Looking to hit some of the best trails across the USA without committing to a full-day trek? These incredible hikes, all under 10 miles, offer stunning landscapes, memorable experiences, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Here’s our expanded list of must-try trails, featuring iconic hikes and a couple of hidden gems to round out your adventures.
1. Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail
- Location: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- Distance: 4.8 km (3 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
This unforgettable trail takes you right into the heart of Bryce Canyon, weaving through the iconic hoodoos and spires. Highlights include famous formations like Queen Victoria and Thor’s Hammer. Starting at Sunset Point, you can choose to descend into Wall Street, a stunning narrow canyon, and loop back up through the Queens Garden. Don’t forget your camera to capture Bryce’s vibrant orange hues.
2. Angels Landing Trail
- Location: Zion National Park, Utah
- Distance: 6.9 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Time: ~3 hours
This legendary hike is as thrilling as it is beautiful. The Angels Landing Trail includes steep switchbacks and a final section with sheer drop-offs, but the views of Zion Canyon are worth every step. Starting at The Grotto Trailhead, the first part of the hike follows the West Rim Trail before the adrenaline-pumping ascent begins. It's not for the faint of heart, but experienced hikers will find it unforgettable.
3. Devil's Bridge Trail via Dry Creek Road
- Location: Sedona, Arizona
- Distance: 6.3 km (3.9 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: ~2 hours
Explore Sedona’s iconic red rocks and hike to Devil’s Bridge, the largest natural sandstone arch in the area. Starting at Dry Creek Road, the trail offers fantastic views of Red Rock Country and a short, steep climb to the bridge itself. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid the heat and crowds.
4. Skyline Loop
- Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 miles)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Time: ~3 hours 30 minutes
This loop trail in Mount Rainier’s Paradise area has it all: glacier views, waterfalls, wildflowers, and sweeping vistas. Starting at the Paradise Visitor Center, you can take the loop clockwise or counterclockwise, with many hikers stopping at Panorama Point for jaw-dropping views. The trail is a showcase of the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty.
5. Emerald Lake Trail
- Location: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Distance: 5.1 km (3.2 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
This popular trail leads hikers through the stunning Tyndall Gorge, passing Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before reaching the serene waters of Emerald Lake. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of towering peaks, including Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. It’s an excellent hike for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
6. Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail
- Location: Yosemite National Park, California
- Distance: 10.3 km (6.4 miles)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Time: ~4 hours
The Mist Trail is a Yosemite classic, taking hikers up close to the cascading Vernal and Nevada Falls. You’ll hike along steep sections with misty spray from the waterfalls, making this trail an exhilarating and refreshing choice, especially in spring or early summer. Be prepared for steep climbs and incredible views.
7. Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
- Location: North Bend, Washington
- Distance: 8.5 km (5.3 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: ~3 hours
Just an hour from Seattle, Rattlesnake Ledge offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest, lake, and Cascade Mountains. It’s a well-maintained trail, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The ledge itself is a great spot to enjoy a picnic or relax before heading back down.
8. Trail of Ten Falls
- Location: Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
- Distance: 11.9 km (7.4 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: ~3 hours 20 minutes
As its name suggests, this trail winds past ten stunning waterfalls, some of which you can even walk behind. Located near Salem, Oregon, the Trail of Ten Falls is perfect for a day of waterfall chasing. Start at the South Falls Lodge Trailhead for a clockwise loop.
9. Avalanche Lake Trail
- Location: Glacier National Park, Montana
- Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
This serene hike leads to Avalanche Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic backdrop of cascading waterfalls. The trail begins near Avalanche Gorge and takes hikers through old-growth cedar forests, making it an enchanting experience from start to finish.
10. Scout Lookout via West Rim Trail
- Location: Zion National Park, Utah
- Distance: 5.8 km (3.6 miles)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
While this trail is often a stopping point for those continuing to Angels Landing, Scout Lookout is a rewarding destination on its own. It offers sweeping views of Zion Canyon and is a less nerve-wracking alternative to the final Angels Landing ascent.
Tips for Enjoying These Trails
- Plan Ahead: Check trail conditions, weather forecasts, and park regulations before heading out.
- Pack Essentials: Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, as weather can change quickly.
- Leave No Trace: Respect nature by staying on marked trails and packing out all trash.
Whether you're chasing waterfalls, conquering ridgelines, or strolling through stunning landscapes, these trails showcase the best the USA has to offer. Which one will you explore first?