North America Hiking Map

Yellowstone National Park

Geysers, wildlife and untamed wilderness

8.8

Mount Washburn in Yellowstone rises 3,122 metres and has a fire lookout at the top. Two trails lead up gradually and gently through wildflower meadows. Hikers often see bighorn sheep on the open slopes. On clear days you can see the Tetons far to the south.

Highlights:

🐃 Spot bison, elk, and bears roaming in Lamar Valley
🌈 Walk the boardwalks of the Grand Prismatic Spring and admire its vivid colors
🌋 Watch Old Faithful erupt and feel the geothermal power of Yellowstone

Yosemite National Park

Nature's Grand Cathedral

8.5

Yosemite Falls drops 739 metres in three stages and is among the tallest waterfalls in North America. A steep trail climbs to the top of the upper fall. Hikers gain about 800 metres of height on the way up. The view spans the whole valley and Half Dome.

Highlights:

💦 Marvel at Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest in North America
🏞️ Hike to Glacier Point for one of Yosemite’s best views
🧗‍♂️ Stand before the towering granite face of El Capitan

Zion National Park

Red rocks, epic hikes and nature's beauty

8.2

Angels Landing in Zion National Park follows a narrow ridge with steep drops on both sides. Chains help hikers over the final steep section. A permit lottery controls access to the top of the ridge. The view covers the canyon floor about 450 metres below.

Highlights:

🚌 Drive or shuttle along the scenic Zion Canyon Road
🌊 Wade through the Virgin River Narrows slot canyon
🧗‍♂️ Hike Angel’s Landing for breathtaking canyon views

Grand Teton National Park

Stunning Peaks and Wildlife Wonders

8.6

The Paintbrush Canyon and Cascade Canyon loop crosses the heart of Grand Teton National Park. The high point is Paintbrush Divide at about 3,100 metres. Hikers pass Lake Solitude and enjoy close views of the jagged Tetons. The loop is about 30 kilometres and usually takes two days.

Highlights:

🏞️ Trek through Cascade Canyon for breathtaking views
💧 Explore Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point nearby
🚶‍♂️ Hike the scenic Jenny Lake Loop Trail

Rocky Mountain National Park

Majestic Peaks and Untamed Wilderness

8.7

Longs Peak rises 4,346 metres in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. The Keyhole Route is a long and demanding climb of about 23 kilometres. Hikers must start well before dawn to avoid storms and heavy crowds. Ledges and narrow ridges lead to a wide flat summit.

Highlights:

💧 Explore Alberta Falls, a short and beautiful hiking route
🏞️ Climb to Sky Pond for dramatic mountain and waterfall views
🥾 Hike to Emerald Lake via scenic Bear Lake Trail

Jasper National Park

Untamed Wilderness and Starry Skies

8.8

The Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park runs about 44 kilometres along high ridges. More than half of the route lies above the treeline. Hikers pass Curator Campground and the Notch at 2,510 metres. Marmots and caribou live in the alpine meadows and rocky slopes.

Highlights:

🧊 Walk on the Athabasca Glacier with a guided tour
🐻 Spot elk, moose, and bears along Icefields Parkway
🛶 Cruise Maligne Lake and marvel at Spirit Island

Denali National Park

Wild Alaska’s peaks and wildlife

8.8

Denali National Park has very few marked trails and most hikers walk across open tundra. The park is divided into backcountry units with daily limits. Grizzlies, caribou and wolves live across the landscape. On the rare clear days Mount Denali rises 6,190 metres above the plain.

Highlights:

🛩️ Take a flightseeing tour above Denali’s snowy peak
🥾 Hike the Savage River Trail for rugged alpine views
🐻 Spot grizzly bears and moose in their wild habitat

Lake Louise

Turquoise Gem of the Canadian Rockies

8.9

The Lake Agnes Tea House has sat above Lake Louise since 1901. A trail of about 3.5 kilometres climbs through spruce forest to the little lake. Hikers can rest with tea and baked goods on the porch. Mountain walls tower on every side of the lake.

Highlights:

🚡 Ride the Lake Louise Gondola for panoramic alpine scenery
🥾 Hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House for stunning mountain views
🛶 Canoe on the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise

Glacier National Park

Crown of the Continent

8.9

The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park follows the Continental Divide from Logan Pass. Hikers walk along a ledge with a cable handrail on the Garden Wall. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are common. The trail runs about 19 kilometres to the Granite Park Chalet.

Highlights:

🌲 Explore Avalanche Lake’s serene hiking trails
🚗 Drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road for views
🥾 Hike to Grinnell Glacier and stunning turquoise lakes

Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

Where two nations preserve wilderness

8.9

The Crypt Lake trail in Waterton starts with a boat ride across Upper Waterton Lake. Hikers climb through a tunnel and pass waterfalls. A ladder and a cliffside cable also lead to the basin. The lake sits beneath sheer rock walls near the Canadian border.

Highlights:

🛶 Canoe or kayak on serene Waterton Lake
🚗 Drive the scenic Red Rock Canyon Road
🥾 Hike the challenging Crypt Lake Trail with stunning views

Alaska

Land of superlatives and adventure

8.9

The Chilkoot Trail runs about 53 miles from Dyea in Alaska to Bennett Lake in Canada. Gold seekers walked it in 1898 carrying a ton of supplies. Hikers climb the steep Golden Stairs to the pass. Old boots and rusted tools still lie beside the path.

Highlights:

🐻 See wild bears fishing for salmon in Katmai
🛳️ Cruise through glacier-filled waters in Glacier Bay National Park
🌌 Watch the northern lights dance above Fairbanks

Grand Canyon National Park

Epic Vistas, Timeless Adventure

8.1

The rim to rim hike crosses the Grand Canyon from the North Rim to the South Rim. Hikers walk about 34 kilometres using the North Kaibab and South Kaibab trails. The route drops through seven climate zones. Most people spend two days on the trail.

Highlights:

🏘️ Explore the historic Grand Canyon Village and lodges
🌅 Enjoy sunrise views at Mather Point overlook
🥾 Hike the iconic Bright Angel Trail into the canyon

Banff National Park

Majestic Peaks and Turquoise Lakes

9.2

Johnston Canyon in Banff has catwalks bolted to limestone walls above a rushing creek. A trail leads to the Lower Falls in about 30 minutes. Hikers can continue to seven small pools called the Ink Pots. The route is popular all year round and often busy at midday.

Highlights:

🌊 Explore the scenic Johnston Canyon waterfalls trail
🏞️ Hike to Lake Louise and admire turquoise waters
🚡 Ride the Banff Gondola for spectacular mountain views

Kauai

Lush Landscapes and Secluded Beaches

8.9

The Kalalau Trail on Kauai follows the Na Pali Coast for about 17 kilometres. It starts at Ke'e Beach and passes steep green valleys. Hikers cross streams and reach a remote beach at the end. A permit is needed for any trip that goes past Hanakapiai.

Highlights:

🤿 Snorkel at Poipu Beach with vibrant marine life
🚤 Take a boat tour along the Na Pali Coast
🌄 Hike the breathtaking trails of Waimea Canyon

Mount Rainier National Park

A Majestic Volcano and Wild Beauty

8.2

The Wonderland Trail circles Mount Rainier for 93 miles through forest and alpine meadows. Hikers cross rivers on log bridges and climb ridges above glaciers. A full loop usually takes about ten to fourteen days. Wildflowers bloom in July and August across the high meadows.

Highlights:

🌼 Explore Spray Park’s wildflower meadows and Spray Falls
🌊 Visit scenic Reflection Lakes and admire Rainier’s reflection
🌄 Hike the Skyline Trail for iconic Mount Rainier views

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Home of the Giant Sequoias

8.0

The Rae Lakes Loop covers about 66 kilometres in Kings Canyon National Park. Hikers cross Glen Pass at 3,650 metres on the way. The route passes clear blue lakes beneath sharp granite peaks and steep cliffs. Most people take about five days to finish the loop.

Highlights:

🕳️ Explore Crystal Cave on a guided tour
🧗‍♂️ Climb Moro Rock for breathtaking panoramic views
🌲 Visit the General Sherman Tree, largest on Earth

Olympic National Park

Untamed Wilderness, All in One

8.5

The Hall of Mosses trail in the Hoh Rain Forest winds beneath maples draped in moss. Olympic National Park receives about three metres of rain each year. Hikers look for elk and giant Sitka spruce trees along the loop. The path is short and easy for families.

Highlights:

💧 Visit Sol Duc Falls and enjoy the tranquil waterfall
🌲 Explore the lush trails of the Hoh Rainforest
🏞️ Hike to Hurricane Hill for breathtaking panoramic views

Whistler

Alpine Adventure, Epic Views, Year-Round Fun

8.8

The trail to Garibaldi Lake near Whistler climbs about nine kilometres through forest to a bright blue lake. Hikers see the jagged Black Tusk above the water. Some continue to Panorama Ridge for a wider and higher view. Campsites sit beside the shore for overnight stays.

Highlights:

🥾 Hike to Garibaldi Lake’s turquoise waters
🚠 Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for alpine views
🎿 Ski or snowboard the legendary Whistler Blackcomb slopes

Sedona

Red Rocks, Vortexes and Starry Skies

7.5

Devil's Bridge is a natural sandstone arch near Sedona in Arizona. A trail of about seven kilometres leads across the red rock and juniper trees. Hikers can walk across the top of the arch with care. The desert and cliffs glow orange at sunset each evening.

Highlights:

🚙 Take a scenic jeep tour through rugged canyons
🌅 Experience sunrise at Airport Mesa vortex viewpoint
🏜️ Hike to Cathedral Rock for breathtaking red rock views

Big Bend National Park

Majestic canyons, star‑filled desert skies

8.6

Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend has cliffs about 450 metres high on the Rio Grande. A short trail climbs steps and then follows the river into the canyon. Hikers cross Terlingua Creek at the start. Mexico lies on the opposite bank of the river.

Highlights:

🦴 Explore Fossil Creek Trail, find ancient fossils
🏕️ Camp under starlit sky in South Rim Campground
🏞️ Hike to Santa Rita Overlook for sunset views

Morne Trois Pitons National Park

Volcanic wonders in pristine rainforest

8.0

The Boiling Lake trail in Morne Trois Pitons National Park leads to a huge flooded fumarole. Hikers cross the Valley of Desolation and pass steaming vents and streams. The round trip takes about six to eight hours. The water bubbles in shades of grey and blue.

Highlights:

💦 Explore the twin Trafalgar Falls and natural hot springs
🏞️ Swim beneath the 50-foot cascading Emerald Pool waterfall
🌋 Hike the challenging trail to the Boiling Lake

Telluride

Breathtaking box canyon mountain paradise

8.2

Bridal Veil Falls near Telluride drops about 110 metres down a canyon wall. A rocky road leads to the base of the falls from town. Hikers can continue to an old power station above the falls. Wildflowers fill the trail in July and the air feels cool.

Highlights:

🎬 Attend the Telluride Film Festival in late summer
🚡 Ride the free gondola for sweeping mountain views
🎿 Ski world-class slopes at Telluride Ski Resort

Colorado

Rocky mountains and red rocks

9.2

Colorado has 58 peaks that rise above 4,267 metres called fourteeners. Hikers often start before dawn to avoid afternoon lightning storms in summer. Popular routes include Grays Peak and Quandary Peak near Breckenridge. Many of these peaks can be climbed in a single long day.

Highlights:

🚗 Drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road
🎿 Ski the world-class slopes of Aspen or Vail
🏞️ Hike through Rocky Mountain National Park’s alpine trails

Dominica

Nature island with pristine rainforests

8.1

The Waitukubuli National Trail crosses Dominica for about 185 kilometres in 14 sections. Hikers pass rainforest, volcanic peaks and small villages. You can swim in rivers and waterfalls along the way. The island is often called the nature isle of the Caribbean for good reason.

Highlights:

🤿 Snorkel at Champagne Reef, bubbling volcanic waters
🌋 Hike to Boiling Lake, one of the world's largest boiling lakes
🌊 Visit Trafalgar Falls, the iconic twin waterfalls

Greenland

Arctic wilderness with ice landscapes

8.8

The Arctic Circle Trail crosses Greenland for about 160 kilometres from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut. Most hikers take about a week to ten days. You can sleep in simple huts beside lakes and rivers. Musk oxen and reindeer roam the open tundra along the whole route.

Highlights:

🌅 Experience the magic of the midnight sun on a boat cruise
🥾 Hike the rugged terrain of Kangerlussuaq and visit the Arctic Tundra
❄️ Marvel at the floating icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord, UNESCO World Heritage site

Montana

Wild Beauty & Vast Big Skies

8.4

Granite Peak is the highest point in Montana at 3,904 metres in the Beartooth Mountains. The route involves steep scrambling and exposed climbing. Most hikers need three or four days for the round trip. The Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness is a rugged and remote place with many lakes.

Highlights:

🐎 Go horseback riding through wide open Big Sky Country
🦬 Spot wildlife and geysers in Yellowstone’s rugged wilderness
🏞️ Drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park

Wyoming

Wild West landscapes and natural wonders

8.5

The Cirque of the Towers is a ring of granite peaks in the Wind River Range of Wyoming. The trail runs about 40 kilometres return from Big Sandy trailhead. Hikers cross high passes and open alpine meadows. Climbers also come here for the solid granite walls and clean cracks.

Highlights:

🗻 Climb Devils Tower, America's first national monument
🥾 Hike scenic trails in Grand Teton National Park
🌋 Witness Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone National Park

Maui

Island of Sun, Surf and Serenity

8.8

The Pipiwai Trail in Haleakala National Park passes through a bamboo forest on Maui. It leads to Waimoku Falls at about 122 metres high. Hikers cross a banyan tree grove and a wooden boardwalk. The path starts near the Kipahulu coast on the far side of the island.

Highlights:

🐢 Snorkel with turtles at Molokini Crater reef
🚗 Drive the scenic and winding Road to Hana
🌄 Watch sunrise atop Haleakalā volcano summit

Vancouver Island

Untamed Beauty and Coastal Charm

8.0

The West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island follows the wild Pacific shore for about 75 kilometres. Hikers climb ladders and cross streams on hand pulled cable cars. Beaches and sea caves appear along the rugged coast. Bears and whales are often seen from the shore.

Highlights:

🐋 Whale watch from Victoria’s Inner Harbour
🌲 Explore ancient rainforests in Cathedral Grove
🌸 Stroll through the breathtaking Butchart Gardens

Arizona

Desert Wonders and Scenic Adventures

7.5

Havasu Falls drops about 30 metres into a pool of turquoise water in a canyon near the Grand Canyon. Hikers walk about 16 kilometres from Hualapai Hilltop. The land belongs to the Havasupai tribe and permits are required. A small village offers a lodge and campsite.

Highlights:

🧭 Hike through the striking Antelope Canyon slot formations
🌅 Watch the sunrise over Monument Valley’s red rock mesas
🏞️ Marvel at the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking rim views

Oregon

Diverse Landscapes and Outdoor Wonders

7.9

Multnomah Falls drops about 189 metres in two steps in the Columbia River Gorge. A paved trail climbs to Benson Bridge between the tiers. Hikers can continue to the top and keep going along Larch Mountain. Many other waterfalls hide along the nearby trails in the forest.

Highlights:

🏞️ Explore volcanic Crater Lake National Park
🌊 Drive the scenic Oregon Coast Scenic Byway
💧 Hike to breathtaking Multnomah Falls viewpoint

Utah

Nature's dramatic red rock playground

8.2

Delicate Arch stands on a slickrock bowl in Arches National Park in Utah. The trail is about five kilometres return and gains about 150 metres. Hikers cross open rock with almost no shade on the way up. The arch glows deep red at sunset and draws many photographers.

Highlights:

🚗 Drive the scenic Capitol Reef National Park Scenic Drive
🧡 Explore the colorful hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park
🧗‍♂️ Hike the iconic Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park

Washington (State)

Diverse landscapes from mountains to coast

7.6

The Enchantments in Washington is a high basin of granite peaks and turquoise lakes. Alpine larches turn bright gold in late September each year. Hikers need a permit from a lottery for overnight stays in summer. Mountain goats often walk near the trail and the lakes.

Highlights:

⛰️ Visit Mount Rainier National Park for breathtaking views
🍴 Explore the thriving Pike Place Market in Seattle
🧗‍♂️ Hike the challenging Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Hawaii

Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders

8.8

The Kilauea Iki trail crosses a crater floor on Hawaii's Big Island. The lava lake here erupted in 1959 in a dramatic fountain and hardened into black rock. Hikers walk through rainforest before descending into the crater. Steam vents rise from cracks in the crater floor.

Highlights:

🥾 Hike the Na Pali Coast trail on Kauai
🐠 Snorkel among colorful coral reefs in Hanauma Bay
🌋 Watch sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā Volcano

California

Golden State of Endless Experiences

8.7

The John Muir Trail runs about 340 kilometres through the high Sierra Nevada. It starts in Yosemite Valley and finishes on Mount Whitney at 4,421 metres. Hikers cross many high passes and wide granite basins. Most people need about three weeks to finish the whole thing.

Highlights:

🚗 Drive the stunning Pacific Coast Highway from LA to Big Sur
🏞️ Explore Yosemite National Park’s waterfalls and granite cliffs
🌉 Stroll across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

Oahu

Hawaii’s Vibrant Island Adventure

8.9

Koko Head Crater on Oahu has a steep rail line built during World War II. Hikers climb around 1,000 railway ties to the summit. The trail is short but very steep and has little shade. Views of Hanauma Bay and the coast reward the effort.

Highlights:

🏖️ Relax on the iconic Waikiki Beach and soak up sun
🤿 Snorkel among vibrant fish at Hanauma Bay Marine Park
🌄 Hike to the summit of Diamond Head for sunrise views

Saint Lucia

Tropical paradise with volcanic mountains

7.5

Gros Piton is a volcanic cone rising 798 metres from the coast in Saint Lucia. A steep path climbs through rainforest to the summit. Guides are required and the climb takes a few hours. Hikers can see Petit Piton and the sea from the top.

Highlights:

🐠 Snorkel the colorful reefs of Anse Chastanet
🫧 Soak in the volcanic Sulphur Springs mud baths
⛰️ Climb the majestic Pitons for breathtaking island views

Vernal Fall

Powerful Waterfall with Misty Trails

The Mist Trail climbs about 600 granite steps beside Vernal Fall in Yosemite. The waterfall drops 97 metres into a rocky pool. Hikers get soaked by spray in late spring when the river runs high and loud. A short walk beyond the top of the falls leads to Nevada Fall.

Highlights:

🏞️ Relax by the serene Emerald Pool just beyond Vernal Fall summit
⛰️ Climb the granite stairs to the top of Vernal Fall and admire the view
🌊 Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall Footbridge for stunning waterfall views

El Capitan

Yosemite's Iconic Vertical Giant

El Capitan is a granite wall rising about 900 metres above the Yosemite Valley floor. A long hiking trail leads to its summit. The round trip is more than 20 kilometres. Hikers stand on the top and look over the whole valley and Half Dome.

Highlights:

🎤 Attend a ranger-led talk to learn climbing history
🌄 Explore the El Capitan Meadow for mountain views
🧗‍♂️ Watch expert climbers ascend the iconic granite face

Half Dome

Iconic Granite Challenge Peak

Half Dome rises nearly 1,450 metres above Yosemite Valley and ends in a steep granite cap. Hikers climb the last 120 metres using steel cables. A permit is required for the cable section. The round trip takes 10 to 14 hours from the valley floor.

Highlights:

🌅 Catch sunrise views from the top of Half Dome
🧗‍♀️ Use cables to climb the steep rock face safely
🥾 Hike the challenging trail to Half Dome summit

Tuolumne Meadows

Serene Alpine Meadow and River

Tuolumne Meadows is a wide subalpine meadow at about 2,600 metres in Yosemite. The Tuolumne River meanders through the grass. Trails lead to Lembert Dome and Cathedral Lakes below Cathedral Peak. The area opens in summer after the high road clears of snow each year.

Highlights:

🏕️ Visit Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge for local history
🌉 Explore the Tuolumne River footbridge and surrounding trails
🏞️ Hike to Lembert Dome for panoramic meadow views

Grand Canyon

Majestic chasm carved by time

The Bright Angel Trail descends from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon through switchbacks. Rest houses stand along the route at 2.4 and 4.8 kilometres. Hikers can reach Indian Garden and Plateau Point for a view of the Colorado River. The climb back out is steep and hot.

Highlights:

🚁 Take a scenic helicopter flight over the rim
🥾 Hike the Bright Angel Trail into the canyon
🌅 Watch the sunrise from Mather Point overlook

Moraine Lake

Turquoise jewel of the Rockies

The Larch Valley trail climbs from Moraine Lake to Sentinel Pass at 2,611 metres. Alpine larches turn bright gold each September. Hikers gain wide views of the ten peaks that ring the lake. The pass rewards the steep climb with a view of Paradise Valley.

Highlights:

📸 Capture iconic photos with the Valley of the Ten Peaks
🛶 Take a canoe out on the crystal-clear lake waters
🥾 Hike around the vibrant turquoise Moraine Lake shoreline

Best hiking destinations in North America