States with the best hiking in America deliver everything from granite peaks and red-rock canyons to alpine meadows and rainforests. This guide highlights six top destinations with their signature parks and trails, plus a versatile packing list, so you can plan a bucket-list trip to the regions that consistently rank at the summit of U.S. hiking.
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Western Powerhouses
The West dominates nearly every ranking of the states with the best hiking, thanks to sprawling public lands and jaw-dropping scenery. These three lead the pack, each offering thousands of trails across multiple national parks and a lifetime of routes to explore. Any one of them could fill an entire hiking vacation on its own.
California
California tops most lists for sheer variety, letting you hike redwood forests, granite peaks, and desert blooms in a single trip. It holds more national parks than any other state, including Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Joshua Tree.
Signature routes range from Yosemite’s Mist Trail and Half Dome to the giant sequoias of the southern Sierra. The variety means year-round hiking somewhere in the state, from coastal bluffs in winter to high country in summer. Trail options run from stroller-friendly redwood loops to multi-day High Sierra treks. Coastal redwood parks like Muir Woods offer shady, accessible loops for any fitness level.
Colorado
Colorado is an alpine paradise with nearly 5,000 established trails and four national parks, drawing hikers with rugged peaks, wildflower meadows, and crisp mountain air. Rocky Mountain National Park alone offers classics like the Emerald Lake Trail. Its high peaks and quiet pine forests suit both summit baggers and casual walkers.
Its drier climate and strong trail network make summit-chasing and quiet pine-forest walks equally rewarding. High elevation is the main challenge, so acclimate and hydrate before tackling the state’s famous fourteen-thousand-foot peaks. Mountain towns like Aspen and Estes Park make great, trail-rich basecamps for a trip. Summer wildflowers blanket the alpine meadows, making July and August especially scenic.
Utah
Utah is the red-rock capital, home to the Mighty Five national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Its dry climate and otherworldly slot canyons and hoodoos make it a standout among states with the best hiking.
Iconic routes include Zion’s Angels Landing and Narrows and the hoodoo amphitheaters of Bryce. Desert heat is the key concern, so hike early, carry extra water, and check flash-flood forecasts in the canyons. Beyond the Mighty Five, Dead Horse Point and Moab’s slickrock add even more red-rock adventure. Cooler months from spring to fall are ideal, since summer canyon heat can be dangerous.
More Standout Hiking States
Beyond the big three, several states offer world-class trails with fewer crowds or wildly different landscapes. These three round out the states with the best hiking, from misty rainforests to Big Sky peaks. Each brings something the big three don’t, making a multi-state road trip especially rewarding.
Washington
Washington ranks near the top for trail quantity, with roughly 4,400 routes, 140 state parks, and portions of three national parks. Mount Rainier and the lush Olympic rainforest anchor the scenery, and the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the state. Its trail network is among the largest in the country.
Rain is frequent, especially west of the Cascades, but it’s exactly what nourishes the spectacular greenery. Routes like Burroughs Mountain near Rainier reward hikers with close-up volcano views on clear days. The Olympic Peninsula’s rainforests and coast add wildly different scenery within the same state. Hurricane Ridge and the North Cascades add high-alpine day hikes with glacier views.
Arizona
Arizona earns high marks for trail quality and dramatic desert landscapes, from the Grand Canyon’s rim-to-river routes to Sedona’s red-rock trails. Its dry climate makes for reliable hiking weather much of the year.
The Grand Canyon is the marquee draw, but Sedona’s vortex trails and saguaro-studded desert paths are equally memorable. Summer heat is extreme at low elevations, so hike at dawn and carry far more water than you think you need. Cooler high country around Flagstaff offers a summer escape when the desert bakes. The Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails are bucket-list rim-to-river descents.
Montana
Montana, “Big Sky Country,” preserves vast, uncrowded wilderness across Glacier and part of Yellowstone National Park. Glacier’s famed Highline Trail, a roughly 14-mile route along the Continental Divide, is a bucket-list classic.
With few people and immense scenery, Montana feels wild and remote. Weather changes fast at altitude and this is grizzly country, so pack layers, carry bear spray, and know current trail and wildlife conditions. Yellowstone’s geyser-basin boardwalks add an easy, otherworldly counterpoint to Glacier’s big climbs. Fall brings golden larches to some high valleys, a stunning and brief spectacle.
What to Pack for a US Hiking Trip
Because the states with the best hiking span alpine peaks, deserts, and rainforests, versatile, layered gear is essential. Here are the core items that work across regions, with dependable options available on Amazon.
| Gear | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Versatile hiking shoes | Handle granite, desert, and muddy trails |
| Trekking poles | Stability on big climbs and descents |
| Layered clothing + rain shell | Weather swings from desert to alpine |
| Water filter or reservoir | Long routes far from refills |
| Navigation + first aid | Remote trails and changing conditions |
Footwear and Support
A versatile hiking shoe like the Salomon X Ultra or Merrell Moab handles everything from Utah slickrock to Washington mud, and trekking poles such as the Cascade Mountain Tech carbon pair ease the strain on big alpine climbs and descents. Break in your footwear before a big trip to avoid blisters on long days.
Clothing and Hydration
Pack a layering system, from a moisture-wicking base to an insulating mid-layer and a packable rain shell, since conditions swing from desert heat to alpine chill. Carry ample water in an insulated bottle or reservoir, and add a filter like the Sawyer Squeeze for long backcountry routes far from taps.
Safety and Navigation
A daypack such as the Osprey Talon carries your essentials, and a map, compass or GPS, headlamp, and compact first-aid kit are must-haves on remote trails. In bear country like Montana, carry bear spray and store food securely to stay safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few questions come up again and again when comparing the states with the best hiking. Here are quick, practical answers.
Which state has the best hiking overall?
California and Colorado consistently top rankings for their vast trail networks, multiple national parks, and scenic variety. The best state for you depends on the landscapes you love, whether granite peaks, red-rock deserts, or alpine meadows. Ultimately the states with the best hiking each specialize in a different landscape.
When is the best time to hike out West?
High-alpine routes in Colorado, Washington, and Montana are best from late spring through early fall once snow clears. Desert states like Utah and Arizona shine in spring and fall, while summer midday heat there can be dangerous.
Do I need permits for these states’ parks?
Many popular parks require timed-entry reservations or trail permits, such as Angels Landing in Zion or Half Dome in Yosemite. Rules vary by park and change yearly, so always check the official park sites before planning.
Are eastern states worth considering too?
Absolutely. While the West dominates rankings, North Carolina, Tennessee, and New York offer superb trails, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Appalachian Trail. They bring lush forests and waterfalls the arid West can’t match.
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Final Thoughts
The states with the best hiking give you a lifetime of trails, from California’s granite and Utah’s red rock to Washington’s rainforests and Montana’s Big Sky peaks. Pick the landscapes that call to you, pack versatile layered gear, and check park permits and seasons — and any of these destinations will deliver world-class hiking.
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