From Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Yellowstone National Park to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Glacier National Park, there’s no denying that there are some pretty amazing bucket list National Park hikes in the US!
I decided to round up some of the best bucket list National Park hikes to share with you.
Some are my own to share, and others are contributed by other National Park lovers.
If you don’t already have a National Parks bucket list, get ready to start one; you’re going to need it after reading this post!
1. Grand Canyon National Park – Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village Hike
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 24 miles
Type: Point-to-point
AllTrails Link: Rim-to-Rim: North Kaibab to Grand Canyon Village
The North Kaibab to Bright Angel rim-to-rim Grand Canyon hike was one of the hardest yet most rewarding hikes I’ve done to date.
It is a very difficult hike, and you need to train for it. Make sure you take plenty of water and train in the heat as much as you can leading up to the hike.
The trail we took started on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and ended on the South Rim.
This hike was one of my favorites because no matter where you are on the hike, there are amazing views and a very interesting trail.
If you attempt this in a day, make sure to stop at Phantom Ranch for a lemonade; trust me when I say it will be the best lemonade of your life.
This trail will take you over the Colorado River as well. We came across a donkey caravan on our way up out of the Canyon.
If the full rim-to-rim in a day is too much, you can hike down the Bright Angel Trail as far as you’d like and then hike back out the way you came. We came across several folks who did this.
Recommended by Jennilyn G. from Journey With The Gs
2. Saguaro National Park – Valley View Overlook Trail Hike
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.8 miles
Type: Out & back
AllTrails Link: Valley View Overlook Trail
Our family of five loved the Valley View Hike in Saguaro West National Park.
Yes, Saguaro NP is broken up into two sides, East and West, and Tucson, Arizona, lies right in the middle of them.
To get to this hike, you need to turn onto Hohokam Road, which becomes one-way for part of it. The road is unpaved and a bit rough to get to the parking area, which is small, but you can park on the side of the road.
This hike only has a few informational signs along the way, and it has a gradual decline and then an inclination to the top of the lookout point.
There are several stairs to make your way up. Our kids were enjoying the view and tripped a few times, not paying attention to the steps.
When you get to the top of the hike, there’s a stunning view of the valley!
This hike is not very long at less than one mile round trip. There are no spots for shade, but at the top, there are two park benches where we enjoyed some water and snacks.
Recommended by Brooke H. from b.e.happe
3. Rocky Mountain National Park – Emerald Lake Trail Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.2 miles
Type: Out & back
AllTrails Link: Emerald Lake Trail
Emerald Lake is one of our favorite national park hikes to date! This trail is easy enough that most should be able to handle it if you’re up for an increase in elevation through the Rocky Mountains.
We completed it in an evening and would have stayed longer if we hadn’t been rushing to beat nightfall. It took us a little over two hours to complete this hike round-trip.
There are multiple lakes along this trail that we enjoyed. We were in complete awe of the beauty! We saw chipmunks, birds, and even a few elk right off the side of the trail.
The weather can be drastically different up in the mountains, so make sure that you come prepared.
We did this hike in July, and there was snow. If you plan to hike this during the off-season, consider bringing micro-spikes.
4. Joshua Tree National Park – Arch Rock Trail Hike
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.4 miles
Type: Out & back
AllTrails Link: Arch Rock Trail
Most people explore Joshua Tree in one day, with Arch Rock being one of the top hikes to do!
This very easy 1.4-mile hike starts across the road at a parking lot. The hike then brings you across the street and past the White Tank Campground.
Arch Rock hike is almost like a leisurely walk through Joshua Tree’s vast landscape with boulders in the distance.
Throughout the hike, you will also see some Joshua Trees. Additionally, it is a great spot to do some light boulder climbing, which Joshua Tree National Park is specifically known for.
To get up to Arch Rock to take a photo, you will have to do some mild boulder climbing. I did it in a dress, so I’d say it is fairly easy. I
also found some of the most unique boulders in Joshua Tree as you continue past the Arch Rock to complete the loop.
This is one of the most popular hikes to do around a golden hour and at night for those who love astrophotography or stargazing. You can often capture the Milky Way here as well!
Since Joshua Tree is a desert, make sure to bring lots of water with you and avoid the hottest times of the day!
Recommended by Sam O. from Find Love and Travel
5. Yosemite National Park – Lower Yosemite Falls Trail Hike
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.2 miles
Type: Loop
AllTrails Link: Lower Yosemite Falls Trail
This hike is around 1.5 miles and is perfect for the entire family. You get a fantastic view of the falls, plenty of shade from the trees, a beautiful bridge for pictures, and even some benches.
This trail is mostly paved, so it is stroller and wheelchair friendly and truly perfect for all capabilities.
The views are spectacular, and there are bathrooms close by as well.
It’s also located fairly close to the visitor center, where you can have lunch and take a break.
Recommended by Dana P. from @movingmarvelously
6. Glacier National Park – Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.9 miles
Type: Out & back
AllTrails Link: Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars
If you are looking for a fun hike with amazing views in Glacier National Park, then you must hike to Avalanche Lake!
We did this hike in August with family who were vacationing with us, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.
The hike starts on the Trail of the Cedars and is a boardwalk for the first stretch. This is very easily accessible and can be enjoyed by anyone, even if you’re not able to complete the entire hike.
There is a beautiful river with glacier-blue water flowing through it, and the contrast with the green foliage is stunning!
After you leave the boardwalk, you will be gaining elevation through the rest of the hike.
Leave yourself plenty of extra time for breaks, and be sure to bring lots of water and snacks!
The views of the lake when you reach the top are breathtaking, and you will want to have enough time to enjoy it.
I recommend hiking around to the backside of the lake where a glacier river continuously dumps fresh water into the lake.
You can swim and enjoy the water as well if you’d like. There was even a bear at the top!
Not only is this one of our favorite bucket list National Park hikes, but it’s also one of our favorite hikes of all time!
7. Acadia National Park – Jordan Pond Path Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.1 miles
Type: Loop
AllTrails Link: Jordan Pond Path
Acadia National Park has a lot of pet-friendly trails. Since we had our “senior” dog, Twister, a 12-year-old boxer, we wanted to make sure our trip included her out in the park.
Acadia has 100s of miles that are dog friendly, but Jordan’s Pond was about the right distance for our dog at 3.1 miles.
We did this trail counterclockwise. The trail kept you along the shores of Jordan Pond with The Bubbles (Bubble-shaped mountains) in your view.
The last mile or so ended on a wooden boardwalk, where Twister struggled a bit.
Boards are placed in the direction you are walking, which made it difficult for our dog to walk and not get her leg caught between the boards. Mike eventually carried her because the boards had too much space between them.
Not too many National Parks allow dogs, but Acadia was not one of them. We spent a week in this area, and we were able to take our dog to so many places.
Recommended by Mike and Joni C. from @thosewhoglamptogether
8. Death Valley National Park – Mosaic Canyon Trail Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.3 miles
Type: Out & back
AllTrails Link: Mosaic Canyon Trail
This out & back trail starts by taking you through a polished marble narrow stretch of the canyon (actually probably the best part of the hike).
Then, the canyon opens up more, showing off its beautiful multi-colored rocks and mosaic patterns.
As you near the last mile or so of the trail, there is some rock scrambling and bouldering. Not too difficult, though.
The water has smoothed out some of these areas, so be careful not to slip. I literally slid down one on my way back down like a slide.
I would consider this a moderate hike with a slight elevation gain of 1,200 ft. on the way up, which makes for an easier hike on the way back.
At the end of the trail, you will come to a dry fall and a nice shaded area to have a snack and rest.
Most of this Death Valley National Park trail is sunny, with only small parts of the trail shaded, so be prepared and bring plenty of water.
Recommended by Brenda M. from @ourmobilejourney
9. Badlands National Park – Notch Trail Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.5 miles
Type: Out & back
AllTrails Link: Notch Trail
The Notch trail hike is incredible! If you’re looking for a hike with a little more adventure to it, definitely consider this one.
After hiking for a short while, you will come across a ladder (pictured below) that you will use to climb to the top.
Depending on how busy the park is, you will sometimes have to wait for a turn to go up or down.
Once you reach the top, you will be walking along the rim, sometimes quite close to the edge, with sharp drop-offs. Be careful and watch your step!
This hike felt other-worldly to us…almost like a scene from Star Wars could have been filmed here!
The view at the end of the hike is very rewarding and we enjoyed exploring along the way as well. This hike is definitely fitting for a list of the best hikes in National Parks!
10. Big Bend National Park – Balanced Rock via Grapevine Hills Trail Hike
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.0 miles
Type: Out & back
AllTrails Link: Balanced Rock via Grapevine Hills Trail
Balanced Rock in Big Bend National Park is one of the most photographed locations in the entire park!
The official name of the trail is Grapevine Hills Trail, which leads hikers to a massive boulder delicately balanced at the end of the trail.
Once you reach the small parking lot, you’ll be able to spot where the trail begins easily. As you make your way along the gravel-washed path, two mountains with piles of boulders surround you on both sides.
The landscape is truly stunning, and the huge boulders had us in awe! The trail is mostly flat with a slight incline until you reach a section of boulders.
Scrambling up the boulders was our favorite part of the tail, and once you reach this section, you’re almost to the Balanced Rock.
You can walk right under the massive balanced rock to look out further to sweeping views of the desert in several directions.
We packed a picnic lunch and sat in the shade of the boulders to admire the views.
This is a quick and easy, family-friendly hike with great views throughout! If you don’t have a ton of time to spend in the park, I highly suggest checking this one out.
It’s also very close to the Chisos Basin, which is home to many incredible mountain hikes that would be great to pair with this one. Whatever hike you choose to do, Big Bend hiking doesn’t disappoint!
Recommended by Megan U. from outdoori.sh
11. Grand Teton National Park – Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6 miles
Type: Loop
AllTrails Link: Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop Hike
We didn’t get the opportunity to do a ton of hiking in Grand Teton National Park, but the loop with Taggart and Bradley lakes was incredible and easily made it onto our list of bucket list National Park hikes!
It is most easily accessible in the summer. We went in September, and it was still clear, but they hadn’t gotten much snow yet.
This is a very scenic hike with a little bit of everything along the way. The trial is frequented not only by hikers but also by grizzly bears, black bears, elk, and moose, so be aware and carry bear spray with you.
The view of Taggart Lake was our favorite, and we spent some time taking pictures with our friends and enjoying the scenery.
It was also fun to have to cross part of the lake on the boardwalk bridge.
If you want to shorten this hike, you can do the Taggart Lake Loop alone, which is only 3.8 miles round-trip.
12. Zion National Park – The Narrows (Top-Down) Hike
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 15.5 miles
Type: Point-to-point
AllTrails Link: The Narrows (Top-Down)
Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, one of Utah’s most Instagrammable places. Thousands of visitors come to Zion for this outstanding Southern Utah slot canyon hike in which you have to wade through the Virgin River in between towering canyon walls and lush vegetation.
There are two different ways to hike the Narrows. The most popular option to tackle this trail is from the bottom up.
On this moderate out-and-back hike, you can go as far as 5 miles into the canyon, starting at the end of the Riverside Walk. It is great for everyone to explore since you can decide on your own how far you want to venture into the canyon.
If you want the full experience of this thrilling hike, we would highly recommend hiking as far as possible.
The further you go, the more the canyon narrows, the more the crowds disappear, and you almost have all the beauty to yourself.
You can also hike the Narrows from the top down. This 15.5-mile-long hike is more strenuous and technical and requires a permit.
You can either experience this unique hike in 1 day or make it a 2-day backpacking trip. There are several campsites along the river where you can fully enjoy the outstanding nature in Zion National Park.
Make sure to be prepared when hiking the Narrows. Since you are wading through a river, you have to check the weather forecast and the water flow before you start your trip.
Also, wear over-the-ankle boots for a safe hiking experience.
Recommended by Rachel and Dana R. from travelingfoundlove.com
13. Guadalupe Mountains National Park – Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail Hike
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 8.4 miles
Type: Out & back
AllTrails Link: Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail
While Guadalupe Peak is one of the most challenging hikes we’ve done to date, it is also one of the most rewarding bucket list National Park hikes we have ever done!
It gets very hot in Guadalupe Moutain National Park, so if you plan to hike Guadalupe Peak, you will want to do it early in the morning before it gets too hot.
The beginning of the trail is quite steep/challenging, with switchbacks and steps. Once you get past the first mile or so, things will get easier, and you can start to enjoy the views.
This truly is a gorgeous hike with breathtaking scenery for the majority of the hike. Once you reach the summit, plan to give yourself some time to take in the views.
You will feel like you are on top of the world! There is also a logbook that you can sign and date.
Remember that the weather here can be very unpredictable. Be sure to keep an eye on it, and don’t attempt this hike if there are storms in the area. Lightning is very dangerous on this hike.
Wind can also be an issue, especially when you reach the summit. You can camp near the summit if you have a permit. Be sure to bring a LOT of water and plenty of snacks.
The way down can also be very brutal on your knees, so please keep that in mind if you have knee issues.
Overall, it is such a rewarding hike, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a more challenging adventure to add to their list of bucket list National Park hikes!
14. Mount Rainier National Park – Mount Fremont Lookout Trail via Sourdough Ridge Trail Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.7 miles
Type: Out & back
AllTrails Link: Mount Fremont Lookout Trail via Sourdough Ridge Trail
The trail is maintained; however, there are a lot of steep drop-offs as you climb up the mountainside. That being said, there are plenty of places to stop and take in the beauty!!
One of those stops is Frozen Lake, which is about halfway and hosts big boulders to sit on and have a snack while you take in the beautiful view of Mount Rainer’s reflection on the lake.
I think the second part of the hike is the hardest, with smaller paths, limited places to stop, and the biggest elevation gain.
But as you climb the second half, you’re parallel with Mount Rainier, and the views become even more gorgeous when you start to see the lookout!
When you reach the lookout, the 360-degree views are more than breathtaking. On our clear day, I stood there with tears streaming down my face. Tears for the beauty of it all and tears for the ability to hike to such a gorgeous location.
The lookout was open to climb up and walk around the deck to take in the views and peer into the now-closed building with maps, cots, and other things inside.
We did the whole hike as a family of six with kids aged five to twelve in about 4 to 5 hours, but that was with a stop for lunch on the boulders next to Frozen Lake! If someone can hike it, they should.
Next time, we want to hike it just before sunset and take in the views of Mount Rainier, the Cascades, and the Olympic Mountains from this incredible location!
Recommended by Tiffany M. from @the_partyof6
15. Shenandoah National Park – Bearfence Mountain Trail Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1 mile
Type: Loop
AllTrails Link: Bearfence Mountain Trail
This short but intense hike is well worth the beauty of the rolling Appalachian mountains that you get to enjoy at the top!
Because it does involve climbing up rock sections, we wouldn’t recommend it to just anyone (especially if you have small children), but it isn’t too difficult if you are physically fit.
It is a very short hike of only 1 mile (round-trip), which makes it perfect if you don’t have all day but want to see some of the best views in the park.
They make it easy for you to know where to climb by marking the rocks with blue paint. Another perk is that it is about in the middle of Skyline Drive, so you don’t have to drive super far from either entrance to get to access it.
It also is not far from two different campgrounds or the Byrd Visitor Center. If you want something quick and challenging with 360 views, then this hike is just the one for you!
We love it and can’t wait to go back again!
Recommended by Nathan and Hope T. from @n_h_adventures
16. Capitol Reef National Park – Cassidy Arch Trail Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.1 miles
Type: Out & back
AllTrails Link: Cassidy Arch Trail
Capitol Reef is one of the lesser-known Utah National Parks, but it offers some stunning views and fun bucket-list hikes nonetheless!
One of our favorite hikes in Capitol Reef was the Cassidy Arch Trail. While relatively short, it was still a fun challenge.
The first part of the hikes is the most strenuous while you climb the rocky switchbacks.
Once you reach the top, you will be hiking along sheer drop-offs for the majority of the rest of the hike. If you have small kids, you will want to keep them very close.
Once you reach the arch, you can walk out onto it if you are brave enough. It is quite broad, but when viewed from a distance, it gives the illusion of being narrow.
If you have a strong fear of heights, then this hike might not be for you, haha!
Be sure to bring a lot of water. Even though this was a shorter hike, it was very hot (even in December), and we drank a lot more than we anticipated.
I can’t wait for you to enjoy this epic Southern Utah hiking trail!
17. Olympic National Park – Spruce Nature Trail and Hall of Mosses Loop Hike
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.9 miles
Type: Loop
AllTrails Link: Olympic National Park – Spruce Nature Trail and Hall of Mosses Loop Hike
Did you know that the state of Washington holds a secret? It has a rainforest hidden inside of Olympic National Park.
The Hoh Rainforest inside the forest section of Olympic National Park is the largest temperate rainforest in the United States.
Most people think of mountains when they picture Olympic National Park. However, the park has three separate sections: mountains, forest, and coastal areas.
All sections are equally beautiful and a must-see. Many people hit the mountains and miss the forest areas. Don’t make this mistake during your park visit.
The Hoh rainforest is a lush green wonderland. Seriously, even the moss is dripping with moss. It is just incredible.
When we hiked here with our daughter, we imagined all the fairies that lived within the moss-covered land. We took the flat and easy Hall Of Mosses Trail (1.1-mile loop) and connected to the Spruce Nature Trail (1.4-mile loop) to make a combined 2.9-mile loop.
Although this is an easy and mostly flat hike, it is often muddy, and rain gear may be needed. I hope you enjoy this magical hike, and let us know if you find any fairies!
Recommended by Vanessa R. from theadventuredetour.com
18. Arches National Park – Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail Hike
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.2 miles
Type: Loop
AllTrails Link: Windows Loop and Turret Arch Trail
Arches National Park is one of our favorite places in Southern Utah, so picking just one of the best hiking trails in Arches National Park wasn’t easy!
I ultimately chose the Windows Loop Trail because of how much fun we had hiking it, although Delicate Arch was a close runner-up.
We have completed this hike multiple times on different visits to the park, and we always go counterclockwise.
One of the neat things about this hike is that you can climb up into the largest “window,” which makes for some epic views and incredible pictures.
You can then hike around to see the other “window,” and ultimately complete a loop back around.
It is a fairly easy hike with very minimal climbing involved. The trail is marked well with cairns and signs along the way.
This is a very pleasant hike and can be enjoyed at any time of year.
19. Bryce Canyon National Park – Fairyland Loop Trail Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 7.8 miles
Type: Loop
AllTrails Link: Fairyland Loop Trail
Bryce Canyon is primarily known for its hoodoos, which are rock formations that have formed from erosion and rise up out of the canyon.
There are a few incredible trails that give visitors up-close views of the beautiful hoodoos, but the Fairyland Loop Trail is by far the best choice.
The Fairyland Loop Trail is the best way to immerse yourself in the out-of-this-world landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park. This epic trail has all of the views and none of the crowds.
Sounds perfect, right? Although not as trafficked as other trails in Bryce Canyon, the sights here are just as spectacular – if not more.
This 8-mile loop trail provides incredible views around every bend. The trail starts at the Fairyland Loop Trailhead.
It is recommended to hike the trail in a counter-clockwise direction for an easier and more gradual elevation gain on the back half.
The Fairyland Trail can be hiked year-round. Plan for snow and ice in the winter and hot temperatures in the warmer months.
There is very little shade along the trail, so come prepared with plenty of water and sun protection.
Recommended by Caroline N. from The Post Card Traveler
In Closing: 19 Incredible Bucket List National Park Hikes
I hope you have enjoyed this list of the best National Park hikes!
What hiking trails will you add to your National Park bucket list?
Hopefully, you can travel soon and enjoy some of these parks on your next road trip!
Read More of Our National Park Hiking Guides
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Are there any bucket list National Park hikes that should have made it onto this list?
Let me know in the comments below what your bucket list of National Park hikes looks like!
Happy hiking!
Love reading through these!! We are hitting five National parks this year! Thanks for sharing
Enjoy!