The United States is home to many breathtaking backpacking trails, and some of the best are located in its National Parks, like Zion, Mount Rainier, and Smoky Mountain. There's something alluring about exploring these national parks' remote trails and discovering some of America's most photogenic locations that entice backpackers to these serene locations.
America's National Parks cover millions of square miles and are breathtakingly beautiful in ways that only exploration can reveal. From a strenuous trek up a mighty alpine peak to strolling along a river to meandering down a canyon, these parks have a diverse landscape to quench the thirst of every kind of hiker. Trails in national parks are also safe for hikers and provide many opportunities to see flora, fauna, and immense scenic wonders. While some are well-known, some of these national parks are as remote as one can imagine, like the northernmost Gates of the Arctic, for instance. So, get ready, as each of these top ten hiking trails in the U.S. National Parks offers an epic adventure.
10 Outer Mountain Loop: Hike Through Mountains And Desert In The Big Bend National Park
The Outer Mountain Loop, one of the best trails in Big Bend National Park, traverses the various ecosystems of the Chihuahuan Desert and the Chisos Mountains while passing through trails like Dodson, Juniper Canyon, Pinnacles, Laguna Meadows, and Blue Creek. This 30-mile loop trail has many extremely steep sections and only a few flat stretches, making it only appropriate for experienced hikers who are aware of the environment and are physically fit. Hikers will be in a desert environment on this trail and will need to store water at Homer Wilson Ranch.
- Distance: 30 miles
- Days: 3-4
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Elevation: 3737 ft
The best time to hike the outer mountain loop is in the winter months of November through March due to the desert terrain.
9 Rae Lakes Loop: Explore The Mineral King Area Of Sequoia National Park
Backpacking the Rae Lakes Loop is one of the best things to do in Sequoia-Canyon King's National Park amid High Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is a 40-mile backcountry loop with breathtaking alpine scenery of huge granite spires, deep canyons, and crystaline mountain lakes that offer physical and mental challenges to even the most experienced hikers. It rises to 11,630 feet, providing panoramic views of the High Sierra, Fin Dome, Glen Pass, the Videttes, Paradise Valley, and backcountry sequoia groves.
- Distance: 40 miles
- Days: 4-6
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 11,630 ft
It is possible to hike the trail either clockwise or counterclockwise, with the latter being more challenging and only recommended for seasoned hikers.
8 Half Dome: Experience the Iconic Vistas And Remote Wilderness Of Yosemite National Park
Backpacking in Yosemite National Park allows hikers to experience the iconic views from Half Dome as well as the serenity and scenic beauty of the remote Clark Range. This 65-mile hike also includes the 594-foot-tall Nevada Fall, Clouds Rest, the granite domes of Tuolumne and Tenaya Lake, Red Peak Pass, the Merced River, and numerous other breathtaking natural wonders. Despite being a well-maintained trail, the hike is difficult, with some steep and rocky sections and requires backpackers to follow a hiking guide to Yosemite National Park.
- Distance: 65 miles
- Days: 6-7
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 8,842 ft
Hiking Half Dome when the cables are up is an excellent way to avoid the difficult section and an unnecessary challenge.
7 Rim To Rim: Witness The Magnitude Of The Grand Canyon National Park
While backpacking for about 24 miles from the North Rim (North Kaibab Trail) to the South Rim (South Kaibab Trail) or vice versa, hikers experience the canyon's grandeur from above. They can also choose to hike the 47-mile out-and-back trail Rim to Rim to Rim, which can satisfy even the most discerning hiker. Rim to Rim, one of the most well-known hikes in American National Parks, rewards hikers with incredible scenery of the Colorado River, Ribbon Falls, Navajo Bridge, as well as diverse wildlife of the Grand Canyon National Park.
- Distance: 24 miles
- Days: 4
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Elevation Gain: 10141 ft
The seven miles of the South Kaibab Trail have no water sources, so it is especially important to carry water there.
6 Enchanted Valley: Uncover The Magic Of The Valley Of Waterfalls In The Olympic National Park
In Olympic National Park, the Enchanted Valley, also known as the "Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls," offers a trail straight out of a fairy tale, complete with mossy woodlands, tiny streams, and wide-open mountain meadows. A historic chalet, breathtaking waterfalls, an old-growth rainforest, and a slew of bears are just a few of the natural wonders that add to the allure of this moderate hike. Although the hike is strenuous, with some difficult sections, the effort is worthwhile, making it one of the best things to do in Olympic National Park.
- Distance: 26 miles (roundtrip)
- Days: 2-4 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1700 ft
Hiking with a local guide is a great way to discover all of the hidden wonders of the Enchanted Valley.
5 Kesugi Ridge Trail: Backpacking In Utter Solitude Of Denali National Park
The Kesugi Ridge trail starts at Little Coal Creek and leads to Byers Lake Campground, where hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Alaskan Mountains, including Denali, the highest peak in the United States. The longest path, which is approximately 37 miles long, is another option for those seeking more difficult terrain. Hikers will be rewarded with gently rolling terrain, breathtaking views, skinny lakes, and the occasional alpine tarn along the trail. The hike is steeply uphill, so hikers should have some experience.
- Distance: 29.2 miles
- Days: 3-4 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 5990 ft
Check the weather before climbing Kesugi Ridge if hiking for unrivaled views of Denali as low clouds and rain can turn spoilers.
4 Little River Trail: Discover The Elkmont Region Of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Little River Trail, a favorite of backpackers, takes them through pristine nature and breathtaking scenery in the Elkmont region of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The actual trail is a decommissioned railroad bed with a beautiful cascading stream, massive boulders, mini waterfalls, fireflies, and intriguing history. Although this trek can be completed in a single day, backpackers prefer to spend the night here to enjoy the wilderness and peaceful atmosphere, one of the reasons to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Distance: 12 miles (out and back)
- Day: 1-2
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 412 ft
Hikers who want to see the blooming wildflowers should go between mid-March and April.
3 The Wonderland Trail: Hike Through Mount Rainier National Park's Alpine Regions
For those who love going on challenging trails, the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, a must-visit destination, is among the best. It completes a 93-mile circuit around Mount Rainier, which is often referred to as the queen of the Pacific Northwest. Along the way, hikers will get breathtaking views of the area's dense evergreen forests, cascading waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and year-round snowy peaks. The Wonderland Trail has a total elevation gain of over 22,000 feet, so hikers must be physically and mentally fit for the journey.
- Distance: 93 miles
- Days: 10
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Elevation Gain: 22,000 ft
Mid-July to September is the best time to hike on the Wonderland Trail for a backpacker to avoid snow on the higher elevation sections.
2 Teton Crest Trail: Immerse in The Wilderness of the Grand Teton National Park
Teton Crest Trail in one of the best national parks in the United States, the Grand Teton National Park, is home to diverse fauna, such as mountain lions, grizzly bears, wolves, and flora. It is an elevated road trail that takes hikers through majestic granite peaks, crystaline lakes, lush meadows, glacier-carved canyons, and ridges, immersing them in Mother Nature's splendor. This trail ranges from 35 to 45 miles in length, depending on the route taken, and allows hikers to visit at least three ecological zones, including the Jedediah Wilderness Area.
- Distance: 35-45 miles
- Days: 3-5
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Elevation Gain: 10,695 ft
As snow accumulates on passes until the end of the year, the snowpack is an important consideration for trekking in this area.
1 The Narrows: Hike The Narrowest Section Of The Virgin River In Zion National Park
Starting at Chamberlain's Ranch, this 16-mile hike descends to Sinawava's Temple before taking hikers to the Virgin River's narrowest section. Hikers will be walking in shallow water for the majority of the 16-mile route. They'll steadily go deeper and deeper into the canyon, admiring the sight of water rushing from solid rock and having one of their most extraordinary backcountry backpacking experiences. Although the water is murky, making it difficult to see the rock-covered bottom, the surrounding scenery of otherworldly landscapes of the Zion National Park is well worth the effort.
- Distance: 16 miles
- Days: 2
- Difficulty Level: Moderate-Strenuous
- Elevation Gain: 334 ft
Since most of the trekking involves walking through shallow, muddy water, wear appropriate footwear and bring trekking poles.