20 Amazing Hikes for Teens in the United States

Teens are amazing hiking companions.  Each teen is different, but teens can be wonderful to hike with and can be adventurous, fun, opinionated, passionate and so much more.  They can also be difficult to get out the door, excited to hike one day and sullen the next, and simply unpredictable.  Planning amazing hikes for teens takes a little special thought, but in general if you will enjoy it, your teen will too!  If your kids are a little younger in the tween years, most of the best hikes for teens are also great hikes for families and can be adapted for even younger kids.

Finding amazing hikes for teens is not just a fun way to get outside, but can also improve your teen’s health and your relationship. You can read more about the importance of getting teens outside here.  

You can also find lots of information about hiking with teens at the article below, this is helpful if you are new to hiking with your teen, or just need some overview information to remember when planning and finding hikes for teens.

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How to Find the Best Hikes for Teens Near Me 

In this article I’m sharing 20 of the best hikes for teens in the United States, but often when you are looking for a great hike with your teen, you are looking for a hike near to where you live.  When I’m planning a hike with my teen I make sure it meets these criteria:

• Something fun/epic (waterfall, gorgeous view, canyon, etc)
• Something at the right level – a little challenging but not so hard my teen will never hike again
• Does your teen want to hike? Get them involved in planning, bring a friends, and get them involved in the process

Once I’ve checked those boxes, we get planning.  I highly recommend buying a local hiking book to your area.  If you plan to hike with your teen locally, you will use this again and again and having paper maps and directions are really helpful.

I also love to explore the online site All Trails (I have the app downloaded on my phone) to search for local hikes and find online blogs or websites that show people’s actual experiences on the hike.  If you use All Trails, make sure you read the most recent comments as these will often let you know the most recent trail conditions (like if there is a road closure, snow on the trails, etc).

Things to Remember for Your Hike with Your Teen

Once you’ve selected your hike, or you’ve planned your next hiking vacation, it’s time to make sure you’ve done everything you can to plan for success.  Here are 5 tips to make sure your next hike with your teen is a success:

• Pack for success – make sure you have enough food, water, first aid equipment and clothing
• Assume the hike will take longer than you think – always try to start early to avoid the crowds and give yourself enough daylight
• Follow Leave No Trace principles 
• Have a good map – be prepared if your phone dies
• Have a camera or phone to take amazing photos for you and your teen

20 Amazing US Hikes for Teens

The US is an amazing place to hike full of epic, varied hikes.  Selecting the perfect hike for teens will be slightly different for each person.  This list includes some of our all time favorite hikes for kids and teens.

Kalalau Trail, Napali Coast, Hawaii

Distance: 22 miles (out and back)

Elevation: 6,200 feet

Notes: This is a strenuous hike to a waterfall but since it’s an out and back you don’t need to complete the entire trail

This trail feels like you’re walking through paradise (or Jurassic Park!) on the Island of Kauai.  Gorgeous views along the coastline are found along this strenuous hike.  This is a hard hike, especially in poor weather.  

Cascade Canyon, Grand Tetons, Wyoming

Distance: 10 miles (out and back – can make it longer or shorter as you choose)

Elevation: 1000 feet

Notes – This hike up into the Canyon leaves from Jenny Lake and follows a stream up into Tetons

In my opinion, this is the best hike in Wyoming for anyone.  Many people take the ferry across Jenny Lake and then hike up to Inspiration Point – this can get crowded, but once you start the hike up into the Canyon it becomes much less crowded.  The hike from here is easy with beautiful views in every direction.  We also saw a bear and moose hiking this trail!

See more about visiting the Grand Tetons.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Distance: 15.3 miles (out and back)

Elevation: 4,400 feet

Notes: This is the most popular hike in the Grand Canyon and can get crowded (and hot) get an early start if possible

This hike descends from the South Rim into the heart of the Grand Canyon and can be done as a multi-day backpack or a day hike.  Amazing views of the Grand Canyon will unfold for you and your teen and the well maintained trail might be steep but it is generally easy walking.

Mount Washington (via Tuckerman’s Ravine), New Hampshire

Distance: 7.4 miles (out and back)

Elevation: 4,200 feet

Notes: Mount Washington is known for bad weather so be extra prepared for this hike

The tallest mountain in NH offers a great challenge for you and your teen.  Don’t be fooled by the seemingly short distance, this is a hard hike with great views and a waterfall.  Surprisingly, when you get to the top to find hundreds of people who’ve just driven or taken the cog railroad to the top.  If this seems too much to tackle there are plenty of great hikes in the White Mountains.

Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah

Distance: 4.4 miles (out and back)

Elevation: 1,600 feet

Notes: This adrenaline packed hike is not for you if you don’t like heights!

This is a bucket list hike with a harrowing walk with steep drop offs on both sides.  There are chains to help you make the climb but if you are afraid of heights this is not for you.  Teens may love the exciting part of the hike and the views of Zion Canyon are worth the hike!

The Narrows, Zion Canyon, Utah

Distance: up to 17 miles

Elevation: Mostly flat

Notes: You want good shoes and a walking pole if possible for walking in the water (you can rent these but we just used hiking poles and closed-toe sandals.

This is another famous hike in Zion National Park that winds its way up the canyon to a portion where sandstone cliffs loom over the river.  The hike winds through the narrow canyon going in and out of the river.  You can also do this hike from the top down but you will need a permit.  Since the hike is an out and back, you can go up the canyon as far as you want.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

Distance and Elevation: Varied

Notes: There is a trail for everyone in Bryce and you can hike down into Bryce Canyon and connect many different Trails to make the best distance for you and your teen

Golden hoodoos rise around every trail when you hike down into Bryce Canyon.  Start at one of the many viewpoints in the Park and hike down into the amphitheatre.  It’s a surprisingly steep hike down, and once down you will wander and wind through the golden rock.  If you are visiting in the summer, go early as it gets hot and crowded.

The Enchantments

Distance: 19 miles

Elevation Gain: 5,500 feet

Notes: This is a LONG, strenuous hike and should be attempted with experienced, fit and motivated teens

This is a glorious hike with gorgeous alpine lakes, flowers, wildlife and mountain views.  It’s worth adding this hike to your long term list and if it seems too hard – set it as a goal for you and your teen.  You can do this hike as a backpack as well, but you need to put in for one of the coveted permits.  

Hole in the Wall from Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington

Distance: 3.3 miles

Elevation Gain: overall mostly flat

Notes: keep an eye of the weather and tides on this coastal walk.

This is such a fun and different hike along the coast of Washington.  Keep an eye out for the tides on this hike since you are walking on the beach and expect spectacular views of the offshore stacks and awesome tidepools to explore.  This is a great hike for reluctant teen hikers and while it is still challenging, the fun factor is high!

The Wave, Arizona

Distance: 6.7 miles (out and back)

Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

Notes: You need a permit for this hike – these are competitive and you can find more information online

Located near Kanab, Arizona, this hike takes you the famous ‘wave’ rock formation.  Your teen will love the photos of the iconic place.  This hike itself is moderate and can be very hot in the summer with no water so plan accordingly.  The gorgeous rocks were carved from water and wind and there are several other interesting sites along the trail in addition to the Wave.

Cracker Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana

Distance: 12 miles (out and back)

Elevation gain: 1650

Notes: This is a heavily trafficked trail, so go early!

Gorgeous hike to a lake with wildflowers and tremendous views.  Even though the trail is 12 miles, it is a moderate hike so a good one to start with for a reluctant hiker.  Also since it’s an out and back you can always turn around when you’re tired.  The trial is multi-use so you will likely see horses as well as other hikers.

Mauna Loa Summit, Hawaii 

Distance: 12.9 miles (out and back)

Elevation gain: 3,000 feet

Notes: this is for the Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail.  Be careful of the altitude and drink plenty of water.

If you are looking for different hikes for teens, hiking to the high altitude volcano is a great choice.  You spend the hike walking through lava fields interspersed with wildflowers with amazing views.  You should wear good hiking shoes to avoid rolling an ankle on the loose lava.

Tomales Point Trail, Califonia

Distance: 9.5 miles (out and back)

Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

Notes: This hike is exposed so keep an eye of the weather!

This easily accessible hike is a Bay area favorite with beautiful views of the water of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.  This is a great trail for wildlife such as Tule Elk.  This is a relatively easy hike with a well packed trail although there are some areas of loose sand.

Sky Pond, Rocky Mountains, Colorado

Distance: 9.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet

Notes: This is a popular Rocky Mountain hike – so go early!

The final destination is Sky Pond, but this hike passes multiple other beautiful Lakes and several waterfalls so there is plenty for teens to enjoy.  There is one steep section towards the end of the hike, but in general the hiking trail is well maintained and gradual.  This trail is well worth the effort with great views!

See more about hiking Sky Pond

Petrified Forest Loop, North Dakota

Distance: 10.2 miles (loop – you can do a section as an out and back)

Elevation Gain: 830 feet

Notes: Be aware and careful of wildlife

Hike past petrified wood, and wildlife on this amazing hike for you and your teen.  This trail has Wildflowers, prairie grasses, bison, wild horses, deer, and rabbits.  The hike is relatively easy with not much elevation gain.  Be on the lookout and careful of the bison and wild horses!

Burroughs Mountain Trail, Mount Rainier, Washington

Distance: 9.4 miles (loop)

Elevation Gain: 2,600

Notes: This is the Pacific Northwest, so be prepared for rainy or wet weather and obscured views.

This is a challenging loop hike on Mount Rainier with gorgeous views, especially from the 3rd Burrough.  Lots of time above tree line with mountain views and glaciers.

Mist Trail, Yosemite, California

Distance: 7 miles (out and back)

Elevation Gain: 1,900 feet

Notes: so many things to see – get out early to avoid the crowds.  The current is swift and can be dangerous in the river

This epic Yosemite hike has views and waterfalls all along the way.  The 2 waterfalls (Vernal and Nevada Falls) are very popular (especially Vernal falls).  Enjoy the views of the back side of Half Dome and the misty spray from the waterfalls.

Cadillac Mountain, Acadia, Maine

Distance: 4.4 miles (round trip)

Elevation Gain: 1,500

Notes: You can also drive to the top, so don’t be surprised to find the top crowded when you get there.

The tallest mountain in Acadia National Park, this is one of  the first places to see the sunrise in the continental US.  From the summit you will enjoy views in every direction of Acadia and the islands of the Gulf of Maine.  It is a relatively short and steep trail.

See more about visiting Acadia National Park.

Mount LeConte, Smokey Mountains, Tennessee

Distance: 11 miles (out and back)

Elevation: 2700 feet

Notes: You can stop at the cave or continue to the top of Mount LeConte

If you’re looking for the best hikes in the Eastern US, this one should be near the top of the list.  We ascended via the Alum Cave Trail which follows a stream and then enters Alum Cave.  From here there trail slowly gains height with some views to the top of Mount LeConte.  This is a great hike to explore Smokey Mountain National Park and there are several other good hikes for teens in the park that are worth exploring.

See more about hiking the Alum Carve Trail to Mount LeConte

Kenai River Trail, Alaska

Distance: 10.2 miles

Elevation gain: 1,500 feet

Notes: Keep an eye out for bears!

This is a beautiful hike along the milky blue Kanai river.  The trail is a favorite with fisherman with abundant salmon. Be bear aware, make noise and carry bear spray when hiking.  There are so many amazing hikes in Alaska.

Even More Hikes for Teens in the US

There are so many amazing hikes for teens across the US that these barely scratch the surface. Many of the hikes for teens listed above are considered challenging, but you can always do part of them or look for nearby hikes with similar views.

See more incredible hikes around the world.