An Explorer's Guide to Hiking in the United States
When measured from its furthest points, the United States of America stretches across 2800 miles from east to west, and over 1600 miles from north to south. At over 3,8 million square miles, it is the fourth largest country in the world, by size. With so much land, it isn’t surprising that the USA covers some of the most beautiful, as well as the harshest hiking trails in the world.
With that in mind, people from all around the globe travel to the US, strapped in hiking gear. They want to challenge the trails that make America such a fascinating country to visit. Whether you are looking for easy trails that will fulfill your soul, or harsh trails that will challenge you, the United States is the place where you can find them. And in this article, we give you a brief guide on some of the most popular destinations for hiking.
Las Vegas – Red Rock Canyon
We can’t blame you if your first thought upon hearing “Las Vegas” is gambling. Dubbed “Sin City” by locals and tourists alike, Las Vegas has a lot to offer. Grandiose casinos, luxury hotels, incredible stage shows, and more. However, it is the gambling halls that most people are aware of. Though online casinos have won the hearts of most gamblers in the 21st century, there is still something special about being in Vegas. You may not have access to gambling websites, updated daily with new rewards, but you get to walk the same streets as some of the most well-known gamblers in human history.
However, Las Vegas is not all about what is in the city. Believe it or not, just outside the glitz and glamour is a vast, rocky ocean of wonders. What most Vegas visitors are not aware of is that the City of Sin has some of the best hiking trails in the United States of America. It is the perfect place for newbies, amateurs, and even experienced hikers. The spot that attracts most hikers (and even climbers) is the Red Rock Canyon.
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a protected mass of land, located about 15 miles west of Vegas. It receives over three million guests a year, many of whom can expect to see the local flora, fauna, and geology of the area. The Yosemite-sized walls of the Red Rock mountain offer some serious challenging trails for rock climbers, and the vast, grassless fields are perfect for hiking during the Spring and early Autumn. Red Rock Canyon is also a top choice for picnics and outdoor campouts. For all those reasons, and more, it is among the best places to visit when in the United States.
Colorado – The Million Dollar Highway
Located in western Colorado, the 23-mile, high-elevation paved road connects Silverton and Ouray. Why it is called the Million Dollar Highway, nobody knows exactly, though plenty have made a guess. Some believe that the cost of maintenance on the road equals about a million dollars annually, while others believe that each mile cost a million dollars to build. However, the most interesting story is related to just how dangerous the road is.
Winding turns, steep ascensions, lack of guard rails, and the numerous avalanche paths make Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway one of the most dangerous roads in the country. It takes the same amount of luck to survive a drive on this road as it does to win a million dollars while playing the lotto. If a drive is so dangerous, then imagine how risky a hike might be. But, why would anyone want to hike on the Million Dollar Highway?
The first answer that comes to mind is that it would be a huge challenge. Part of the reason people take up hiking is because it is risky, and challenging yourself is all part of it. The other answer is that it is one of the most beautiful roads in the United States. Rocky mountains will be your companion for most of the time, with the occasional sight of an evergreen forest. The smell of the trees, the wind at your back, and rarely a car in sight, make the Million Dollar Highway a hot spot for hikers from all over the world.
Bryce – the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden
When most people think of America’s tourist destination spots, Utah is not the first, or even second state that comes to mind. However, for hikers it should really be on the top of the list. The reason is the magnificent and awe-inspiring Navajo Loop and Queens Garden trail, located near the city of Bryce. A 2.9-mile loop trail, which guides visitors through a mountainous range, shaped like Queen Victoria’s garden, which is where the trail gets its name.
The Navajo Loop may not be the most challenging of the hiking trails we’ve brought up in this article. In fact, it is often considered a moderately difficult hike, that will take the average person about an hour and thirty minutes to complete. Experienced hikers may even get it done in an hour or so. Along the way, you will be accompanied by the towering mountains, which resemble the crown on Queen Victoria’s head, as well as lovely patches of evergreen trees, which will give the air a nutty, refreshing smell.
For hikers who prefer solitude, the Navajo Loop may not be the best choice. It is one of America’s most frequently visited trails, having even won the 2024 Trip Advisor Tourist Choice Award. You are all but guaranteed to meet people along the way, especially in the months between March and October, which is the best time to visit the loop. However, if you are looking for a great, easy, family-friendly hike, the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden trail should be at the top of your list. The only downside is that you will have to leave your pets at home, as the hike does not allow dogs to accompany people.
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