So... Where To Go?

So many hikes, so little time! How do you decide where to go? Hikers I know are constantly asking me about what hiking trip to take. Most of the time, as I get to know their hiking style and find out what they like, it is relatively easy to recommend which places to visit next. For instance, if you dislike exposure and hiking up & down big hills, it makes no sense for you to hike into (and out of!) the Grand Canyon. It might not be your best choice for your first hiking trip! However, if you are up for great challenge, then you must put it on your "Bucket List"!

What interests you? Mountains, ocean, rivers? Desert, rock? Cooler places or warmer climates? Local, domestic, or foreign? Although I absolutely love the trails where I live in Colorado, I am really passionate about spending time in National Parks. Each park has its own "personality" and was established for some natural wonder or historical significance.

Let's just start with the basics. Here are some of my favorite National Parks (not in any particular order):

Glacier National Park, MT:

Known for its abundance of wildlife and flowers, Glacier's most beautiful hiking trails may lead you into beautiful alpine settings with spectacular views of angulated peaks and turquoise blue glacier-fed lakes. You may spot a mountain goat, bighorn sheep, black or grizzly bear from the trail... how exciting!

Yosemite National Park, CA:

Yes, you can find solitude in one of North America's most popular parks. It won't be in Yosemite Valley, though, but the Valley is popular for good reason. Granite cliffs of more than 3000' high line the valley. Incredible views are abundant. But get back in the backcountry more than two or three miles and you'll leave a lot of those valley crowds behind. Don't get me wrong -- there are some amazing hikes accessing the valley (Panorama Trail, Yosemite Falls). The more adventurous may wish to check out hikes out of Tuolumne Meadows and beyond, especially if you love getting into the high country!

Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, UT:

These two gems of the Colorado Plateau are so close yet so different. Bryce Canyon is not really a canyon -- the park is comprised of the Paunsaugunt Plateau as well as the colorful Bryce Ampitheater. Bryce Ampitheater is a wonderland, filled with brilliant colored hoodoos. Zion Canyon, carved by the Virgin River, is an awe-inspiring landscape. Towering rock walls of pink, cream, and vermillion loom above you, that is, unless you take to one of the trails that access the East or West Rim!

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO:

What's not to love about Rocky Mountain? I've got a special fondness of this park since this was my first park to visit when I was a child. Snowcapped peaks, alpine wildflowers, and elk abound! Many of the popular trailheads lie near Moraine Park or Bear Lake. If you want a real challenge, try Long's Peak, at a summit elevation of 14,255', is the tallest and one of the most recognized peaks of the Front Range. Train for the hike, though... it's at least 14 miles round trip and 5,100' of vertical rise to the summit! Whew!

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ:

An American icon. Many hikers I've met over the years have had "Hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon" on their life lists. I've hiked with several of them down & back up over the years, too. This is most definitely a special place. It can be many things: challenging, awe-inspiring (sounds cliché, but true), spiritual... People from all over the world come to visit this park. Bright Angel Trail ranks up there with the "must do" list as it takes you from nearly 7000' down to Phantom Ranch, nearly a vertical mile below. It's definitely not a day hike, but if you are willing to plan ahead and deal with rustic but comfortable accommodations, it is a wonderful overnight. For those of you who are more adventurous and experienced, offseason and lesser-known trails make for some memorable hiking/backpacking outings.
These are only a few from my (lengthy) list!

I find Ken Burns' 6-part documentary, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea", to be a truly inspiring and educational film. Check it out at PBS. 


Many parks offer free shuttles once you are in the park. Some of these can be used for point-to-point hikes. Make sure you are up to date with the shuttle schedules before you set out. You can access each park's website on the National Park Service's main page.
Follow the link above to the park of your choice. Look under "plan your visit" or the left hand column. There are often park newspapers under the link "brochures" which list shuttle schedules as well as ranger-led programs, visitor services, park map, and some hiking trails. 

Thanks for visiting and have fun exploring the possibilities!