From Banff to hiking trails in Yosemite, you’re spoilt for choice for adventure in America
These hiking trails vetted by the experts at RootsRated.com are hikes for any outdoorsperson’s bucket list.
Awa’awapuhi Trail in Kōkeʻe State Park – Hawaii
© Kauai. Photo via Unsplash
This trail is located near Kekaha Hawaii on the small island of Kauai (famous for its beautiful mountains!). The sheer cliffs of the Napali Coast may look daunting from the ground but that’s because they are best viewed from the summit of the Awa’awapuhi Trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking and trail running and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This is a 6.7 mile round trip with a 2125 foot elevation gain. It has been rated a moderate difficulty by experienced hikers.
Along the way, hikers can expect to see lush, native vegetation, views of the ocean, and stunning views of Waimea Canyon, unparalleled birdwatching, and unforgettable walks through world-famous Hawaiian rainforests.
Tequepis Trail | Santa Barbara, CA
© Photo: Nick Amoscato/Flickr
The best part about the Tequepis Trail isn’t the the 3,000 feet of elevation gain over 9 miles, or even the gorgeous views of Cachuma Lake. The best part is that it’s the closest trail to the Cold Spring Tavern, a rustic restaurant hidden in a sycamore forest offering blues music, craft brews, and delicious Tri-Tip sandwiches. A lot of mountain bikers shuttle this run by parking at the Gun Club on West Camino Cielo, while others prefer an out and back from the Circle V trailhead. This 9-miles, when done, is the perfect distance for a solid, but manageable workout.
Seven Bridges Trail in North Cheyenne Cañon Park – Colorado
© Photo via Unsplash
Located in the heart of North Cheyenne Cañon’s beautiful and majestic forest, there are many biking, hiking, & equestrian trails to enjoy for all ages.
This trail is aptly named as it follows a set of seven bridges across the North Cheyenne Creek and up into the Cheyenne Canyon. This is a shady, easy, cool, and breezy trail following a charming creek and beautiful meadows that comes highly recommended by Colorado natives. It’s is a 3.7 mile round-trip but some people just chose to go to the seventh bridge and back which is only 1.6 miles. It is a beautiful hike in the fall when the Aspen trees start to turn colors. There is a 1033 foot elevation gain and hike is recommended to be done anywhere from March – November.
Rubicon Trail in D.L. Bliss State Park – California
This unique hike is considered to be one of the best spots to view famous Lake Tahoe. There is a variety of terrain from short ranging from short and steep elevation gains and drops to flats, twits, shoreline cliffs, and even coves.
While hiking the Rubicon Trail you’re met with a vast variety of flora from mountain dogwood, bitter cherry, black cottonwood, columbine, yellow monkey flower, nightshade, bleeding heart, leopard lily, currant, huckleberry, and gooseberry!
This is a longer hike at 11.9 miles with a 1381 foot elevation gain and is considered moderate. This trail is best done from March through September.
Clouds Rest Trail in Yosemite National Park – California
© Photo via Pixabay
Clouds Rest Hiking Trail from Yosemite Valley is an 18 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Clouds Rest Trail in Yosemite is famous for the massive granite formation at the summit that is easily spotted deep in the valley.
Beware the sheer drop-0ffs and potential water hazards. Walk right into the clouds. You will see astonishing panoramic views at the summit of the beautiful Yosemite National Park.
If hiking is in your blood and you want to learn more about the 10 Long-Distance Hiking Trails, then you’ll love this article – 10 Long-Distance Hiking Trails in the U.S
Photo by Krivec Ales from Pexels
