Yellowstone
#3 in Best Places to Hike in North America
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho is a hiker’s paradise, with approximately 1,000 miles of hiking trails across more than 2.2 million acres. These trails include 15-plus miles of boardwalk, which travelers can use to reach thermal attractions like Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs. Other popular routes include those found in the Canyon Village and Lake Village areas. Backcountry trails provide a more solitary experience, though visitors may encounter moose, wolves and grizzly bears, among other animal species. For optimal conditions, visit during the summer or fall. Just remember to avoid straying from Yellowstone’s marked trails.
Zion National Park
#4 in Best Places to Hike in North America
Sandstone cliffs with varying shades of red tower over visitors at Zion National Park. Three areas house this Utah national park’s trails and attractions: Zion Canyon, the Kolob Canyons and the Zion Wilderness. The Kolob Canyons and Zion Wilderness sections appeal to explorers due to their group size limits and primitive amenities. Meanwhile, Zion Canyon is the easiest to reach thanks to its shuttle service to multiple trailheads, including the famous and challenging Narrows. Keep in mind, though, that the shuttle only runs from spring to fall.
