Published July 23, 2009 11:33AM
When you’re leading a bunch of buddies on a summit hike, you want a challenging
trail with grandstand views–but without major hazards, like knife-edge exposure
and sheer cliffs. These 10 peaks are ideal for informal group hikes.
Grays
and Torreys peaks, CO
Bag two Fourteeners in just a few hours on this 5-mile, beginner-friendly mountain
out-and-back with sweeping Front Range views.
Clouds
Rest, CA
Earn calendar-worthy views of Yosemite Valley–without the crowds–on
this 6-mile hike up a 9,926-foot granite monolith.
Observation
Peak, WY
Gaze out over the peaks and canyons of Yellowstone from the top of this 9,397-foot
peak, accessible via a moderate 10.5-mile dayhike.
Skyscraper
Mountain, WA
Climb through wildflower-choked meadows on this 7.9-miler with killer views of
Mt. Rainier.
Mt.
Washington, NH, via Tuckerman Ravine
Check off this life-list, 6,288-foot Presidential peak by ascending via this classic
7.8-mile out-and-back.
Whiteface
Mountain, NY
Challenge yourself with a strenuous 11.6-mile hike up a 4,867-foot Adirondack
peak with vistas stretching from Lake Placid to the High Peaks.
Chimney
Tops, TN
Tackle the Smokies’ most fun scramble on this 9.6-miler.
Mt.
Rogers, VA
Bag the state high point (5,729 feet) on a 7.2-mile out-and-back through dense
Appalachian forest.
Diamond Peak,
OR
Save a weekend for this stunning 27.4-mile loop past lakes and waterfalls to the
8,744-foot summit of an extinct Cascades volcano.
Deseret
Peak, UT
Hoof 7.8 miles to the top of this 11,031-footer for expansive views of Great Salt
Lake and the Wasatch Mountains.
