Hand-picked classics from Yosemite granite to Acadia coast — with the distance, elevation, season windows, and small logistical details that decide whether a trip actually works. Check permits and current conditions before you go.
Ascend to the crater rim of an active volcano for an unforgettable view into the heart of geological upheaval. This strenuous but non-technical summer climb rewards hikers with a panorama of the Cascades and a direct look at the lava dome steaming within the 1980 eruption crater. It's a raw, powerful landscape that stands as one of the most unique summit experiences in North America.
The dramatic finale of the Appalachian Trail, Mount Katahdin offers more than just a summit; it delivers a legendary adventure. Test your nerve on the infamous Knife Edge, a breathtakingly narrow and exposed granite arête with thousand-foot drops on either side. This is New England's most demanding and rewarding day hike, a true rite of passage for any serious mountaineer.
Climb above the treeline to a viewpoint over 700 sq miles of ice. Watch for bears. 2 mi with about 3500 ft of elevation gain.
A boat shuttle drops you at the trailhead. Moose, marmots, and the Tetons towering overhead. 1 mi with about 1100 ft of elevation gain.
Knife-edge ridge with chain-assisted scrambling and unmatched canyon views. Permit now required. 4 mi with about 1488 ft of elevation gain.
Iron rungs bolted into a sheer cliff. Short but spicy with Atlantic views at the top. 1 mi with about 1000 ft of elevation gain.
Na Pali coast cliffs, lush jungle, and a 300-ft waterfall reward. Slick when wet. Located in Kauai, Hawaii, the trail covers roughly 8 mi with about 1200 ft of elevation gain.
The bucketlist cable ascent. Long, exposed, and unforgettable — start before sunrise. Located in Yosemite NP, California, the trail covers roughly 16 mi with about 4800 ft of elevation gain.
Step into a raw, primeval landscape on the Iceline Trail, a route that trades forested valleys for an open alpine bench high above the Yoho Valley. Here, you'll walk alongside the immense Waputik Icefield and its glacial tongues, witnessing the powerful forces that have sculpted the Canadian Rockies. 1 mi with about 3475 ft of elevation gain.
This is arguably the greatest day hike in the Cascades, a breathtaking tour of alpine splendor. 5 mi with about 1700 ft of elevation gain. Expect a steady workout with some sustained climbing — solid footwear and a couple of liters of water are recommended.
Beginning at the famously turquoise Lake Louise, this iconic Canadian Rockies hike transports you from bustling crowds to a serene, high-alpine world. The trail culminates at a historic, stone-built tea house nestled beneath a dramatic cirque of ice-clad peaks and rumbling glaciers. It’s a journey that serves up world-class scenery with a side of rustic charm, making it an essential North American experience.
Journey from one of the world's most magnificent temperate rainforests to the glaciated heart of the Olympic Mountains. This classic trek follows the glacially-fed Hoh River through a cathedral of ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock, culminating in breathtaking views of the Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus. Located in Olympic National Park, WA, the trail covers roughly 36 mi with about 3700 ft of elevation gain.
A legendary test piece of the American Northeast, the Presidential Traverse strings together the highest and most exposed peaks in the White Mountains. This grueling but spectacular ridge walk crosses the alpine zones of at least seven major summits, including the formidable Mount Washington. Completing it in a single day is a coveted prize for any serious hiker.
