In this ultimate trail showdown, John and I rank our top national park hikes, each bringing our own list of favorites to the table. From the immersive history of Longhouse Trail in Mesa Verde to the magical waterfalls of Sol Duc Falls in Olympic, and the jaw-dropping heights of Angels Landing in Zion to the rugged backcountry adventure of the Teton Crest Trail, we compare and debate the best hikes across the national park system.
Whether scrambling up The Beehive Trail in Acadia, trekking through the Narrows in Zion, or taking in panoramic views from the Highline Trail in Glacier, each pick is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers. We even agree on a rare shared favorite: the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon, the ultimate way to descend into the canyon.
With so many breathtaking hikes to explore, the real question is—which one tops your list?
Podcast Episode Overview
It’s going down!
In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are fighting it out in the ultimate trail rumble! Join us as we rank our favorite national park hiking trails.
Buckle up because there will be some fighting. We both made our own lists, and we are ready to see who comes out victorious!
Join us as we cover:
- An incredible immersive hike
- A great hike to take during the sunset
- Trails to see in Sequoia Kings
- Trails full of adventure and amazing sights
- A must-see trail in Yosemite
- Trails we love at Acadia
- A couple of epic trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- Our favorite mountain trails
It was so hard to rank the trails because there are truly so many amazing ones to see! But we hope you enjoy this fun ranking episode and that it will inspire you to get out on a trail somewhere.
What are your rankings? We would love to hear them! Let us know on the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page!
Grab one of our national park itineraries to help plan your epic hike this year!
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:
#10: An Immersive Experience vs. A Magical Waterfall Hike
John’s Pick: Longhouse Trail, Mesa Verde National Park
John is kicking things off with Longhouse in Mesa Verde, an epic journey to an ancient ruin. Unlike its more famous neighbor, Cliff Palace, this trail requires a hike to reach the Puebloan cliff dwellings. It’s an adventure through time, complete with ladders, alcoves, and a hands-on history lesson. But, as I point out, the actual hiking part of the trail? Not the most thrilling.
My Pick: Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park
My first pick is a magical waterfall hike in Olympic National Park. The 1.6-mile round trip Sol Duc Falls trail is an easy stroll through an old-growth forest, leading to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park. The misty atmosphere, sunbeams breaking through the trees, and the fairytale-like setting make this an unforgettable short hike for nature lovers.
Verdict? History vs. pure nature magic. Which one wins for you?
#9: A Desert Thrill vs. A Short and Sweet Adventure
John’s Pick: Druid Arch, Canyonlands National Park
John’s love for adventure continues with the Druid Arch Trail, a challenging but rewarding 11-mile trek through the Needles District of Canyonlands. The reward? A towering, eerie-looking arch that seems straight out of a fantasy novel. The hike itself is full of scrambling, slickrock, and solitude.
My Pick: The Notch Trail, Badlands National Park
My next favorite trail is shorter but still an adventurous pick, the Notch Trail in Badlands. This 1.5-mile round-trip trail packs a punch with its famous log ladder climb and dramatic views of the eroded rock formations below. It may not be as long as Druid Arch, but it delivers heart-pounding fun in a fraction of the time.
Which adventure would you choose: slot canyons and solitude or an adrenaline-fueled climb?
#8: Arches Galore vs. Giant Trees
John’s Pick: Redwood Mountain Grove, Kings Canyon National Park
John takes us to the land of giants with the largest tree grove in the world. The Redwood Mountain Grove is a peaceful and humbling hike through towering ancient trees, some over 3,000 years old. This beautiful trail isn’t just a hike; it’s an experience in scale and time.
My Pick: Devils Garden, Arches National Park
My next pick is a trail packed with natural wonders. The Devils Garden Trail features eight different arches, rock fins, and some fun scrambling over slickrock. It’s one of the most adventurous trails in Arches and offers a great mix of challenge and scenery.
Massive trees or an arch-filled wonderland—which one would you rather explore?
#7: A Geyser Wonderland vs. Yosemite’s Iconic Waterfall Hike
John’s Pick: Geyser Hill, Yellowstone National Park
John went unconventional with his pick, choosing not a traditional hike but an experience unlike any other. Geyser Hill is a short walk near Old Faithful that features bubbling pools, roaring steam vents, and smaller but unpredictable geysers. While I argue it’s not really a hike, John defends it as one of the most unique scenic hikes in any national park.
My Pick: The Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park
My next favorite trail is the Mist Trail, a classic Yosemite adventure, one of Yosemite’s most famous hikes. Climbing the rock steps alongside Vernal and Nevada Falls, this trail is equal parts breathtaking and brutal. It’s a steep climb, it’s misty, and it’s an absolute must-hike for waterfall lovers. Plus, if you continue onward, you can even reach the trail for Half Dome.
Do you prefer geothermal marvels or towering waterfalls?
#6: The Grand Canyon’s Best Trail (Agreed!)
Both Pick: South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park
A rare moment of agreement! The South Kaibab Trail takes the win for both John and me, earning a shared #6 spot. With constant panoramic views, dramatic ridges, and the fastest route to the Colorado River, this is the ultimate way to hike into the Grand Canyon.
#5: An Iconic Climb vs. A Coastal Adventure
John’s Pick: Angels Landing, Zion National Park
One of the most famous hikes in the United States, Angels Landing is a thrilling climb that tests your nerve with narrow ridges and steep drop-offs. The final push to the top is assisted by chains, giving hikers a heart-pounding experience as they ascend to panoramic views of Zion Canyon. It’s a strenuous hike, but for those who love a challenge, it’s one of the best hikes in the national park system.
My Pick: The Beehive Trail, Acadia National Park
The Beehive Trail in Acadia is my pick for #5. It offers a thrilling ascent using iron rungs and ladders, much like Angels Landing but on a smaller scale. The reward? A breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline of Maine. It’s the perfect place for hikers looking for a short but exciting climb.
Would you rather climb high above Zion or enjoy a coastal adventure in Acadia?
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:
#4: A Mountain Wonderland vs. A Slot Canyon Adventure
John’s Pick: The Highline Trail, Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is home to some of the most scenic hikes in the United States, and the Highline Trail is its crown jewel. This scenic route follows the Garden Wall and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks, wildflower meadows, and even wildlife sightings. It’s a long day hike but well worth the effort for the best view in the park.
My Pick: The Narrows, Zion National Park
The Narrows is my pick for #4, and for good reason. This unique hike takes you directly through the Virgin River, with towering canyon walls rising on both sides. It’s an unforgettable experience, especially in the summer months when the cool water is refreshing. This is one of the best ways to experience Zion National Park from a different angle.
Do you prefer a scenic hike along a mountain ridge or a trek through a slot canyon?
#3: Mountain Views Galore
John’s Pick: The Teton Crest Trail, Grand Teton National Park
John chose the Teton Crest Trail for my #3 spot because it’s one of the most incredible backpacking routes in the National Park system. With miles of trails winding through alpine meadows, past glacial lakes, and along dramatic ridgelines, this is the best hike for those who love an overnight stay in the backcountry.
My Pick: The Highline Trail, Glacier National Park
The Highline Trail is the ultimate day hike. With its thrilling exposure, breathtaking landscapes, and chances to see mountain goats, this hike is a true highlight of Glacier National Park. The elevation profiles may be challenging, but the reward is worth every step.
Would you choose a moderate hike with stunning vistas or a multi-day trek through the Tetons?
#2: Massive Waterfalls vs. A Volcanic Giant
John’s Pick: The Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park
John loves the Mist Trail, a classic Yosemite adventure and one of Yosemite’s most famous hikes. Climbing the rock steps alongside Vernal and Nevada Falls, this trail is equal parts breathtaking and brutal. It’s a steep climb, it’s misty, and it’s an absolute must-hike for waterfall lovers. Plus, if you continue onward, you can even reach the trail for Half Dome.
My Pick: The Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
I picked the Skyline Trail at #2, and it’s easy to see why. This strenuous hike takes you higher than most trails in the park, offering unparalleled views of Mount Rainier. The trail climbs to the highest point accessible without technical gear, making it an excellent choice for hikers who want to feel like they’re on top of the world.
Would you rather get misted by Yosemite’s waterfalls or climb to the heights of Mount Rainier?
#1: The Ultimate Hike Showdown
John’s Pick: Burroughs Mountain Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
For John, there’s no better hike than Burroughs Mountain. The dramatic approach to Mount Rainier, the sense of scale, and the feeling of being in an alpine wonderland make this his top choice. It’s a great option for those looking for an unforgettable mountain adventure.
My Pick: The Teton Crest Trail, Grand Teton National Park
Ash’s top pick is the Teton Crest Trail, a long-distance trek that provides some of the best mountain scenery in the United States. Passing through iconic areas like Paintbrush Divide and Hurricane Pass, this strenuous hike is one of the best ways to experience the grandeur of Grand Teton National Park.
So, which hike is truly the best? Would you rather take on the Tetons or stand face-to-face with Rainier?
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Grand Teton
- Glacier
- Mt. Rainier
- Long House in Mesa Verde National Park
- Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park
- Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park
- Balcony House in Mesa Verde National Park
- Druid Arch in Canyonlands National Park
- The Notch Trail at Badlands National Park
- Redwood Mountain Grove in Kings Canyon National Park
- Moro Rock in Sequoia Kings
- Zumwalt Meadow in Sequoia Kings
- Devils Garden Trail in Arches National Park (Landscape Arch, Double O Arch, Primitive Trail)
- Geyser Hill in Yellowstone National Park
- Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park
- South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park
- The Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park
- Angels Landing Trail in Zion National Park
- The Narrows (top down) in Zion National Park
- The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park
- Teton Crest Trail in Grand Teton National Park
- Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park
- Avalanche Lily
- Burroughs Mountain Trail in Mount Rainier National Park
Are you hoping to visit all of the national parks? Sign up for your FREE NATIONAL PARKS CHECKLIST so you can easily see where you’ve been and where you still need to go!
Don’t Miss the Next Episode of the Exploring the National Parks Podcast
Join in the fun weekly! We are always sharing new stories and fun facts about the incredible national parks. Please subscribe on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts
Stitcher
and more
If you enjoy the podcast, we would be so grateful if you could leave us a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast!
Connect with Ash and John
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest
Looking for more podcast episodes? Click here to browse all episodes of the Exploring the National Parks podcast.
Leave a Reply