5 Of America’s Toughest Hiking Trails To Test Your Strength & Endurance

For some adventurers, the pleasure of a peaceful hike over gentle rolling hills or through graceful wooded forests isn’t the way they enjoy their outdoors experience. They have their fun by tackling the countries most challenging and extreme trails.  

The hikes on this list are famous for their difficulty to accomplish for even the most experienced hiker. These are definitely not for beginners and every necessary safety precaution should be taken before attempting these trails. 

So for those looking to challenge their physical and mental toughness in the beauty of America’s wilderness, check out these 5 incredible hikes! 

1. Muir Snowfield Trail, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington 

For those who love to hike in the cold and the snow, the Muir Snowfield Trail is a strenuous 9-mile round-trip through snowpacks and an alpine wilderness where the weather can turn on a dime. 

Hikers will begin in a not-so intimidating mountain meadow before ascending 2,800 feet in 2.2 miles to the Muir Snowfield. The extreme cold and unforgiving arctic landscape can challenge even the most experienced alpine climbers while the rapidly shifting weather can strand those who are unprepared. 

Those who can brave the conditions will be rewarded with unparalleled views of Mount Rainer (which is also an active volcano) as well as pristine cobalt blue lakes and beautiful flowery meadows. 

Generally, this hike takes between 6 to 9 hours to complete but always allow time for any unexpected or unforeseen circumstances such as white-out conditions and high winds.

2. Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

While many will go to the Grand Canyon to stare into the rocky abyss, much fewer of them will make their way below the ridge line. But for the dedicated explorer, this is where the true canyon experience actually begins.

You can travel in the footsteps of Native Americans, pioneers, and miners while descending into the depths of the canyon. It’s a trail that few visitors to the park ever experience containing some of the canyon’s most incredible natural features. 

There are several roundtrips you can take depending on how much of the trail you’d like to hike. The furthest and most difficult trip is the hike to Plateau Point which is 12-miles and takes 9-12 hours to complete. 

On a trail that’s home to the aptly named “Death Zone,” it’s important for hikers not to push past their limits and be plenty prepared. The combination of extreme heat (sometimes reaching over 122ºF), a lack of water, and drastic elevation change leads to hundreds of rescues by the park each year.   

3. The Mist Trail To Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California 

As one of America’s most famous national parks, Yosemite serves as an important reminder of why the countries wild places should be preserved. With its vast valley forests, towering waterfalls, and domineering granite peaks, the awe-inspiring landscape draws millions of visitors each year. 

Don’t let this trails popularity fool you, it’s a strenuous trek that takes you 17-miles from the Yosemite valley floor all the way to the top of Half Dome. You’ll climb next to several of the parks waterfalls before ascending the famous Half Dome Cable Route. 

With 4,800 feet of elevation gain from the bottom to the top, this trail is not for the inexperienced, though thousands of hardcore hikers attempt it each year. The ground in many spots can be uneven and the rocky steps along the waterfalls can be slick in certain areas.

Despite its perceived danger, the Cable Route may actually be the least dangerous part of this trip with less than 10 fatalities recorded since its opening in 1919 (most occurred when the granite was wet). Crowded conditions and rapidly changing weather pose the biggest threat to hikers so precautions must be taken and a permit is required.  

4. The Pemi Loop, White Mountains, New Hampshire 

This 32-mile hike is well-known by New Englanders as one of America’s toughest trails to tackle. With over 9,000 feet in elevation gain and extremely rugged and rocky terrain, the Pemi Loop can break even the most experienced of hikers. 

For those who want to push themselves to the absolute limit, this trail can be hiked in a single day in just over 20 hours (or broken into a two or three day trip). In that time, you’ll hike over eight 4,000 foot peaks including a section that ascends 1,150 feet in just under a mile.  

If you can brave these unforgiving conditions, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views on the east coast with panoramic vistas of pine forests and the incredible mountain ranges. 

The best time to attempt this trail is mid-week as the campsites will be less crowded for those who make this a multi-day trip. You absolutely must bring a headlamp or flashlight as you’ll likely be hiking in the dark at some point during your journey. 

5. Huckleberry Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana 

Lined with ripe huckleberry’s in the late summer months, this trail is not only strenuous to hike, but is filled with dangerous wildlife–namely grizzly bears. In fact, for every three square miles of Glacier National Park, it’s estimated there is roughly one bear to occupy it. 

There are so many bears in fact that the park will close the trail to protect tourists during peak berry season. Bear spray is an absolute must for anyone attempting this hike as well as keeping an eye on any food you bring. 

If the treacherous wildlife wasn’t tough enough, hikers must prepare for rugged trail conditions and over 2,500 feet in elevation change. It’s a 6-mile hike roundtrip that will take around 7-8 hours to complete. 

For those who brave the conditions, they’ll be rewarded with some spectacular views from the Huckleberry Mountain Lookout, an active fire watch tower maintained by the NPS. Don’t forget to check the weather ahead of time as conditions can change quickly especially for the unprepared. 

Conclusion  

After reading about these 5 strenuous hiking trails, are you up for the challenge? For any hikers looking to really push themselves, tackling these hikes is sure to test your limits and create some lasting memories–both good and bad!