Telluride, CO: Bear Creek
Warm up to Telluride's steep ascents with this mellow 4.5-miler that climbs steadily along Bear Creek to a 100-foot falls in the Uncompahgre National Forest.
Got the itch to go hiking? Whether it’s prepping for the trip of a lifetime or finding local hikes, these picks from the editors of Backpacker will help you get out more. Find day hikes, multi-day trips, and more.
Got the itch to go hiking? Whether it’s prepping for the trip of a lifetime or finding local hikes, these picks from the editors of Backpacker will help you get out more. Find day hikes, multi-day trips, and more.
Warm up to Telluride's steep ascents with this mellow 4.5-miler that climbs steadily along Bear Creek to a 100-foot falls in the Uncompahgre National Forest.
Cruise the high-mountain desert to a pinnacle overlook in the Curecanti National Recreation Area. This 3.8-miler offers an up-close look at the volcanic activity that shaped the natural wonders nearby.
Leave civilization behind on this 7.4-mile loop that connects mountaintop greenery, sweeping monoliths and low-lying swamps in southern Harriman State Park.
Set aside a couple of hours for this 3.3-mile loop on the north end of Telluride that climbs 1,200 feet to breathtaking views of this small mountain town.
Trek into the past on this 6-day route linking a rock arch, 5,000-foot balds, old settler homesites, and 100-year-old cemeteries.
Wander through upstate marshland into a mature conifer forest before climbing 2,000 feet to Pharaoh Mountain and summit views of the eastern Adirondacks.
Ascend 3,600 feet to Algonquin Peak, the second highest summit in New York, for top-of-the-world views of Adirondack peaks and lakes.
Scale switchbacks to scope spectacular views of Cloudland Canyon from the West Rim Trail on this 4.6-mile dayhike near the Georgia/Tennessee/Alabama border.
Trek up 1,500-foot Mount Tammany for far-reaching views of the Kittatinny Mountains and the Delaware Water Gap on this 3.6-mile loop.
Trace the eastern edge of the Catskills, tagging five 2,000-foot overlooks, en route to South and North Mountain on this 7.9-mile loop in Catskill State Park.
This 4.7-mile loop in the Squam Lake region of the White Mountains ascends Mounts Morgan and Percival and challenges dayhikers with tight caves and boulder scrambles.
On this 6-mile loop in Blue Hills Reservation, you'll see dense hardwoods, meadows, ponds, glacial leftovers, rocky hills, and sweeping views of Boston.
Rounded granite knobs and sweeping valleys in the Lost Creek Wilderness set the stage for this spectacular 27.6-mile loop that rewards with rugged panoramas and killer riverside campsites.
A stunning backcountry basin, two mountain lakes, and scores of wildflowers highlight this 7.1-mile out-and-back in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
This Front Range dayhike is short on mileage and big on payoffs. In less than a mile, you'll skirt a mountain lake and climb the snowy slopes of a Rocky Mountain glacier.
On this 12.7-mile section of the Oregon Coast Trail, you'll tour two coastal towns, travel to a lighthouse lookout, and skim the edge of craggy headlands.
Connect alpine lakes and tag three summits on this wildflower- and wildlife-packed loop.
The first 16-mile chunk of the Long Trail starts in Massachusetts, kicking off with a steep climb to the Vermont state line (the Trail's official start) and a rugged trek north.
This 20-mile stretch of Vermont's Long Trail tops out at a fire tower overlook on Glastenbury Mountain and offers thru-hikers four shelter options along the way.
A pair of 1,300-foot ascents bookend this 25-mile stretch of Vermont's Long Trail. In addition to Stratton and Bromley Mountains, this route also samples numerous forested brooks and Green Mountain vistas.
Even as this 19.2-mile stretch of the Vermont Long Trail loses more elevation than it gains. Plus: thru-hikers are treated to pond-side shelters, Green Mountain overlooks, and more challenging terrain.
Nearly 7,000-feet of climbing are spread over this 22-mile point-to-point on Vermont's Long Trail; the highlight is a 2,400-foot ascent to 360-degree views atop Killington Peak.
Tracking northwest along the western edge of the Green Mountains, this 19-mile section of the Long Trail skirts several peaks on an increasingly rugged path.
Heading north through the Breadloaf Wilderness, this 19-mile Long Trail section tackles rugged climbs on a route that traces ridgelines and wanders through a Vermont ski area.
A true ridgeline trek in the Green Mountains, this 15-mile point-to-point section of the Long Trail skirts classic Vermont ski areas, offering far-off vistas and several overlooks.
Ranging 23-miles through northern Vermont, this Long Trail section continues through rugged terrain and rewards thru-hikers with sweeping views of the Green Mountain range.
This 21-mile homestretch of Vermont's Long Trail conquers one more mammoth Green Mountain summit (Jay Peak) before trekking north to the Canadian border and Journey's End.
One of the toughest stretches on the Long Trail, this 23-miler tackles an exposed, boulder-scrambling climb to Camels Hump while enjoying views of the Greens, Whites, and Adirondacks.
A 25.7-mile point-to-point across some of the toughest terrain in the Green Mountains, this Long Trail section scrambles up Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak.
Follow this 3-miler through glacial moraine and across a man-made dam for panoramic views of Johnson Lake, a snack-bar pit stop, and a sampling of this state recreation area's year-round attractions.
Stop for a bluff-top look at the Sangamon River on this 4.1-miler that loops through lush forests in a designated National Natural Landmark—and one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois.
One way hike to summit three 4,000 foot peaks along the Southern Presidentials
Tour sprawling, green meadows, wetlands lined with tall grass, and quiet forests on this 3.3-miler in Brooklyn's Prospect Park.
Explore a supersized wilderness that's home to Idaho's densest population of gray wolves.
Take a stroll above the bustling streets of Manhattan on the High Line, an elevated walkway with picturesque gardens and views of the city skyline.
Explore the once-bustling Carbon River Road by foot on this 11.2-mile hike that winds through mossy forest and visits a multi-tiered waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park.
This 5.4-miler in the Blue Ridge Mountains climbs through poplars and oaks to the 4,001-foot summit of Flat Top Mountain, the tallest of the Peaks of Otter.
A classic waterfall hike in Silver Falls State Park, the Trail of Ten Falls visits 11 cascades and tours lush forests sprinkled with vibrant wildflowers.
Massive, mossy trees lend a fairy tale air to this 7.1-mile out-and-back through the Drift Creek Wilderness and one of the Oregon coast's last remaining stands of old growth.
Bring your binoculars and circle Barr Lake on this easy 9.3-mile loop in prime birding territory. You may spot one of the Front Range's only pair of nesting bald eagles.
An introduction to Texas' second-largest lake, this 13.25-mile round-trip paddle on Lake Livingston's western shore will have you rubbing elbows with the locals--turtles, snakes and alligators included.
Hike, push a stroller, or even roll a wheelchair into a mining relic from 1859. This former aqueduct above the South Yuba River offers easy access to rugged wilderness and amazing mountain views.
Spot abundant wildlife and wide open vistas from the shores of Lake Texoma on this easy, 3.2-mile lollipop loop in the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge just 90 minutes north of Dallas.
Not ready to tackle a 14er (yet)? Try this 2.5-mile gem in Golden Gate State Park.
Five-star mountain views, two alpine lakes, and gold mine relics highlight this 4.5-mile out-and-back near Breckenridge, Colorado.
Take the secluded route up Larch Mountain to a popular pinnacle on this 7-mile loop that features shady woods, vibrant wildflowers, and huge, 5-mountain views.
This 6.6-mile out-and-back visits an old fire lookout site and two wildflower-strewn meadows with postcard-worthy views of Mount Hood.
Explore Little Fisherman's Cove and Two Harbors' popular campground on this easy 1.4-miler that is a perfect escape for boat-bound island guests.
This challenging 4.8-miler in the Black Mountains features a stiff climb past rhododendron and rocky outcrops to a windswept ridge connecting Celo Knob and Gibbs Mountain.
Follow a primitive trail--and keep an eye out for alpine-loving marmots and big horn--on this 11.5-mile overnight to Horseshoe Lake in the Carson National Forest's Pecos Wilderness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.