571 Best Sights in USA

This 360-degree view is the main event for many visitors to Island in the Sky, though ongoing construction limits access during weekdays (the trail is open intermittently, so make sure to check  www.nps.gov/cany or head to the visitor center to verify opening hours). Look down into the deep canyons of the Colorado and Green Rivers, which have been carved by water and erosion over the millennia. Many people just stop at the paved overlook and drive on, but you'll gain a breathtaking perspective by strolling along this 2-mile round-trip, flat cliffside trail. On a clear day you can see up to 100 miles to the Maze and Needles Districts of the park and each of Utah's major laccolithic mountain ranges: the Henrys, Abajos, and La Sals. Easy.

Grant Grove is only 128 acres, but it's a big deal. More than 120 sequoias here have a base diameter that exceeds 10 feet, and the General Grant Tree is the world's third-largest sequoia by volume. Nearby is the Robert E. Lee Tree, recognized as the world's 11th-largest sequoia. Also along the easy-to-walk trail are the Fallen Monarch and the Gamlin Cabin, built by 19th-century pioneers. Easy.

This memorable ramble to one of the park's most distinctive rock formations begins with a 6½-mile drive along a maintained but slightly rough dirt road across a yucca and sagebrush desert north of Chisos Mountains Basin Junction. From the parking area, a relatively flat and easy 2.2-mile round-trip trail leads to a wonderland of igneous laccolith rock spires and boulders. Near the end of the trail, you'll scramble a bit up a rocky slope to balanced rock, a giant stone wedged rather improbably across vertical rock piles, creating a "window" through which you can see across the park's southeastern reaches. Although the drive can be managed in a standard car, it's easier with a high-clearance vehicle, especially during wet conditions. Easy–Moderate.

From almost 5,000 feet on Gregory Bald, you have a breathtaking view of Cades Cove and Rich Mountain to the north and Fontana Lake to the southeast. Gregory Bald is one of only two balds in the Smokies that are kept clear of tree growth by the Park Service. This is a view that just a few thousand people a year will see, as it's reachable only by a strenuous 11.2-mile round-trip hike via the Gregory Ridge Trail, with 2,700 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead is at the end of Forge Creek Road in Cades Cove. In early summer, this difficult hike through old-growth forests to Gregory Bald offers an astounding display of hybrid flame azaleas. Difficult.

An 8.4-mile workout over a steep grade to the top of Texas pays off with a passage through several ecosystems and some great views. The round-trip hike takes six to eight hours, but the trail is clearly defined and doesn't require undue athleticism. The steepest climbs are in the beginning. Fall and spring are the best times to attempt this one. In summer, start this hike in early morning to allow a descent before afternoon thunderstorms—lightning targets high peaks. Be alert to changing weather and head for lower ground if conditions worsen. Also, Guadalupe Peak can be extremely windy, especially in winter, when 40 mph gusts are fairly normal. Difficult, elevation gain 3,000 feet.

From the Logan Pass parking lot, hike north along the Garden Wall and just below the craggy Continental Divide. Wildflowers dominate the 7.6 miles to Granite Park Chalet, a National Historic Landmark, where hikers with reservations can overnight. Return to Logan Pass along the same trail or hike down 4½ miles (a 2,500-foot descent) on the Loop Trail. Moderate.

This peaceful and picturesque 4½-mile section of the old Historic Columbia River Highway begins just east of downtown Hood River at the Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead and Visitor Center. Known as the Twin Tunnels segment, this paved trail that's closed to vehicular traffic is great for biking, jogging, or strolling. It first twists and turns upwardly through a dense ponderosa pine forest before passing through the tunnels and descending beside jagged volcanic-rock formations and semi-arid terrain into the small town of Mosier. This portion of the trail is one of a few segments of the old highway that's been converted to paved trail—there are nearly 13 miles in all, with additional sections west of Hood River with access at Starvation Creek and Viento state parks, and well west of here in Cascade Locks, with access from the parking lot at the Bridge of the Gods.

From the Hoh Visitor Center, this rain-forest jaunt takes you into the Hoh Valley, wending its way for 17½ miles alongside the river, through moss-draped maple and alder trees and past open meadows where elk roam in winter. Families can choose to hike part of this long trail. Moderate.

Well worth the 5-mile round-trip trek, this Rincon Valley route rewards hikers with gorgeous views of the Tanque Verde Ridge and Rincon Peak. The trail is also open to mountain bicyclists. Moderate.

The trail in and out of Havasu Canyon begins at Hualapai Hilltop, 90 minutes from Peach Springs, and drops about 1,800 feet in the first 2 miles, followed by 1½ miles of switchbacks. The remaining 4½ miles to the tiny village of Supai (a total of 8 miles from the trailhead parking lot) is relatively flat. From Supai, the trail begins to parallel Havasu Creek and passes the first three major waterfalls: Fifty Foot Falls, Little Navajo Falls, and Havasu Falls. Havasu Falls Campground sits 10 miles from the trailhead (2 miles from Supai), but the trail continues. Just a ½ mile from the campground is Mooney Falls, which requires navigating rocks slick with water spray to get to its base. Two miles past that, Beaver Falls is the last major waterfall on the trail, but hikers can continue all the way to the confluence of the Colorado River on the Hualapai Trail, an additional 4 miles. In total, the Hualapai Trail is 12 miles each way from Hualapai Hilltop to Beaver Falls (16 miles to the Colorado River). You must have a permit to enter Havasu Canyon or you will be turned away. Hualapai Trail is not a day hike; you must have reservations either at Havasupai Lodge or the campground before you go. Because there is no available drinking water on the trail, you will have to bring your own. Packing mules can be arranged in advance to carry your gear in and out of the canyon (give them the right of way on the trail) through the Havasupai Tribe Tourism, and helicopter rides are available for $85 on a first-come, first-served basis for visitors who don't feel they can hike back out.

This 10-mile trail through the Tucson Mountains is one of the most impressive in the Southwest. It's full of switchbacks, and some sections are moderately steep, but the top of 4,687-foot Wasson Peak treats you to views of the saguaro forest spread across the bajada (the gently rolling hills at the base of taller mountains). Difficult.

Meandering through forests of pine and Douglas fir, this trail to a mountaintop valley aptly nicknamed The Bowl is one of the most gorgeous in the park. The strenuous 8.7-mile loop has an elevation gain of 2,700 feet and takes up to eight hours; it involves hiking up the Bear Canyon trail, taking The Bowl trail to Hunter Peak, and returning via the Tejas trail. It's where rangers go when they want to enjoy themselves. Bring lots of water. Difficult.

This mostly level 0.6-mile loop hike crosses an arroyo into meadowlands with a bounty of native flora and dramatic views of the high walls that enclose this secluded canyon. It's an easy and rewarding way to orient yourself in Dog Canyon's peaceful countryside in less than an hour. Easy.

Ardent and courageous trekkers continue on from Nevada Fall to the top of Half Dome. Some hikers attempt this entire 10- to 12-hour, 16¾-mile round-trip trek in one day; if you're planning to do this, remember that the 4,800-foot elevation gain and the 8,842-foot altitude will cause shortness of breath. Another option is to hike to a campground in Little Yosemite Valley near the top of Nevada Fall the first day, then climb to the top of Half Dome and hike out the next day. Note that the last pitch up the back of Half Dome is very steep—the only way to climb this sheer rock face is to pull yourself up using the steel cable handrails, which are in place only from late spring to early fall. Those who brave the ascent will be rewarded with an unbeatable view of Yosemite Valley below and the high country beyond.

Be sure to wear hiking boots and bring gloves. Also note that only 300 hikers and 75 overnight backpackers per day are allowed atop Half Dome, and they all must have permits (even if they already have wilderness permits), which are distributed by lottery—one in the spring before the season starts and another two days before the climb. Difficult.

Part of the Chesler Park Loop, this trail follows a series of deep, narrow fractures in the rock. A shady spot in summer, it will give you good views of the Needles formations for which the district is named. The loop travels briefly along a four-wheel-drive road and is 10.7 miles round-trip; allow at least five hours to complete it. Difficult.

This steep 4.3-mile loop climbs into the heart of the dramatic High Peaks with a 1,215-foot elevation gain. Summer temps can soar, so bring plenty of water. From the trailhead follow the switchbacks up for 1.2 miles, where the trail veers right; stop at Scout Peak, where you'll find restrooms and fantastic views in all directions—keep an eye out for the occasional California condor in flight. Follow the High Peaks Trail north through a steep and narrow section, where you hug the side of rock faces until reaching a short, nearly vertical staircase that has a railing to help you up. Then pick up the Tunnel Trail to complete your loop back to the trailhead via the Juniper Canyon Trail. Difficult.

This flat, well-maintained, 3½-mile loop starting and ending at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center passes beneath awe-inspiring redwoods. The 1-mile section along the Karl Knapp Trail (formerly the Prairie Creek Trail) fringes a babbling brook. You then cross Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, turn south onto the Cathedral Trees Trail, and detour along the 0.3-mile Big Tree Loop before meandering south and west through yet more gorgeous old-growth forest. Options for extending your hike include walking 1½ miles up Cal-Barrel Road (an old, unpaved logging route) and then looping back 2 miles on the Rhododendron Trail to rejoin Cathedral Trees. Easy–Moderate.

Running from the southern end of Lydgate Park north to Donkey Beach, just south of Anahola, this 8-mile seaside path is a favorite of visitors and locals alike. Sea breezes, gorgeous ocean views, smooth pavement, and friendly smiles from everyone as they bike, walk, skate, and run add to the pleasures of the trail. The path has many entry points from public beaches and private resorts, with some bike shops just off the trail.

The stunning 4-mile loop hike descends 400 feet into a massive crater via a forested nature trail. When you hike across the crater floor, you're actually walking on a solidified lava lake. Still steaming in places, the crater is dotted with baby ohia trees emerging from the cracks. Venture across the crater floor to the Puu Puai cinder cone that was formed by spatter from a towering lava fountain during the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption. There are three different trailheads for Kilauea Iki; the main one, which takes two or three hours, begins at the Kilauea Iki Overlook parking lot off Crater Rim Drive. You can also access the crater from Devastation Trail or Puu Puai on the other side.  Bring water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, and hooded rain gear, as weather can change at a moment's notice. Easy.

Among the most accessible spots to view big trees, this impressive grove a short drive northeast of Orick was dedicated by, and named for, the former first lady. A level, 1.4-mile nature loop crosses a neat old wooden footbridge and follows an old logging road through this often mist-shrouded forest of redwoods. Easy.

This trail winds 2.5 miles to the mountaintop. It's an arduous climb—2,000 feet uphill on a steady, steep grade—but the reward is the gaspworthy view into the rim and across the entire park (and much of California's Far North). Give yourself about five hours to complete this climb, and bring sunscreen, water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a jacket—it can be windy and cold at the summit. Difficult.

This flat out-and-back trail follows String Lake's northeastern shore to Leigh Lake's southern shore, covering 1.8 miles round-trip. You can extend your hike into a moderate 7½-mile, four-hour round-trip by following the forested east shore of Leigh Lake to tiny but pretty Bearpaw Lake. Along the way you'll have views of Mt. Moran across the lake, and you may be lucky enough to spot a moose or a bear. Another option from Leigh Lake's southern shore is the 13-mile round-trip hike into Paintbrush Canyon to Holly Lake. Moderate.

Set aside about three hours to explore the nature of the Chisos Mountains along this 4.8-mile round-trip trail. It starts at 5,700 feet and climbs 1,100 feet to an even loftier vantage point that takes in spectacular, soaring peaks and colorful rock formations. There's a breathtaking view at marker 10, about a mile up—a nice photo op if you haven't time for the full hike. Try to get here early, as the parking lot is small and often fills up quickly. The trail is closed due to construction until mid-2027. Moderate–Difficult.

The somewhat strenuous but classic high-country trek from Dog Canyon into a coniferous forest is 6.4 miles round-trip and takes about five to six hours. You can climb the ¼ mile to the peak for an astounding panoramic view of the park and beyond, but there's no marked trail per se, and this does entail a bit of scrambling. It's a manageable adventure if you're making a day trip to Dog Canyon, but try to arrive early in the day so that you your return drive is still while there's daylight. Moderate–Difficult, elevation gain 1,380 feet.

Traversing the full length of the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail is a true multiday wilderness adventure. A popular and well-maintained route, it runs through private and public lands—including the Little Missouri Grasslands and both the North and South units of the national park—with several access points and numerous campgrounds. Maps are available at the park visitor centers and through the U.S. Forest Service and the Maah Daah Hey Trail Association. The 7.1-mile one-way segment that runs through the park's South Unit will take you three or four hours; plan on a full day out and back. Moderate–Difficult.

This trail has breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and the windward Islands. The point of land jutting out in the distance is Mokapuu Peninsula, site of a U.S. Marine base. The spired mountain peak is Mt. Olomana. On the long pier is part of the Makai Undersea Test Range, a research facility that's closed to the public. Offshore is Manana Island (Rabbit Island), a picturesque cay said to resemble a swimming bunny with its ears pulled back. Ironically enough, Manana Island was once overrun with rabbits, thanks to a rancher who let a few hares run wild on the land. They were eradicated in 1994 by biologists who grew concerned that the rabbits were destroying the island's native plants.

Nestled in the cliff face is the Makapuu Lighthouse, which became operational in 1909 and has the largest lighthouse lens in the United States. The lighthouse is closed to the public, but near the Makapuu Point turnout is the start of a paved mile-long road (it's closed to vehicular traffic). Hike to the top of the 647-foot bluff to get a closer view of the lighthouse and, in winter, to do some whale-watching.  Park in the free parking lot for the trail (it's busiest on the weekends), but don't attempt to continue driving to the gates for the military base since civilian vehicles are not allowed.

The Mauna Ulu lava flow presents an incredible variety of geological attractions within a moderate, 2½-mile round-trip hike. The diverse lava landscape was created during the 1969–74 Mauna Ulu flow, which produced enormous "lava falls" the size of Niagara Falls. Visitors can see everything from lava tree molds and fissure vents to cinder cones and portions of the old highway still exposed under the flow. Hawaiian nene geese roam the area, feeding on ripe ohelo berries. Hike to the top of a small hill that survived the flow for incredible views of the distant geological landmarks. On clear days, you can see Mauna Loa, Maunakea, and the Pacific Ocean from atop this hill, known as Puu Huluhulu.  Purchase the Mauna Ulu trail booklet at the Kilauea Visitor Center for under $3. This excellent resource includes trailside attractions, trail maps, history, and photographs. Moderate.

View stream and canyon woodlands along a 4.8-mile round-trip excursion that leads to the vacant Pratt Cabin, which was built of stone during the Great Depression in the "most beautiful spot in Texas," according to its original owner, Wallace Pratt. Perhaps he was enthralled by an oasis of running water carving through the canyon floor or the colorful riot of autumn foliage. Continue another mile each way to reach the Grotto, where you'll discover a picnic area overlooking a flowing stream and surface rock that resembles formations in an underground cave with jagged overhangs. Just beyond the Grotto is the historic Hunter Line Cabin. Allow two to three hours to visit Pratt Cabin and another hour or two if you go to the Grotto. Moderate.

If you don't have time for the 2,000 arches in nearby Arches National Park, you should take the easy, ½-mile round-trip walk to the 27-foot-long Mesa Arch. After the overlooks, this is the most popular trail in the park. The arch is above a cliff that drops 800 feet to the canyon bottom. Through the arch, views of Washerwoman Arch and surrounding buttes, spires, and canyons make this a favorite photo opportunity. Easy.