10 Epic U.S. Hikes for Easy, Moderate, and Strenuous Hikers

Hike Level: Easy

Glacier Point Hike – Yosemite, CA

1 Mile Round-Trip

If the Half Dome hike in Yosemite seems too daunting, don’t worry. The Glacier Point Hike one of the most epic hikes for beginners, and you still get to experience Yosemite in all its beauty. So, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything! It’s a mostly flat hike, but once you’re at the vantage point, you’ll get an epic 270-degree view of the surrounding mountains.  

Queens Garden Trail – Bryce Canyon, UT

1.8 Miles Round-Trip

Looking for a stunning yet simple trail in Bryce Canyon? Check out the Queens Garden trail, entering from the Rim Trail. With a variety of natural wonders like hoodoos (AKA, those tall, thin spires of rock), you’re sure to enjoy your hiking adventure and capture some great photos, too! Known as the easiest hike in Bryce Canyon, the Queens Garden Trail is perfect for hikers of all ages and experience levels.

Rubicon Trail Hike – Lake Tahoe, CA

8 Miles Round-Trip

For a trail with stunning lake and mountain views, the Rubicon Trail Hike is for you. Located on the southwest shore of Tahoe, this hiking trail offers a variety of adventures perfect for hikers of all ages. While it is eight miles round-trip, this hike is wonderful for an all-day activity. Plus, when you need a break, you can stop alongside the shoreline for a picnic, and take some pictures with the family!

Hike Level: Moderate

High Dune – Great Sand Dunes, CO

4 Miles Round-Trip 

While there aren’t technically any trails in the sand of Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, this route is still a must-see. With the tallest dune being 750 feet tall, you’ll get to explore the highest dunes in North America. We recommend walking through the sand and climbing these dunes in the late spring or early fall—as sand temperatures can skyrocket up to 150°F during the summer.

Maroon Belles Hike – Snowmass Village, CO

13 Miles Round-Trip

If you’re in search of one of the best epic hikes to make perfect day-trip out of in Colorado, look no further. With a stunning backdrop and a variety of other hiking trails, you just can’t go wrong with the Maroon Belles hiking trail. Located in the pristine Rocky Mountains, this trail will give you views of various cascades, greenery, and lakes. Plus, you can take a shuttle to get there, which is perfect for travelers or people who don’t live close by!

The Wave Trail – Paria Canyon Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, AZ

6 Miles Round-Trip

So extraordinary, it feels otherworldly. While there’s technically not a hiking path here, exploring this area is bucket-list worthy, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One thing to note: a permit is required. In order to obtain the necessary permit to visit, be sure to apply here. While it may seem like a hassle to obtain this permit, we promise this view will be worth it.

Ice Lake Trails – San Juan National Forest, CO

3.6 Miles Round-Trip

If you love stunning mountain scenery, look no further than the Ice Lake Trails. With views of two of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the country, this beauty is sure to be a lasting memory. We must note that while this is one of the most epic hikes in the U.S., this route is the most difficult of our moderate-listed routes. So, be sure to bring water, comfortable hiking boots, and a hiking backpack in order to make your trek more enjoyable.

Hike Level: Strenuous

Rim to Rim – Grand Canyon, AZ

For an experience like no other, be sure to check out the Grand Canyon. A rim-to-rim hike in the Grand Canyon typically means hiking from the south rim to the north. Or, north to south. You can do this hike with a tour guide, and it can be completed within a day. But, we recommend taking your time to enjoy all the beautiful scenery that the Grand Canyon has to offer. Plus, once you get down to the bottom, you are able to  camp overnight in a house! It must be noted that this house has no windows or doors, but it does have running water. You will be served dinner, and you have the opportunity to stay up late to admire the stars above.  

Note: the trek down isn’t too difficult, however, it is long. We recommend bringing a pair of trekking poles to help break your fall on rocky steps and to better provide support on the way up. 

Half Dome – Yosemite, CA

17 Miles Round-Trip

In addition to being Yosemite’s most famous hike, the Half Dome is also the most challenging. But there’s nothing like that final view once you reach the top. Offering the best views of Yosemite National Park, a variety of Verna and Nevada’s waterfalls and a multitude of Sequoia trees can also be spotted from the peak of this hike. Due to extreme popularity, to tackle this hike, you will need a permit. In order to obtain the necessary permit, be sure to apply between March 1 and March 31. Permits are awarded in a preseason lottery for the summer hiking season.

Wonderland Trail – Mount Rainier, WA

93 Miles Round-Trip

There’s nothing more rewarding than reaching the mountain’s peak after a long hike. On the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier, when you reach the top, not only do you get a 360-degree view of the mountains, but you can also see the cities below, too! This trail is best for seasoned hikers, as this route takes an average of two weeks to complete and spans a variety of terrain. From valleys, to rock, and even ice, this trail can be difficult to tackle all at once. We recommend venturing this trail slowly to avoid altitude sickness. Pro tip: visit in the spring or summer, to avoid rainy and freezing weather.

Now that you know the 10 most epic hikes in the U.S., it’s time to plan your next adventure! For more tips and advice before heading out on the mountain, be sure to check out our Adventure Resource Guide. Check out a store near you today!