Trekking in the United States
The United States offers some of the world’s most iconic long-distance trekking, anchored by a network of National Scenic Trails that traverse entire mountain ranges and cross the continent. Alongside these thousand-mile journeys, the national parks protect a treasury of shorter but equally spectacular routes through canyons, deserts, and alpine wilderness.
Backpacking here ranges from the famous Triple Crown thru-hikes, which take months to complete, to unforgettable single-day or overnight treks that lead to waterfalls, summits, and slot canyons. The nation’s system of permits, huts, and well-marked trails makes ambitious itineraries achievable for prepared hikers.
From the misty forests of the Appalachians to the sun-baked walls of the Grand Canyon and the glaciated peaks of the Pacific Northwest, American trekking spans nearly every environment on Earth. Popular routes often require advance permits secured through competitive lotteries, so planning ahead is essential for the most sought-after trails.
Top Trekking Routes#
Appalachian Trail, Eastern US The Appalachian Trail runs roughly 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine, threading through the ancient, forested mountains of the eastern United States. Thru-hikers, who typically walk it over five to seven months, become part of a storied trail culture of trail names, shelters, and hostel towns. Even a short section hike reveals the trail’s rugged charm, from Virginia’s rolling ridgelines to the boulder-strewn climbs of New England.
Pacific Crest Trail, Western US Made famous by the book and film Wild, the Pacific Crest Trail stretches 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through the deserts, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Range. Hikers experience an astonishing range of ecosystems, from scorching desert to snowbound high passes. Completing it requires careful timing to thread the seasonal window between snowmelt and the first autumn storms.
John Muir Trail, California The John Muir Trail runs 211 miles through the High Sierra, linking Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous US. It passes through some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in North America, crossing high passes and pristine lakes. The competitive permit lottery reflects just how coveted this trek has become among backpackers.
Continental Divide Trail, Western US The Continental Divide Trail is the wildest and most remote of America’s Triple Crown routes, running about 3,100 miles along the spine of the Rockies from Mexico to Canada. It is less developed and less traveled than its siblings, demanding strong navigation and self-sufficiency. Those who take it on are rewarded with immense solitude and some of the most rugged terrain in the country.
Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, Arizona The rim-to-rim trek descends one wall of the Grand Canyon, crosses the Colorado River, and climbs the far side, covering roughly 24 miles and thousands of feet of elevation change. The route offers an intimate journey through billions of years of geologic history stacked in the canyon walls. The desert heat at the bottom can be brutal, making an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch a coveted way to break up the effort.
Half Dome, California The cables route up Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s most famous and demanding day hikes, gaining nearly 5,000 feet over about 16 miles. The final ascent involves pulling yourself up steel cables anchored to the sheer granite dome. The heart-pounding summit rewards hikers with a dizzying panorama of the entire Yosemite high country, and a permit is required to attempt it.
Zion Narrows, Utah The Narrows is a slot-canyon trek that follows the Virgin River directly through towering sandstone walls that soar a thousand feet overhead. Much of the route is spent wading, and sometimes swimming, upstream in the river itself. This wet, immersive journey through one of the most beautiful canyons on Earth requires a wilderness permit for the full top-down route.
Wonderland Trail, Washington The Wonderland Trail encircles Mount Rainier over 93 miles of rugged wilderness, crossing wildflower meadows, glacial rivers, and old-growth forest. The relentless elevation gain and loss make it one of the most physically demanding loop treks in the country. Hikers are treated to constantly changing perspectives of the massive glaciated volcano at the trail’s heart.
Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire The Presidential Traverse links the summits of New Hampshire’s highest peaks, including Mount Washington, in a grueling ridge walk above treeline. The White Mountains are notorious for some of the world’s most violent and unpredictable weather. Hikers who tackle this classic New England challenge can shelter in the historic Appalachian Mountain Club huts strung along the ridge.
Havasu Falls, Arizona The trek to Havasu Falls descends into a remote side canyon of the Grand Canyon to reach a series of stunning turquoise waterfalls on Havasupai tribal land. The blue-green water, colored by dissolved minerals, seems almost unreal against the red desert rock. Permits are famously difficult to obtain and sell out within minutes of release each year.
Angels Landing, Utah Angels Landing in Zion National Park is one of the most thrilling and exposed day hikes in America, ending with a knife-edge scramble along chains bolted to the cliff. The final half-mile drops away hundreds of feet on either side, demanding steady nerves. The reward is a breathtaking perch high above the emerald Zion Canyon, now accessed by a permit lottery.
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii The Kalalau Trail traces 11 rugged miles along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, winding past emerald cliffs, hanging valleys, and hidden beaches. The narrow, muddy path clings to sea cliffs with dizzying ocean views, culminating at a remote wilderness beach. This tropical trek requires a camping permit and a healthy respect for the treacherous stream crossings and coastal weather.