Trips

Cruise desert slickrock and sand on this 10.4-mile dayhike to an impressive canyon-top lookout high above the Colorado and Green Rivers.

This popular 10.6-mile hike begins gently in aspen groves, then crescendos with a climb up Arizona's tallest peak.

This 14.6-mile dayhike serves up two Wasatch summits, some off-trail scrambles above an emerald-colored lake, and top-notch views.

The snow-draped Enchanted Forest is the backdrop for this 5.3-mile ski or snowshoe trip that offers several overlooks and route options outside Taos.

A nearly 2,000-foot climb leads through verdant forest to a rocky Adirondack summit on this 4.4-mile out-and-back in the High Peaks region.

This 9.4-mile summit climb hooks around wooded slopes, past a cascading brook to a summit with fine views of the White Mountains.

Hit the shorelines of two mountain ponds on this not-so-tough 4.9-mile loop in New England's White Mountains.

This 5.8-miler in Allegheny County's sprawling North Park visits maple and oak forests, babbling creeks, and a scenic overlook.

This 7.9-mile stretch of Pennsylvania's historic 140-mile Horse-Shoe Trail boasts lookout-tower views, isolated terrain, and plenty of wildlife.

Take a crash course in vulcanology as you hike into a giant dormant volcano on this exotic 5.3-mile out-and-back on the island of Maui.

This 12.4-mile dayhike or overnighter hits the park's lesser-traveled northeast tip, linking cactus lands to unnamed peaks. Good navigation skills required.

Catch killer views of Big Bear Lake and hike a short leg of the Pacific Crest Trail on this 7.8-mile out-and-back to an 8,200-foot peak.

Lasso together the Pacific Ocean, two deep canyons, and an unnamed high point on this 11.9-mile loop in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Go 6.9 miles on the Blue Ridge, mostly tracing the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, to one of the largest balds in the Southern Appalachians.

You won't find gold on this 3.5-mile loop, but the hilly hemlock forests, the singing swans, and the sunbathing turtles at Bull Sluice Lake are priceless.

Grab a quick overnight on this 8.8-miler past two lakes, where bald eagles soar the blue skies and dive for fish in Eldorado National Forest.

This 7-mile loop is a trailside study of the past: old cabins, ancient forests, and the legacy of a pioneering conservationist.

This storied trail used to be all work; now it's all play for hikers and bikers interested in historic buildings and DC's most famous waterfall.

Follow the bends of the great Tennessee River through a wildlife sanctuary on this 8.6-mile trip in the city's most-scenic green space.

The stunning views on this windy point connect the deep blues of the Columbia Gorge to snowy volcanic cones of Mounts Hood and Adams.

Dip into a remote high desert canyon punctuated by cliff walls and volcanic rock pillars to a scenicplateau with 360-degree views of southeast Idaho.

This kid-friendly paddle explores the narrow waterways of the Columbia Slough where heaps of birds and wildlife hide along the brushy banks.

See the boyhood haunts of Abraham Lincoln on this 8.2-mile loop among rolling hills and past two ponds and a lake in Lincoln State Park.

This dayhike quickly gains 3,000 feet in 2.5 miles and ends on top of a summit where mountain views extend in every direction.

This 6.6-miler goes high (scenic bluffs) and low to a horseshoe bend of Mountain Fork River (streamside fishing) in Beavers Bend Resort Park.

Hike 9.6 miles over a panoramic ridgeline serving up big views of Glacier Peak, and across wildflower meadows to a lookout tower.

Jump onto the Ozark Highlands Trail for a quiet 7.4-mile route that serves up mountain hollows,lush hardwoods, and a glimpse into settlers' lives.

Tough day at work? Reenergize yourself on this quick but steep 2.5-mile hike or trail run to the top of the city's landmark peak.

This 3.4-mile out-and-back in the heart of Missouri's Little Dixie region travels the wavy, wooded banks of a 205-acre lake.

Try a stunning new hike in the Colorado Rockies' top spot for big backpacking adventures.

This succinct 3.8-mile dayhike winds across Brushy Mountain’s ridgetop, traverses a small saddle, then crests Locust Mountain before a final descent.

This 6-mile dayhike in the Superstition Mountains is a photographer's delight: rocky spires, hoodoos, a desert cave, and sunset light on Weavers Needle.

This 5.7-mile loop features golden hills rimmed by crimson mesas, abundant rock formations, and revealing views into Colorado National Monument.

Snowshoe or ski into a winter paradise on this 4.7-miler that loops past a mountain spring and finishes with a downhill sprint.

Take in Olympic history, a marsh, and views of Saranac Lakes on the 3.7 miles to this weathered High Peaks summit.

This classic dayhike runs up a narrow canyon then along a formidable knife-edge ridge to a giant monolith with mind-boggling redrock views.

Climb to the top of a rocky summit above island-dotted Lake Winnipesaukee on this popular 3.8-mile loop in the Belknap Mountains.

Avoid the crowds on this 3-miler that explores less-traveled trails and an old Confederate headquarters in Manassas National Battlefield Park.

This 11.8-miler traces the Appalachian Trail along an idyllic ridgeline to New Jersey's highpoint, 60 miles from Manhattan.

This 8.4-mile out-and-back gains 2,500 feet to unbeatable desert-to-ocean views over the San Jacinto Mountains.

Gaze down the barrel of a waterfall and visit a secluded pond on this 10.2-mile section hike of the Appalachian Trail.

Test your map skills on this moderate 4.7-mile hike into the woodland maze along the Ventura River in El Nido Preserve.

Loop 8.3 miles through coastal sage and eucalyptus to views of mountain-ringed beaches and the Pacific Ocean.

String together two loops on this 8.3-miler along the streams and young woodlands near Caesar Creek Lake--a 2,830-acre reservoir.

Earmark a long weekend for this 31-miler linking tree-shaded lowlands, old mining homesteads, waterfalls, and a beautiful alpine lake.

Parallel the Blue Ridge Parkway on this 12.5-mile one-way hike with picturesque overlooks and streams cascading through towering hardwoods.

Trail run or hike on this 3.8-mile woodland loop past granite outcrops and small cascades to the floodplain of the Ocmulgee River.

Trace an old Native American trail, climb hills, and explore rich stands of cedar and oak on this scenic loop just 15 miles from downtown.

Save this 13.6-miler for a weekday in the spring when crowds are thin and haze-free views stretch for miles (patches of flowers and wildlife, too).

This figure-eight loop connects 9.6 miles of pristine forest and wooded marshes in Wakulla Springs State Park.

Wander under oak and hickory trees, up steep hills, and along a wild Ozark creek on this 5.9-mile lassoloop in Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area.

Escape the daily grind: This scenic loop links fields and forests, trails and some roads for a relaxing 6.5-mile tour around the Des Moines River. Caution: This loop crosses a bridge on I-80; plan trip during low traffic hours.

Zigzag the wooded contours of Winding Stair Mountain and explore lesser-traveled landscapes on this 7.9-mile section of the Ouachita Trail.

Ride the bus to explore this 5.3-mile loop in Fort Harrison State Park featuring sun-dappled forests, seasonal flowers and, if you're quiet, wildlife.

This 6.2-mile out-and-back charges up a mountain creek and into a canyon tucked below the snow-crested Boulder Mountains.

This 13.6-miler traces a treeless ridgeline speckled with seasonal wildflowers and endless mountainous views, then ends at a lakeside lunch spot.

Locals coined this 8-miler the "toughest hike" in the Columbia Gorge. It gains roughly 3,500 feet from Eagle Creek to a highpoint with picturesque views.

This 8.5-mile ridgeline hike offers astounding views, two summit options, and a late-summer treat of wild huckleberries and wildflowers.

String several wooded paths and waterfalls together on this 3.5-mile dayhike located only minutes from downtown.

Explore a handful of landscapes—prairie, wetlands, lakes—along a winding river on this 9.8-mile out-and- back leg of the Des Plaines River Trail.

This half-mad dayhike requires a stiff climb through overgrown brush, then rewards hikers with miles of wildflowers backdropped by alpine peaks.

See birds flock together in the lovely brooks and rich wetlands along this 4-mile out-and-back in the Goshen Land Trust.

Cross rushing creek, natural rock bridges, and a rugged gorge on this challenging 11.4-mile daytrip in McConnell's Mill State Park.

Connect the tops of two Berkshire peaks and catch views into three states on this 4.4-mile out-and-back in Mount Everett State Reservation.

In 5.5 miles, you'll walk cliff edges, skirt two lakes, trace two creeks, and pass photo-worthy overlooks of the Wichita Mountains.

This 4.5-miler runs along steep cliffs to two photogenic overlooks above an impressive waterfall on the Potomac River.

Pass through a tunnel of greens—pine trees, lush marshes, and carpets of moss—on this 4.9-mile hike to a quiet sun-soaked lake.

This challenging 10.4-miler climbs past lowland scrubs, a wildfire zone, and several campsites to a tall pine forest in Los Padres National Forest.

This 9.2-mile dayhike drops into the muzzle of the world's largest dormant volcano.

This weekend trip strings together cool ravines, desert canyons, and sunset views over the Pacific Ocean.

This ambitious 5.6-miler climbs more than 3,000 feet through mountain meadows, past a quiet lake, to a summit with far-away views over the Gallatin Range.

This challenging 10.4-miler climbs past lowland scrubs, a wildfire zone, and several campsites to a tall pine forest in Los Padres National Forest.

Pinched slot canyons, neck-craning cliffs and cottonwood groves highlight this strenuous 9.9-mile shuttle hike in Utah's redrock country.

Tour a rock garden of giant proportions on this 4.8-mile loop, passing towering redrock monoliths, golden hillsides, and views of Pikes Peak.

Go from rocky canyons to desert slickrock to an off-trail overlook with five-star views on this 5.6 mile-trek starting in Lost Dutchman State Park.

This volcano has lured explorers for decades. Good reason too: The 8.8-miler mixes trails, routefinding, and hand-over-hand scrambling.

Payoffs are big on this remote 7.8-miler in the Smoky Mountains: No crowds, beautiful mountain views, and steamy hot springs.

Hikers are rare but solitude isn't on this 9-mile ridgeline hike to a secluded lakeside campsite in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Camp near a picturesque lake then daytrip past huckleberry fields to a pointy summit with massive views above the North Cascades.

Be prepared for perfection, this 12-miler has it all: wildflowers, old growth trees, roaring creeks and gorges, and a quiet lake rimmed by ridges.