Hiking the Grinnell Glacier Trail is one of the park's signature adventures, combining turquoise lakes, towering peaks, waterfalls, wildlife, and an up-close look at one of Glacier's most famous glaciers. Beginning in the Many Glacier area, the trail travels above Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine before climbing steadily into the high country beneath the Garden Wall. Along the way, hikers are treated to spectacular views of Grinnell Lake, Mount Gould, Angel Wing, and the

Hiking the Cracker Lake Trail in Glacier National Park leads to one of the most brilliantly colored alpine lakes in the United States, but the turquoise water waiting at the end is only part of what makes this hike worthwhile. Beginning near the historic Many Glacier Hotel, the trail undergoes a remarkable transformation over its roughly six-mile journey into the mountains, beginning in thick forest before passing Cracker Flats, climbing onto a wooded ridge between two creek

For hikers searching for one of the most spectacular high-elevation adventures in Glacier National Park, few trails deliver quite like the hike to Swiftcurrent Mountain Lookout. Rising to roughly 8,440 feet along the Continental Divide, Swiftcurrent Mountain offers an extraordinary 360-degree panorama over the Many Glacier region, Granite Park, the Livingston Range, the Lewis Range, and some of the park's most impressive glaciers. The journey is long and strenuous, but the co

Rising high above the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the hike to Mount LeConte via the Alum Cave Trail is widely considered the best hike in the Smoky Mountains. The popular 13-mile round-trip trek combines moderate-to-strenuous elevation gain with nonstop scenery, including rushing mountain streams, old-growth forest, unique rock formations like Arch Rock and Alum Cave, and sweeping panoramic views from iconic overlooks such as Myrtle Point and Cliff Tops. Whe

Backpacking the West Rim Trail in Zion National Park is a journey through some of the park’s most stunning and varied terrain, beginning in the high-altitude pine forests near Lava Point and descending into the dramatic sandstone canyons that define Zion. Over the course of 14.5 miles, the trail offers sweeping views of deep canyons, slickrock expanses, and distant plateaus, with each turn revealing a new and awe-inspiring perspective. Campsites along the rim provide quiet so

Descending into the Wild Cave Tour of Mammoth Cave National Park is like stepping into the lungs of the Earth itself—each breath filled with ancient dampness, every heartbeat echoing through stone corridors that haven’t seen sunlight in eons. This is no gentle stroll; it’s a primal crawl into darkness, squeezing through serpentine passages with names like “Bare Hole” and “The Cheese Grater,” where only the bold dare to follow. Helmets scrape against unforgiving rock, boots si

Deep within the heart of Zion National Park, hidden among towering cliffs and winding canyons, lies one of the most surreal and breathtaking hikes in the American Southwest—The Subway. This otherworldly slot canyon, sculpted by time and the relentless force of water, stands as a masterpiece of nature, a place where adventure and beauty collide in the most dramatic way. To hike The Subway is to step into a dream—a world of swirling sandstone, emerald pools, and cascading water

Hiking Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park is an unforgettable experience, offering a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes and the thrill of encountering wildlife in their natural habitat. Known for its frequent black bear and moose sightings, Cascade Canyon gives hikers one of the best opportunities to view these majestic creatures through one of the park's most celebrated canyons. Trail Info Length 10 miles Elevation gain 1,150 feet Route Out & back Permit requi

Nestled in the heart of the rugged Teton Range, the Teton Crest Trail offers one of the most breathtaking hiking experiences in the American West. Spanning nearly 40 miles of diverse terrain, the trail weaves through alpine meadows, craggy ridges, and glacial lakes, providing hikers with unparalleled views of jagged peaks and pristine wilderness. From its high-altitude vistas to its lush forested valleys, the Teton Crest Trail is a testament to the natural grandeur of Grand T

For hikers with a passion for exploring ancient Native American ruins and rock art, embarking on a backpacking journey through Utah's Salt Creek Canyon may very well be an opportunity of a lifetime. Located in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, a far less frequented area of the park, Salt Creek Canyon is adorned with towering arches and sandstone cliffs, vestiges of the early pioneer era, a vast number of prehistoric ruins, and some of the most distinct pictog

Nestled within a detached unit of Canyonlands National Park, Horseshoe Canyon showcases arguably the most remarkable ancient rock art ever uncovered in North America. A must-visit for rock art enthusiasts, the canyon hosts four expansive panels of Barrier Canyon style pictographs dating back to the Archaic Period, alongside numerous petroglyphs from more recent eras. The hunter-gatherers who once frequented the canyon left behind an open-air museum that has captivated global

An overnight multi-trail loop backpack leading to two separate plane crash sites just south of Shenandoah National Park. Escape the crowds, enjoy sweeping views of Rockfish Valley, and take in one of the area's most iconic natural landmarks. Trail Info Length 10 miles Elevation gain 2,300 feet Route Loop Permit required yes, for backcountry camping Dogs allowed on leash Trailhead elevation 2,357' Water None Don't miss backcountry camping at Glass Hollow Overlook Hiking Dobie

Delicate Arch is arguably the most stunning geological feature inside Arches National Park. The largest free-standing, naturally formed arch in the park measures 46 feet tall and 32 feet wide at its opening, and is one of the most photographed and iconic landmarks in America. It's so popular in its home state that it's even featured on Utahns' license plates. The 65-million year old Entrada sandstone arch draws visitors from all over the world thanks to its unique shape and