National parks are some of the most iconic and cherished places on Earth. These protected areas offer a diverse range of landscapes, from towering mountain peaks to deep, lush forests, expansive deserts, and serene lakes. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking to take in the natural beauty, national parks provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore the outdoors. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best national parks for hiking, providing insights into the best trails and tips for making the most of your visit.
Yosemite National Park, USA: A Classic for All Hikers
Located in the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous and beloved parks in the world. Known for its majestic granite cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees, Yosemite attracts millions of visitors each year. For hikers, it offers a wide range of trails, from leisurely walks to challenging mountain ascents.
One of the park’s most iconic hikes is the Half Dome trail, a challenging 14- to 16-mile round trip that takes hikers to the top of the famous Half Dome rock formation. This strenuous hike involves a significant elevation gain of over 4,800 feet and requires a permit due to its popularity. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding wilderness.
For those looking for something less intense, the Mist Trail is a beautiful, moderately difficult hike that leads past Vernal and Nevada Falls. This trail is perfect for those who want to see the park’s stunning waterfalls up close while enjoying a shorter hike. Yosemite’s vast network of trails makes it an ideal destination for hikers of all skill levels.
Banff National Park, Canada: Majestic Peaks and Crystal-Clear Lakes
Banff National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies, is another world-renowned hiking destination. With its rugged mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Banff offers some of the most beautiful and varied hiking opportunities in North America. The park is home to a wide range of trails, from easy walks around the lakes to challenging summit hikes.
A must-do hike in Banff is the Plain of Six Glaciers trail. This moderately challenging 9-mile hike takes hikers along the shores of Lake Louise, with breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain peaks. As you make your way along the trail, you’ll pass through alpine meadows, cross streams, and catch glimpses of wildlife such as elk and marmots.
For those seeking a more strenuous challenge, the Mount Fairview trail offers a steep ascent with stunning views of Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks. Banff is also home to numerous shorter hikes, such as the Lake Agnes Trail, which leads to a picturesque alpine lake and offers views of the surrounding mountains.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: The Ultimate Patagonian Adventure
Located in the remote wilderness of Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is a dream destination for hikers seeking adventure and stunning natural beauty. The park is known for its dramatic granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and vast open landscapes. The Torres del Paine circuit is one of the most famous multi-day hikes in the world, offering unparalleled views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife.
The W Trek is the most popular route in the park, a 4- to 5-day trek that takes hikers through some of the park’s most iconic landscapes. The hike is named for the shape of the route, which forms a ‘W’ as it passes by the Torres del Paine, French Valley, and Grey Glacier. Hikers on the W Trek will experience a variety of terrains, including forests, glacial valleys, and rocky ridges.
For those looking for a shorter trek, the Base of the Towers hike offers a 7-mile round-trip trail that takes hikers to the base of the park’s towering granite spires. This moderately difficult hike rewards trekkers with stunning views of the towers and the surrounding landscape. Patagonia is known for its unpredictable weather, so hikers should be prepared for sudden changes and bring layers to stay warm.
Kruger National Park, South Africa: Hiking Among the Wildlife
While many national parks are known for their hiking trails, Kruger National Park in South Africa offers something a bit different—a chance to hike through the wilds of Africa’s savannas and forests while observing an incredible array of wildlife. Although the park is famous for its safaris and game drives, there are also opportunities to explore the park on foot.
Kruger’s wilderness trails offer a unique way to experience the park’s natural beauty. These guided walking safaris allow hikers to get up close to the wildlife and learn about the park’s ecology from expert rangers. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, and hikers may encounter elephants, lions, buffalo, and other African wildlife along the way.
For a more traditional hiking experience, the Nyalaland Wilderness Trail offers a 3-day trek through the park’s dense bushveld. This remote and rugged trail takes hikers through the heart of Kruger, offering a chance to experience the park’s landscapes and wildlife on foot. Kruger is home to more than 500 bird species and an impressive variety of mammals, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand: Alpine Beauty and Glacial Trails
New Zealand’s Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park offers some of the most stunning alpine hiking in the world. The park is home to the country’s highest peak, Mount Cook, as well as a network of trails that traverse glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain. For hikers seeking a mix of beauty and challenge, Aoraki offers trails that cater to all levels of ability.
The Hooker Valley Track is one of the park’s most popular hikes. This easy 5-mile walk takes you through a scenic valley, crossing swing bridges over the Hooker River and providing stunning views of Mount Cook and the surrounding glaciers. The trail is accessible year-round and offers an excellent opportunity to take in the beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
For those looking for a more challenging experience, the Mueller Hut Route is a steep, 6-mile hike that takes you to an alpine hut with panoramic views of the park’s glaciers and peaks. This strenuous hike requires good fitness, as the ascent involves a significant elevation gain and some rugged terrain. The park also offers numerous other alpine routes, including the Tasman Glacier View Track and the Sealy Tarns Track.
The Dolomites, Italy: Hiking Among the Majestic Limestone Peaks
The Dolomites in northern Italy are a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for their dramatic limestone peaks, alpine meadows, and picturesque mountain villages. Hiking in the Dolomites offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural heritage. The region is home to a wide variety of trails, from leisurely walks to strenuous mountain hikes.
One of the most famous hikes in the Dolomites is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop. This relatively easy, 6-mile circuit offers some of the best views of the Dolomites’ iconic peaks. The trail takes you past glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and dramatic cliffs, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
For a more challenging hike, the Alta Via 1 is a long-distance trail that traverses the heart of the Dolomites, covering approximately 80 miles over 10-12 days. This multi-day trek offers hikers a chance to experience the region’s rugged beauty up close, passing through mountain huts, picturesque villages, and stunning alpine landscapes.
Tips for Hiking in National Parks
When hiking in national parks, it’s important to be well-prepared. Start by researching the park’s trails and understanding the level of difficulty for each one. Be sure to pack the essentials, including appropriate clothing, food, water, and a map or GPS. Many national parks also require permits for certain hikes, so it’s a good idea to check the park’s website for up-to-date information.
Another key consideration is weather. National parks, especially those in mountainous regions, can have unpredictable weather, so it’s important to bring layers and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature or conditions.
Lastly, leave no trace. National parks are fragile ecosystems, so it’s essential to respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles. Stick to marked trails, pack out all trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
National parks offer a world of adventure, with trails for every level of hiker. Whether you’re trekking through the Canadian Rockies, exploring the wilds of Patagonia, or hiking along the shores of New Zealand’s glaciers, these protected landscapes provide a chance to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the world in its purest form.
With the right preparation, hiking in national parks can be an unforgettable experience—one that challenges your body, rewards your spirit, and offers memories that will last a lifetime.