Best Hiking Areas in the US: A Guide to Top Trails and Regions

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For anyone considering a move to Scottsdale or simply looking to explore the country’s finest trails, knowing where to hike is only half the equation. The United States is home to an extraordinary range of hiking opportunities, from coastal paths to alpine ridges and desert canyons. Several travel bloggers who have spent years on the trails have shared their personal rankings and bucket-list recommendations. While no single list can claim to be definitive, their experiences provide a helpful starting point for planning your own adventures. In this guide, you’ll find subjective opinions on the best hiking areas in the US, along with practical details to consider before you head out.

Subjective Rankings from Experienced Hikers

One blog, Happypeoplehike.com, offers a personal ranking of favorite states for hiking based on the author’s extensive travels. California tops the list, praised for its nine national parks, 20.8 million acres of national forests, and dramatic elevation changes that include both Mount Whitney and Badwater Basin. Washington takes second place, followed by Colorado and Arizona in fourth. Maine and Idaho round out the top six, with a tie for seventh among Hawaii, Montana, Utah, and Michigan. These rankings reflect one hiker’s perspective, but they consistently highlight California and the West as dominant regions for trail quality and variety.

Lostwithlydia.com provides a different approach: the author hiked in all 50 states from 2021 to 2024 and compiled a guide to the best hikes in every state. That resource covers every corner of the country, letting readers find a top pick no matter where they live or travel. Similarly, Alice’s Adventures on Earth lists 19 trails they consider must-do before you die, including Cloud’s Rest-Half Dome-Vernal Falls, the John Muir Trail, and Avalanche. These personal lists emphasize that “best” can mean different things to different hikers, depending on scenery, difficulty, and personal experience.

Bucket-List Trails According to Bloggers

Another blogger, Explorewithalec.com, published a list of 10 best hiking trails in North America in October 2023. The trails span multiple states and provinces, with several located in the western US and Canada. Here are the trails mentioned:

This collection shows that some of the most celebrated trails require permits, careful planning, and a good level of fitness. The inclusion of Bright Angel Trail in Arizona is especially relevant for those moving to Scottsdale, as it offers a world-famous canyon experience within a few hours’ drive.

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What Makes These Trails Stand Out

Each trail listed by these bloggers has unique characteristics that attract hikers from around the world. Mt. Whitney stands as the tallest peak in the Lower 48, drawing those who want to stand on the highest point in the contiguous US. Angels Landing and Half Dome both require permits, which helps manage crowds and preserve the experience. Delta Lake sits in grizzly bear country, so carrying bear spray is essential. Panorama Ridge in British Columbia challenges hikers with roughly 18 miles of rugged terrain. Slaughter Ridge in Alaska packs a steep 2,000-foot elevation gain into just four miles. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm in Washington combines glacier views with a 14-mile out-and-back. Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass in Banff offers moderate-to-hard difficulty over 12 miles. Rae Lakes in Kings Canyon is a backpacking classic stretching 30 to 40 miles. These details give hikers a sense of what each trail demands and delivers.

hiking trail view
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Planning Your Hiking Adventure

The best time to hike these trails depends on the region and weather conditions. Many trails are accessible only during certain months due to snow or extreme heat, and permit requirements can change from year to year. For example, Angels Landing and Half Dome require permits, and those permits are often limited and distributed through lotteries. Hikers should check with the official park service or land management agency for current conditions, permit availability, and trail closures before making plans. For Arizona specifically, the Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Trail can be hiked in cooler months, but summer temperatures can be dangerous. The research pack does not provide specific dates or seasons, so verifying with the National Park Service or local ranger stations is always the best practice.

A Note for Scottsdale Residents and Visitors

If you live in or are considering moving to Scottsdale, you are already in a state that ranks among the top hiking destinations in the US according to one blogger’s assessment. Arizona’s fourth-place ranking reflects its diverse terrain, from desert foothills to the pine-covered San Francisco Peaks and the iconic Grand Canyon. While the research pack does not list specific trails in Scottsdale itself, the nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Pinnacle Peak offer popular routes that residents enjoy year-round. For those willing to drive a few hours, the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon is a world-class experience, though it requires advance planning. The subjective lists from multiple bloggers reinforce that the western US, including Arizona, is a prime region for hiking.

hiking areas top
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hiking state in the US?

According to the personal ranking on Happypeoplehike.com, California is the top state for hiking, followed by Washington, Colorado, and Arizona. However, this is a subjective opinion. Other bloggers have different favorites, and Lostwithlydia.com provides a best hike for every state, meaning the “best” state depends on your personal preferences for scenery, difficulty, and climate.

Do I need a permit to hike Angels Landing or Half Dome?

Yes, both Angels Landing in Zion National Park and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park require permits to hike. Permits are typically issued through a lottery system and are limited in number. Hikers should check the official National Park Service websites for current permit details and application deadlines before planning a trip.

What should I know about hiking in grizzly bear country?

If you plan to hike in areas like Grand Teton National Park, where Delta Lake is located, you are in grizzly bear habitat. Hikers should carry bear spray and know how to use it, make noise on the trail, store food properly, and keep a safe distance from any wildlife. Check with the park for specific regulations on bear safety.

How can I find the best hikes in every state?

Lostwithlydia.com offers a comprehensive guide based on the author’s personal experience hiking in all 50 states between 2021 and 2024. That resource lists one recommended hike per state, providing a useful starting point for anyone wanting to explore nationwide. You can also consult state park websites and local hiking clubs for additional suggestions.

Is the Bright Angel Trail in Arizona open year-round?

The Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon is open year-round, but conditions vary greatly by season. Summer heat can be extreme, and winter ice may make sections slippery. The research pack does not specify seasonal closures, so hikers should check current alerts on the Grand Canyon National Park website for the most accurate information on trail conditions and safety recommendations.

Whether you are planning a cross-country hiking tour or settling into the Scottsdale area, the subjective lists from experienced bloggers offer a wealth of inspiration. Each trail mentioned in this article comes with its own challenges and rewards, and the best time to visit depends on factors like weather, permits, and personal fitness. Always verify details with official sources before heading out, so you can enjoy the trail safely and with confidence.