Mountain Views Hiking Trails & Quests

One of Zion National Park's most renowned hikes, Angels Landing follows a narrow ridge with 1,000-foot drop-offs on either side. The trail features chains to hold onto along challenging sections, offering unparalleled views of Zion Canyon. Due to its popularity, permits are required to hike beyond Scout Lookout to Angels Landing. This hike is not recommended for those with a fear of heights or young children.

This iconic Yosemite hike ascends 4,800 feet from the valley floor to the summit of Half Dome. The trail passes Vernal and Nevada Falls before reaching the cable section—a steep climb requiring upper body strength to pull yourself up the final 400 feet using steel cables. Permits are required for the cable section (typically available from late May to early October, weather permitting). This challenging 16-mile round trip rewards hikers with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.

One of Glacier National Park's premier hikes, the Highline Trail follows the Continental Divide along the Garden Wall, offering spectacular views of glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and wildlife. Starting at Logan Pass, the trail traverses along cliff faces with dramatic drop-offs (a hand cable provides security in one narrow section). Many hikers take the trail to Haystack Butte (7.2 miles round trip) or continue to the Granite Park Chalet before returning via the Loop Trail for a 11.6-mile one-way journey. Look for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and possibly grizzly bears.

This challenging trail in Kenai Fjords National Park climbs 3,000 feet through forest and meadows to reach a stunning overlook of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield, where endless ice stretches as far as the eye can see. Along the way, hikers pass Exit Glacier and enjoy increasingly panoramic views. The 8.2-mile round trip is typically covered in snow until July, and weather can change rapidly. Wildlife sightings may include black bears, mountain goats, and marmots. Early starts are recommended as the hike typically takes 6-8 hours.

Starting from the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park, this popular trail offers some of the best views of Mount Rainier for moderate effort. The 5.7-mile round trip passes through alpine meadows, often blooming with wildflowers in summer, before reaching a historic fire lookout at 7,181 feet. From the lookout, hikers enjoy panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Grand Park, and on clear days, the Cascade Range. Watch for mountain goats, marmots, and pikas among the rocks. The trail is typically snow-free from mid-July through September.

This steep, challenging trail in Olympic National Park climbs relentlessly to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains. The 4.1-mile round trip gains over 2,000 feet in elevation, with the final section requiring scrambling with the assistance of ropes (not maintained by the park service). The reward is one of the most spectacular views in the park, with the deep blue waters of Lake Crescent framed by forested mountains. This trail is not recommended for children or those uncomfortable with exposure and heights, particularly at the final scramble section.

One of the most photographed spots on the entire 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail, McAfee Knob features a rocky outcropping that juts dramatically over the Catawba Valley in Virginia. The 8.8-mile round trip hike follows white-blazed AT trail markers through hardwood forest before reaching the iconic overlook at 3,197 feet. The panoramic vista spans the Catawba Valley, North Mountain, Tinker Cliffs, and the Roanoke Valley. The trail is relatively moderate except for its length, with about 1,700 feet of elevation gain. Start early to avoid crowds at the popular summit area.

The classic route to the summit of 14,259-foot Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado's most challenging and popular 14ers. This 13-mile round trip with nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain traverses diverse terrain, from forest and alpine tundra to exposed rock faces requiring hand-and-foot climbing. After reaching the Keyhole formation, the route becomes increasingly difficult, crossing the intimidating Narrows and steep Homestretch before reaching the surprisingly flat summit. Early starts (2-3am) are essential to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, and the route is typically attempted only from late July through September when free of snow and ice.