The Best National Parks for Hiking: A Guide for Nature Lovers
For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, few experiences compare to hiking through the breathtaking landscapes of national parks. From towering mountains and deep canyons to lush forests and pristine lakes, the world’s national parks offer some of the most stunning and diverse hiking trails. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, national parks offer a range of hiking options for all skill levels. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the best national parks for hiking, highlighting the most popular trails, what makes each park unique, and why they should be on every hiker’s bucket list.
1. Yosemite National Park, USA
Why It’s Great for Hiking: Yosemite is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States, famous for its dramatic granite cliffs, ancient sequoia trees, and stunning waterfalls. The park offers a variety of hiking trails that cater to different levels of experience, making it an ideal destination for all hikers.
Top Trails:
- Half Dome: One of Yosemite’s most famous hikes, the Half Dome trail is a challenging 14-16 mile round-trip that takes you to the summit for an epic panoramic view. The final ascent requires cables, adding an element of adventure.
- Mist Trail: A moderate 3-5 mile trail that takes you past two of Yosemite’s iconic waterfalls, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. The mist from the falls creates a refreshing experience during hot summer months.
- Glacier Point: A relatively easy 1-mile hike to Glacier Point, where you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra.
Why You Should Go: Yosemite’s varied landscapes and accessible trails, from the challenging Half Dome to the scenic, family-friendly routes, make it a top destination for hikers of all levels.
2. Banff National Park, Canada
Why It’s Great for Hiking: Banff, located in the Canadian Rockies, is a hiker’s paradise with its stunning alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and sprawling forests. The park offers an abundance of hiking trails, from short, easy walks to multi-day backcountry treks.
Top Trails:
- Lake Louise to Plain of Six Glaciers: This moderately challenging 5.5-mile hike offers stunning views of Lake Louise and leads you to a viewpoint overlooking glaciers and the surrounding mountains.
- Moraine Lake Rockpile: A short but rewarding 0.5-mile hike that takes you to the famous Rockpile viewpoint, offering one of the most photographed views in the world — the vibrant turquoise waters of Moraine Lake surrounded by towering peaks.
- Mount Sulphur: A more strenuous 3.5-mile hike, which brings you to the top of Mount Sulphur, offering panoramic views of the Bow Valley and Banff Town.
Why You Should Go: Banff National Park is perfect for hikers looking to experience Canada’s natural beauty, with easy access to well-maintained trails and awe-inspiring vistas.
3. Zion National Park, USA
Why It’s Great for Hiking: Zion National Park in Utah is renowned for its stunning sandstone canyons, towering cliffs, and narrow slot canyons. The park offers unique and exhilarating hikes that lead you through its dramatic landscapes.
Top Trails:
- Angels Landing: A legendary 5-mile hike with a strenuous ascent, including narrow ridgelines and chains to hold onto. The summit offers jaw-dropping views of Zion Canyon.
- The Narrows: A 9-mile (or shorter) hike through the Virgin River in a narrow canyon. Hikers walk in the river, sometimes chest-deep, with towering canyon walls on both sides.
- Observation Point: A 8-mile round-trip hike that offers sweeping views of Zion Canyon from above, including the famous Angels Landing, but without the crowds.
Why You Should Go: Zion’s unique landscape offers some of the most thrilling and unforgettable hikes. The park’s varied terrain, from the river walks in The Narrows to the exposed cliff edges of Angels Landing, makes it ideal for adventurous hikers.
4. Grand Canyon National Park, USA
Why It’s Great for Hiking: The Grand Canyon is a must-visit for any hiker, with its vast and awe-inspiring views of colorful rock formations, deep ravines, and the Colorado River. While it’s known for being a difficult place to hike due to the extreme temperatures and elevation changes, there are trails for all levels of hikers.
Top Trails:
- South Kaibab Trail: A challenging but rewarding 7-mile descent into the Grand Canyon. The trail provides spectacular views as you descend into the canyon, but it’s a strenuous climb back up.
- Bright Angel Trail: One of the most popular trails, this 9.5-mile trail provides a well-maintained route to the Colorado River. It’s easier to hike than the South Kaibab Trail but still requires stamina.
- Rim Trail: A much easier, 13-mile (one way) trail that offers relatively flat, scenic views along the canyon’s rim, perfect for beginners or those looking for a leisurely walk.
Why You Should Go: The Grand Canyon offers unparalleled views and a sense of scale that is difficult to experience anywhere else. It’s an iconic hiking destination with a wide variety of trails, from easy walks along the rim to challenging descents into the canyon.
5. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Why It’s Great for Hiking: Located in southern Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, and unique wildlife. It’s one of the most popular hiking destinations in South America, offering everything from short day hikes to multi-day treks.
Top Trails:
- W Trek: A world-famous 5-day trek that takes you through the heart of the park, passing the iconic Torres del Paine, the Grey Glacier, and Lago Nordenskjold.
- Base of the Towers: A challenging 9-mile hike that leads you to the base of the park’s signature granite peaks, offering one of the most dramatic views in the world.
- Grey Glacier Trail: A moderately difficult trail that takes you through lenga forests and along the shores of Lago Grey, with views of the massive Grey Glacier.
Why You Should Go: Torres del Paine offers some of the most spectacular wilderness hiking experiences in the world, with rugged terrain, incredible wildlife, and breathtaking scenery that will leave you in awe.
6. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Why It’s Great for Hiking: While Kruger is primarily known for its safari experiences, it also offers incredible walking safaris, allowing you to explore the African wilderness on foot. These guided hikes provide a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the park’s flora and fauna.
Top Trails:
- Guided Walking Safaris: Led by experienced guides, these walks range from half-day to multi-day treks and allow you to experience Kruger’s wildlife and landscapes in a more intimate way.
- Nsemani Dam Trail: A relatively short trail that leads you to a tranquil spot near Nsemani Dam, where you can observe elephants, hippos, and other animals.
Why You Should Go: Kruger’s walking safaris offer a rare chance to experience the African bush on foot, learning about the ecosystem, wildlife tracks, and natural history from expert guides.
7. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Why It’s Great for Hiking: Fiordland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning fjords, alpine peaks, and lush rainforests. The park offers some of the best multi-day hikes in New Zealand, including the famous Milford and Routeburn Tracks.
Top Trails:
- Milford Track: A 33.5-mile, 4-day hike considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, taking you through valleys, forests, and past cascading waterfalls to Milford Sound.
- Routeburn Track: A 20-mile, 3-day hike that offers some of the best alpine scenery in the Southern Alps, passing through beech forests, past lakes, and over alpine ridgelines.
- Kepler Track: A 37-mile, 3-4 day hike that provides stunning views of Lake Te Anau, mountains, and valleys.
Why You Should Go: Fiordland’s rugged wilderness and dramatic landscapes make it one of the most unforgettable hiking destinations on Earth. Its iconic multi-day hikes are perfect for those seeking a true adventure in nature.
8. Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Why It’s Great for Hiking: Located in the Southern Alps, Aoraki/Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak and a haven for hikers. The park is known for its glaciers, alpine lakes, and dramatic mountain scenery.
Top Trails:
- Hooker Valley Track: A relatively easy 3.5-mile walk that leads to Hooker Lake, where you can view Mount Cook and the surrounding glaciers.
- Sealy Tarns Track: A steep 3.5-mile trail that takes you to Sealy Tarns, offering stunning views of Mount Cook and the surrounding valleys.
- Mueller Hut Route: A challenging 7.5-mile hike that takes you to Mueller Hut, perched high above the valley floor with breathtaking views of Mount Cook and its glaciers.
Why You Should Go: Aoraki/Mount Cook offers some of the best mountain scenery in New Zealand, with diverse trails ranging from easy walks to more strenuous hikes, perfect for anyone seeking to explore the heart of the Southern Alps.