Ready for your next adventure? Believe it or not, an out-of-this-world trip might not be too far from your own backyard. Hiking trails across the United States from Arizona to Alaska offer easy access to some of the most incredible views on earth. Today, we’re highlighting five stand-out trails that are designed for weekend warriors looking to pack big experiences into limited amounts of time. So what are you waiting for? Pack your duffle, grab your gear, and hit the trail for an action-packed getaway.
Ewoldsen Trail, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Climb the highs and lows of California’s diverse topography on Ewoldsen Trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Take the serene McWay Creek into deep redwood groves and through grassy valleys for an enjoyable 5-mile roundtrip hike. The costal mountaintops offer picture-perfect views of the Pacific, and cements this trail as one of the best day hikes in Big Sur.
Hoh River Trail, Olympic National Park
For hikers looking to experience multiple ecosystems in a single trail, this is the path for you. Washington’s Olympic National Park is a diverse destination and home to the Hoh Rainforest. The Hoh River Trail weaves through 17-miles of the rainforest’s lush vegetation and moss-covered trees. If you plan on tackling the entire trail, be sure and pack your bags with plenty of food and water to maintain your endurance!
Harding Icefield Trail, Kenai Fjords National Park
Experienced hikers will want to tackle the Harding Icefield Trail at Kenai Fjords National Park. This famous glacier is 125 miles south of Anchorage, Alaska and offers views that are simply otherworldly. Through the hike, you’ll see various types of forests, as well as picturesque alpine meadows. Beware, this trail is strenuous and is best climbed from May to October because of the weather conditions. The trail gains 1000ft of elevation for every mile – talk about a challenge!
Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park
For an early spring or summer hike, we love the beautiful Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park. This 5.4 mile trail snakes along two waterfalls: Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. From March to June, water flow is at its peak, so you’ll enjoy the full effects of the aptly named “Mist Trail”.
Templeton Trail, Coconino National Forest
The great American west is beautifully showcased in Arizona’s Templeton Trail in the Coconino National Forest. This 7-mile trail highlights Sedona’s famous red rocks, and is best known for winding around the base of Cathedral Rock. Venture off onto interconnected paths to view other renowned rock formations including Courthouse Butte and Two Nuns.
This article was originally published on OuiPlease.com
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