National celebrations like November’s Take a Hike Day remind us why we love getting on the trail. Hiking motivation comes from many places – a refreshing waterfall, a majestic peak, a challenging desert, a sunrise wake-up call, a fitness goal, quality time with family and friends. With cooler fall temperatures, vibrant autumn leaves and extra holiday weekend time off from work and school, there’s no better season to opt outside and explore America’s best hiking trails.
National Take a Hike Day is Saturday, November 17, 2018. To motivate you to enjoy the outdoors, we have a selection of our favorite hiking trails and hiking regions across the country.
Get inspired with our guide to the best hiking experiences in America.
7 Adventurous Desert Hikes
From canyons and red rock formations to sand dunes, dangerous bridges and hidden valleys, desert hiking offers a truly unique outdoor experience. While extreme heat can make desert adventures near impossible to conquer in summer months, the moderate temperatures of fall, winter and early spring are ideal times to explore the desert regions of the American Southwest. See the full list here.
9 Thrilling Night Hikes for Stargazing
Hiking after sunset is a whole new world, even for the most seasoned hikers. Daytime wildlife melts into the shadows as owls, raccoons, bats and bears come out to play. You’ll likely have the trail all to yourself, with daytime nuisances like heat, glare and mosquitos on hold. If possible, schedule your trek with a new moon and minimal cloud cover for the best chance for stargazing, like seeing distant planets and the bright swirls of the Milky Way. See the full list here.
Recommended: How to Opt Outside Across America for Black Friday
9 Amazing Volcano Hiking Experiences
Roughly 90 percent of our planet’s volcanoes lie along a horseshoe-shaped ring of faults that extend north along the west coast of the United States, across the Aleutian Islands, and south to New Zealand. The Ring of Fire is a geologic marvel to scientists and a golden opportunity for hikers to explore the outdoors from a new perspective, one that was millions of years in the making. See the full list here.
7 Spectacular Sunrise Hikes
Rising in the predawn quiet for a sunrise hike under a starry sky that’s yours alone to savor, is a treat in itself. But the real show awaits just down the trail. As the first hint of light edges over the horizon, you’re rewarded with the most tranquil moments of the day, and of the best times to see wildlife. Enjoy stunning sunrise vistas across the country with these early-rising hikes. See the full list here.
Recommended: Hiking Gear Essentials You Need for Winter
9 Dreamy Winter Wonderland Hikes
‘Tis the season to be … hiking! While snow, ice and freezing temperatures can add a more technical challenge to your hiking experience, some of the most beautiful hikes in the country show their true colors during colder months. What’s not to love? From picturesque snowy vistas to impressive frozen waterfalls, winter is the perfect time to explore new hiking trails or get a fresh perspective on some of your favorite routes. See the full list here.
9 Incredible West Coast Hikes for All Skill Levels
From the southern coast of Laguna Beach, to the northern Redwood forests and sprawling desert landscapes in between, we’re spotlighting some of the best hikes in California, plus a must-try trail across the border in Arizona. We have a hike for every region preference and fitness level, so no outdoor adventurer is left behind. See the full list here.
The 15 Best Hikes for Beginners
Not all hikes need to be intimidating adventures to the top of Mt. Everest. Before you try longer, more difficult hiking trails, it’s best to try out shorter, less challenging trips to build your fitness, skill and confidence. After all, your first hikes should be fun, not frightening. From California to Wyoming, we rounded up the best beginner hikes in America. See the full list here. See the full list here.
