United States
The variety of ecosystems and adventures in the United States is truly remarkable. Whether you're looking to hit the beach, the mountains, the desert, or jump in the car and road-trip it all, the USA has adventure for everyone.
Top Spots in and near United States
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Westcliffe, Colorado
Backpack to Sand Creek Lakes
5.04 mi / 1700 ft gainStart at the Music Pass trail head south of Westcliffe, Colorado off County Road 119. You will need a 4x4 with high clearance to get to the actual trailhead as the last 2.5 miles are rough. Otherwise, park at the Crape Creek TH and walk the 2.5 miles up to Music Pass Trailhead.Once on the trail...Read more -
Round Mountain, California
Potem Falls
5.00.58 mi / 151 ft gainPark in the pull-out on Fenders Ferry Road. There you will find the Potem Falls trailhead. The hike is only 0.6 miles long--you'll likely spend more time enjoying the falls than getting there! Bring your swim gear if you want to jump in the pool. The trail is dog-friendly and open March-October.Read more -
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Hike Palmer Trail Loop at Section 16
5.5 mi / 1400 ft gainThe Section 16 trailhead can be found on lower Gold Camp Road. Almost immediately, the trail begins to rise in elevation. The grade is gentle at first but soon becomes a steep steady climb for about a mile and a half, until you reach the ridge. Along the way, you will see many intersecting trail...Read more -
Belleview, Missouri
Backpack the Bell Mountain Loop
4.012.1 miAn offshoot from the Ozark Trail, the Bell Mountain Loop trail offers a 12 mile loop (when starting from the HWY A trail head) that works perfectly as a beginner backpacking trip. The Ozark Trail website offers excellent maps for all sections of the trail (for free!), click here.Day 1: Hike 7.5 m...Read more -
San Francisco, California
Picnic Beneath the Golden Gate
4.7If the weather forecast looks promising, you could do a lot worse than planning a picnic at the West Bluff Picnic Area in the Presidio. This area is south of Crissy Field (closer to the bridge) and before you get to Fort Point - situated perfectly to give you an amazing view of the Golden Gate, A...Read more -
Redwood City, California
Cordilleras & Dusty-Footed Woodrat Loop
3.73.83 mi / 676 ft gainGetting there: exit Highway 280 at Edgewood Road, travel .75 miles east, turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left again on Edmonds Road. Once parked, there are several different path options through the park. All of them connect in a large loop, and return to the parking lot. The Cord...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Icehouse Saddle via Icehouse Canyon Trail
3.86.62 mi / 2562 ft gainThe hike is accessible in all seasons, but in winter there can be snow and ice so special equipment may be useful, but not required. In mid-January there were patches of ice on the trail but were easily crossed in boots and trainers. You can take the trail and end at Ice house Saddle or continue ...Read more -
New Waverly, Texas
Catch a Sunrise over Lake Raven
Huntsville State Park's 250 acre Raven Lake is a perfect spot for catching a sunrise. Watch for Egrets along the shoreline while enjoying the solitude of the early morning hour. Hang out on the fishing pier and take in the views while watching the sun crest over the surrounding woods. Be sure ...Read more -
Whitethorn, California
King's Peak from Shelter Cove
2.030.85 mi / 6204 ft gainAfter parking at Shelter Cove and securing a camping permit ($3 per night in the backcountry) follow the bear prints down the coastline for 5 miles, keeping in mind that the tide devours the beach every 12 hours. Parts of the beach become impassable at high tide. Camp overnight at Buck Creek, th...Read more -
San Diego, California
Black's Beach via the Gliderport
4.30.7 mi / 269 ft gainPark at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, which is conveniently empty before sunrise. The hike down to Black's Beach features a steep hike down a winding path of natural and manmade steps along the cliff face, but stay left and cruise the bluff for endless opportunities to observe, reflect and explor...Read more -
Montesano, Washington
Wynoochee Falls
5.00.51 mi / 115 ft gainLocated along FR-2270 (Google Maps calls it FR-2312) in Olympic National Forest, the trailhead is marked by a pullout and a pair of signposts but no sign. This area was formerly the Wynoochee Falls Campground. The trailhead is at the North end of the parking lot. This easy hike involves navigati...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Chikamin Peak via Mineral Creek Trailhead
15.34 mi / 5771 ft gainThis is a S5 T4 scramble that involves some routefinding past the alpine lakes. We did this as a day trip and we were out and back in about 12 hours. There are multiple routes to get to Chikamin, one from the PCT, which is 24 miles RT and the other is from the Mineral Creek Trailhead (47.4176, -...Read more -
Buena Vista, Colorado
La Plata Peak Summer Route
5.09.08 mi / 4449.04 ft gainThe Northwest Ridge is the most easily accessible and popular route, and for good reasons. The trailhead is on the side of Hwy 82, otherwise known as Independence Pass, about 14.5 miles from the Hwy 24 junction, or about 10 miles from Twin Lakes to the east. The trailhead is hard to miss, and you...Read more -
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hike Hot Springs Mountain then Soak at Buckstaff Bathhouse
3.85 miStart your day at the Buckstaff Bathhouse. I would recommend doing the hike first and the traditional bath experience after, but depending on the day and time of year, the bathhouse may be closed in the afternoon. You can check their hours here. After you buy a ticket and store your belongings, ...Read more -
Syracuse, Utah
Frary Peak Trail
4.96.29 mi / 1883 ft gainThe Frary peak trail is the highest point of Antelope Island and can be found a short drive off of I-15 north on Antelope Drive near Layton. There is a fee to access the island, but well worth it. When you get to the island, head left along the east side of the island toward Fielding Garr Ranch. ...Read more -
Jenny Lake, Wyoming
Paintbrush Canyon to Holly Lake
5.012.84 mi / 2713 ft gainThis day-long adventure takes off from the Paintbrush Canyon Trailhead. The trailhead is located north of the very popular Jenny Lake along String Lake Rd. It took us about 7 and half hours including an hour lunch break to hike up and down from about 6,900 feet to 9,300 feet, an early start is de...Read more