Planning your trip to some of the most iconic National Parks can feel overwhelming. Hundreds of miles of trails, millions of acres of jaw-dropping wild spaces, hours between trailheads… and only days to explore.
Every time we go to explore a new place, we feel your pain. After literally hiking all 734 miles of trail in Glacier, then identifying and hiking just about every conceivable day hike in Grand Teton, Olympic, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion National Parks, we’ve put together the ultimate planning resource.
We don’t just tell you about each trail in an honest way, we make recommendations. We also help you sort out all of the Fees, Permits, Passes, and Reservations which can be confusing/tricky/overwhelming!
Find your next destination below and click on it for a list of the day hikes, ordered by our recommendations. Pick up one of our map-guides that puts all of this information in the palm of your hand.
Glacier National Park
Two plates collided, then glaciers carved the gnarled rock into knife-edge ridges and U-shaped valleys filled with rivers, lakes, and streams. Abundant wildlife and flowers line the over 700 miles of trails. Explore it in magical day hikes or immerse yourself on a multi-day trek.
Grand Teton National Park
The iconic Teton Range abruptly juts into the air from the level meadows of Jackson Hole giving you the feeling that you just stepped into a painting. The Snake River meanders the valley being fed by crystal clear streams trickling out from the mountains. On the way to the river, these streams pass through stunning lakes that attract moose and visitors alike.
Olympic National Park
Rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and the perfect combination of sandy and rocky coasts of the Pacific Ocean. Olympic truly is three parks in one. The diversity of landscapes and flora are astounding. What other national parks allow you to see marmots and whales?
Rocky Mountain National Park
Steep gorges enclose sparkling lakes while the Trail Ridge Road leads to vast alpine meadows. One of Colorado’s famous fourteeners, Longs Peak serves as a tentpole to this mountainous region. Elk are plentiful and the views and elevation will take your breath away.
Yellowstone National Park
Geysers, hot spring, mud pots, grizzlies, elk and bison. Yellowstone is truly a unique place. Two million acres full of sagebrush meadows, dramatic canyons, waterfalls, and stunning peaks are just begging to be explored.
Yosemite National Park
Waterfalls pour over granite walls to the wide meadows of iconic Yosemite Valley. Up along the Tioga Road jagged peaks, rounded domes, and alpine meadows delight in this hiker’s paradise.
Zion National Park
The Virgin River slices through the red and white sandstone of the inspiring cathedral that is Zion Canyon. Trails probe into canyons with The Narrows being the quintessential walk. Hikes lead out of the valley to the rim giving you breathtaking views looking down.