Santa Cruz, CA: Fall Creek to Lime Kilns
Hidden deep inside the Santa Cruz Mountains, this 2.4-mile out-and-back wanders through old-growth forests and past meandering creeks to century-old limestone kilns.
Your dream backpacking trips are waiting for you. Find and explore new hiking trails and backpacking routes across the country with advice, adventure travel stories, topo maps, photography, and more from the experts at Backpacker.
Your dream backpacking trips are waiting for you. Find and explore new hiking trails and backpacking routes across the country with advice, adventure travel stories, topo maps, photography, and more from the experts at Backpacker.
Hidden deep inside the Santa Cruz Mountains, this 2.4-mile out-and-back wanders through old-growth forests and past meandering creeks to century-old limestone kilns.
This quick (and scenic) 0.3-mile jaunt loops around the base of Balanced Rock, a teetering sandstone rock formation in Arches National Park.
Stunning views of Weavers Needle and a fun, route-finding slickrock descent make this 4.6-mile Superstition Wilderness loop a Phoenix-area favorite.
Climb a massive slickrock ribbon and stand beneath one of Arches National Park's most iconic landmarks on this 3.1-mile out-and-back.
This St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge loop swings through salt marshes and forested swamps flush with birds, butterflies, and gators.
Sampling the best of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, this 5-miler traverses alpine meadows up to a sparkling lake perched below the Continental Divide.
Sweeping views and a memorable elk-spotting traverse at 11,000 feet await on this 22.3-mile multi-day loop in the Rio Grande National Forest.
Cruise, walk, run, blade, or skate this 5-mile out-and-back with views of world-class surfers, jagged coastline, and jaw-dropping sunsets.
An isthmus crossing and a killer climb reward with cross-channel views and a glimpse of Catalina Island's rugged backside on this 5.4-mile loop above Two Harbors.
For the ultimate view of Longs Peak's 1,000-foot Diamond Face, climb to Chasm Lake on this 8.2-mile out-and-back that tops out above treeline.
This 18.8-miler follows the North Inlet through aspen groves, spruce stands, and marshland (feeding grounds of bugling elk) to a campground tucked beneath the Continental Divide.
Travel through the volcanic wasteland of Mount St. Helens, marveling at the rock/boulder deposits from the 1980 eruption that stripped the mountainside of any and all trees and vegetation. From the summit, get an up close perspective of the ever growing lave dome within the crater.
This 10.6-mile out-and-back in the Cascade Range negotiates a variety of climbing routes to a crumbling volcanic summit (and a dizzying view).
This strenuous 16-mile trek weaves past golden meadows to the crumbling crown of Broken Top, a glacier-scraped volcano in Three Sisters Wilderness.
Climb to the top of a glacier-scraped volcano for dramatic views of the Cascades on this difficult, 12.5-mile out-and-back in Three Sisters Wilderness.
One of the Gorge's steepest and most enjoyable trails, the path to Munra Point features several challenging scrambles and five-star views across the Columbia River.
Walk through Death Valley National Park on this grueling, 14-day, 221-mile thru-hike of the largest national park in the contiguous United Sates.
Check out some of the oldest trees in the world--1,000 year-old sequoias--on this 4-mile loop through southern Yosemite's Mariposa Grove.
Rushing rivers, brilliant wildflowers, and high mountain meadows are abundant on this moderate, 14.4-mile lollipop loop in the Entiat Mountains.
An ideal family trip, this 2.6-mile hike is short on miles, but big on scenery. You'll encounter spectacular rock formations, spring wildflowers, and two peaceful lakes.
Sample the paved hike-and-bike path in Houston's George Bush Park with this flat and easy 4.2-miler that's perfect for a run or a family bike ride.
Trek deep into the Smokies on this 24.3-mile weekend trip that traces the North Carolina-Tennessee state line, passing two trail shelters and forests of mossy hardwoods.
Only 20 miles north of Atlanta, Sawnee Mountain Preserve offers a maze of wooded trails that wander past abandoned gold mines to overlooks of Blue Ridge peaks.
Wander a 4.2-mile figure 8 that tours rhododendron clusters, rock formations, and serene cascades in a diverse hardwood forest near the Alabama-Georgia state line.
Gaining 1,500 feet in 2.5 miles, this Adirondack summit push rewards with expansive views out to neighboring High Peaks and beyond.
This 4.1-mile loop on the southwestern slopes of Mount Mansfield offers dayhikers a healthy dose of elevation, fun rock scrambling, and Champlain Valley vistas.
Explore the unique glacial geology of Block Island and wander past Atlantic Ocean overlooks on this 3.5-mile amble through an idyllic nature preserve.
Weave between hardwoods and farmlands on this quick, 5-mile leg of the Finger Lakes Trail.
Trek along the remote Ibex Dunes and wind through rugged washes on this 28-mile overnight near Death Valley National Park's southern border.
Hike this gentle, 6.1-mile out-and-back in midsummer when an explosion of wildflowers dominates the climb to this grassy pass in the Indian Peaks.
Trek over dunes, sand flats, and salt pans in the shadow of the Black and Panamint ranges on this 109-mile, multi-day excursion through southern Death Valley.
Follow the secluded Marble Canyon through Joshua trees and Cottonwood Mountains to vast playas and volcanic craters on this 80-mile trek.
Climb through gaping craters and narrow canyons before bagging 11 peaks in northern Death Valley's Last Chance Range on this 46-miler.
This popular loop through Boulder's Chautauqua Park tops out at a stunning rock arch framing views of Front Range foothills and the plains.
Traverse the Last Chance Range en route to the highest sand dunes in California and the abandoned Crater Mine on this difficult, 40-mile out-and-back in Death Valley.
This 28.7-mile weekend getaway travels from Eureka Dunes, the highest dunes in California, to Last Chance Mountain, an 8,500-foot peak in Death Valley.
Looking to tag a life-list summit without queuing up? Pass on Half Dome, and opt for the 12-mile climb to Yosemite's unsung granite peak.
Look for banana slugs, newts, and canyon tree frogs on this 2.5-mile hike to Tangerine Falls, the largest cascade in the Santa Barbara frontcountry.
Marvel at Pacific coast views, tree-lined canyons, snowy peaks and tumbling waterfalls on this 7.5-mile highlight reel of Santa Barbara's frontcountry.
This challenging, 18.1-mile backcountry trek wanders the rugged canyons, alpine lakes, and scree fields of Grand Teton National Park.
Towering peaks, alpine lakes, and rugged canyons highlight this challenging, 21.7-mile backcountry trek in Grand Teton National Park.
This 14.6-mile out-and-back meanders past lodgepole pine, towering peaks, and a waterfall on its way to a backcountry campsite at the foot of the Tetons.
Delve deep into the Santa Ynez Mountains on this 4.7-mile, creek-hopping, canyon traverse to rock climbing walls and a hang glider launch pad.
Don't forget to pack a swimsuit: This 2.4-mile out-and-back leads to a multi-tiered cascade with sandstone swimming holes and views of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Sample suburban recreational trails on this easy 3.8-mile Niwot route that showcases views of the Front Range along it's eastern fringe.
Cruise through oak-filled canyon country and shrubland meadows to overlooks of the Channel Islands, city lights, and the Pacific coast on this 7-mile out-and-back.
Hike or run past oak forests, vernal pools, rock climbing walls, and fields of chaparral on this 9-mile out-and-back to the Santa Ynez Ridge.
Ascend razor-thin ridgelines and scramble up sheer rock faces on this 10.7-mile loop to Strawberry Peak, one of the most challenging summits in the San Gabriel frontcountry.
You'll find postcard-worthy views atop a rocky lookout on this 9.6-mile lollipop loop touring the lush forests and ravines of the Columbia River Gorge.
Paving the way for a traffic-free park, this 1.8-mile trail connects the Zion Visitor's Center and Canyon Junction. Don't miss a foot-soak in the Virgin River on your way!
Scale Zion National Park's skyscraping sandstone walls and dip into a water-carved slot on this epic 8-mile out-and-back that climbs 2,148-feet to classic canyon views on Observation Point.
Cruise the northern reaches of Zion's monumental canyon on this 2-mile out-and-back that skirts the Virgin River, winds past hanging gardens, and touches the crimson-stained cliffs of the Narrows.
This easy, 1.5-mile dayhike skirts the canyon-carving Virgin River en route to an algae-tinted desert oasis and a dripping, 100-foot waterfall.
From cacti to cottonwood, this easy, 0.5-mile loop climbs nearly 100 feet to a hanging garden, a dripping rock, and a peek at Zion National Park's biodiversity.
Perfect for an after-work trail run or leisurely stroll, this 2.7-mile lollipop loop explores wide-open meadows in the shadow of Boulder's iconic Flatirons.
Climb 2,400 feet to twin peaks on Rocky Mountain National Park's east side. Aspen-shaded trails and unobstructed views of Longs Peak are just two rewards of this 7.2-mile out-and-back.
A must-do for dayhikers, this 8.1-miler traverses windswept alpine tundra with dramatic overlooks and 360-degree views of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Trace a mountain stream through knee-high grasslands and shady aspen groves to a 20-foot waterfall on this moderate 6.2-miler in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Climb past ponderosa stands, golden meadows, and Boulder's iconic Flatirons to a hidden cave in Chautauqua Park on this 6.8-mile out-and-back.
Escape the heat of the Las Vegas Valley by trekking through a forested alpine canyon en-route to a waterfall, caves, and stunning vistas on this out-and-back 3.5-mile hike.
Take a tour of multi-colored hot pools and a crater-like geyser on this easy-going, 0.4-mile boardwalk stroll in Yellowstone's Black Sand Geyser Basin.
This 13.3-mile backcountry trek in Yellowstone National Park travels to a rocky beach (and campsites) in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Climb to panoramic views of Yellowstone National Park on this 7-mile loop that crests Bunsen Peak and skirts the edge of Sheepeater Canyon.
Trace Specimen Creek to two backcountry lakes and tour remote mountain landscapes on this solitary, 22.5-mile trek in Yellowstone National Park.
This 20.6-mile out-and-back in the northern reaches of Yellowstone National Park culminates with panoramic views from the rocky crown of Electric Peak.
This 3.9-mile lollipop loop in Yellowstone National Park climbs to a plateau top with unrivaled views of Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Mountains.
With its hissing fumaroles, bubbling mudpots, and propellant geysers, this short boardwalk loop at Fountain Paint Pot serves as a greatest-hits collection of Yellowstone's geothermal wonders.
Walk the rim of Yellowstone National Park's Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone on this 6.4-mile hike that showcases five-star views of Upper and Lower Falls.
This 4.4-mile out-and-back traces the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone for postcard-worthy views of Upper and Lower Falls.
On this 6.7-mile shuttle hike in Yellowstone National Park, you'll cruise through golden grasslands, tour the charred relics of the 1988 forest fires, and visit Grizzly Lake.
Spend a few nights in Yellowstone National Park on this 23.1-mile out-and-back complete with lakeside campsites and spectacular summit views.
Pass a waterfall, open meadows, lodgepole stands and a sparkling backcountry lake on this easy, 3.8-mile stroll through the heart of Yellowstone National Park.
Bubbling mud pots, spewing hot springs and turquoise pools are jam-packed into this quick, 0.9-mile roadside jaunt in Yellowstone National Park.
Explore the otherworldly landscape of Mammoth Hot Springs on this easy, 1.7-mile boardwalk loop in northern reaches of Yellowstone National Park.
Link some of Yellowstone National Park's most striking thermal features on this 5.2-mile loop near Mammoth Hot Springs.
Connect a series of memorable thermal features, such as Whale's Mouth, Whirligig Geyser, and Black Growler Steam Vent, on this easy, 0.9-mile loop in Yellowstone National Park's Norris Geyser Basin.
Trek through rolling meadows en route to a shimmering backcountry lake and the 360-degree panorama bliss of Observation Peak on this 10.5-mile dayhike in Yellowstone National Park.
This 8-mile out-and-back in Yellowstone National Park descends a cliffside trail to the base of Osprey Falls, a 150-foot waterfall that pours into Sheepeater Canyon.
Link two backcountry lakes, a plummeting waterfall, and a billowing fumarole on this 6.7-mile loop near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
This easy-going hike winds past lodgepole forest and grassy stream beds to the black sand beaches of a backcountry lake in Yellowstone National Park.