Top 10 Cities for Hiking in the USA

Figure 1File:Hiking (5824862885).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the great outdoors, get some exercise, and enjoy scenic beauty. The United States is home to numerous hiking destinations, from coastal trails to mountain peaks. Here are the top 10 cities for hiking enthusiasts, along with some of the most popular trails in each area.

1. Portland, Oregon 

Figure 2File:Bull Run River forest trail.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Portland is a hiker's paradise, with easy access to the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, and the Cascade Range. Some of the best hikes near Portland include:

• Multnomah Falls Loop (5.4 miles) - This iconic hike takes you to the stunning Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon.
• Angel's Rest (4.8 miles) - A challenging hike with panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge.
• Elk Meadows Loop (8.4 miles) - A beautiful loop through alpine meadows and old-growth forests on Mount Hood.

Figure 3File:Camelback Mountain wts.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Despite its desert setting, Phoenix offers plenty of hiking opportunities in the surrounding mountains and canyons. Popular hikes include:

• Piestewa Peak Summit Trail (2.4 miles) - A steep but rewarding hike to the top of Piestewa Peak, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
• Camelback Mountain Trail (2.4 miles) - A challenging hike up the iconic Camelback Mountain, with sections requiring rock scrambling.
• Hieroglyphic Trail (6.8 miles) - A moderate hike through the Superstition Mountains, featuring ancient rock carvings and scenic desert landscapes.

 Figure 4File:Runyon Canyon top of the hike.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Los Angeles may be known for its urban landscape, but it also provides access to some of the best hiking trails in Southern California. Check out:

• Runyon Canyon Loop (3.3 miles) - A popular urban hike with great views of the Hollywood Hills and Los Angeles skyline.
• Solstice Canyon Trail (6.3 miles) - A scenic hike through the Santa Monica Mountains, with a beautiful waterfall and ruins of old buildings.
• Mount Baldy Loop (9.5 miles) - A strenuous hike to the summit of Mount Baldy, one of the highest peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains.

 Figure 5File:Diamond head summit trail, first staircase - panoramio.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Honolulu offers a unique hiking experience, with trails that wind through lush rainforests, along scenic ridges, and to breathtaking coastal vistas. Popular hikes include:

• Diamond Head Summit Trail (1.6 miles) - A steep but rewarding hike to the summit of Diamond Head, an iconic volcanic crater with panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean.
• Koko Head Trail (1.8 miles) - A challenging hike up an abandoned railway trail, featuring over 1,000 steps and stunning views of the eastern coastline.
• Manoa Falls Trail (1.6 miles) - A beautiful hike through a lush rainforest, leading to the stunning Manoa Falls.

 Figure 6File:Bear Canyon Trail at Sabino Canyon.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Tucson is a gateway to some of the most stunning desert landscapes in the American Southwest. Check out these popular hikes:

• Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (multiple trails) - A beautiful desert oasis with numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, winding through canyons and along streams.
• Ventana Canyon Trail (6.2 miles) - A moderate hike through the Santa Catalina Mountains, offering panoramic views of Tucson and the surrounding desert.
• Seven Falls Trail (8.2 miles) - A challenging hike through Bear Canyon, leading to a series of stunning waterfalls.

Figure 7Category:Torrey Pines State Reserve - Wikimedia Commons

San Diego offers a diverse range of hiking options, from coastal trails to mountain peaks. Some of the best hikes in the area include:

• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (multiple trails) - A network of trails winding through coastal bluffs, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and unique geological formations.
• Cowles Mountain Trail (5.8 miles) - A popular hike to the highest point in the city of San Diego, with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• Cedar Creek Falls Trail (6 miles) - A moderate hike through the Cleveland National Forest, leading to a beautiful waterfall.

 Figure 8File:Redwood Regional Park 3.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

While often overshadowed by its neighbor San Francisco, Oakland offers excellent hiking opportunities in the East Bay hills and regional parks. Popular hikes include:

• Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (multiple trails) - A network of trails winding through ancient redwood groves and offering scenic vistas of the San Francisco Bay.
• Skyline to the Sea Trail (30 miles) - A challenging multi-day hike from the Oakland Hills to the Pacific Ocean, passing through redwood forests and coastal landscapes.
• Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve (multiple trails) - A series of trails winding through volcanic landscapes, offering panoramic views of the East Bay and Mount Diablo.

Figure 9File:Salt Lake City skyline (2020) from Ensign Peak.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Salt Lake City is a gateway to some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the American West, with countless hiking opportunities in the nearby Wasatch and Uinta ranges. Check out:

• Ensign Peak Trail (1.2 miles) - A short but steep hike to a scenic overlook, offering panoramic views of Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake.
• Mount Olympus Trail (7.8 miles) - A challenging hike to the summit of Mount Olympus, one of the most prominent peaks in the Wasatch Range.
• Donut Falls Trail (3.6 miles) - A moderate hike through Big Cottonwood Canyon, leading to a unique waterfall that flows through a rock formation resembling a donut.

Figure 10File:Looking down the Manitou Springs Incline from Barr Trail Bailout.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Colorado Springs is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to the Rocky Mountains and numerous hiking trails. Popular hikes include:

• Garden of the Gods (multiple trails) - A unique park featuring striking rock formations and a network of trails winding through the landscape.
• Manitou Incline (0.9 miles) - An extremely challenging hike up an abandoned cable car track, gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation.
• Barr Trail (13 miles) - A strenuous hike to the summit of Pikes Peak, one of the most iconic mountains in the Rocky Mountains.

Figure 11Boise Mountains - Wikipedia

Boise may not be the first city that comes to mind for hiking, but it offers numerous opportunities for outdoor adventure in the nearby Boise Foothills and beyond. Check out:

• Ridge to Rivers Trail System (190 miles) - An extensive network of trails winding through the Boise Foothills, offering a variety of hikes for all skill levels.
• Table Rock Loop (3.7 miles) - A popular hike offering panoramic views of Boise and the surrounding area.
• Bogus Basin (multiple trails) - A nearby ski resort that offers excellent hiking opportunities during the warmer months, with trails winding through alpine meadows and forests.

These are just a few of the countless hiking opportunities available in these top hiking cities across the United States. Whether you're looking for a scenic stroll or a challenging summit hike, these destinations offer something for every hiking enthusiast. So lace up your boots, grab your gear, and hit the trails!