stretching from Mexico to Canada, this iconic trail passes through California and showcases the state’s varied terrain.
Highlights
Have a look at the trail highlights:
- Yosemite National Park: Known for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. The falls trail offers easy hiking options for beginners and awe-inspiring vistas.
- Joshua Tree National Park: A unique desert landscape with fascinating rock formations and hiking trails.
- Redwood National and State Parks: Home to the tallest trees on Earth and beautiful coastal trails, with a number of hiking trails for all levels.
2. Colorado
The alpine lakes and challenging treks are what make this one of the best states for hiking adventures.
- Why It’s Great: Colorado is a hiker’s dream with its Rocky Mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and high-altitude trails. The state offers a range of hiking experiences, from easy day hikes to strenuous multi-day treks.
Top Trails
- Longs Peak: A challenging 14er (14,000-foot peak) with a strenuous climb that rewards hikers with breathtaking views and panoramic views.
- Maroon Bells- Snowmass Wilderness: Famous for the Maroon Bells, this area features several stunning trails and picturesque alpine lakes.
- Hanging Lake: A beautiful hike leading to a hanging lake with crystal-clear water and stunning waterfalls.
Highlights
Below are the highlights of this hiking state:
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Offers diverse trails with high-altitude peaks and scenic lakes. It’s one of the best state parks for hiking in the US.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park: Features the tallest sand dunes in North America, with unique hiking opportunities.
- Flatirons in Boulder: Iconic rock formations with accessible trails and panoramic views.
3. Washington
If you are eager to witness the peak of beauty and diversity from landscapes to rugged mountains and slot canyons, then Washington is calling you.
- Why It’s Great: Washington’s varied landscape includes lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and rugged coastlines. The state is known for its diverse ecosystems and challenging hikes, including slot canyons.
Top Trails
- Mount Rainier’s Wonderland Trail: A circumnavigation of Mount Rainier that covers diverse terrain and offers stunning views of mountain trails.
- Enchanted Valley Trail: A lush rainforest trail in Olympic National Park that follows the Quinault River.
- Hoh Rain Forest Trail: An enchanting hike through one of the world’s last temperate rainforests.
Highlights
Below are the highlights of Washington hiking state:
- Olympic National Park: Known for its diverse ecosystems, including coastal, alpine, and temperate rainforest environments. It’s among the best state parks in Texas for hiking and the best state parks overall.
- Mount Rainier National Park: Offers iconic views and challenging trails around the massive stratovolcano.
- North Cascades National Park: Features rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and fewer crowds for a more serene hiking experience.
4. Utah
Next comes Utah, which has views as fascinating as the name itself.
- Why It’s Great: Utah is famous for its dramatic red rock landscapes, slot canyons, and arches. The state’s national parks, known as the “Mighty Five,” offer some of the most unique and scenic hikes in the country. All these features render it one of the best states for hiking in the US.
Top Trails
- Angels Landing: A thrilling hike in Zion National Park with stunning views and a steep ascent.
- Delicate Arch: An iconic arch in Arches National Park, with a relatively short but rewarding hike.
- The Narrows: A hike through the Virgin River in Zion National Park, walking through a slot canyon with towering walls.
Highlights
The below-mentioned highlights make it stand out among the US states for hiking.
- Zion National Park: Offers a range of hikes, from easy strolls to challenging scrambles.
- Arches National Park: Famous for its natural arches and unique rock formations.
- Canyonlands National Park: Features dramatic canyons and mesas, with diverse hiking opportunities.
5. Oregon
Folks, Oregon dazzles with its wild mix of emerald forests, volcanic spires, and stunning coastlines, offering hikers a dreamscape of adventure.
- Why It’s Great: Oregon is known for its diverse landscapes, including lush forests, volcanic peaks, and rugged coastlines. The state offers a variety of trails that showcase its natural beauty.
Top Trails
- Timberline Trail: A scenic loop around Mount Hood with alpine meadows and volcanic landscapes.
- Pacific Crest Trail: Passes through Oregon’s Cascade Range, offering stunning views and challenging terrain.
- Columbia River Gorge: Features numerous waterfalls and lush forest trails.
You can check details of different hiking trails in Oregon in this article for insights.
Highlights
- Crater Lake National Park: Home to the deepest lake in the US, with stunning views and challenging hikes.
- Mount Hood National Forest: Offers a range of trails with views of the iconic volcano.
- Oregon Coast Trail: Follows the coastline with beautiful views of beaches and rocky headlands.
6. Arizona
Believe me, in Arizona, the rocks are red, the deserts are hot, and the hikes are so epic they’ll make you forget you’re sweating like a cactus in July.
- Why It’s Great: Arizona’s desert landscapes, canyons, and red rock formations offer a unique hiking experience. The state is known for its dramatic scenery and challenging hikes.
Top Trails
- Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Trail: A classic hike into the Grand Canyon with stunning views and a challenging descent.
- Havasu Falls: A hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Grand Canyon, with turquoise waters and lush surroundings.
- Camelback Mountain: Offers a challenging climb with panoramic views of Phoenix and the surrounding area.
Highlights
- Grand Canyon National Park: Features a range of trails with breathtaking views of one of the world’s natural wonders.
- Sedona: Known for its red rock formations and numerous hiking trails with stunning scenery.
- Saguaro National Park: Offers trails through the iconic saguaro cactus landscape.
However, if you want a detailed guide on the Arizona trail, check out this article.
7. New Hampshire
When mountains are steep and the trails are rugged, the only thing more breathtaking than the views is trying to catch your breath on the way up. So, why not explore one of the best hiking states in US.
- Why It’s Great: New Hampshire offers rugged mountain terrain and beautiful forested trails. The state is known for its challenging hikes and stunning mountain views, including those on the Appalachian Trail.
Top Trails
- Mount Washington: The highest peak in the Northeast, with a challenging ascent and incredible views.
- Franconia Ridge Loop: A popular hike in the White Mountains with panoramic views from the ridge.
- Crawford Path: The oldest continuously maintained trail in the US, leading to Mount Washington.
Highlights
- White Mountain National Forest: Features numerous trails with varied difficulty levels and stunning mountain scenery. It’s among the best state parks in Texas for hiking.
- Mount Monadnock: Offers a challenging hike with panoramic views from the summit.
- Presidential Range: Includes several peaks with challenging hikes and stunning views.
Final Words
Summing up what has been discussed so far, the article covered some of the breathtaking hiking destinations in the US, each offering unique landscapes and trails that cater to all levels of hikers. Whether you’re seeking the rugged beauty of the Rockies, the diverse ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest, or the dramatic red rock formations of the Southwest, these states provide incredible opportunities for outdoor adventure. Pack your gear, pick up poles, choose your trail, and get ready to explore some of the most stunning natural landscapes the US has to offer.
