Trail guides · Difficulty · Tips
Hiking Guides
The best hikes in Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Teton and beyond, with distances, difficulty, the best time to start and what to expect on the trail.
A great hike starts long before the trailhead. Knowing how long a trail really takes, where the hard sections are and when the crowds arrive makes all the difference, especially in busy national parks.
Use these guides to pick the right trail for your fitness level and the time you have. Every guide covers the route, difficulty, parking and the small details that are easy to miss when you only have a day or two.
By park
Best Hikes by National Park
Start here to compare every major trail in a park and choose the ones that fit your trip.
On the East Coast, our guide to the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park covers the top trails along Skyline Drive, and the Great Smoky Mountains guide includes the park’s most popular waterfall walks.
Trail guides
Famous Trails, Step by Step
Detailed guides to the most popular single trails, including permits, conditions and how to avoid the crowds.
In Grand Teton, also see the Cascade Canyon Trail and our Jenny Lake guide, two of the park’s most rewarding hikes.
Easy and Family-Friendly Hikes
Not every great hike needs a full day or a head for heights. Our family guides pick out short, safe trails that kids actually enjoy: Zion with kids, Bryce Canyon with kids and Grand Teton with kids. For something gentler still, the trails in our Janes Island State Park guide and the walks around Goblin Valley are easy wins.
Hiking Tips Before You Hit the Trail
- Start early. Popular trailheads fill fast, and in desert parks the afternoon heat can be dangerous in summer.
- Carry more water than you think. A good rule is about half a liter per hour of hiking, and more in hot weather.
- Check conditions on the day. Flash floods can close slot canyons like The Narrows, and snow can linger on high trails into early summer.
- Know the permit rules. Some trails, including Angels Landing, need a permit. Check before you travel so you’re not turned away.
- Wear proper footwear. Trails with sand, slickrock or river crossings need grip and support, not fashion sneakers.
- Leave no trace. Stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in and keep your distance from wildlife.
Planning the rest of the trip? Browse our national park guides for itineraries, weather and where to stay.
Hiking FAQ
What is the best hike for beginners in a national park?
Queen’s Garden in Bryce Canyon and Taggart Lake in Grand Teton are both short, well-marked and full of views, which makes them great first hikes. In Zion, the Lower Emerald Pool trail is an easy option.
What time should I start a popular hike?
Aim to be at the trailhead by sunrise or soon after. You’ll find parking, cooler temperatures and far fewer people on the trail.
Do I need a permit to hike Angels Landing?
Yes. Hiking the final chained section of Angels Landing requires a permit. Our Angels Landing guide explains how the permit system works.