From rugged mountains to coastal trails, the U.S. is packed with jaw-dropping hikes for every level. Whether you’re chasing alpine lakes, desert canyons, or forested switchbacks, there’s a trail waiting—and some states are simply built for hiking lovers.
In this 2025 guide, we break down the best U.S. states and cities for hiking, based on scenery, trail variety, accessibility, and popularity. You’ll find distances, difficulty ratings, and must-see spots—plus a few hidden gems worth the detour.
Editor’s Note – DailyStoke.com:
“We hiked through deserts, summits, and seaside cliffs to rank these. These picks offer a solid mix of classic trails and new favorites, perfect for every kind of hiker—from Sunday stroller to summit scrambler.”
Top U.S. States for Hiking in 2025
- California – Epic variety from the Pacific to the Sierra Nevada
- Colorado – High-altitude adventures and alpine lakes
- Utah – Red rock magic and national parks galore
- Washington – Lush forests, volcanoes, and coastal hikes
- North Carolina – Blue Ridge gems with year-round access
1. California – Diversity at Its Best
- Best Hike: Half Dome via Mist Trail (Yosemite)
- Distance: 14–16 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Hard
- What You’ll See: Waterfalls, granite cliffs, cables, epic summit views
- Why It’s Popular: Bucket-list status and stunning park variety
Other hotspots: Big Sur’s coastal trails, Mount Tam in Marin, and Joshua Tree desert hikes.
Verdict: California has it all—ocean views, alpine summits, redwoods, and desert scenes. You can hike 365 days a year somewhere in the state.
2. Colorado – For the Elevation Addicts
- Best Hike: Sky Pond Trail (Rocky Mountain National Park)
- Distance: 9 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- What You’ll See: Waterfalls, alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks
- Why It’s Popular: Easy access to high-altitude beauty
Other musts: Maroon Bells, Bear Peak in Boulder, and the 14ers if you’re into serious vertical gain.
Verdict: Colorado delivers altitude, epic views, and serious trails—great for anyone who loves mountain challenges.
3. Utah – The Red Rock State
- Best Hike: Angels Landing (Zion National Park)
- Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous, exposure/heights
- What You’ll See: Canyon switchbacks, narrow ridgelines, dramatic views
- Why It’s Popular: Instagram-famous, high-adrenaline hike
Also worth it: The Narrows, Bryce Canyon’s Queens Garden, and Arches’ Devil’s Garden.
Verdict: Utah is a hiker’s dream with five national parks and unforgettable desert scenery.
4. Washington – Emerald Trails and Wild Peaks
- Best Hike: The Enchantments (Alpine Lakes Wilderness)
- Distance: 18 miles through-hike
- Difficulty: Difficult
- What You’ll See: Alpine lakes, jagged granite, larch trees
- Why It’s Popular: One of the most stunning trails in the U.S.
Other hikes: Mount Rainier’s Skyline Trail, Rattlesnake Ledge, and Olympic Peninsula coastal hikes.
Verdict: Lush, wild, and green—Washington mixes dramatic weather with even more dramatic views.
5. North Carolina – East Coast Trail Treasure
- Best Hike: Black Balsam Knob Loop (Blue Ridge Parkway)
- Distance: 1.5 to 5 miles depending on loop
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- What You’ll See: Rolling ridges, open balds, mountain views
- Why It’s Popular: Family-friendly and insanely scenic
Explore more: Grandfather Mountain, Linville Gorge, and parts of the Appalachian Trail.
Verdict: Great weather, rich forests, and easy trail access make NC a must-visit for East Coast hikers.
Best U.S. Cities for Hikers
- Denver, CO – Easy access to the Rockies
- Seattle, WA – Urban hikes + alpine escapes
- Phoenix, AZ – Desert trails, year-round sun
- Portland, OR – Forest hikes right in the city
- Asheville, NC – Cozy mountain base with big trail energy
Hiking Highlights at a Glance: Best Walking Routes
| Location | Trail Example | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Half Dome (Yosemite) | 14–16 mi | Hard | Iconic summit, waterfalls, views |
| Colorado | Sky Pond Trail | 9 mi | Moderate | Alpine lakes, wildlife, snow fields |
| Utah | Angels Landing | 5.4 mi | Strenuous | Canyons, ridgelines, exposure |
| Washington | The Enchantments | 18 mi | Difficult | Glacier-carved lakes, granite spires |
| North Carolina | Black Balsam Knob Loop | 1.5–5 mi | Easy-Mod | Ridgeline views, wildflowers |
How to Choose a State or Trail
1. Skill Level
Beginner? Try North Carolina or coastal California trails.
Experienced? Head to Utah or Washington for steep switchbacks and exposed ridgelines.
2. Seasonality
Want winter hiking? Southern California and Arizona shine.
For fall foliage, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pacific Northwest are unbeatable.
3. Accessibility
Big cities like Denver, Seattle, and Asheville have major airports with trails just minutes outside the city.
The U.S. is packed with world-class hiking—but if you want variety, scenery, and challenge, start with California, Colorado, Utah, Washington, and North Carolina. These states consistently deliver breathtaking trails, and cities like Denver, Seattle, and Asheville make ideal basecamps.
Editor’s Note – DailyStoke.com:
“What makes a great hiking state isn’t just the views—it’s the mix of trail access, seasonal beauty, and local energy. These spots make hiking feel more like a lifestyle than a weekend escape.”
