Strenuous Hiking Trails & Quests

This iconic Yosemite hike ascends 4,800 feet from the valley floor to the summit of Half Dome. The trail passes Vernal and Nevada Falls before reaching the cable section—a steep climb requiring upper body strength to pull yourself up the final 400 feet using steel cables. Permits are required for the cable section (typically available from late May to early October, weather permitting). This challenging 16-mile round trip rewards hikers with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.

This challenging trail in Kenai Fjords National Park climbs 3,000 feet through forest and meadows to reach a stunning overlook of the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield, where endless ice stretches as far as the eye can see. Along the way, hikers pass Exit Glacier and enjoy increasingly panoramic views. The 8.2-mile round trip is typically covered in snow until July, and weather can change rapidly. Wildlife sightings may include black bears, mountain goats, and marmots. Early starts are recommended as the hike typically takes 6-8 hours.

Acadia National Park's most challenging and thrilling trail, the Precipice is essentially a non-technical rock climb with iron rungs, ladders, and handrails assisting your ascent up nearly vertical cliffs. The 1,000-foot climb in less than a mile leads to stunning views of Mount Desert Island and the Atlantic Ocean. This trail is not for those with a fear of heights and is typically closed from late spring to late summer to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Descend via the less steep Champlain North Ridge Trail for a 3.2-mile loop.

This ridge-line trail in Grand Canyon National Park offers the most spectacular views per mile of any trail in the canyon. Unlike Bright Angel Trail which follows a side canyon, South Kaibab travels along an exposed ridge, providing expansive panoramas in all directions. Popular turnaround points include Ooh Aah Point (1.8 miles round trip), Cedar Ridge (3 miles round trip), and Skeleton Point (6 miles round trip). The trail has no water sources and little shade, making it particularly challenging in hot weather. Despite the relatively short distances, elevation changes of 1,200-2,000 feet make this a strenuous hike.

This steep, challenging trail in Olympic National Park climbs relentlessly to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains. The 4.1-mile round trip gains over 2,000 feet in elevation, with the final section requiring scrambling with the assistance of ropes (not maintained by the park service). The reward is one of the most spectacular views in the park, with the deep blue waters of Lake Crescent framed by forested mountains. This trail is not recommended for children or those uncomfortable with exposure and heights, particularly at the final scramble section.

The classic route to the summit of 14,259-foot Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado's most challenging and popular 14ers. This 13-mile round trip with nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain traverses diverse terrain, from forest and alpine tundra to exposed rock faces requiring hand-and-foot climbing. After reaching the Keyhole formation, the route becomes increasingly difficult, crossing the intimidating Narrows and steep Homestretch before reaching the surprisingly flat summit. Early starts (2-3am) are essential to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, and the route is typically attempted only from late July through September when free of snow and ice.