Top Ten Hiking Trips in the USA for Summer of 2025

If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors in 2025, there’s no better way to connect with nature than hitting the trail. The U.S. is packed with incredible landscapes—from towering peaks and alpine lakes to dramatic deserts and lush forests. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a casual weekend hiker, summer is the perfect time to experience the best hiking trips across the country.

Here are ten epic hikes you should add to your summer 2025 adventure list.

1. The Highline Trail – Glacier National Park, Montana

If you want jaw-dropping mountain views without extreme difficulty, the Highline Trail is a must. This 11.8-mile hike hugs the Garden Wall and offers views of glacier-carved valleys, wildflowers, and maybe even a mountain goat or two. Starting from Logan Pass, it’s one of the most scenic hiking trips in the U.S.—especially in early summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

2. Half Dome – Yosemite National Park, California

This iconic hike is not for the faint of heart, but it’s one of the most rewarding hiking trips you’ll ever take. At 14–16 miles round-trip, the trail takes you past Vernal and Nevada Falls before ascending the final stretch using cables to reach the summit. The panoramic views from the top of Half Dome are nothing short of epic. Permits are required, so plan ahead!

3. Hoh River Trail – Olympic National Park, Washington

For a hike that feels like stepping into another world, head to the Hoh Rainforest. The Hoh River Trail offers 17.3 miles (one way) of moss-covered trees, waterfalls, and glacier-fed rivers. It’s a lush and peaceful journey that can be done as a long day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip. Summer is the driest time to explore this often-misty forest.

4. Angels Landing – Zion National Park, Utah

Angels Landing is legendary for its heart-racing final section, where you’ll hold onto chains to make your way along a narrow spine of rock with sheer drop-offs on both sides. The 5.4-mile round-trip hike isn’t long, but it’s intense. It offers incredible views of Zion Canyon that make it one of the most unforgettable hiking trips in the U.S. A timed entry permit is now required due to its popularity.

5. Franconia Ridge Loop – White Mountains, New Hampshire

This 9-mile loop in New Hampshire’s White Mountains is perfect for East Coast hiking trips. It climbs to Mount Lafayette and Mount Lincoln, offering sweeping 360-degree views along the exposed ridge. Summer brings warm temps and clear skies, making this one of the best high-elevation hiking trips in the Northeast.

6. Kalalau Trail – Kauai, Hawaii

Looking for a tropical hiking challenge? The Kalalau Trail winds 11 miles along the rugged Nā Pali Coast and leads to the remote and stunning Kalalau Beach. The trail is tough, narrow, and often muddy, but it offers unforgettable views of cliffs, waterfalls, and ocean vistas. If you plan to go beyond Hanakāpīʻai Beach, you’ll need a permit—even for a day hike.

7. Grayson Highlands – Jefferson National Forest, Virginia

This lesser-known gem in southwestern Virginia is known for its scenic beauty and wild ponies. The 5–10 mile routes around Grayson Highlands connect to the Appalachian Trail and lead through open meadows, rocky ridges, and forested paths. The cooler summer temps make it an ideal spot for hiking trips in the Southeast.

8. Lost Coast Trail – Northern California

For those who crave solitude and raw, coastal wilderness, the Lost Coast Trail delivers. This remote 25-mile hike along California’s most untouched coastline involves hiking on sandy beaches, navigating tidal zones, and camping under the stars. Summer is the best time to go, with lower rain chances and more predictable tides.

9. Wonderland Trail – Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

This 93-mile loop completely circles Mount Rainier and is one of the most challenging and beautiful long-distance hiking trips in the U.S. You’ll pass glaciers, wildflower meadows, and alpine lakes. Most hikers complete it in 10–14 days, but you can also tackle shorter sections if you’re short on time. A backcountry permit is required, and summer offers the best conditions.

10. Maroon Bells Scenic Loop – Aspen, Colorado

If you’re looking for a shorter hike with massive payoff, the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop is perfect. This easy 3.3-mile loop near Aspen showcases the stunning twin peaks of the Maroon Bells reflected in a glacial lake. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the U.S. and a great introduction to hiking in the Rockies during summer.

Final Thoughts

Summer 2025 is the perfect time to lace up your boots and discover the beauty of America’s wild places. Whether you’re scaling peaks, trekking through forests, or walking along the edge of the sea, these hiking trips will inspire awe and adventure.

Which trail would you love to tackle first? Drop your dream hike in the comments below—I’d love to hear where your boots are headed next!