15 Incredible Bucket List Hikes in the USA
The USA has 429 national park sites and diverse climates and landscapes, making it a hiker’s paradise.
While thousands of hiking trails exist, there are a few absolute bucket list hikes in the USA that every keen hiker should hope to accomplish.
From short and steep mountain summits to multi-day backpacking trails that last months, here are some of the best bucket list hikes in the USA.
1. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
Location: From Mexico to Canada
Length: 4,270km (2,650 miles)
There may be many bucket list hikes in the USA, but none are as impressive as the PCT.
The PCT hike is the longest in the USA, spanning three countries and thousands of miles.
It’s not your everyday hike and not for the fainthearted. But anyone who commits to the trail can accomplish one of the world’s most rewarding and impressive hikes.
The PCT stretches 4,270 kilometres from the Mexican border to Canada, passing through various landscapes and climates.
There are endless highlights on this trail, like Forester Pass, Mount Laguna’s Foster Point, the North Cascades, and Jefferson Park, to name just a few.
The hike, which takes you through varied terrain, never gets boring and lets you experience just how impressive North American wilderness can be.
Completing the entire trail takes about five months, but many people hike only a few sections.
You could pick parts of the trail to do as day hikes or tackle larger sections over multi-day backpacking adventures.
Some of the most popular sections of the trail include hiking the Laguna Mountain Ridge, the Kearsarge Pass, Twin Peaks in Northern California, Deadfall Lakes And Mount Eddy, Killen Creek Meadows in Washington, and the Obsidian Trail in Oregon.
However, these are only a handful of the many amazing sections the PCT covers.
You require a permit to hike more than 800 kilometres along the trail.
If you plan to do the PCT end to end, you must be incredibly well prepared.
You can complete the entire hike in five months, so you must commit some serious time.
However, those who conquer the whole PCT will gain some unforgettable life experiences.
The best time for a complete thru-hike is from mid-April to early October.
2. Appalachian Trail
Location: From Georgia to Maine
Length: 3,530km (2,193 miles)
Another massive hike, the Appalachian Trail ranks high on any avid hiker’s bucket list.
It’s the longest hiking-only trail in the world, covering 3,530km across 14 states.
We think this hike is one of the best crazy bucket list ideas.
If you’re brave enough to complete the whole thing, you can expect thru-hikes to typically take five to seven months.
It’s a major accomplishment and commitment that requires plenty of preparation.
Needless to say, the Appalachian Trail takes you through a wide variety of landscapes and incredible sights.
You’ll see massive mountain peaks, dramatic canyons, green forests, mountain ridges, and much more. It’s one of the most diverse hiking experiences you can have in the States.
Most people don’t do the whole hike but rather tackle shorter sections.
Some of the best bits include hiking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee, covering the Damascus and Grayson Highlands State Park in Southern Virginia, and hiking the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
However, choosing a single “best section” is impossible, as there are many unique places to explore along this trail.
If you’re interested in doing this bucket list hike but don’t have the time, we recommend trying to cover as many short sections as you want. These can be done as single overnighters or week-long hikes.
Unlike many other long-distance trails, no permit is required for the entire hike, although certain areas may require fees or permits.
The best time for a northbound hike (the most common direction) is from early March to mid-April.
3. Rocky Mountain Backpacking
Location: Denver
Length: Varies, roughly 98km (60 miles)
Ok, this is not one specific bucket list hike in the USA as much as it’s a bucket list area for hiking.
But, when it comes to the best hiking trails in America, you can’t leave out the impressive Rocky Mountain National Park.
We recommend a multi-day backpacking trail to experience the park's best hiking.
Our top choice is a six-day trail that passes Thunder Lake, Lion Lake, and Finch Lake and ends at Estes Park.
This trail gives you a fantastic overview of the scenery and wildlife that make the Rockies one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the US.
Hiking and camping between the snowy peaks, alpine lakes, and beautiful forests will make you realise just how extraordinary America’s wilderness can be.
Here’s an overview of our six-day guided Rockies hike for more details on this epic trail.
4. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike
Location: Arizona
Length: 35km (21.6 miles) point-to-point
You can’t discuss bucket list hikes in the USA without mentioning the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural sights in the world, and it offers some of the most unique and breathtaking hiking trails in the country.
Hiking from one rim of the Grand Canyon to the other is an unforgettable experience - something every keen American hiker should consider doing. This 35km trek changes elevation by 1,615m and connects the North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails.
The trail is dotted with campgrounds that offer water, compost toilets, and emergency phones. Most hikers complete it over several days, and a backcountry permit is required for camping.
If you attempt this hike, ensure you’re well-prepared and understand the harsh conditions in Arizona.
To navigate the trail safely, you’ll need plenty of water, sun protection, and good local knowledge.
5. Seven Mile Hole Trail
Location: Wyoming
Length: 16km (10 miles) round trip
If we’re talking about bucket list hikes in the USA, Yellowstone National Park must be on the list.
And while this park has many excellent hikes, the Seven Mile Hole trail is one of the best.
The Seven Mile Hole trail is a challenging and rewarding hike that offers a fantastic experience of the Yellowstone River and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
The hike starts at the Glacial Boulder Trailhead and descends 426 meters to the river, passing through forests and open meadows.
The trails are home to diverse wildlife and plenty of active geothermal features.
The highlight of this hike is the spectacular waterfall. The trail is well-marked and best hiked from June to September.
No permits are required for day hikes, but be prepared for steep and rugged terrain.
While this is an exceptional hike, we recommend doing it as one part of a longer hiking adventure through Yellowstone National Park.
Check out our Grand Teton and Yellowstone hiking and camping tour if you’re interested in experiencing the absolute best of this part of the USA.
6. Yellowstone’s Shoshone Geyser Basin
Location: Wyoming
Length: Varies depending on the trail
We’ve already mentioned how you can’t think of bucket list hikes in the US without making Yellowstone National Park a prominent part of the list.
This park has many fabulous trails, and the Shoshone Geyser basin hikes are undoubtedly some of the best trails in the country.
Of course, the big attractions of this part of the park are Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. These impressive geothermal geysers attract visitors from all over the world.
While you can easily access them from the park’s visitor centre, it’s far more rewarding to hike through the Shoshone Geyser basin to experience them.
This basin alone has more geysers than the whole of Iceland, making it a seriously interesting place to hike through.
There are also some great campsites around here for multi-day hikes and plenty of wildlife, including elk.
It’s hard to choose a single hike here that we’d recommend above others, but exploring this off-the-beathen-path thermal basin is best done over a few days of backpacking.
Check out our four-day backpacking tour in Yellowstone for what we think is the ultimate geyser hiking trip in the US.
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7. Havasu Falls Hike
Location: Arizona
Length: 32km (20 miles) out-and-back
Havasu Falls is one of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in the USA, and it is known for its stunning turquoise waters.
While the waterfall is a fantastic sight, the hike there and back makes visiting the falls truly special.
The 32km round-trip hike into the Havasupai Reservation has an elevation change of 657m, so you should be prepared for a tiring climb.
However, this elevation rise only means enjoying some of the most epic views of the Arizona landscape along the way.
The turquoise water, mixed with bright orange rocks, deep canyons, and seemingly endless open space, will make you feel like you’re in the Wild West.
This feeling makes it a truly bucket list-worthy hike in the USA.
Permits for camping or staying at the lodge are required, and day hikes are not allowed - you’ll need to be prepared for an overnighter.
However, backpacking and camping along this route make it all the more enjoyable, as you’ll experience the expansive starry skies and the intense peace of remote Arizona.
Reservations are highly competitive and usually open in February.
8. Yakima Park to Fremont Lookout Trail
State: Washington
Length: 9km (5.6 miles) round trip
The Yakima Park to Fremont Lookout Trail in Mount Rainier National Park may be a slightly lesser-known trail. Still, it offers hikers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding alpine landscape.
The hike generally starts at the Sunrise Visitor Center, where the trail takes you up subalpine meadows and rocky ridges.
This all culminates at Fremont Lookout, one of the few remaining fire lookouts in the park.
This moderate hike is best done from July to September when the snow has melted.
No permits are required for day hikes, but as the hike is at a high elevation, be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
At Skyhook, we offer a variation of this hike as part of our seven-day Washington Olympics and Cascades adventure. Check it out if you want to experience some of the best hiking that Washington has to offer.
9. Whitney Trail
Location: California
Length: 36km (22.5 miles) out-and-back
Standing at 4.4km, Mt. Whitney is the tallest peak in the contiguous United States.
It’s cemented its place as one of the main bucket list hikes in the USA. Anyone with good enough fitness can do it.
The 36km trail is challenging, with a 2km elevation gain.
However, despite its steepness, it’s well-maintained and doesn’t require technical skills in good condition.
However, snow and ice can cover the trail until early July, so check the weather before you go.
Permits are required year-round for both day hikes and overnight trips.
Although you can do this hike with minimal mountaineering experience, we recommend going with an experienced hiker or guide to ensure your safety.
10. The Wave
Location: Arizona/Utah
Length: 10km (6.4 miles) round-trip
The Wave in Coyote Buttes North is famous for its stunning, undulating rock formations. It’s an incredible sight, and hiking through the Wave rocks is a bucket list experience.
In case you don’t know, the Wave is a “wavy” rock formation with incredible curved lines of different colours through the rocky canyon. It’s a photographer’s dream destination, and anyone could spend ages here just soaking up the utterly unique environment.
The hike is 10km round-trip and requires a permit.
The permit system is highly competitive, with both an online and mobile-based day-of lottery.
Luckily, some other great hikes are nearby if you don’t get a permit on the day.
You’ll need basic navigation skills, as there are no marked trails.
You’ll also need to be prepared to hike in extreme weather conditions, which require plenty of water and bringing the right gear.
Despite this, the trail is relatively easy without significant climbs or mountaineering required.
11. John Muir Trail
Location: California
Length: 320+ kilometers (200+ miles)
The John Muir Trail (JMT) spans over 320km through California’s Sierra Nevada, passing through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.
It’s a major hike that very few people do from end to end, but it’s also one of the most rewarding and exciting hiking experiences available in the USA.
The full trail can take 10 to 30 days to complete, depending on your pace.
Of course, most people simply choose to hike sections of it. You can do these sections as short day hikes or go backpacking along part of the trail for a few days.
You can have it all on this trail to experience epic mountain peaks, lakes, forests, canyons, or rivers.
Permits are required, and obtaining one can be competitive as numbers are restricted each season.
The best time to hike the JMT is from July to September, when the trail is mostly snow-free.
If you plan to complete the full trail, you must be well-prepared and experienced in North American hiking.
12. Half Dome Trail
Location: California
Length: 22 - 25km (14-16 miles) out-and-back
Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic hikes in the USA. It may not be the longest hike, but it covers some of the country’s most impressive scenery.
The 22—to 25km trail climbs 1.5km, with the final ascent up steep cables. Before you set out on this trail, you must be prepared for a tough climb and have some decent mountaineering experience.
Permits are required when the cables are up, typically from late May to mid-October.
The hike is challenging and not for the faint of heart, but the views from the top are spectacular.
13. Kalalau Trail
State: Hawaii
Length: 35km (22 miles) round trip
Most bucket list hikes in the USA cover canyons, deserts, mountains, and waterfalls.
However, this Hawaiian trail offers something different.
The Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful hikes. The trail includes stunning ocean views, lush valleys, and challenging terrain with a 1.5km elevation gain.
You’ll need a permit for camping at Kalalau Beach - an absolute highlight of doing this hike. The best time to hike is during the dry season, from May to October.
14. Angels Landing
State: Utah
Length: 9km (5.4 miles) round trip
Angels Landing in Zion National Park is a thrilling hike known for its narrow ridges and steep drop-offs.
It’s not a beginner-friendly hike and requires some nerves, but the views and experience are unparalleled.
The trail gains 450m in elevation and offers breathtaking views of Zion Canyon.
Although relatively short, it’s steep and tricky, so you must take your time. We recommend leaving as early in the morning as possible to give yourself plenty of time to navigate the trail safely.
Permits are required, and the best time to hike is from spring to fall.
Be prepared for a physically demanding and exhilarating experience, and always go with an experienced hiker who knows the route.
15. Longs Peak Keyhole Route
State: Colorado
Length: 24km (15 miles) round trip
We can’t forget about Colorado if we’re talking bucket list hikes in the USA.
And if we’re talking about the best hikes in Colorado, then the Keyhole Route on Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park is an absolute classic.
The trail gains 1.5km feet in elevation and requires scrambling over rocks. It’s not the most leisurely climb, but the views from the top of the peak are highly rewarding.
It’s an exhausting hike that covers tricky rocky terrain. There’s also often a strip of snow that covers a good portion of the trail.
To avoid this, the best time to hike is from late July to early September, when the route is usually snow-free.
This challenging hike is recommended for experienced hikers only.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a serious challenge or a rewarding day hike, these bucket list hikes in the USA offer something for everyone.
If you love hiking and are based in America, then we highly recommend you get out there and attempt to tick a few of these amazing hikes off your adventure bucket list.
Inspired? Then, look at our unforgettable hiking adventures in the USA for fun guided group tours.
