Next Outdoor Adventures

Hiking • Trail Picks & Planning

Best Hikes — Rocky Mountain, Bryce, Zion, Great Smoky, Shenandoah & Valley of Fire

Handpicked favorites with difficulty, distance, and quick planning notes. Always check current conditions, permits, and closures.

At-a-Glance: Favorite Trails by Park

Park	Signature Hike(s)	Difficulty	Distance (mi)	Elevation Gain	Notes
Rocky Mountain NP	Emerald Lake • Sky Pond	Easy → Strenuous	3.2 • 9.4	~650' • ~1,800'	Timed-entry seasonal; afternoon storms common
Bryce Canyon NP	Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden • Fairyland Loop	Easy-Mod • Moderate	2.9 • 7.8	~600' • ~1,700'	Reverse the loop for easier grades; minimal shade
Zion NP	Angels Landing • The Narrows (Bottom-Up)	Strenuous • Moderate	5.4 • up to 9+	~1,500' • variable	Permit for Angels Landing; watch Virgin River CFS
Great Smoky Mountains NP	Alum Cave → Mt. LeConte • Charlies Bunion	Strenuous • Moderate	10–11 • 8.0	~2,700' • ~1,600'	Humidity & rain common; bear awareness
Shenandoah NP	Old Rag Circuit • Hawksbill Summit	Strenuous • Easy-Mod	9.4 • 2.9	~2,400' • ~700'	Old Rag day-use permit (seasonal); rock scrambles
Valley of Fire SP	Fire Wave/Seven Wonders • White Domes Loop	Easy-Mod • Easy	1.9–3.2 • 1.1	~250' • ~150'	Extreme heat risk; carry ample water

Distances/gain are approximate and for general trip planning only.

Park-by-Park Guides

Rocky Mountain National Park alpine lakes

Rocky Mountain National Park Easy Moderate Strenuous

Emerald Lake Sky Pond Longs Peak (Keyhole)* Watch Videos

Classic alpine scenery: emerald lakes, waterfalls, and big-sky views. Mornings are calmer; thunderstorms tend to roll in after noon.

Trail Notes

Best seasons: Late spring–fall (snow/ice linger at higher lakes into June).
Access: Timed-entry windows typically in peak season; park shuttles for Bear Lake corridor.
Safety: Elevation & sudden weather shifts — pack layers and start early.

*Longs Peak is a mountaineering objective; experience, gear, and very early start required.

Bryce Canyon hoodoos

Bryce Canyon National Park Easy Moderate

Navajo + Queen’s Garden Fairyland Loop

Descend among hoodoos and amphitheaters with otherworldly light. Trails are exposed; sunrise and late afternoon provide shade and cooler temps.

Trail Notes

Best seasons: Spring–fall; winter offers unique snow-on-hoodoos scenes.
Access: High elevation; hydrate and take it slow on climbs.
Safety: Limited shade — sun protection and water are essential.

Zion National Park canyon views

Zion National Park Moderate Strenuous

The Narrows (Bottom-Up) Angels Landing* Watch Videos

Narrows offers a magical river-in-slot experience; Angels Landing delivers exposure and sweeping views along a chained ridge.

Trail Notes

Permits: Angels Landing requires a permit via lottery; Narrows depends on river conditions.
Access: Zion Canyon shuttle system (seasonal) for most trailheads.
Safety: Watch for flash-flood forecasts; don’t attempt during high flows.

*Not suitable for those uncomfortable with heights or exposure.

Acadia National Park coastline and granite peaks

Acadia National Park Easy Moderate Strenuous

Jordan Pond + South Bubble Beehive Loop* Precipice Trail* Watch Videos

Classic Maine coast views, granite peaks, and lakes linked by historic carriage roads. Choose family-friendly lakeside loops or airy rung-and-ladder routes with big ocean vistas.

Trail Notes

Best seasons: Late spring–fall; foliage pops in October.
Access: Cadillac Mountain sunrise typically requires a timed reservation in peak season.
Routes: Jordan Pond Loop (3.3 mi, easy); South Bubble from Jordan Pond (1–2.5 mi RT, mod); Beehive Loop (1.5 mi, exposed); Precipice (2.1 mi, exposed, often closed for nesting).
Safety: Beehive/Precipice feature exposure, iron rungs, and narrow ledges — not advised in wet/icy conditions.

*Exposure and ladders — suitable for confident hikers only; check seasonal closures (peregrine falcon nesting).

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim trail views

Grand Canyon National Park Moderate Strenuous

South Kaibab: Ooh Aah → Cedar Ridge Bright Angel: 1.5–3 mi Resthouse Rim-to-River†

Iconic “reverse mountain” hiking: easy going down, demanding on the way up. Start pre-dawn, respect heat, and plan turnaround times conservatively.

Trail Notes

Best seasons: Spring & fall on South Rim; summer heat is extreme below the rim. North Rim facilities are typically open mid-May to mid-October.
Routes: South Kaibab to Ooh Aah Point (1.8 mi RT, ~600' down/up) or Cedar Ridge (3 mi RT, ~1,140'); Bright Angel to 1.5 or 3-Mile Resthouse (3–6 mi RT, ~1,120'–2,060').
Water: Seasonal water on South Kaibab is limited; Bright Angel has water at resthouses when operational — always verify status.
Safety: Heat illness risk is high; carry electrolytes; know that “down is optional, up is mandatory.”

†Rim-to-River is an expert-level undertaking; permits, lodging (Phantom Ranch/backcountry), and careful logistics required.

Great Smoky Mountains misty ridgelines

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Moderate Strenuous

Alum Cave → Mt. LeConte Charlies Bunion

Lush forests, rhododendron tunnels, and long ridge views. Weather can change quickly; trails can be slick after rain.

Trail Notes

Best seasons: Spring wildflowers, fall foliage peaks; summers are humid.
Access: Popular lots fill early; plan dawn starts for marquee hikes.
Wildlife: Black bears present — keep distance and store food properly.

Shenandoah National Park overlook

Shenandoah National Park Easy Moderate Strenuous

Hawksbill Summit Dark Hollow Falls Old Rag* Watch Videos

Skyline Drive access to ridge summits, waterfalls, and big vistas. Plenty of family-friendly options plus adventurous rock scrambles.

Trail Notes

Permits: Old Rag day-use permit typically required in peak months.
Best seasons: Spring–fall; winter ice possible on higher trails.
Safety: Old Rag involves sustained rock scrambling; allow ample time.

*Carry gloves/grip for scrambles; avoid when wet/icy.

Valley of Fire colorful sandstone

Valley of Fire State Park Easy Moderate

Fire Wave / Seven Wonders White Domes Loop

Compact, photogenic trails through striped sandstone, short slot sections, and arches. Incredible at golden hour.

Trail Notes

Best seasons: Fall–spring; avoid mid-day summer heat.
Access: Day-use fee at entrance; parking is limited at popular trailheads.
Safety: Carry more water than you think you need; minimal shade.

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Planning Cheat-Sheet

Permits & Access

Rocky Mountain NP: timed-entry (peak season) for certain corridors.
Zion: Angels Landing permit via lottery; check river flows for Narrows.
Shenandoah: Old Rag day-use permit (seasonal).
Valley of Fire: day-use fee at entrance stations.

What to Pack

Water, electrolytes, sun protection; extra layers for altitude.
Traction (seasonal), trekking poles, headlamp, paper map/GPX.
Bear-aware practices in the Smokies; leave no trace everywhere.

Always verify official pages for current closures, weather, and road/shuttle status before you go.

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Source of Data

Distances/elevation and access notes compiled from official National Park Service pages, state park information, ranger updates, and widely used trail resources for cross-checks. Conditions and policies change — treat figures as planning estimates and confirm before your trip.

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