There are so many hikes in every national park in West USA, in different levels of difficulty, where you can easily fill a few days with. A little bit of planning before you go is not a big luxury. That’s why we thought to help you choose with listing the 5 most beautiful hiking trails in West USA! We would love if you let us know which one you prefer or which one you think is really worth it!
Read also: West USA: the ultimate road trip itinerary
Mist Trail – Yosemite National Park
Searching for some adventure? Then this walk is something for you! The Mist Trail starts at shuttle stop 16 “Happy Isles”. After a short walk along the river, you climb up quite steeply until you reach a pedestrian bridge with a first look of the Vernal Falls. You continue to climb via the slippery and wet steps, where you will be rewarded with a beautiful view. After this climb, you will discover why this walk is called the “Mist Trail”. You can go beyond the Emerald Pools to the Nevada Falls, where you reach the highest point of this hike. Return via the John Muir Trail, for a less steep and impressive route!
BOOK
The Mist Trail is included in this full-day hiking tour
WHERE TO STAY IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
The Monarch, Mariposa
The Narrows – Zion National Park
This walk is perfect for a hot summer day! You start with the Riverside Walk and then you follow the Virgin River via a paved path upstream until you reach the well-known Zion Narrows. Further through the narrow gorges, you walk in the water as far as you want. The further you walk, the narrower and nicer the gaps become. You can go a few miles deep into the gap without a permit, if you want to go even further you need a permit. If you have enough time, go to the most iconic point “Wall Street” and witness the beauty of Mother Nature! But be sure you bring some waterproof shoes and a hiking stick.
LOCATION
The Narrows, Zion National Park
WHERE TO STAY IN ZION NATIONAL PARK
Zion Mountain Ranch, Utah
Rim Trail – Grand Canyon National Park
The Rim Trail offers you the best views of the Grand Canyon. You walk flat, without ups and downs, on a paved road up to 12 miles. A very accessible hike for everyone. You can also choose to take the shuttle bus that makes a stop at the different viewpoints. Head to Mather Point or Hopi Point for the most memorable sunset of your life!
BOOK
You can easily explore some hiking trails on your own but if you prefer to have a guide we recommend this full-day hiking tour in the Grand Canyon.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE GRAND CANYON
Red Feather Lodge, Tusayan, Grand Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon – Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is one of the most famous and most photographed canyons in the world. Located near Page, the upper canyon is not so spectacular from the top, but down-under it is a true paradise for all kinds of photographers. It’s not a real hike, but we couldn’t skip this one.
BOOK
your ticket here for the Upper Antelope Canyon
WHERE TO STAY NEAR ANTELOPE CANYON
Quality Inn at Lake Powell, Page
Navajo Loop Trail – Bryce Canyon National Park
There is no place in the world like Bryce Canyon. The largest collection of Hoodoos (stone pillars) can be found here! The park is quite small so you can see a lot in one day. The Navajo Loop Trail is a 2-kilometer walk and starts at Sunset Point. From here you walk down past the iconic amphitheater and further you will zigzagging Wall Street. Because the different trails connect to each other very easily, you can discover a lot of different hikes in one day.
LOCATION
Navajo Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park
WHERE TO STAY NEAR BRYCE CANYON
Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn, Bryce City
GOOD TO KNOW:
if you plan to visit more than 2 national parks, you best buy a National Parks Pass when entering the 1st park. This pass gives you access to each National Park, costs $80, and is valid for one year after issuance. The pass is valid for the driver + 3 adults in the same car. (Children aged under 16 are free)
Find the most beautiful hiking trails in West USA with our travel resources
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