Best Hikes in the US

I did this hike and went a couple miles up the river and it was THE highlight of our trip. If you decide to do this hike make sure to rent equipment (water boots and hiking sticks). It will be a much more enjoyable experience. We rented equipment and hiked much further than others who didn't. It is a nice hike to do in the middle of the day or when you need to cool off because you are in the shade and in the water! The hike is great for all experiences of hikers.

When to Go - Mid-June to mid-September. The water is cold the rest of the year but the canyon can be hiked in a wetsuit. The Narrows is closed when the river gauge reads above 140 cfs Permits are not issued from the top down when the gauge reads above 120 cfs So during the spring it is usually closed when the snow is melting and there is sustained high - cold water due to run-off.

Permits required: Hikers are allowed to hike a few miles up the Narrows from the Riverside Walk and return without obtaining a permit. A permit is required to hike from Chamberlain's Ranch to Zion Canyon. There are a total of 80 permits allotted per day. 40 hikers are permitted through the online reservation system and 40 hikers are permitted as walk-in. Although you can get a permit the same day you are hiking, you will have better luck obtaining one of the few issued permits if you get your walk-in permit the day prior to the actual day of the hike. For more information call the backcountry desk at 1.435.772.0170 or log onto the parks website and use their online permit system.

What to bring: Hiking sticks. Don't just bring one pole. Having two will help when walking on the rocks in the river. Dry bag. You are walking a majority of the time in the river and can slip and get wet. Sturdy Water Shoes and neoprene socks Emergency overnight gear if your trying to do it in one day Plenty of water (or water treatment)

One of the most beautiful places on this great earth !!!

Heading there in April. Any tips on the tour guides?

Best time of year is in the spring, do your research on the tour guide. Lower canyon is less crowded.

Another one a must see in my lifetime.

This area is hiked by permit only through the BLM

Special permit are required to hike to The Wave (just ten are issued for each day). Permits ($5 per person) can be obtained in advance (http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/arolrsmain/paria/coyote_buttes/permits.html)

A must on any trip to Kauai, though muddy, rocky, and somewhat strenuous. Kauai holds such unparalleled beauty. You see it on this trail especially. Advice: Get there early, before the trail gets crowded so you can go at your own pace. If you do get there early, watch out for the crazy looking spiders that make their web on the trail.

If you plan to hike to the top of Half Dome when the cables are up you’ll need to get a permit. Get more information on getting a permit here.

We were there in June and it was still really cold. We did this hike and when we got to the glacier it started raining...we hid under a tree and watched the rain. It was amazing! Can't wait to take the kids.

Been obsessed with Buckskin for almost a year now, finally going May 4th.

Come prepared for those un-expected early fall storms. It was 95 degrees when we started our trip to Mt Whitney from San Diego, and it snowed 16 inches at base camp. Nothing like snowballs in summer!

When it is relatively free of snow, from approximately July to October, the Mount Whitney Trail provides a non-technical, but strenuous, route to the summit of Mt. Whitney.

Wilderness permits may be reserved in advance. For more information. click here... Due to the high demand for Day Use and Overnight Mt Whitney Permits, a lottery is held for reservations. There is not a waiting list for cancelations. The space left after the lottery will be available to reserve at the end of April. For trips in May, June or July; apply on April 20, 2011 For trips in August, Sept. or October; apply April 27, 2011 Application to reserve after the lottery.

Bring bear-resistant canister: From May 25 to October 31, backpackers are required to carry a bear-resistant canister; these can be rented at the Interagency Visitors Center south of Lone Pine or the Whitney Portal Store for a nominal fee. Black bears are common along the Mount Whitney Trail. Night sightings of these bears are not unusual. When traveling at night, hikers are advised to wield a bright headlight and a shrill whistle; making many strange, loud noises will alert the bears to human presence. If possible, hikers should travel in a larger group as bears are much less likely to approach a group than a single person.

Awesome views and challenging terrain! We saw a California Condor the last time we climbed it!