If you’re not ready for a challenging hike, don’t worry! You can start with easier ones. It’s important to build your fitness and confidence before taking on more difficult trails. The goal is to have fun and enjoy the experience.
We have compiled a list of the best beginner hikes in the United States, from California to Wyoming. These hikes have minimal elevation gain, are short in distance, and provide beautiful views of nature.
Lassen Peak Trail Hike
Location: Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Distance: 5 miles round trip
This hike takes you to a still-active volcano that is easily accessible, even in hot summer weather. Lassen Peak, the southernmost volcanic peak in the Cascades, is a great option for beginners who want to conquer a challenging summit. The ascent to the top is 2.5 miles long and involves a vertical climb of 2,200 feet. The descent, however, covers the remaining 2.5 miles and is all downhill!
North Vista Trail Hike
Location: Black Canyon, Colorado
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Not far from the visitor center, this hike offers breathtaking views into the deep Black Canyon of the Gunnison. After a short 1.5-mile trek, you’ll be treated to the natural beauty of the 2,250-foot cliff known as the Painted Wall, which was formed by the stunning Gunnison River below. Learn more about this hike.
Glacier Point Hike
Location: Yosemite Valley, California
Distance: 1 mile round trip
If you’re not ready for the challenging Half Dome hike, don’t worry! Yosemite offers other beautiful trails to explore. Glacier Point is a short and mostly flat hike, but it offers stunning views that will take your breath away. From the vantage point, you’ll be treated to epic 270-degree panoramas of difficult hikes like Cloud Rest, Mist Trail, and the peaks of the Sierra range.
Coastal Trail Hike
Location: Cutler, Maine
Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
Among the trails in Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land, this hiking trail is the easiest and most beginner-friendly. It will take you about two leisurely hours to complete the 2.8-mile hike, and you’ll be rewarded with various natural wonders along the way. Explore cedar swamps, maritime spruce-fir forests, and enjoy breathtaking ocean views from rocky cliffs. For more challenging options, you can try the Black Point Brook Loop or the Fairy Head Loop.
Frozen Niagara Cave Hike
Location: Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Distance: 0.25 miles round trip
Most cave tours are challenging for kids due to tight spaces and numerous stairs. However, the Frozen Niagara Tour in Kentucky is an exception. This tour can be completed in an hour or less and is suitable for children. The cave is adorned with fascinating rock formations, including the Rainbow Dome, Drapery Room, and Crystal Lake. Learn more about this unique cave hike.
Templeton Trail Hike
Location: Coconino National Forest, Arizona
Distance: 7 miles round trip
This hike takes you along the base of the famous Cathedral Rock, which is a popular subject for photographers. The trail is not too steep and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding open landscapes. You may also encounter the mysterious vortexes that the area is known for. If you’re up for more exploration, the trail connects to Bell Rock and the H.T. trail, providing views of additional historic landmarks. Find out more about this scenic hike.
Ewoldsen Trail Hike
Location: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California
Distance: 5 miles round trip
If you haven’t been to Big Sur before, the Ewoldsen Trail is a must-do hike. This 5-mile loop offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, redwood groves, grassy valleys, and majestic mountain scenery. While there will be some uphill sections, they are manageable, and you can easily extend your hike if you’re feeling up to it. Don’t miss the quarter-mile Canyon Trail, which connects to the Ewoldsen Trail and leads to a magnificent 60-foot waterfall along McWay Creek.
Wildcat Den Trail Hike
Location: Wildcat Den State Park, Iowa
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Ideal for a fall family hike, the Wildcat Den Trail in Wildcat Den State Park showcases the beauty of changing leaves. This easy 4-mile hike can be completed in one to two hours and offers picturesque rock formations, 75-foot cliffs, wildflowers, and stunning bluffs. As you explore the park, make sure to visit Steamboat Rock and Devil’s Punchbowl, two additional must-see spots.
Rubicon Trail Hike
Location: South Lake Tahoe, California
Distance: 8 miles round trip
For a refreshing summer hike, head to the Rubicon Trail in South Lake Tahoe. This trail offers breathtaking views of D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay state parks. The eight-mile route is easy to follow, well-marked, and provides opportunities to cool off in the lake or enjoy a picnic on one of the many accessible beaches. You can experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe on this scenic trail.
Hoh River Trail Hike
Location: Olympic National Park, Washington
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Immerse yourself in the lush rainforest of Olympic National Park with the Hoh River Trail. This hike is ideal for beginners as it features minimal elevation gain and can be easily extended based on your fitness level. Along the way, you’ll encounter subalpine meadows, montane forests, and breathtaking views. For the more adventurous, continue another 11 miles to Glacier Meadows, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning mountaintop vistas.
Canyon Overlook Trail Hike
Location: Zion National Park, Utah
Distance: 1 mile round trip
For breathtaking views of Zion Canyon, the Canyon Overlook Trail is a must-visit hike in Zion National Park. This relatively easy trail is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Mostly consisting of sandstone and dirt, the trail ascends above the Mt. Carmel tunnel along Pine Creek Canyon, offering incredible cliff views of the park’s most famous landmarks. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the beauty of Zion Canyon on this scenic hike.
Fairy Falls Trail Hike
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Located a few miles north of Old Faithful, the Fairy Falls Trail in Yellowstone National Park is a must-do hike. This 5-mile round-trip trail takes you to an incredible waterfall, geysers, and a hot spring. While the trail is at an elevation, there is minimal climbing involved, and there are plenty of designated stopping points to take in the spectacular views and sounds of Yellowstone National Park.