From Rocky Mountain peaks to the desert depths of the Grand Canyon, the best hiking vacations in the U.S. are as diverse as they are dramatic. Whether you’re up early to greet the sunrise on Maine’s Atlantic coast, sheltering under a 27-story tall tree at midday in California or watching the sunset paint a glacial lake in Montana, these hiking vacations showcase a dizzying variety of American landscapes. They entice us to wade through rivers, amble along boardwalks and cling to ropes carved into mountains.
The best vacations for hiking aren’t just for super-fit adrenaline junkies. They’re for everyone. Each location includes a variety of trails that appeal to hikers of any ability, so everybody in your group can enjoy being in nature.
There are short, easy trails for beginners who prefer walking vacations over hardcore hiking, and flat, paved, wheelchair-accessible routes for those with limited mobility and people pushing strollers. There are also plenty of steeper, longer, grittier day hikes for hikers ready to push their limits. Each spot in anchored by comfortable lodging with hiker-friendly amenities to help you unwind after a long day on the trail.