I am a strong believer that hiking is one of the very BEST ways to explore new places. There are SO many US day hikes to explore!
I mean, it’s cheap. You get exercise. There is a sense of accomplishment. And you are rewarded with AMAZING VIEWS.
I have a goal to make it to all 50 states to experience the best US day hikes in each state. In the meantime, here are the best hikes I have experienced.
Hint: Check out these tips to prepare for your hike!
Otherwise… get ready to add these US day hikes to your bucket list ASAP and start planning your United States road trip.
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Table of Contents
Hawaii:
1. Pipiwai Trail
This trail is located at the end of the Road to Hana in Maui. It features a bamboo forest and the most magnificent waterfall.
It’s hard to choose, but this may be my FAVORITE hike I have ever done.
- Location: Maui, Hawaii (at the end of the Road to Hana)
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 820 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs Allowed?: No
- Cost: 30 dollars per car (entrance to Haleakala National Park)
Tips: If you are driving the Road to Hana, I hightly recoommend you make this your FIRST stop. This will allow for the most time to spend and the least amount of people.
Also, there is always a risk of flash flooding. Be sure to check the weather before proceeding.
Read more about the Road to Hana HERE.
2. Waihee Ridge Trail
Get ready to feel like you have entered a scene of Jurassic park! This hike allows for amazing views the entire way up!
- Location: Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii
- Distance: 3.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,574 ft.
- Difficulty: Hard
- Dogs Allowed? Yes
- Cost: Free
Tips: When we finally made it to the top, it was completely cloudy (you truly hike above the clouds). We really couldn’t see a thing. We watched other hikers turn right back around and head back down.
We ate our snack and waited about 15 minutes and it all cleared up… so be patient 🙂
Also, arrive early to avoid the small parking lot filling up.
3. IAO Valley Secret Trail
This trail is technically closed, but well worn. Proceed at your own risk. We did see about 10 others throughout our hike.
- Location: Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 905 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs Allowed?: No
- Cost: 5 dollar parking fee.
Tips: This trail is not maintained (but it is well worn). It is extremely muddy and very slippery and steep towards the end. You do have to jump over a railing to enter the trailhead.
Make sure you bring shoes that you do not mind getting muddy. There’s a river at the bottom to clean up.
Keep Reading::: Maui Bucket List!
4. Haleakala – Sliding Sands Trail Haleakala Crater
This hike offers a change of Maui scenery! We did not hike the entire trail as we did not have the time, but you are able to adjust accordingly. We started the hike right from the Visitors Center.
- Location: Haleakala National Park- Maui, Hawaii
- Distance: 11 miles (we hiked 3 miles round trip)
- Elevation Gain: 2,795 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate (if you do part) Hard (if you do the whole hike)
- Dogs Allowed: No
- Cost: 30 dollars per car (entrance to National Park)
Tips: We visted Haleakala for sunset instead of sunrise. You do NOT need a reservation to watch the sunset (you do for sunrise).
But, I would suggest you arrive early as the parking lots will fill up. And then you have time for this cool hike!
Keep Reading::: The ULTIMATE Day Hiking Check List!
Utah:
5. Delicate Arch
Okay, this was the first “real” hike I ever did and I made every mistake possible. But, it was also the hike that hooked me on the adventures of hiking. I now want to explore all the US day hikes!!
- Location: Arches National Park- Moab, Utah
- Distance: 3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 610 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs Allowed?: No
- Cost: 30 dollars (National Park Entrance Fee)
Tips: Bring A LOT of water as there is very little shade. This is my favorite hiking/water pack!
6. Kanarra Creek Falls
This hike was AMAZING! Seriously do not miss it. You do have to make a reservation as they only allow 150 people per day to hike it.
- Location: Kanarraville, Utah
- Distance: 4.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 734 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs Allowed?: No
- Cost: 8 dollars pp
Tips: There are some parts of this hike where you have no other choice other than to walk straight through the water. Make sure you have proper footwear!
Read more details about Kanarra Falls.
7. Angels Landing
I was convinced I was not going to be able to do this hike. People have died hiking this trail so make sure to do your research beforehand.
Ultimately, I am SO glad I did it as it led to BEAUTIFUL views and a great sense of accomplishment.
- Location: Zion National Park- Springdale, Utah
- Distance: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1630 ft.
- Difficulty: Hard
- Dogs Allowed?: No
- Cost: 35 dollars per car (entrance to Zion National Park)
Tips: Angels Landing is an extremely popular hike. Try to get on the first shuttle (at 6 am) to avoid the crowds. You can read more tips HERE.
8. Fairyland Loop
If you are looking for a less crowded alternative for Zion, you will love Bryce Canyon! We saw maybe 6 people during this hike! It is a bit longer, but the elevation gain was much more spread out.
- Location: Bryce Canyon National Park- Bryce, Utah
- Distance: 7.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1545 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs Allowed: No
- Cost: 35 dollars per car (National Park Entrance Fee)
Tips: You will be in the sun for most of the hike. Make sure to bring enough water and sunscreen!
Keep Reading! Affordable Utah Road Trip Itinerary
South Dakota
9. Medicine Root Loop Trail
I LOVE the Badlands National Park. It truly feels as if you are on another planet. You could explore all day without getting bored. This hike offered great views of the park.
- Location: Badlands National Park- Interior, South Dakota
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 337 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dogs Allowed: no
- Cost: 30 dollars (entrance to National Park)
Tips: The rocks are a bit slippery. Make sure you have shoes with great traction and take your time.
Also…if you are straying off the marked trails, it could be very easy to get lost. So proceed with caution.
South Dakota makes for an AMAZING ROAD TRIP.
New Mexico:
10. Atalaya Trail
This hike was much harder than I initially expected. We hiked it in March and it was still covered with snow. We couldn’t see the trail and we were relying on others footprints. But it was definitely worth it.
- Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Distance: 6.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1794 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Cost: Free
Tips: When we reached the top, it was 20+ degrees colder. Make sure you have layers and hats and mittens if hiking in the winter or spring.
Read about the BEST New Mexico Road Trip.
Texas:
11. Gorman Falls
I’m always on the hunt for a good Texas waterfall (there’s not a lot). Colorado Bend State Park was the perfect weekend getaway!
- Location: Colorado Bend State Park- Bend, Texas
- Distance: 2.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 344 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: 5 dollars pp (entrance to State Park)
Tips: You cannot swim in the waterfall, but there is a river nearby to allow your dog to cool off!
12. Hamilton Pool
Take a day trip from Austin and check out this Texas hidden gem.
- Location: Dripping Springs, Texas
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 144 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dogs Allowed?: no
- Cost: 15 dollars pp
Tips: When were visited, they were not allowing swimming (they do most of the time). If you have your heart set on swimming, make sure to call ahead.
Also, they only accept cash!
13. Enchanted Rock
If you have ever visited Texas, you may know that Texas is FLAT. Enchanted rock is dome-shaped granite rock that gives you a 360 degree view of Texas Hill Country.
- Location: Llano, Texas
- Distance: 1.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 419 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs Allowed?: No
- Cost: 7 dollars pp
Tips: Although it is a short hike, Texas heat is no joke. You will be in the sun the entire time so bring more water than you think you will need.
Plan a trip to Fredericksburg now!
14. Lighthouse Trail
The Lighthouse trail in Palo Duro State Park was the BEST surprise. It may have even inched its way up to my top 3 favorite trails. Texas may not be known for its amazing hikes, but this hike will leave you breathless!
It is actually the 2nd largest canyon in the United States!
- Location: Palo Duro State Park- Amarillo, TX
- Distance: 5.7 miles (round trip to base of Lighthouse, further if you want to climb up)
- Elevation Gain: 492 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs Allowed?: Yes!
- Cost: 8 dollars per person
Tips: The first 5+ miles of this trail are flat and easy. If you want to climb up to the lighthouse, the trail becomes much more steep and rocky. BUT I highly recommend. Look at those views!
Oklahoma:
15. Lookout Mountain Loop
Oklahoma surprised me in the best way. We found so many quick day hikes that were all dog-friendly!
- Location: Broken Bow, Oklahoma
- Distance: 2.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 574 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: free
Tips: We somehow turned this hike into over 5 miles, so make sure you are prepared to hike a bit longer. We did find a beautiful stream on our detour!
Arkansas:
16. Whitiker’s Point
This one is truly a hidden gem to add to your US day hike bucket list. I never expected to find views like this in Arkansas!!!
- Location: Pettigrew, Arkansas
- Distance: 2.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 413 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs Allowed: yes
- Cost: Free
Tips: Bring your hammock along to relax and enjoy the view at the top!
Keep Reading: MORE Weekend Getaways from Dallas!
Arizona:
17. Grand Canyon Rim Trail
The Grand Canyon needs little introduction. You will immediately be left in awe of its depths.
- Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Distance: 5.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 351 ft.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dogs Allowed?: no
- Cost: 35 dollars per car (entrance to National Park)
Tips: Don’t rush your time at Grand Canyon. I wish I would have explored more! I would recommend at least 3 days to truly explore all it has to offer!
You also will likely have to allow lines of donkeys to pass you on this trail 🙂
Keep reading::: Bryce Canyon VS. Grand Canyon
Wisconsin:
18. Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail
I understand that Wisconsin is not on the top of everyone’s Bucket List. But I do encourage you to reevaluate. This hike gives amazing views of Lake Superior and overlooks its sea caves.
- Location: Bayfield, WI
- Distance: 4.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 269 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dogs Allowed?: Yes
- Cost: 5 dollars pp
Tips: Since you are already in the area, make sure to book your Lake Superior Kayak tour so you can see the caves from the inside!
Alaska:
19. Glacier Hike
Okay, this hike isn’t exactly like the other day hikes. We had to take a helicopter to land on a glacier.
But I wanted to include it because who doesn’t want to hike on a private glacier?!
- Location: Skagway, AK
- Distance: N/A
- Difficulty: Easy (but slippery)
- Dogs Allowed?: No
- Cost: 330 dollars (helicopter ride)
Tips: I don’t splurge very often, but this is defintely an experience that is worth it.
Once the helicopter landed, we were able to hike around the glacier, admire the bright blue water, and even drink the glacial runoff.
Read more about the BEST Alaskan Cruise Shore Excursions.
Minnesota
20. Two Step Falls & High Falls
This is one stop on your Minnesota North Shore Road Trip. The trail was easily accessible and led to TWO beautiful waterfalls!
We hiked to the furthest one first (two-step falls) and spent some time swimming and picnicking, then stopped at High Falls on the way back to admire the views!
- Location: Tettegouche State Park- Silver Bay, MN
- Distance: 3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy (but there are a lot of stairs to get to each waterfall)
- Dogs Allowed?: yes!
- Cost: 7 dollars
Tips: Your state park pass (7 dollars) will get you into all MN State parks for the day!
Make sure to pack your swimsuit and waterproof hiking shoes so you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the waterfall.
Future Bucket List Day Hikes:
I am hoping to be adding to this AMAZING list as I have opportunities to experience more day hikes. Pin and check back for more later!
In the meantime, be sure to follow my adventures on Instagram or join in on the USA road trip discussion on Facebook!
Do you have other day hikes I should add to my list? Let me know in our Facebook Group!
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