Featuring the best hikes throughout the United States and their elevation.
Roan Mountain, Tennessee
Elevation: 2,578 Feet
This Tennessee trek is considered one of the best to Southeasterners. You can take this trail via the Appalachian Trail. It is home to one of the most unique shelters called the Overmountain Shelter, known as “the barn.” Backpackers love this overnight trek. It’s located in the small census-designated place (CDP) in Carter County, Tennessee. The population was only a mere 1,360, according to the 2010 Census.
Buckskin Gulch, Utah
Elevation: 4,850 Feet
Located in Southern Utah, this slot canyon hike known as the Bucksin Gulch is the best in the region. It is the longest and deepest. A tunnel of red rock walls await you, blocking out all sunlight for 13 miles. Be sure to check out warnings for a flash flood, because they are considered a threat, as well as dehydration. Make sure to bring plenty of water in this desert hike.
Mount Katahdin, Maine
Elevation: 5,269 Feet
Known as the tallest mountain in Maine, Mount Katahdin is one of the most majestic hikes. It features lakes, ponds, and deep woods. It is a truly a nature haven. Hikers will descend around 5 miles via the Appalachian Trail and arrive at the Katahdin Stream Campground trailhead 4,100 feet below. It is the centerpiece of the stunning Baxter State Park.
Grayson Highlands, Virginia
Elevation: 5,089 Feet
This breathtaking hike is will probably offer the most activities out of any hike! It’s located inside a state park. You will find mystical wild ponies, rhododendron tunnels, boulders, and other scenic views. You can camp, dish, horseback ride, and explore the linked Appalachian trail. Try and reach Virginia’s highest point, Mount Rogers.
Clouds Rest, California
Elevation: 9,931 Feet
Located inside Yosemite National Park, this wonderful granite-filled hike will have you in awe. It is absolutely stunning. A lot of it is uphill with extremely high elevation, but the snowmelt streams, sequoias, and panoramic views make up for this challenging hike! Cool off with an icy plunge in Tenaya Lake. This peak offers a ton of different hiking trails in order to get to the summit.
Wheeler Peak, New Mexico
Elevation: 13,167 Feet
This one has the highest elevation on the list! This monstrous mountain is the highest point in the state of New Mexico. This nearby Taos peak rests inside the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Hikers average about 800 vertical feet per mile. It has a reputation for being a lung-crusher as the climbs are slogging. People must have patience and leg-strength for this challenging hike.
Humphrey’s Peak, Arizona
Elevation: 12,635
The highest point in Arizona, Humphrey’s Peak, is an ambitious climb with rich history. It was named after Andrew A. Humphrey’s, a U.S. Army officer This strato-volcano, pine forest, airy summit of a hike is definitely a must. The volcano is dormant. It is located within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness in the Coconino National Forest. You won’t want to miss the view at the top.
Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail
Elevation: 2,600
This trail has a much shorter elevation and descends right into the pacific ocean, hence the name! It starts at the Santa Cruz Mountains in California and descends right into the Ocean through two beautiful parks known as Castle Rock State Park and Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Big Basin is California’s oldest state park. The trail is 29.5-miles, so it would take a few days to complete fully.
Longs Peak, Colorado
Elevation: 14,259
Located in the town of Estes Park, Colorado, this peak is one of the best in the state. It is inside the Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness. The mountain was named in honor of explorer Stephen Harriman Long. With nearby Mount Meeker, these two are referred to as the Twin Peaks. There’s also another set of nearby mountains called the Twin Sisters! There was a rescue ranger in the park named Jim Detterline who climbed the summit 428 times. He rescued over 1,000 people in the park before his death by climbing.