For hiking enthusiasts who love nature, the United States offers some of the most incredible cities to explore on foot. The best cities for hiking offer an abundance of outdoor activities and access to some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. With a variety of trails and parks spanning from coast to coast, hikers can experience breathtaking views and challenging terrains.

Regardless of whether you’re an experienced hiker or a novice, each of these cities caters to all skill levels. Prepare to embark on an adventure and explore some of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes by lacing up your hiking boots and setting out on the trail.

Here are the top cities for hiking across the United States.

Denver, Colorado

hiking trails in Denver, Colorado - best cities for hiking in the U.S. — Photo Credit: Benjamin Rascoe

Denver, Colorado, is a hiking hotspot thanks to its close proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The mountains are renowned for their stunning scenery and have some of the best hiking trails in the country. Denver is also home to the picturesque 2.5-mile Red Rocks Trail, located in Red Rocks Park, which provides hikers with breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Other popular hiking destinations include Mount Evans, boasting the title of the highest paved road in North America. Mount Evans delivers hikers unparalleled views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Additionally, Rocky Mountain National Park, only an hour’s drive from Denver, is home to over 350 miles of hiking trails that range from easy strolls to challenging treks.

Consider a hiking adventure in Denver no matter your hiking skill level. Overall, Denver is a must-visit for any hiking enthusiast seeking dazzling natural landscapes and unforgettable hiking experiences.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle Washington skyline — Photo Credit: Caroline Purser

Seattle is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise, with its stunning natural beauty that includes the Cascade Range and the Olympic Mountains. The city offers a variety of hiking options. One of the most popular trails is the Mount Si Trail, located 30 miles east of Seattle. The trail is a challenging 8-mile round-trip hike and rewards hikers with impressive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Seattle is also a gateway to Mount Rainier National Park, offering over 260 miles of trails for hikers of all levels. Visitors to the park can marvel at the active volcano and its surrounding glaciers, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows.

North Cascades National Park, known for its rugged beauty and alpine lakes, is also located near Seattle. Visitors can explore over 400 miles of trails, some of which are only accessible by boat.

Seattle’s beautiful surroundings and diverse hiking opportunities make it a top destination for hikers looking for challenging terrain, awe-inspiring scenery, and unique hiking excursions.

Salt Lake City, Utah

man standing at cliff overlooking valley in Salt Lake City Utah — Photo Credit: Chae Michael

Salt Lake City is located near several major hiking destinations, including the Wasatch Range, which has over 200 miles of trails. The city is also home to the popular Millcreek Canyon, which offers a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels.

Other popular hiking destinations include Zion National Park. This national park is known for its steep cliffs and narrow canyons. Similarly, Bryce Canyon National Park has a variety of trails that offer gorgeous views of the park’s unique rock formations.

Portland, Oregon

river view of city buildings in Portland Oregon — Photo Credit: Robin Davidson

Portland is known for its green spaces and access to the great outdoors. The city is located near the Columbia River Gorge, which has over 90 miles of trails and is home to several impressive waterfalls.

Other popular hiking destinations include Mount Hood, which is the highest peak in Oregon and has over 1,000 miles of trails. The Three Sisters Wilderness Area is known for its alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco Bay Bridge — Photo Credit: Pixabay

San Francisco is renowned for its vibrant city life, but it also boasts some of the most breathtaking hiking trails stateside. The city offers numerous hiking options, including the world-famous Golden Gate Park. Spanning over 1,000 acres of green space, the park has several miles of hiking trails that wind through gardens, lakes, and beautiful vistas.

Additionally, Muir Woods National Monument is a must-visit destination for any hiking enthusiast. The park is home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world. Trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes.

Lastly, Mount Tamalpais State Park is a popular hiking destination for its breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay. Its rugged terrain offers challenging hikes for experienced hikers. The park boasts over 60 miles of trails that lead through lush forests and hillsides covered in wildflowers.

San Francisco’s hiking scene is as diverse and unique as the city itself, with an abundance of natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville North Carolina mountain views - best cities for hiking — Photo Credit: Matthew Larkin

Asheville is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Blue Ridge Mountains providing an epic backdrop for hiking. The city is located near the popular Appalachian Trail, which stretches over 2,000 miles from Maine to Georgia.

Asheville is also home to several state parks. Chimney Rock State Park and Grandfather Mountain State Park offer a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels.

Boulder, Colorado

mountains in Boulder Colorado — Photo Credit: Braden Collum

Boulder is nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and offers a wide range of hiking options for visitors. The city is home to the popular Chautauqua Park, which offers several hiking trails and stunning views of the Flatirons rock formations.

Boulder is also near the Eldorado Canyon State Park, which is known for its towering sandstone cliffs and challenging hiking trails.

Anchorage, Alaska

Lake and Mountains in Anchorage, Alaska — Photo Credit: Sara Loeffler

Anchorage, Alaska is a natural wonderland with beautiful glaciers, rugged mountains, and vast wilderness areas. The city is located in close proximity to Chugach State Park, the third-largest state park in the United States. The park spans over 495,000 acres of untouched wilderness. Its features include a wide range of trails for all skill levels and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.

Anchorage is also home to the iconic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The trail stretches for 11 miles along the shores of the Cook Inlet with unparalleled views of the inlet and the majestic Chugach Mountains. For a more challenging adventure, hikers can venture to nearby Denali National Park. Denali National Park boasts over six million acres of unspoiled wilderness, including North America’s tallest peak, Mount Denali.

With countless hiking trails and breathtaking natural beauty, Anchorage is a must-visit destination for any nature enthusiast seeking an authentic Alaskan experience.

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