In the mid-to-late 2010s, a survey carried out in the US showed that hiking is one of the most popular physical activities in the country. And this fact is true for residents of the UK, Canada and many other countries around the world. Reasons for the popularity of hiking vary. However, most hikers claim to enjoy it because the activity offers a great workout and simultaneously allows them to enjoy nature.
The United States is home to some of the most beautiful and beloved hiking trails in the world. For that reason, hikers from across the globe make it a goal to travel to USA. However, once they arrive, many hikers are spoiled for choice, which may make it quite difficult to decide where you want to go. So, in this article, we would like to talk about a couple of the most popular hiking destinations in the USA, in order to help you make the right decision.
Las Vegas is Not Just for Gamblers
When most people think of Las Vegas, the first thing that pops to mind are the grandiose, extravagant casinos or the complicated, fantastic magic shows. However, the City of Sin has a lot more to offer than just glitz and glamour. For example, did you know that Las Vegas is home to some of the most beautiful, beloved, and visually stunning hiking trails you will ever see?
The Red Rock Canyon National Park alone offers half-a-dozen stunning hiking paths, which can accommodate new hikers and seasoned veterans alike. Top-rated and most beloved is easily the Calico Tanks Trail.
The 3.5km walk is a moderately challenging route, especially popular among runners. For the more solitary fans, the Calico Tanks might not be for you, as its popularity pretty much guarantees you will find company along the route. However, if you don’t mind meeting new people along the way, check it out. You can even bring a dog, as long as it is on a leash.
If the Calico Tanks Trail is not to your liking, you can try one of the many routes found near Vegas. Some of the most popular examples would be:
- Ice Box Canyon Trail, Red Rock Canyon (3.7 km)
- Cathedral Rock Trail, Humboldt-Toyabe National Forest (4.5 km)
- First Creek Canyon Trail, Red Rock Canyon (5.5 km)
The three trails listed are all moderately difficult, so they can provide a great challenge for both veteran hikers, and newcomers to the activity.
Of course, the popularity of Las Vegas still comes from the glitz and glamour of the Strip. However, with the rise of online casinos, most people can do their gambling at home. And thanks to review websites, you can find the best and most trustworthy online gambling sites quite easily. For example, this Heyspin casino review goes in detail about the games, withdrawal time, live chat, and deposit methods. However, while you could gamble at home, you can’t see beauty like what the talked about hiking trails provide.
So, Las Vegas is still worth visiting, whether you want to gamble or not.
Montana is a Hiker’s Paradise
Apart from being one of the best states to visit if you want to ski with the family, Montana is also a hiker’s paradise. The state is home to two of the USA’s most popular national parks: Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. And of course, visitors can explore the beauty of these parks through several hiking trails. So, let us take a look at some of the top-rated and best-known hiking trails in Yellowstone and Glacier.
- The Trail of Cedars, Glacier National Park
The Trail of Cedars is, by far, the most well-known hike at the Glacier National Park. Named after the Cedars through which the trail is paved, the route is incredible accessible and easy to navigate. Perfect for beginner hikers, or anyone who just wants to experience the simple beauty of Montana’s nature.
- Avalanche Lake, Glacier National Park
Past the Trail of Cedars, you will find the route to Avalanche Lake. While the trail is easy, it is quite long, clocking in at around 5 km. However, once you see the splendour of the lake, you will see that it was all worth it.
- Mystic Falls, Yellowstone
From Glacier we go to Yellowstone, in order to visit the Mystic Falls trail. An easy hike for first-time visitors of Yellowstone, the trail comes up to around 4km. While rather long, it is quite easy to navigate, making it one of the highest-rated trails in the park.
Arizona is a Must for Hikers
Finally, one of the most popular hiking destinations in the world lies in Arizona. The Grand Canyon is a million-year-old, mile-deep gorge, known around the world as one of the most beautiful hiking destinations of all time. Every year, tourists from all over the USA, and the world, visit this spectacular natural site to experience the beauty for themselves.
Naturally, it is also the perfect place for hikers. The sheer size of the canyon ensures that it is quite difficult to get the full experience in one day. And while it can be done, most tourists are like to only see one aspect of this grand wonder of nature. So, if you are only going to see the Grand Canyon from one point of view, you should at least make sure you do so from the best one. The following are the best trails that provide a spectacular view of one of the USA’s most wonderful sites.
- Cape Royal Viewpoint: 1 km, perfect for beginners who want an easy hike.
- Hermit Trail: 8 km, a challenging hike away from all the crowds.
- South Kaibab Trail: 9.5 km, only recommended for long-time hikers and experts. The reward is a jaw-dropping view of the Grand Canyon and the coiling river that flows through it.
While we’ve singled out these three trails, it doesn’t mean they are the only ones worth exploring. The sheer grandness of the canyon ensures that no matter which trail you choose, you will find something to enjoy.
