5 Most Beautiful Hikes

Then there was the inherent arrogance of such a list. No matter how many iconic routes I have completed or peaks I have summited, there are always more waiting to be discovered. Any selection I made would merely reflect a fraction of my personal journey.

Yet I kept returning to the profound impact these hikes had on my life. The Grand Canyon inspired me to sell my home and embrace life on the road. The Pacific Crest Trail solidified my identity as a thru-hiker. Living near Max Patch in Appalachia deepened my longing for higher and wilder landscapes. If I could convey how these places reshaped my perspective—and might do the same for others—then the task felt worthwhile. Merely witnessing nature is powerful, but allowing it to alter your path is transformative. That became my guiding principle: trails so awe-inspiring they fundamentally changed me.

Practical Considerations

Beyond personal significance, two practical criteria shaped my selections. First, all hikes are located within the contiguous United States. Alaska, Hawaii, and territories like Puerto Rico deserve their own dedicated lists. Second, none of these trails are hidden gems vulnerable to overcrowding. These are iconic routes that ignited my desire for deeper exploration, not secrets at risk of being loved to death.

My hope is that these choices spark your own sense of wonder—to borrow from Barry Lopez, who would have surely disapproved of rankings, may they make the world "flare up" before you.

Black Elk Peak, South Dakota

Stretching seven to thirteen miles depending on your chosen path, this day hike traverses ancient granite formations with panoramic views spanning five states. The terrain involves steady climbs and descents, all manageable for most hikers. Begin at the Sylvan Lake Parking Lot for the most straightforward access.

What sets Black Elk Peak apart is its blend of natural beauty and historical weight. The Black Hills are home to six national park sites, but Custer State Park—often overlooked—is a true standout. Its seventy thousand acres encompass pristine lakes, roaming bison, and the summit that gives this hike its name. The trail winds through towering rock spires before culminating at a historic fire lookout. Renamed in 2016 to honor a Lakota healer, the peak stands as a poignant reminder of America’s complex relationship with its landscapes and its past.

For a less demanding alternative, explore the swimming spots and rocky outcrops around Sylvan Lake.

Coyote Buttes North: The Wave, Arizona

This six- to ten-mile trek requires a permit, a testament to its fragile beauty. The terrain consists of gradual inclines under the relentless desert sun, beginning at the Wire Pass Trailhead.

The Wave is a surreal masterpiece of wind-sculpted sandstone, resembling a digital rendering more than a natural formation. Once known only to local ranchers, it now draws visitors from across the globe. Beyond the iconic undulations, the area hides dinosaur tracks and hidden alcoves like the so-called Dinosaur Dance Floor.

If securing a permit proves difficult, Coyote Buttes South offers equally striking scenery with far fewer restrictions.

The Florida Trail’s First Thirty Miles

Covering thirty point six miles through Big Cypress National Preserve, this two- to three-day adventure is flat but often flooded—prepare to wade. Start at the Oasis Visitor Center for the full experience.

This stretch of the Florida Trail redefines what hiking can be. Wading through alligator-filled waters beneath a canopy of air plants and orchids feels like stepping into another world. Cypress domes rise like distant mountains, while hardwood hammocks provide unlikely tropical campsites. It is a visceral, unforgettable journey into one of America’s most unique ecosystems.

For a tamer introduction to Florida’s wild side, walk the Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park.

Franconia Ridge Loop, New Hampshire

This nine-mile loop can be completed in half a day, though the steep ascent, rolling ridge, and sharp descent demand attention. Start at the Lafayette Place Campground for the most direct route.

The Franconia Ridge Loop distills the grandeur of the White Mountains into a single, manageable hike. The traverse between Mount Lafayette and Little Haystack offers alpine tundra vistas stretching as far as Canada, while the descent passes roaring waterfalls and dense forests. It is a perfect introduction to the addictive thrill of mountain hiking.

If the climb feels daunting, the Mount Washington Auto Road delivers summit views without the effort.

Grand Canyon: Rim-to-Rim

Spanning twenty to thirty miles depending on your route, this one- to three-day trek is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Begin at the North Kaibab Trailhead to finish with the reward of South Rim amenities.

Hiking from one rim of the Grand Canyon to the other is a meditation on time and scale. Descending through layers of rock, crossing the Colorado River, and ascending the opposite wall is a transformative experience. The landscape’s sheer immensity forces a shift in perspective—both of the earth’s history and your own place within it.

For a shorter taste of the canyon, hike to Ooh Aah Point on the South Kaibab Trail.