Moderate Hiking Trails & Quests

The most popular trail into the Grand Canyon, Bright Angel Trail offers stunning views, shade, resthouses, and seasonal water sources. The trail follows a natural break in the canyon's cliffs created by a fault line. Hikers can choose various turnaround points like 1.5 Mile Resthouse (3 miles round trip) or 3 Mile Resthouse (6 miles round trip). For experienced hikers, continuing to Plateau Point (12 miles round trip) or even the Colorado River (16+ miles round trip) provides incredible views, though these longer journeys are recommended as overnight trips.

One of Glacier National Park's premier hikes, the Highline Trail follows the Continental Divide along the Garden Wall, offering spectacular views of glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and wildlife. Starting at Logan Pass, the trail traverses along cliff faces with dramatic drop-offs (a hand cable provides security in one narrow section). Many hikers take the trail to Haystack Butte (7.2 miles round trip) or continue to the Granite Park Chalet before returning via the Loop Trail for a 11.6-mile one-way journey. Look for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and possibly grizzly bears.

Yosemite's signature hike follows the Merced River, climbing a granite staircase alongside Vernal Fall (1.6 miles one-way) where hikers get drenched in spring and early summer from the waterfall's spray. Continuing to the top of Nevada Fall (3.4 miles one-way) rewards with even more impressive views. For a scenic loop, return via the John Muir Trail which provides different perspectives of Nevada Fall and Liberty Cap. The trail is busy during summer months, so starting early is recommended.

This classic hike in Arches National Park leads to Utah's most famous natural arch, which appears on the state's license plates. The 3-mile round trip climbs steadily across open slickrock with no shade, culminating in a dramatic reveal as you round a corner to see the 46-foot-tall freestanding arch. Sunset is particularly spectacular as the arch glows red in the fading light, though this is also the busiest time. There's little trail marking across the slickrock sections, so pay attention to rock cairns that mark the route.

Starting from the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park, this popular trail offers some of the best views of Mount Rainier for moderate effort. The 5.7-mile round trip passes through alpine meadows, often blooming with wildflowers in summer, before reaching a historic fire lookout at 7,181 feet. From the lookout, hikers enjoy panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Grand Park, and on clear days, the Cascade Range. Watch for mountain goats, marmots, and pikas among the rocks. The trail is typically snow-free from mid-July through September.

This popular combination in Bryce Canyon National Park creates the perfect introduction to the park's famous hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock. Beginning at Sunrise Point, the trail descends among colorful orange and pink formations, including one resembling Queen Victoria. Connecting to the Navajo Loop adds Wall Street, a dramatic slot canyon with towering walls and switchbacks climbing back to the rim at Sunset Point. The 3-mile loop features 600 feet of elevation change and offers constantly changing perspectives on Bryce's unique geology. Early morning light brings out the richest colors in the rock formations.

One of the most photographed spots on the entire 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail, McAfee Knob features a rocky outcropping that juts dramatically over the Catawba Valley in Virginia. The 8.8-mile round trip hike follows white-blazed AT trail markers through hardwood forest before reaching the iconic overlook at 3,197 feet. The panoramic vista spans the Catawba Valley, North Mountain, Tinker Cliffs, and the Roanoke Valley. The trail is relatively moderate except for its length, with about 1,700 feet of elevation gain. Start early to avoid crowds at the popular summit area.