Trips

Explore Big Bend backcountry on this easy 1.2-mile round-trip through a water-worn canyon to a desert watering hole surrounded by towering layers of rock.

Link a network of hiking trails in Deer Grove Forest Preserve for a 9.3-mile meadow- and ravine-touring escape from the Windy City.

See bears, elk, and the remote terrain of the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone on this 44-mile trip.

Explore deep woods, ancient dune ridges, and wetland thickets on sandy trail that loops 9.7 miles through the center of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Cross the Stillwater Plateau to trout-rich ponds at the foot of Montana's second highest peak.

A 15.6-mile hike-scramble-wade-swim through one of the finest river gorges on Earth.

This 8-mile trail is arguably the most scenic dayhike in Bryce Canyon, and is less-trafficked than other dayhike loops.

Explore tiny lakeshore beaches (and don’t forget your fishing pole) on this 3-mile trek that heads cross-country on the southeast corner of Gross Reservoir.

Stretch your legs on all--or just part--of this 3.6-mile trail that climbs steadily alongsideGlenwood Canyon's Grizzly Creek. The only bear here is the 1,800 foot gain in elevation.

Visit a Scandinavian-inspired castle and one of Tahoe's most beautiful beaches on this family-friendly 2.3 miler in Emerald Bay State Park.

It's an easy 0.75-miles through the El Dorado National Forest to a sweeping view of Lake Tahoe and this hike's payoff--perfect toe-dipping pools atop Cascade Creek Falls.

A locals' favorite, this challenging dayhike up Mount Si is less than an hour from Seattle and features eagle-eye views of the Snoqualmie River valley and Mount Rainier.

This 14.6-mile hike in Denali National Park circles Mount Eielson and features scenic creek crossings and jaw-dropping views of the Alaska Range.

Follow alpine streams through verdant valleys on this overnight trek from Crested Butte to the base of West Maroon Pass and Hasley Basin in Colorado's fourth largest wilderness area.

Combine 4 trails in the High Chisos on this challenging 8.6-mile loop that offers thigh-burning climbs, stunning views, and a vegetation transition with great wildlife viewing potential.

Descend into Closed Canyon's slot for a 1.4-mile round-trip trek from Big Bend's scenic River Road toward the Mexican border and the raging Rio Grande.

Red Rocks isn't just a great place for a concert, this 4.5-mile out-and-back starts among red-tinted outcroppings and heads north to Mathews/Winters Park for a fun and easy-access day hike.

Climb the Lower 48's highest peak on a route with all of the thrills but none of the crowds.

A picture-perfect pond at the end of this mellow 0.8-miler makes this Roosevelt National Forest hike an easy overnight option for families—and the faint-of-heart.

This 4.7-mile out-and-back climbs to the expansive, 4,275-foot summit of Mount Wright for endless views of the Alaska Range and Denali National Park.

Travel a trail lush with old-growth forests to four majestic lakes nestled in Snoqualmie National Forest.

Wind through a hand-laid collection of wooded hills on an ancient glacial moraine on this 2.3-mile double loop northwest of Chicago.

Explore wetlands and the shores of Lake Michigan at the only hike-in beach in the Chicagoland area on this easy 2.3-mile loop through the southern side of Illinois Beach State Park.

A picture-perfect pond at the end of this mellow 0.8-mile hike makes this trip in the Roosevelt National Forest an easy overnight option for families.

Climb through pungent ponderosa to the summit of Arthur's Rock for views of Ft. Collins and the Colorado plains. It's a far-away feeling, but close-to-town 4.4-mile dayhike loop through Lory State Park.

The Eagles Nest Wilderness doesn’t attract regular Colorado crowds—unless you count the mountain goats. Explore rugged peaks, and pristine alpine lakes on this 13.3-mile route in an under-appreciated Rocky Mountain getaway.

Begin exploring the South Platte River's Greenway Trail on this 7-mile out and back intro to the paved, 30-mile-plus vein through the heart of the Mile High City.

This family-friendly hike climbs to Hadley Mountain Fire Tower and showcases expansive views of the Adirondack High Peaks and Great Sacandaga Lake.

Trek to the shores of Lincoln Lake, a picturesque pool surrounded by ragged peaks, on this 16.7-mile hike in Glacier National Park.

Find wildflower nirvana on this 7.4-mile hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that runs past vibrant blooms, visits an historic farm site, and passes a waterfall.

Hike to Jesse James' old stomping grounds on this 4.1-mile loop that strings together three short trails just 30 minutes from downtown.

This easy, 4.4-mile loop outside Boulder links Big Bluestem Trail to South Boulder Creek Trail and features vibrant wildflowers and 5-star views of the Flatirons.

Although short, this popular 0.2-mile trail to Pinnacles Overlook offers big views of Badlands National Park's iconic rock formations.

Tag two neighboring summits that overlook Boulder (and climb nearly 3,000 feet in the process) on this 8.3-mile lasso loop to Bear Peak and South Boulder Peak.

Catch breathtaking views of Summit County and the Tenmile Range on this 6.9-mile out-and-back that climbs to the 12,805-foot summit of Peak 1.

With low altitude yet big relief, this route in Glacier National Park’s little-visited northeast corner is perfect in early season. Hike this 22.9-mile lollipop loop in the Belly River Valley and cut through beargrass-filled meadows past misty waterfalls to a campsite overlooking Elizabeth Lake.

Hike through old-growth forests and climb 600 feet alongside a glacier-fed stream on this 4.7-mile out-and-back that ends on the shores of Avalanche Lake.

Back-to-back boat rides jump-start this dayhike to a glacier-fed lake in Glacier National Park.

This 10-mile out-and-back heads off-trail and lands at the crumbling ruins of a Native American spiritual site on the slopes of Mount Henry.

Don't waste winter: Tackle this cross-country canyon trek in the Lower 48's largest national park.

Just two hours from Denver, this 7.4-mile out-and-back passes several waterfalls en route to a magnificent lake basin that provides off-trail access to Pacific Tarn, the highest officially named lake in the United States.

This 7.6-mile hike in the San Juan Mountains travels past golden meadows and three waterfalls en route to a stunning tarn in Ice Lake Basin.

This stout three-day backpacking trip emphasizes the "grand" in Grand Canyon as it follows hardscrabble trails to remote campsites, old mining claims, and the scene of an airplane crash.

Watch the bore tide in Turnagain Arm and tour a scenic section of the Indian-to-Girdwood bike path on this easygoing, 1.9-mile hike less than an hour from Anchorage.

Explore Colorado's Gore Range on this 12.4-mile shuttle hike that begins in Vail, crosses Red Buffalo Pass, and drops into Silverthorne.

Hike to the edge of the Exit Glacier on this memorable, 2-mile loop in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Power up more than 2,600 feet of rugged, backcountry trails on this 12.4-mile out-and back that climbs from Vail to a pristine lakeshore in the heart of the Gore Range.

Paddle past glacier-covered peaks and lush mountainsides on this 6.5-mile out-and-back that visits a small beach in Resurrection Bay.

This 2.6-mile loop in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve links three park trails, sandstone bluffs, and views of undeveloped coastline.

Climb to a scenic viewpoint overlooking Boulder and the Flatirons on this moderate, 3.1-mile out-and-back in Chautauqua Park.

Climb more than 2,000 feet from aspen groves near Woods Lake to the dramatic Navajo Lake basin. This 10.2-mile out-and-back is a San Juan classic that spends a dramatic mile above treeline.

Traverse a red-rock hillside on this easy 1-mile out-and-back that lands atop a cluster of sandstone pinnacles in the Colorado National Monument’s grandest canyon.

"Camp" in style on this out-and-back to a 10th Mountain Division hut just north of Leadville, CO. A full kitchen, wood-stove heat, and sprawling views of 14,421-foot Mt. Massive are just a few of the amenities.

This *3.3-mile loop behind Big Meadows Lodge drops past rocks and ridgelines to Shenandoah's 4th highest falls.

This *2.8-mile loop swings past talus fields, wildflowers, and a falcon nesting area, capping them off with a gob-smacking view from Shenandoah's highest peak.

Five cascading waterfalls are the draw on this popular 4.2-mile out-and-back that starts with a climb and ends with a leafy streamside ramble.

Explore an 1890's mountain farm on this 4.3-mile lasso loop that tackles a 700-foot climb to craggy boulders for expansive parkway views.

Highlights along this 3.5-mile loop include whitetail deer, a 3,364-foot summit, precariously perched boulders, and a 19th-century farmhouse.

Look for blackberries and bears on this 4.4-mile loop around an activity-filled lake complex in the southern Shenandoah Valley.

This effortless out-and-back offers unparalleled views of rocky canyons and towering glacier-topped peaks, all from the shores of four gorgeous mountain lakes.

Explore Silver Peak and Twin Lake on this challenging 9-mile loop.

Take this short, little-known scramble up to the top of Guye Peak in the Alpental Ski Area.

Leave the big pack behind and take this easy 2-mile loop at Colter Bay for spectacular views of Jackson Lake and several surrounding peaks.

Climb the Northwest's tallest nontechnical volcano.

Roughly an hour from Portland, this must-do dayhike in Mount Hood National Forest skirts the Sandy River and offers spectacular views of Ramona Falls.

A great out and back that covers just over 14 miles, through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area that will be sure to not disappoint, as you will pass 4 lakes, numerous streams, and huge views of the surrounding mountains and jagged peaks that make this close in section of wilderness a fan favorite.

Think of this hike as a five-star gourmet meal for the price of a cheeseburger, the crescendo will leave you utterly speechless, yet leave you wondering how you attained so much for so little effort.

This short trail between Gorge and Diablo Lakes climbs steadily to a small pocket lake filled with floating "gardens" and great views of Pyramid Peak.

Hike this short trail between two Cascades passes to the foot of a brilliant blue lake in a stone amphitheater beneath the towering Early Winters Spires and Liberty Bell Peak.

Hike to stunning Snow Lake, one of the most popular and easily accessible lakes within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. This 8.5-mile out and back includes a side trip to Source Lake.

A challenging 3 day journey into the Chain Lakes area. On this 31 mile lollipop loop, see several lakes, cross 3 passes, and trek through forests and meadows back to the beginning.

Pack for a quick overnight in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and discover hidden alpine lakes and the stunning panorama of peaks that is the Central Cascades.

Experience this world-class, glaciated peak in a day on an 8.4-mile out-and-back that climbs 4,600 feet to a high-altitude camp above the Muir Snowfield.

Get your fill of breathtaking waterfalls on this 13.1-mile out-and-back in the Columbia River Gorge that visits Punchbowl Falls, Tunnel Falls, and Twister Falls.

Take this 10-mile trek up to Mt. Defiance, enjoying long views, access to a number of lakes, and lush alpine meadows.

Cruise huckleberry meadows and tackle steep, switchbacking turns on this 2.8-mile out-and-back to Mt. Catherine's summit and a survey-worthy perch above Keechelus Lake and Snoqualmie Pass.

Follow this hike up to the top of Kendall Peak for magnificent views of the surrounding landscape before continuing on to the popular Katwalk.

A 15 mile out and back into Big Heart Lake. Along the way, you'll pass Trout Lake, Copper Lake, Little Heart Lake, and then Big Heart. The lakes are full of large trout, and the views of the ruggedness of the Alpine Lakes area is worth the effort it takes to hike into this wild part of Washington.

Start with a casual romp through lush rainforest and a beaver pond meadow, traverse a coastal headland to an historic lighthouse, then delve down through "Middle Earth" to a mystic beach on this 6-mile loop hike.

Hike through lush coastal forest with the sounds of barking sea lions, to view a hidden cove and waterfall from atop a meadowy bluff on Oregon's rugged Pacific Coast.