Out-and-back 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.

The most popular trail into the Grand Canyon, Bright Angel Trail offers stunning views, shade, resthouses, and seasonal water sources. The trail follows a natural break in the canyon's cliffs created by a fault line. Hikers can choose various turnaround points like 1.5 Mile Resthouse (3 miles round trip) or 3 Mile Resthouse (6 miles round trip). For experienced hikers, continuing to Plateau Point (12 miles round trip) or even the Colorado River (16+ miles round trip) provides incredible views, though these longer journeys are recommended as overnight trips.

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.

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.

This classic hike in Arches National Park leads to Utah's most famous natural arch, which appears on the state's license plates. The 3-mile round trip climbs steadily across open slickrock with no shade, culminating in a dramatic reveal as you round a corner to see the 46-foot-tall freestanding arch. Sunset is particularly spectacular as the arch glows red in the fading light, though this is also the busiest time. There's little trail marking across the slickrock sections, so pay attention to rock cairns that mark the route.

Acadia National Park's most challenging and thrilling trail, the Precipice is essentially a non-technical rock climb with iron rungs, ladders, and handrails assisting your ascent up nearly vertical cliffs. The 1,000-foot climb in less than a mile leads to stunning views of Mount Desert Island and the Atlantic Ocean. This trail is not for those with a fear of heights and is typically closed from late spring to late summer to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Descend via the less steep Champlain North Ridge Trail for a 3.2-mile loop.

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 ridge-line trail in Grand Canyon National Park offers the most spectacular views per mile of any trail in the canyon. Unlike Bright Angel Trail which follows a side canyon, South Kaibab travels along an exposed ridge, providing expansive panoramas in all directions. Popular turnaround points include Ooh Aah Point (1.8 miles round trip), Cedar Ridge (3 miles round trip), and Skeleton Point (6 miles round trip). The trail has no water sources and little shade, making it particularly challenging in hot weather. Despite the relatively short distances, elevation changes of 1,200-2,000 feet make this a strenuous hike.

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.