Few people on this earth can call themselves true mountaineers. These are the folks with iron ambition, outlasting endurance and the willpower to drive their aching bodies up thousands of inclined feet to summit. Sound like something you’d be interested in? Check out the sampling of grueling trails below for some of the best mountain hikes in the United States.
Appalachian Trail: Bear Mountain
Sure, you could rush your way through Connecticut, hiking quickly through the miles of lush, rolling hills and riverbanks. But why? Take your time and save your strength for the true test of endurance that awaits you at the popular Paradise Lane –AT—Undermountain Trail. This amazing trail leads you up to Bear Mountain, where you’ll find a view that reaches across three states. Your best bet is to take the Paradise Lane path up to the summit. You’ll thank us later for saving you the bother of skidding your way down this slick slope, especially in harsh weather conditions.
Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park
Hike within the Rocky Mountain National Park and you’re guaranteed to reach many, many Rocky Mountain highs. In fact, this park boasts over 60 mountaintops that peak beyond 12,000 feet. Hike in the late spring or the fall, when wildflowers or changing leaves will keep your mind distracted from the muscle aching climbs. It is also easier to acquire permits during these times, since summer is such a popular time of year.
Recommendations include the Weminuche Wilderness, where you’ll spend much of your hike above 10,000 feet. The Colorado Trail is also an alpine wonder and is easily accessible between Denver and Durango.
California: Yosemite National Park
If you’ve only got the time (or the budget) to hit one place in America for mountain climbing, go to Yosemite National Park. The John Muir Trail will take you straight into the surreal landscape of the biggest, baddest cliffs in the country. If the spectacular forests, waterfalls, and summits don’t take your breath away, the incline of this trail will. It starts at a mere 4,000 feet and continues for over 200 miles of more ups than downs to the summit of Mt. Whitney’s summit at 14,494 feet.
Alaska: Denali National Park and Preserve
If there is one mountain worth its summit in gold, it’s the outrageous Mt. McKinly, a 20,320 foot monstrosity. Plan ahead to apply for necessary permits, because you’re not the only one with the chops to scale this beast. Hundreds of hopefuls train years to experience the majestic views firsthand. Study up on trails, weather conditions and wildlife to make your journey the safest possible.
Oregon: Mt. Hood National Forest
You better be in an aggressive frame of mind when you arrive at the Mt. Hood National Forest. You’ll need all the mental mastery you can muster to tackle the Timberlane Trail: over forty miles of hiking that includes 18,000 ft. of vertical ups and downs. Follow it around the 11,239 foot Mt. Hood, where there are numerous postcard perfect scenic opportunities. Go during the week, when day hikers aren’t likely to take over the trail.
Wyoming: Grand Teton National Park
If you were to hike the entire Teton Range, you would be in for a challenge. Twelve peaks that top 12,000 feet are linked with 200 miles of trails. Names like Death Canyon Shelf offer a foreshadowing of the risk involved in such a venture. But thousands of hardcore hikers will agree: the magnificent views are well worth it.
Idaho: Sawtooth Wilderness
Most hikers don’t consider Idaho as part of their geographic vocabulary, which makes this part of the country one of the best secrets for those seeking relatively untouched beauty. The Sawtooth Wilderness is an aptly named forest that includes 50 granite peaks that soar above 10,000 feet. 250 miles of striking, yet quiet, trails lead you in and around bountiful streams, lakes and fields for a hiker’s paradise that you’ll want to save for yourself.