As a National Parks enthusiast, I completely agree with how Ken Burns projects how National Parks are America’s Best Idea. With that said, I think every American should take advantage of these spectacular landscapes. Fortunately, there are 59 National Parks from Maine to Hawaii for all to enjoy. With this article, I would like to give the experienced hiker information on what the three best hikes are in the United States’s National Parks. If you can only hike one or two of these exquisite treks, you can visit the best of the best.

3. To the Summit of Mount Rainier—Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park was the fourth established National Park. It is the closest park to Seattle with only a 64.8-mile drive from the city center. The best time to visit is in July-September as it reaches its highest temperatures around 60. Also, there is the lowest precipitation in this short time.

Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington with an elevation of 14,416 feet. With that said, the most popular hike to complete in the park is to climb to the peak of Mount Rainier. Many individuals across the United States, and the world, strive to climb to the crests of the tallest mountains in all 50 states; and one of the most favorable peaks is Mount Rainier. However, it is quite strenuous. It is 17 miles round-trip, and takes approximately 9 hours to complete. The iconic part of this hike is to walk alongside Carbon Glacier, which supplies the water to form the Carbon River. However, this glacier is the lowest-elevated glacier in the adjoining 48 states. It is phenomenal to witness.

2. Ascension to Half-Dome—Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park was the third National Park to be established. Personally, I believe it is the most beautiful landscape in the world. The prime time to visit is in May due to the low crowds, perfect temperature around the 70s, and waterfalls’ peak in water volume. One of the most famous icons of Yosemite is Half-Dome.

To hike to the peak of Half-Dome so, one needs to apply for a hiking permit, which are given through a lottery process. I made the mistake of hiking the 18 mile round-trip trek in one day my first time. As a result, I could not enjoy the scenery as much, and my feet were more swollen. To do it perfectly, I would encourage splitting the hike in either two or three days. Either or will begin by ascending the John Muir trail to the tops of Vernal and Nevada Falls. These beautiful waterfalls are their largest in May. After 3.8 miles, you will reach Little Yosemite Valley campground, where it is best to camp over night. Then, for either trip, you should wake up early, around 6 a.m., and hike the last 5.2 miles to the summit of Half-Dome. It is very important to take a lot of water and a packed lunch so that you can enjoy a nice break. To climb to the top of Half-Dome, one needs to climb cable bars. It is most important to stay within the cables at all times. To have the finest grip, I recommend wearing gloves with traction, such as hiking or gardening gloves. Once you are at the summit, you can witness the rare viewpoint of the valley in its entirety. Behind, you can even see Clouds Rest, another stunning granite structure. To descend, I encourage going backwards if you are afraid of heights. After, you can return to your campsite. If you were on the two-day trek, you would continue on to Yosemite Valley. However, if you were on the three-day trek, you can spend an extra night in your tent at Little Yosemite. The next day, you can descend the 3.8 miles down the John Muir trail. Some have argued the John Muir trail is long, however, while the John Muir trail is one mile longer than the Mist trail, it is much less steep and better for your feet.

1. Crossing Rim-to-Rim—Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park was the fifteenth National Park to be established. Again, it is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The canyon is so vast, and one cannot see the Colorado River from the top of either rim. The best time to visit is in April-May and September-October due to the low crowds, perfect temperature around the 70s, and lowest accounts of rainfall. If you are a tenacious hiker, hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim is for you. To warn you, this hike is not for everyone. There is a 408-page book, “Over the Edge,” which details every known death in the Grand Canyon. Most of these deaths are associated with dehydration/heat stroke, and falling of edges. It is of the upmost importance to continue being hydrated, and to always walk on the path.

While there are three separate trails to hike down to the Colorado River, there are two main trails to hike rim-to-rim. I would advise you to split the hike in two days no matter the trek. You can either purchase a permit to sleep at Bright Angel Campground, or you can rent a bed at Phantom Ranch. When hiking the rim-to-rim hike, you can either hike from the South Rim to South Rim, or hike from the North Rim to South Rim. Either or, it is most important to start these hikes around 4:00 a.m. local time to avoid the rapid increase in temperature in the “hot box” of the canyon floor from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

First, you can hike down the South Kaibab Trail (7 miles), and hike up the Bright Angel Trail (9.5 miles). This is a nice trek, as it is hiking from the South Rim to the South Rim. You will not need to take a transfer bus to other rim the night before your hike. Also, it is better to hike in this order, because the Bright Angel Trail is less steep than the South Kaibab. Nevertheless, it is always important to wear the proper footwear. Second, you can hike down the North Kaibab Trail (14 miles), and hike up the Bright Angel Trail (9.5 miles). This hike contains two trails with water, so you can always refill your water bottles. Also, these trails are less steep than the South Kaibab. When you complete this voyage, you will have seen the entire Grand Canyon at large, which only 1% of Grand Canyon visitors complete.