10 Hikes That You Should Start Planning Right Now
I’ve always been a big fan of looking forward to things. So, while I’m stuck in my house and watching snow fall from the sky on Easter (only in Minnesota!), I wanted to share some of the best hikes that I’ve ever done (and would love to hear yours!). While I could include several from outside of North America, I’m going to stick to some of my favorites in the US and Canada. If you can’t be out there right now, there’s no better time to plan your next adventure!
#1. The Grouse Grind: Vancouver, BC
2800 steps at a steep incline, and you have people from all the world showing up to conquer the “Grind.” Multiple races are held every year, and the men’s and women’s time records are posted at the start if you’re feeling dangerous. Once at the top, there’s a cool gift shop and gondola that takes you back to the base.
#2. Antelope Canyon: Page, Arizona
This isn’t much of a hike, but the sheer beauty of the slot canyon should be on everyone’s bucket list. We had a guide named Barry, who picked us up in an old truck and whisked us away into the desert.
#3. Zion National Park: Zion, Utah
Arguably the best national park in the United States for avid hikers, Zion boasts easy trails for families to white-knuckle climbs like Angel’s Landing. Don’t forget about The Narrows, which takes you through the water and is especially refreshing in the dead heat of summer.
#4: Mount Hood: Oregon
There are too many trails to count in and around Mt. Hood, but if you like snow-capped views and waterfalls, Hood delivers.
#5. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Utah
This is one of the few places that I’ve experienced where you could get completely lost and no one would ever find you (I know that probably sounds a bit dark). Spanning hundreds of miles in South-Central Utah, the Staircase has some of the most unique rock structures and slot canyons in the world. A true hiker’s paradise:
#6. Porcupine Mountains: Northern Wisconsin
This was the destination of our annual “Man’s Weekend” in 2014. We hiked 26 miles in a single day before arriving at a rustic cabin on Lake Superior.
#7. Grand Tetons: Jackson, WY
Majestic streams, lots of wildlife, and big mountain hikes everywhere, this is an outdoor paradise in both the summer and winter months.
#8. Big Sur: Northern California
If you prefer more of a leisurely stroll, the Big Sur area has plenty of foot paths with amazing views of California’s coastline.
#9. Shoshone Falls: Twin Falls, ID
There’s not a ton of hiking here, but the views are spectacular (as are most in the state of Idaho). The Perrine Bridge overlooks the falls and is one of the most popular base-jumping spots in the world. At 486 feet above the Snake River, the bridge is the 8th highest in the United States.
#10. Sequoia National Park: California
There’s a bunch of huge trees…..I know. But, there are also a ton of awesome hikes, and if you’re lucky, you might see a bear (like I did).
I’d love to hear your ideas for where I should hike this summer! See you on the trail….
