Five Must-Visit Spring Hiking Destinations in The Western US

For the avid hiker, spring-time means it’s time to get outside and hit the trails! With the snow melting, milder temperatures and alpine flowers, it’s the ideal time to explore the wilderness in the western United States. So, to help you plan your first of the seasons adventures, here are five must-visit spring hiking destinations in the western US.

1. Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park

For a hike that you’ll remember for the rest of your life, Angel’s Landing is it! Starting at the Virgin River, the intense red Zion rock contrasts starkly with the bright blue sky as you weave your way up Walter’s Wiggles, a set of 21 steep stonework switchbacks. Then, you’ll head out on a thin, rock saddle with a 1,000ft drop on either side, using carved-out foot holes and an extensive set of chains to reach Angel’s Landing. At the end, you’ll find a wide flat, rock platform that’s a perfect pit stop to admire the stunning 360° view of the Virgin River snaking its way through the Zion Canyon.

Pro tip: For some shade, start this hike early!

Difficulty: Intermediate, Advanced

Pros: Incredible views, well-marked, fun trail, plenty of places to take breaks, restrooms halfway

Cons: Can be crowded, strenuous climb, dangerous drop-offs, hot and exposed

Congestion: High

Total Distance & Duration: 5.4-mile round trip, 4 hours

Ideal Time of Year to Hike: Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Uses: Hiking

Dog-Friendly: No

Recommended Gear: CamelBak Cloud Walker 18 Hydration Day Pack, Brooks PureGrit lightweight Trail Running Shoes with trail running shoes with rock plates and good grip, Columbia OMNI-Shade UPF 40 sun protection, long roll-up sleeve shirt

Elevation (at trailhead): 4,300ft

Costs: $12 per person for 7 day pass

State: Utah

Directions to trailhead: Park at the Zion Canyon Visitors Center or in Springdale to take the free shuttle to the Grotto from which the trailhead is clearly marked.

2. Cloud’s Rest, Yosemite National Park

If you don’t have a Half Dome permit but you want a hike with a view to match, hike 1,000ft higher to the summit of Cloud’s Rest. This trail starts off easily as it passes streams, through red fir forests and lupine meadows to begin the ascent. Near the summit, you’ll follow signs to scramble over large, smooth, grey granite boulders to one of Yosemite’s best vantage points, offering 360° views of Half Dome and the Valley.

Pro tip:To avoid the exposed path to the summit, there’s a small unmarked trail that forks to the left before you reach the ‘Cloud’s Rest Food Trail’ sign.

Difficulty: Intermediate, Advanced

Pros: Incredible views, well-marked trail, less crowded for similar experience to Half Dome, streams to refill water

Cons: Exposed climb, can be hard to find parking at trailhead

Congestion: Medium

Total Distance & Duration: 14.4-mile round trip, 6-7 hours

Ideal Time of Year to Hike: Late Spring, Summer

Trail Uses: Hiking

Dog-Friendly: No

Elevation (at trailhead): 8,150ft

Costs: $30 for 7 day pass

State: California

Directions to trailhead: The trailhead is off Tioga Road at the western end of Tenaya Lake

3. Olomana Three Peaks Trail, Oahu, Hawaii

For adrenaline junkies, challenge yourself on the Olomana Trail. From dense, muddy native bush, you’ll climb more than 1,600ft towards the first peak to reveal stunning, tropical views of the eastern Oahu, towards the sea. Most people only aim for the first peak, which is an achievement itself, and can only be reached by using a series of tattered, weathered ropes to haul yourself up rocks to the summit.

Pro tip: Exercise EXTREME caution on this trail as it’s dangerous and unmaintained!

Difficulty: Intermediate, Advanced

Pros: Incredible views, fun trail

Cons: Muddy, dangerous climb, steep drop-offs, unmaintained ropes system, hard to find parking

Congestion: Medium

Total Distance & Duration: Approximately 5-mile round trip, 3-4 hours

Ideal Time of Year to Hike: Any time

Trail Uses: Hiking

Dog-Friendly: No

Elevation (at trailhead): 250ft

Costs: None

State: Hawaii

Directions to trailhead: Park as close as possible to the Luana Hills Country Club off of Auloa Road then walk down the access road, passing by the guard shack until you see the trailhead sign on your left.

4. South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park

You can’t gain full respect for the Grand Canyon until you’ve been below the rim and the South Kaibab Trail is one of the park’s best views for the effort trails. As you descend along a ridgeline into the cauldron of red rocks, you’ll be rewarded with 360° views that showcase nature’s sheer strength. During summer, turn around at Cedar Ridge but on a cooler spring day, hiking all the way to Skeleton Point 2,040ft below the rim may be possible if the track isn’t too icy.

Pro tip: Head out early to avoid the heat and watch the sunrise over the canyon

Difficulty: Intermediate

Pros: Short hike, incredible views, well-maintained trail, restrooms at Cedar Ridge

Cons: Hot and exposed, steep, very little shade, no water on trail

Congestion: Medium

Total Distance & Duration: 3-mile round trip to Cedar Ridge, 2hrs, 6-mile round trip to Skeleton Point, 3-5hrs

Ideal Time of Year to Hike: Late Spring, Summer

Trail Uses: Hiking, Mules

Dog-Friendly: No

Recommended Gear: CamelBak Cloud Walker 18 Hydration Day Pack, Merrell Moab Ventilator Hiking Boot, Columbia OMNI-Shade UPF 40 sun protection, long roll-up sleeve shirt

Elevation at trailhead: 7,260ft

Costs: $30 for 7 day pass

State: Arizona

Directions to trailhead: Catch a free shuttle from the Grand Canyon Village to the trailhead

5. Devil’s Garden, Arches National Park

If a single hike could pretty much sum up Arches National Park, it’d be the Devil’s Garden Loop. If it’s not too icy, experienced and prepared hikers should take the primitive trail that’s marked with cairns through the harsh desert landscape past sheer walls of sandstone fins and over giant boulders to see what you came here to see, arches! The track is challenging, exposed, slippery and steep in some sections so take care and carry lots of water.