Hike through 5 Majestic Mountains of US National Parks
Take a peek at the stunning peaks of America's National Parks
The Rocky Mountains, Lander's Peak (1863) by Albert BierstadtThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
What do you see when you hear the word 'mountain'?
Mountains evoke different images for everyone: majestic peaks, rolling hills, or fairy tale landscapes. The National Park Service offers all of these experiences and more. Here we explore five hiking spots might just pique your interest.
1. Grand Teton, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is home to the sharp peaks of the Teton Range. The peaks soar over a landscape of pristine lakes and alpine vistas, preserved by generations of stewards.
Grand Teton National Park (21st Century) by NPS PhotoNational Park Service
This park's 10,000-year-old landscape is protected for its ecological significance. Take in the fresh air, observe the wildlife, and revel in the majesty of these mountains.
2. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail spans Maine to Georgia, offering year-round access into the quiet heart of the woods. Laced with ancient trees and rugged paths, it is an ideal retreat for those seeking true solitude.
Yet, this path is also a living community. Originally carved out by private citizens in 1937, the Appalachian Trail is now preserved by park services, conservancies, and thousands of passionate volunteers. With so many hands caring for the route, you are bound to find company along the way.
3. Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Six million acres of untamed Alaskan wilderness are pierced by just a single road. Follow it into the wild to watch the taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and towering snowy mountains, including the majestic Denali—North America's tallest peak.
Upper Icefall Muldrow, Denali National Park and Preserve by NPS PhotoNational Park Service
Denali is a year-round destination, but winter offers a unique experience. Come prepared to brave the cold, and you can hike, ski, or snowshoe your way through the pristine beauty of this Alaskan park.
4. Sierra Nevada Mountains, California
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are the home of awe-inspiring geological features and resources, including a significant portion of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The tallest mountain is Mount Whitney, which rises to 14,491 feet (4,417 meters) above sea level.
Mt. Whitney Smithsonian Hut, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks by National Park ServiceNational Park Service
The shortest and most popular route to climb Mt. Whitney is a 10.7 mile (17.1 km) trail from Whitney Portal, on the east side of the Sierra. Ice axes and crampons are needed in spring and early summer, but technical climbing equipment is not necessary between mid-July to October.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
From wetland ecosystems to alpine tundra, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado showcases nature's extremes. Lush plant life and dense wildlife thrive at lower elevations, while hardy species survive in the challenging alpine environment.
The Rockies are a spectacular destination, offering breathtaking views and a variety of plant, bird, mammal and insect life, including threatened and endangered species.
River deep, mountain high
If you are looking for a mountain high enough, there are plenty of hikes within America's parks ready to elevate your experience. Find out more about the natural beauty of the National Parks here.
Interested in Natural history?
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