Best Hiking Trails In The U.S.

Are You A Trailblazer?

**our 5 favorite hiking trails in the U.S**.

We know how easy it can be to skip your workouts when you’re on vacation. Nobody plans a trip to Paris just so they can brag about running on a treadmill at a hotel near the Louvre. If you plan your trip correctly, you can explore a new place and get your steps in at the same time. That’s why we recommend a hiking vacation. Did you know the average person can burn over 1,000 calories on a two hour hike? That’s as much as you would typically burn lifting weights for two hours! Best of all, there’s no sweaty bodybuilders or obnoxious spin instructors for miles and miles.

Here are our favorite places in the U.S. to hike:

The Wave

Between Page, Arizona and Kanab, Utah

We put this one on the list first because it is the most difficult, but not in the way you probably think. The Wave is a bucket-list hike for both amateur hikers and seasoned pros. Utah and Arizona have taken precautionary measures to ensure the natural beauty remains for generations to come so only 20 people are permitted to hike the Wave per day. In 2014 alone there were about 50,000 applicants. Apply early and get on the waiting list. It’s well worth it for the experience alone!

Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Length: 5.2 Miles
Best Time To Go: Spring and Fall
Hike Time: 2-4 Hours

About the hike: The trail consists of mostly sand and red rock. It’s considered “moderate,” but I wouldn’t be too intimidated by that. You can bring your dog along for the hike. You’ll also want to bring plenty of sunscreen and water. Conditions are typically hot and humid.

Cracker Lake

Glacier National Park, Browning, Montana

Trail Type: Moderate To Intense
Length: 12.6 Miles
Best Time To Go: Summer
Hike Time: 1-2 Days (overnight recommended)

About the hike: There are so many reasons to hike Cracker Lake, but if we had to pick one it would be sheer beauty. You’ll experience breathtaking views while crossing creeks on log bridges and dipping your toes in the frigid, deep turquoise water. Since the park is located on an actual glacier, we recommend hiking during the summer months when the weather is the most manageable.

Trail Type: Intermediate
Length: 3.8 Miles
Best Time: Summer - July or August
Hike Time: Out and back

About the hike: It’s easy to imagine what life was like here during the Ice Age, because not much has changed. Starting on the valley floor, the trail takes you through an incredible alder and cottonwood forest as well as heather-filled meadows. The trail rises through the forest and then gets you well above tree line for an awe-inspiring vantage point of the magnificent icefield.. We recommend hiking in July or August, when guided tours become available. Keep in mind, this is bear country. While they are not typically aggressive, be careful taking pictures. If a mama bear feels like her cubs are in danger, she will attack.

Mooney Falls Trail

Havasupi Indian Reservation, Grand Canyon

Trail Type: Intermediate/Difficult
Length: 19.1 Miles
Best Time: Anytime but December, January, & February
Hike Time: Overnight is recommended, but short day trips are allowed

About the hike: The trail is located on the Havasuupi Indian Reservation, so everyone needs a permit to hike. Be sure to apply well before you travel – then prepare for the adventure of your life! Just getting to the trails requires travelers to hike down menacing passageways cut through the canyon wall by miners at the turn of the 20th century. As you can guess from the picture, the trails lead you to a spectacular waterfall named after Mr. Mooney, a prospector that fell to his death before the trail was built. Don’t let that stop you. Mooney Falls is very safe and arguably the most awe-inspiring location in the Grand Canyon.

Kalalou Trail

Nā Pali Coast, Kauai Hawaii

Trail Type: Advanced
Length: 11 Miles
Best Time: Anytime
Hike Time: 2-3 days

About the hike: Watch out for killer dinosaurs and blue aliens. Kalalou Trail served as the location for Jurassic Park and Avatar. The views are obviously majestic, but you need a permit and it’s for experienced adventurers. You’ll stumble across beautiful waterfalls, lush, jungle-like vegetation, sea caves, and and the Azure-blue water of the Pacific Ocean. The terrain is rugged and heavy rain can make the climb downright dangerous. If you’re looking for a less intense experience, we recommend a day hike to the Hanakapi’a waterfall. Either way, you’ll leave with some pretty sweet memories.

Trail Type: Moderate
Length: 12.2 Miles
Best Time: Fall
Hike Time: 2-3 days

About this hike: The best kept secret in Kentucky is Red River Gorge Loop. Known by the locals for its abundant, natural stone arches, unusual rock formations, and spectacular sandstone cliffs, hikers also enjoy a slice of true American history – The Nada Tunnel. Serving as the the main entrance into Red River Gorge, the Nada Tunnel is a 900 foot, 12 x 12 one-lane passageway dating back to 1901. It was created by a logging company so they could haul logs in and out of the gorge by railroad. Now it is registered as a historic landmark revered for its unique design. Trust us, you’ll be using this backdrop for your social media pages for months to come!

The hardest part about any of these hikes is deciding which one is worthy of your hard-earned vacation days. You can’t go wrong with our selections. They are all equally magnificent. Be sure to take a QuiAri Energy caplet or two to help give you a boost of extra energy and stamina to get through your hike - you’ll definitely need it. We also recommend taking along a few packets of QuiAri Shake. Just mix water from your canteen and breakfast is served!

You can learn more about QuiAri products, the maqui berry, and MaquiX™ by visiting us at QuiAri.com.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Best Hiking Trails In the U.S.