This post contains affiliate links
These are my 10 Favorite National Park hikes so far (in no particular order). As of today, we’ve been to 25 of the 63 parks, so this will definitely change in the future, but it’ll be fun to see how it evolves over time! All of these can be found on AllTrails.
1. Angels Landing – Zion National Park, Utah
Completed: September 2021
Distance: Approximately 4.3 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 1,827 feet
Pros: Fun, challenging hike with stunning views
Cons: Too many people
Notes: A lottery system is now in place to help keep crowds better controlled
2. Queens Garden and Navajo loop – Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Completed: September 2021
Distance: Approximately 3 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 652 feet
Pros: Incredible views the entire hike
Cons: None that I can think of!
Notes: At the trailhead, walk along sidewalk to Sunrise Point and start with Queens Garden first. You’ll end with Wall Street, a tough climb up steep switchbacks, but it’s beautiful!
3. Lost Mine Trail – Big Bend National Park, Texas
Completed: November 2024
Distance: Approximately 4.8 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 1,131 feet
Pros: Excellent views; we thought this was relatively easy
Cons: Limited parking, no bathrooms at trailhead
Notes: Unfortunately, the trailhead is found on Chisos Basin road which is going to be closed for two years starting July 2025.
4. Endless Wall to Diamond Point – New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
Completed: May 2023
Distance: Approximately 2.1 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 203 feet
Pros: Dog-friendly, easy, beautiful view at overlook
Cons: The full trail is point-to-point, so you either need to walk along the road to get back to your car or only do this as an out and back to the overlook.
Notes: Keep an eye out for rock climbers at the overlook
5. Devil’s Hall Trail – Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Completed: November 2024
Distance: Approximately 3.8 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 603 feet
Pros: Really pretty, not a lot of elevation, interesting landscape
Cons: Loose rock in the wash can be hard for people with stability/mobility issues
Notes: climbing the “staircase” (pictured) isn’t as scary as it may appear in pictures. It’s fairly easy!
6. Jordan Pond Path – Acadia National Park, Maine
Completed: August 2024
Distance: Approximately 3.3 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 62 feet
Pros: Easy, beautiful, fun for the whole family (including dogs)
Cons: Busy, lots of people
Notes: Look for loons on the pond and stop by Jordan Pond House after the hike for a popover!
7. Petroglyph Point Trail – Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Completed: May 2024
Distance: Approximately 2.7 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 429 feet
Pros: so much history, cool rock features, nice views
Cons: Can be very hot 🥵
Notes: The petroglyphs are about halfway through the trail, you can’t miss them! Also, keep an eye out for Collared Lizards, they are bright teal and so pretty!
8. Ledges Trail – Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Completed: October 2023
Distance: Approximately 2.4 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 219 feet
Pros: So much fun geology to look at and take pictures of, easy trail. Dog-friendly
Cons: Some people may find it boring (they’re wrong 😛)
Notes: You don’t need a lot of time for this trail unless you plan to be like me and take a million pictures.
9. Natural Entrance to Big Room Loop – Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Completed: November 2024
Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles
Elevation loss: Approx. 750 feet
Pros: Unreal geological features, mind-blowing sights
Cons: Descending into the cave can be difficult for those with knee, hip and back issues.
Notes: There is an elevator that can bring tourists down from the visitor center if they’re unable to hike down.
10. Vernal and Nevada Falls (via Mist Trail) – Yosemite National Park, California
Completed: May 2022
Distance: Approximately 6.4 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 2,208 feet
Pros: Stunning views, incredible waterfalls, beautiful scenery
Cons: A lot of people, have to take shuttle to trailhead
Notes: Visit in the late spring (late May/early June) to see the waterfalls really flowing!
BONUS: Shark Valley Loop – Everglades National Park, Florida
Completed: February 2023
Distance: Approximately 15 miles
Elevation gain: Approx. 0 feet
Pros: So many alligators and birds, flat and easy – so fun for biking!
Cons: Full exposure, so plan accordingly!
Notes: You can rent bikes at the Shark Valley Visitor Center! There is also an observation tower at the furthest end of the loop
I hope that these inspire you for your next national park trip. If you’ve done any of them already, let me know in the comments below!
The Adventures of Suze 
Leave a comment