5 Of The Absolute Best Hiking Trails For Beginners
Is hiking a recreation you’ve always wanted to try? If so, then the 5 trails we’ve picked will be perfect places to start. The best way to progress in your ability as a hiker is to start small and work towards improving your strength and stamina.
If you’re wondering what to bring along on a hiking trip, check out our list of the 9 hiking essentials.
1. Glacier Point Hike, Yosemite Valley, California
If you’re looking for a trail that shows the beauty of Yosemite’s Half Dome but can’t yet handle the rigorous Half Dome hike, the Glacier Point hike is going to be your best alternative. It’s a 1-mile round trip across mostly flat ground with a hike time of around 20 minutes.
As one of Yosemite’s easiest trails, it offers incredible beauty with every step and a vantage point providing a 270-degree panoramic view of the valley. Because of this however, the trail can be very crowded so you’ll want to keep that in mind when choosing a time to go.
2. Base Loop Trail Hike, Devils Tower, Wyoming
As one of America’s most mysterious and unique natural monuments, Devils Tower is truly a sight to behold. The Base Loop Trail that encircles the formation is one of the best hikes to see it up close–and one of the easiest hikes to complete.
This 1.3 mile round trip offers spectacular views of this sacred monument that’s been an important part of local Native American culture with many prayer cloths attached to the trees surrounding the Tower. The trail is paved and starts across the parking area of the visitors center.
In addition to the scenic Tower views, the trail also contains information panels relaying the parks history and its cultural significants. There are also areas to sit and rest as you make your way around the monument.
3. Canyon Overlook Trail Hike, Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park contains some of the most beautiful and scenic desert hiking trails anywhere in America. Many like the famous Narrows hike can be strenuous, especially for beginners. But you don’t have to miss out on the parks beauty just because you’re an inexperienced hiker.
The Canyon Overlook Trail provides stunning views of Zion Canyon and is an easy 1-mile round trip with very little elevation change. You’ll walk the sandstone and dirt along Pine Creek Canyon and be treated to some of Zions most famous landmarks in the park.
Those looking for a majestic hike that leads to incredible ocean and cliff views, the 2.8-mile Coastal Trail in Cutler, Maine fits the bill perfectly. It’s accessible for beginners and takes between 1-2 hours to complete.
Along the pathway, you’ll pass by Cedar swamps, maritime spruce-fir forests and of course, breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean from atop the rocky cliffs. You’ll just need to be careful around the cliffs to prevent any accidental falls. The trail is also popular for bird watching.
5. The Highline Trail Hike, Montana
This is the longest trail on our list at 7.6-miles round trip, however, the path is very well-groomed and mostly flat–perfect for beginners looking to take on an extended hike. Along with the further distance comes a wider range of scenic views including rugged peaks, glacial meadows and the crystal blue water of a glacial lake.
The only difficult area of the hike is the 3/10th-mile Garden Wall that features a 6-8ft wide ledge with a 100ft drop-off over the rocky edge. For anyone with a fear of heights, this may be a challenge but the rewarding views after is well worth conquering.
This trail is great for those looking to get away from the larges crowds. You may however, encounter some of mountains population of big horned sheep along the way. Just remember to respect any wildlife you encounter.
Conclusion
With these 5 trails, there’s no excuse not to hike if you’re still in the beginner phase. Building up your strength and stamina on easier hikes will better you for the longer ones you’d like to tackle in the future. So get out there and get hiking!
