World ExpeditionsBig Adventures. Small Footprint.https://assets.worldexpeditions.com/BlogUSA: 8 Best National Parks for Hikinghttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/5603/7-best-national-parks-for-hiking-in-the-usaActivities,Adventure Travel,Trekking/Walking,Destinations,North AmericaWed, 24 Jan 2024 05:34:26 GMT<p>The US has some of the most impressive national parks in the world, from the iconic Grand Canyon in <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Arizona">Arizona</a> to Volcanoes in <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Hawaii">Hawaii</a> and, of course, Yosemite in the Sierra Nevada mountains of <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=California">California</a>. </p> <p>These glorious natural wonderlands are home to breathtaking hiking trails, unique geological formations, native animals and sensational vistas.</p> <p>But with more visitors heading to these wild places than ever, you’ll want to ensure your trip takes you far beyond the carpark, to places you can only get to by foot. Ahead, our favourite national parks in the US for hiking.</p> <h2> </h2> <div> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Yellowstone National Park | <i>Sue Badyari</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3009654" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/United-States-of-America-National-Parks-Grand-Canyon-Monument-Valley-3009654-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/United-States-of-America-National-Parks-Grand-Canyon-Monument-Valley-3009654-###width###px.jpg" /></div> </div> <h2><br /> Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming</h2> <p><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Yellowstone">Yellowstone</a> is the world’s first national park, and it remains one of the most popular for its hot springs, geysers and megafauna including bears, bison and elk! And sure, Old Faithful is worth a visit, but with over 3,468 square miles (8,983 square km) of natural beauty, there’s plenty more to see at Yellowstone than a crowd of tourists and a punctual geyser.</p> <p>During the summer months, we love the Wapiti Lake Trail, which takes you away from the crowds and past waterfalls, lakes, and a phenomenal hydrothermal area. </p> <p>But in our humble opinion, winter in Yellowstone is even more magical – the trails are quiet, the animals are active and the geothermal energy contrasts spectacularly with the snow.</p> <p> </p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Grand Canyon National Park, USA | <i>Sue Badyari</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3015220" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/United-States-of-America-National-Parks-Grand-Canyon-Monument-Valley-3015220-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/United-States-of-America-National-Parks-Grand-Canyon-Monument-Valley-3015220-###width###px.jpg" /></div> <h2><br /> Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona</h2> <p>The <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Grand+Canyon">Grand Canyon National Park</a> needs no introduction – home to the world’s most famous valley, this Arizona landmark is totally worth the hype. </p> <p>While close to 5 million visitors flock to the Canyon each year, only 5% hike below the rim, and even fewer make it to the Colorado River, so lace up your hiking boots and explore one of the most incredible places on earth by foot to truly connect with this icon and truly understand why it is worthy of the name 'Grand'.</p> <p>Be prepared, the hiking is hot and tough but well worth the effort.</p> <h2> </h2> <div> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Hiking in Zion National Park, Utah | <i>©VisittheUSA.com</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3009656" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/StGeorge_Utah_Zion-Cliffs-3009656-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/StGeorge_Utah_Zion-Cliffs-3009656-###width###px.jpg" /></div> </div> <h2><br /> Zion National Park, Utah</h2> <p>Any trip to the American Southwest isn’t complete without exploring the extraordinary <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Zion">Zion National Park</a> in Utah. </p> <p>A highlight is the hike to Angel’s Landing, an exhilirating ascent that’ll definitely keep you on your toes but is well worth it for the panoramic view at the top. </p> <p>Red rocks, deep canyons and natural arches abound in this dream hiking destination.</p> <h2> </h2> <div> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="The unique hoodoos of Bryce Canyon | <i>©VisittheUSA.com</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3009657" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/UT_Zion-Bryce_040115_Bryce-Canyon_P1120254_Web72DPI-3009657-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/UT_Zion-Bryce_040115_Bryce-Canyon_P1120254_Web72DPI-3009657-###width###px.jpg" /></div> </div> <h2><br /> Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah</h2> <p>Considered by many to be North America’s most beautiful canyon, <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Bryce+Canyon">Bryce Canyon</a> is a must-see destination for hikers and nature lovers alike. </p> <p>The spectacular park covers almost 40,000 acres, featuring colourful and unique rock formations called hoodoos, so vast and bright they’ll take your breath away.</p> <p>The colour contrast between the red rocks, green of the pines and blue of the sky is truly a feast for the eyes.</p> <p> </p> <div> <p class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Arches National Park, Utah | <i>©VisittheUSA.com</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3009659" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/National-Parks-Selects-From-MacGillivray-Freeman-Arches-HDRs-SouthWindow2DSunrise_ProcessedHDR-3009659-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/National-Parks-Selects-From-MacGillivray-Freeman-Arches-HDRs-SouthWindow2DSunrise_ProcessedHDR-3009659-###width###px.jpg" /></p> </div> <h2><br /> Arches National Park, Utah</h2> <p>Another Utah gem is <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Utah">Arches National Park,</a> home to over 2000 natural stone arches and the thousands of miles (or kms) of hiking trails that meander through them. </p> <p>These geological marvels have been forming for the past 65 million years and are still changing to this day. In 2008, one of the larger arches, Wall Arch, crumbled due to the constant erosion that shapes these masterpieces. </p> <p>Don’t miss Double Arch or Delicate Arch – two of our all-time faves!</p> <h2> </h2> <div> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="View to Half Dome, Yosemite National Park | <i>Nathaniel Wynne </i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3009660" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/View-to-Half-Dome_-Yosemite-National-Park-3009660-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/View-to-Half-Dome_-Yosemite-National-Park-3009660-###width###px.jpg" /></div> </div> <h2><br /> Yosemite National Park, California</h2> <p>If you loved the Oscar-winning climbing documentary, Free Solo, it’s time to put <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=California">Yosemite</a> on your bucket list, stat. </p> <p>This diverse national park in the Sierra Nevada mountains is home to some of Cali’s most spectacular vistas, hikes and climbs. </p> <p>The view from the summit of Half Dome is, quite honestly, a spiritual experience, but if you miss out on the lottery-based permit, there are loads of other incredible spots in the area to explore.</p> <h2> </h2> <div> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><img alt="Hiking on a lava field on Hawaii's Big Island | <i>Rachel Imber</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3015150" dynamiccroppedimage="1" flexibleaspectratio="16x9" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/Walkers-Volcanoes-National-Park-Hawaii-3015150-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/Walkers-Volcanoes-National-Park-Hawaii-3015150-###width###px.jpg" /></div> </div> <h2><br /> Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii</h2> <p>If you’re interested in geology, you won’t want to miss an opportunity to explore <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=Hawaii">Volcanoes National Park</a> in Hawaii. </p> <p>Walk among active volcanoes to see islands in the making, check out the beauty and power of fresh lava as it erupts, and marvel at a unique and unfamiliar landscape that feels like another planet.</p> <p>The park is also home to cultural sites of significance, and unique wildlife that have been forged on this evolutionary frontier.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Trekking the beautiful Denali National Park | <i>Jake Hutchins</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="3021633" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/Denali-Alaska-USA-3021633-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/North-America/USA/Denali-Alaska-USA-3021633-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <div> </div> <h2>Denali National Park, Alaska</h2> <p>The contiguous United States has many National Parks to occupy you for a lifetime, but for those seeking a more alpine experience it makes sense to look north, to <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/advanced-search?searchKeywords=alaska" target="_blank">Alaska</a>, in particular Denali National Park.</p> <p>Alaska is home to 17 of the highest mountains in the USA, with Denali being the biggest at 6190m. There aren't many trails in Denali, but the ones that do exist are usually void of people, and they are best enjoyed in the safety of an experienced guide.</p> <p>The drive to the park is an experience in itself, with the first views of the mighty Alaska range reminiscent of scenes from the Indian Himalaya. Not to be missed.</p> <hr /> <p>Ready to explore the <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/United-States">best National Parks in the USA?</a></p> <hr />5603John Muir Trail experience: hiking 340km in the Sierra Nevadahttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2443/taking-on-the-john-muir-trailActivities,Adventure Travel,Trekking/Walking,Wildlife,Community,Traveller Stories,Destinations,North America,United StatesMon, 05 Feb 2018 02:52:00 GMT<p><strong>It does not matter who or what you are, the John Muir Trail welcomes everyone as equals.</strong></p> <p>The beauty of the trail is not just in the grandeur of the mountains but in the simplest of things. Like the last petal on the flower, the yellow glow of the aspens in the sun, and the antics of the chipmunks and squirrels as they chase each other through the trees and over rocks. If you ever have the chance encounter, you may even spot a coyote on its prey, or see a deer in the meadows that's so close you can imagine it being the softest of touch.</p> <p>For those that accept its challenges but respect its wilderness, then the rewards are great.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/View_of_Lyell_Canyon-_California-Ken-Harris-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/View_of_Lyell_Canyon-_California-Ken-Harris-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Overlooking view of Lyell Canyon, California. Photo: Ken Harris.</span></p> <p>It is more than simply ticking it off your bucket list, however. To walk the <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/United-States/Trekking-with-a-Full-Pack/John-Muir-Trail?utm_source=Blog&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=John_Muir_Trail" rel="noopener" target="_blank">John Muir Trail</a> and see only tracks, then one has not lifted one’s eyes to its beauty and splendour. If it does not capture your soul, then you have not trekked the John Muir Trail but simply walked a trail.</p> <p>To endure – to realise a dream – will make the John Muir Trail awaken a part of you that will stay with you forever.</p> <p>Experiencing the grandeur of the John Muir Trail brings forward new discoveries that will overload ones senses, as both before you and behind you, the landscape unfolds. Don’t just look to the trail, look left and right, and don’t forget the sky full of eagles and nutcrackers soaring high. Witness the sun against the dead pine sparkling in the light, the changing colours of the rocks, and the gentle noise of the creek through the meadow. It’s the details within the landscape that one can be lost in.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Ultimate_camp_scenery-Ken-Harris-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Ultimate_camp_scenery-Ken-Harris-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Get lost in a place of stunning scenery and majestic mountains over the Donohue Pass –  it's the ultimate camp scenery. Photo: Ken Harris.</span></p> <p>The photos you take along the way will never truly show the majesty of the John Muir Trail, but will act as a window to your soul. While a million photos will never capture the splendour of the John Muir Trail, a single photo can contain a lifetime of memories.</p> <p>Do not ask how long it took to trek the John Muir Trail. Simply ask whether it changed you.</p> <p>Did it open your eyes to its beauty? Did it focus your thoughts on those that are most precious?</p> <p>Look back, not at where you have come from but what you have achieved. Not just the footprints on the trail, but how you have changed and your spirit renewed or reborn.</p> <p>As you travel down the paths, it becomes more than just about ‘taking only photos and leaving only footprints’, for each footprint is a memory that will stay both in your mind and in your heart forever.</p> <p>The chatter of the trail is about what is ahead or achievements gained. The mention of another encounter with a bear or a coyote heightens one’s senses and makes the trail seem like a path to yet another experience.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/John_Muir_Trail-_California-Ken-Harris-2-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/John_Muir_Trail-_California-Ken-Harris-2-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Trekking through the John Muir Trail. Photo: Ken Harris.</span></p> <p>By just walking one part of the trail, the experience will drive a desire to complete the entire trek. It is a trail like no other in its history and meaning. The further you walk and meet people coming the other way, the more you realise how much it has changed you. Peace starts to descend and a more relaxed and simple desire exists.</p> <p>The trek helps you find peace and contentment on the simplest of things. The posse of a squirrel on the rock makes your heart sing and the chipmunk trying to outrun you across the trail brings a smile, even on the darkest days. The ray of light through the storm highlights the yellow leaves of the aspen shows that beauty exists everywhere along the trail.</p> <p>To trek the John Muir Trail is to live, love smile and cry. It will awaken all your senses – even those thought hidden away. If you open your heart to it – your spirit will enliven, your soul renewed and your mind overloaded with special memories that nothing could ever remove them, not even time. The John Muir Trail will stay special forever.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Scenery_on_the_John_Muir_Trail-_California-Ken-Harris-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Scenery_on_the_John_Muir_Trail-_California-Ken-Harris-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Picturesque rest stop along the trail. Photo: Ken Harris.</span></p> <p><em>Words by Ken Harris who walked the trail in 2016.</em></p> <p><em><strong>What's a walking trail you've experienced that holds special memories to you?</strong></em></p> <h3>Experience it</h3> <p>Appreciate one of North America’s great treks in our 22-day full pack hike. Travel from Yosemite's Crabtree Meadow to the Summit of Mount Whitney, and immerse yourself in unsurpassed views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/United-States/Trekking-with-a-Full-Pack/John-Muir-Trail?utm_source=Blog&utm_campaign=WEAU%20Blog&utm_content=John_Muir_Trail" rel="noopener" target="_blank">View the trip details ></a></p> 2443