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4 of the Best Hikes in the Southwest

The desert isn’t always given the credit it’s due when it comes to beautiful destinations. While everyone else is planning tropical vacations, they’re missing out on colossal natural rock formations, unique desert flora, and unmatched red, orange, and yellow sunsets found right in our backyard. Not to mention, the low humidity (not that you were too concerned about your hiking hairdo, anyway). Here are a few of the best hikes in the southwest for a fun desert adventure.

 

The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah

The Narrows is a hike through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. If hiking makes you think of scorching heat and the yucky feeling of constantly sweating through your clothes, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a hike where you can trek comfortably through a shallow river while taking in the sights.

© Matthewtrain | Dreamstime.com - The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah Photo
© Matthewtrain | Dreamstime.comThe Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah Photo

You have two options here: take a paved path and see the Narrows from dry ground (wheelchair accessible), or get your feet wet in the Virgin River and wade through it up close and personal. You’ll be anywhere from knee- to waist-deep in water, depending on what time of year you go.

narrows virgin river zion
© Wollertz | Dreamstime.comThe Narrows In Zion NP Photo

At some points, the thousand-foot-high walls of the Narrows may be close enough for you to stand and touch both sides. For more information on Zion National Park, including guided tours, safety precautions (flash floods and high currents make this area risky during particular times of year), directions and more, check out the Zion National Park Website.

Duration: 1-5 hours

Time of year to hike: Fall

 

Havasu Falls, Havasupai Indian Reservation, Arizona

You might not think waterfalls and the desert go together, and if so, get ready to have your mind blown.

© Anirav | Dreamstime.com - Havasu Falls Hike Photo
© Anirav | Dreamstime.comHavasu Falls Hike Photo

Havasu Falls lies on an Indian Reservation, belonging to the Havasupai Tribe, meaning “people of the blue-green waters.” Seems pretty fitting for one of the most beautiful waterfall destinations in the world. Havasu Falls is known for cascading waterfalls reaching heights of 190 feet tall. Keep in mind that this hike requires steep descents and overnight stays; you’ll need more than a day to see the waterfalls.

© Raphoto | Dreamstime.com - Travertine Rocks And Mooney Falls Photo
© Raphoto | Dreamstime.comTravertine Rocks And Mooney Falls Photo

To smoothly ensure you see it all safely, consider booking a tour guide for your trip, like the Wildland Trekking Company. They offer a number of multi-day hiking/camping guided tours throughout Havasupai. For more information on Havasu Falls, check out the Havasupai Tribe’s Tourism website.

Duration: 3+ days

Time of year to hike: Throughout the year

 

Mojave National Preserve, California

Think back to all those Girl Scout or Eagle Scout camping tips you compiled as a kid and set aside a couple days for Mojave National Preserve.

© Chrisboswell | Dreamstime.com - Joshua Tree Sunset Cloud Landscape California National Park Photo
© Chrisboswell | Dreamstime.comJoshua Tree Sunset Cloud Landscape California National Park Photo

This 1.6 million acre large park is filled with Joshua trees, sand dunes, and plenty of great places for hiking and getting some amazing photos. There are two campgrounds to choose from, both of which access hiking trails.

 

© Chrisboswell | Dreamstime.com - Providence Mountains Edgar & Fountain Peak Mojave Desert Photo
© Chrisboswell | Dreamstime.comProvidence Mountains Edgar & Fountain Peak Mojave Desert Photo

Teutonia Peak Trail is a relatively easy and short hike, around 3.2 miles roundtrip with a short uphill climb, where you’ll see more Joshua Trees than you could imagine. Hole in the Wall is a campground named for the spectacular area of Mojave it is situated in, where the rocks have holes, or caves, naturally formed into them. Be sure to bring maps and your sense of adventure with you. For more information on Mojave National Park, including campgrounds and directions, check out the Mojave National Preserve Website. You can also drive through part of Mojave on 1-15 if you don’t have a lot of time.

Duration: Depends how much you want to see

Time of year to hike: Spring and fall

Also: Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, Nevada

© Dpenn | Dreamstime.com - Red Rock Canyon Photo
© Dpenn | Dreamstime.comRed Rock Canyon Photo

Once in Mojave, you’re not far from Las Vegas where you can have a short hiking adventure through brilliantly-colored Red Rock Canyon. There are over a dozen trails of varying difficulty for you to hike where you’ll want to see the dramatic red and orange colors of the canyon for yourself. Find out more at the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center.

Duration: 1.5 – 3 hours for most hikes

Time of year to hike: All throughout the year

 

Buckskin Gulch, Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area, Utah

Potentially the longest slot canyon in the world, Buckskin Gulch is 15 miles of narrow windy awesomeness.

© Deserttrends | Dreamstime.com - Buckskin Gulch Canyon Photo
© Deserttrends | Dreamstime.comBuckskin Gulch Canyon Photo

A defining characteristic of a slot canyon is that it is always deeper than it is wide, providing the opportunity to test how comfortable you are in tight spaces. Utah.com says that this is more of a backpacking trip than a 1-day hike but there are shorter options available if that’s more your speed. Slot canyons are formed by millions of years of water and sediment flowing through rock, so it shouldn’t surprise you that these formations are high-risk areas for flash floods. For that reason, be smart in planning when and how you make this hike, as the hike has been featured not only on lists of the most beautiful hikes in the world, but the most risky; Backpackers.com has listed Buckskin Gulch as one of the 10 Most Dangerous Hikes in the US.

© Swdesertlover | Dreamstime.com - Buckskin Gulch Photo
© Swdesertlover | Dreamstime.comBuckskin Gulch Photo

For more information on Buckskin Gulch, check it out on Utah.com.

Duration: 1+ days

Time of year to hike: Spring and fall

 

Always remember to keep safety in mind when planning your trip and arrange as much as you can ahead of time. Respect the land and do your part by not leaving waste behind wherever you choose to go. And last, but not least, enjoy your time with Mother Nature; get your shots for Instagram, but don’t forget to live in the moment and see the views without the obstruction of a camera phone.

Go Off the Grid in Grand Teton National Park

“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.” – John Muir

The intersection of Wyoming and Montana cedes America’s oldest and most well-journeyed public lands. The region is home to the Northern Rockies and the nation’s first national park, Yellowstone. Lesser known, but arguably more impressive, is Yellowstone’s sister park, Grand Teton National Park (GTNP).

Wyoming’s plains come to an abrupt end with the rising of striking and ancient Teton Range goliaths from flat grasslands. Founded in 1929, the more than 200 miles of thick forest, pristine lakes, and imperial snow-capped Rocky Mountains have served as a backbone to American Indians, early settlers, and an abundance of wildlife residing in the protected park’s parameters. While Yellowstone offers its own charming landscape, Grand Teton National Park renders fewer boardwalks and more rugged wilderness necessary for a proper escape.

The truly wild among us should consider a multi-day backpacking trip through the park’s backcountry for an honest, unfiltered experience. Regardless of your fitness level or athletic stamina, you’re sure to find a suitable Teton trail. Here are some suggestions for first-time backpackers planning to head north in the near future.

grand tetons national park

Pack light, but don’t skimp

Proper backpacking can be a burdensome financial investment. If you want to make your trip free of serious complications, you’ll need to buy some pricey gear to conserve space and pack weight. First, when choosing a pack, spring for brand-name. Brands like Osprey, Marmot, Gossamer Gear, and REI will offer ideal weight distribution and comfort. Next, check out multiple sporting goods stores for the best deals on small, compact tents, chairs, sleeping bags, thermal sleeping pads, and pillows. Many come in fist-sized bags, creating ample room for other necessities.

If you’re bringing a camping stove, pack easy foods like ramen, instant potatoes, and more than enough protein supplements. You’ll also need an abundance of gear you probably haven’t thought about if you’ve never camped backcountry, so look over this complete list for notes.

Layer clothes and check the weather prior to packing, but be aware that weather in the Tetons is unpredictable. The park is usually on the warmer side during summer days and cooler at night. Bringing several pairs of socks is a must given afternoon thunderstorms. Maps are imperative; there’s virtually no cell service once you enter the park.

grand tetons national park

Test all gear at least once

You shouldn’t be unwrapping any of your gear for the first time while packing for your backpacking trip. After half a dozen miles of walking, you’re going to want to know exactly how your tent assembles. Even if you’re just camping at a local park, plan a mock-trip to ensure all gear is in working order and be familiar with how you’ll assemble it.

Pick the right trail

GTNP is extremely popular in the summer months, so booking the right backcountry campsite may require reserving a spot months in advance. Sites along Cascade Canyon and Upper Paintbrush Canyon may be too strenuous for beginner backpackers, while Bearpaw Lake and surrounding sites along the Leigh Lake Trail are more moderate with less incline. The National Park Service’s website is a good place to start. It features maps and mileage of each site.

grand tetons national park

Be wildlife literate and know park rules

This park, in particular, pushes “bear awareness” more than the average bear country park. Bears are extremely active in the Tetons, and rangers require anyone camping backcountry to watch a short video on what to do if you encounter one. The majority of the bears you’ll see in the park are black bears, even if they’re a caramel color, one ranger advised. If your site doesn’t include a bear box for food and scented toiletries, bring your own to prevent attracting any wildlife to your site.

Here’s a complete guide to what to do if you encounter a bear in the wild. GTNP requires a permit for all backcountry sites, and doesn’t allow campers to burn their garbage, so be prepared to bring out everything you hike in. (A complete list of rules can be found on the park’s website.)  Before securing your permit, check out these additional tips for hiking the Tetons backcountry.

grand tetons national park
The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If you forget something on your way in, downtown Jackson Hole, the park’s closest city, is objectively overcrowded with shops for nearly every need.

Nature and Nightlife: Outdoor Adventures Near Fun Cities

Some trips are enlightening, arduous backpacking excursions with a few close friends who know how to manage rattlesnake bites, and others are more in the spirit of opulent bachelorette parties. But what if you could have both? These cities are ideal for adventure seekers who relish the nightlife. Put these laid-back destinations at the top of your list if you’re looking for the great outdoors and some even greater indoors.

 

Fort Collins, Colorado

Just 45 minutes northwest of Denver and home to Colorado State University, Fort Collins offers college life with half a dozen open spaces and state parks within a 20-mile radius. Spend the day hiking the Rocky Mountain Front Range in Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory State Park, or Devil’s Backbone Open Space before grabbing dinner at the Colorado Room and drinks at Pinball Jones ad Lucky Joe’s Sidewalk Saloon. The region even has a number of lakes and beaches for additional summer aesthetic.

fort collins 4 runner

 

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is nothing if not a luxury destination. With Grand Teton National Park just a few miles north, the city views are incomparable. Lodging can be on the pricer side, but the unparalleled quality of nightlife more than makes up for it. Whether you’re looking for cowboys or cocktails, bars such as The Rose and The Silver Dollar have you covered.

jackson hole wyoming

 

Tempe, Arizona

The unofficial party suburb of Phoenix, Tempe offers mechanical bull riding, bar dancing, and a truly unforgettable (or, preferably, forgettable?) evening. With its modern western energy, there’s no drink or experience you can’t find in Tempe. Local hot spots include Yucca Tap Room and Taste of Tops. Drink responsibly if for no other reason than the sidewalks are littered with prickly pear and saguaro cacti. During the day, walk off the hangover in Tonto National Forest, Usery Mountain Recreation Area, or head north to Sedona for prismatic sandstone canyon views.

tempe arizona

 

Miami, Florida

Miami doesn’t shy away from its party-city reputation. Year-round summer sun and white sand beaches are just a few reasons the city continues to earn its rightful place as a top U.S. tourist destination. Local clubs like Gramps and Wynwood Kitchen help give Miami its charm, but Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve are serene natural getaways. Be sure to do some wildlife viewing, kayaking, and bayou tours after a night out.

miami bayside florida

 

Palm Springs, California

Set your sights on a desert rejuvenation after a chilling winter in the Coachella Valley. Palm Springs has a whimsical, neon vibration that reverberates throughout its bustling nightlife. With names like Chill Bar  and Bootlegger, it’s easy to get lost in the city’s contagious caprice. Check out Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Springs State Park, and the Salton Sea between sips of artisan cocktails.

palm springs ca

 

Traverse City, Michigan

An unlikely and unconventional party city, Traverse City will treat you to low-key, northwoods get togethers after a day of hiking the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and swimming in a chilly Lake Michigan. A craft beer lover’s paradise, this northern Michigan city is known for brewpubs such as Rare Bird, 7 Monks, and Mackinaw Brewing Company.

traverse city michigan

 

Knoxville, Tennessee

An authentic southern gem, Knoxville is just north of the Great Smoky Mountains and Nantahala National Forest. Nightlife in Knoxville most definitely includes modern honky-tonks and square dancing. Bars and clubs like Twisted Mike’s Tap Room, Preservation Pub, and The Public House are first stops guaranteed to give your night a rowdy kickstart.

knoxville tn

Wild Getaways: Hiking Western Australia

Touring Australia’s diverse continent typically includes snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and driving through the famed Outback, but the country’s nearly 3 million square miles include some hidden gems, many of which are in Australia’s western territory. From vast desert to coastal cities, Western Australia has hiking for all talents. If you’re looking for a winter escape outside of the American Southwest, check out these hikes and start planning.

 

The Bibbulmun Track

Where: Perth to Albany

Total Distance: Roughly 600 miles – access points throughout

Difficulty: Moderate

Chatham Island Panorama
Chatham Island Panorama | Photo: Andrew Purdam on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Located southwest of Perth, this long-distance walking and hiking trail is considered one of the world’s premier multi-day excursion. The bush walk trail stretches more than 600 miles from Kalamunda, in the heart of the Perth hills, to the historic southern town of Albany, on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Along the way, you’ll find a number of attractions and accommodations for those looking for less camping and more glamping. You’ll intersect Serpentine National Park and multiple wineries too, with plenty of fun detours for the whole family. As you approach the end of your trip, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking coastal views.

 

Ghost House Trail

Where: Yanchep National Park

Total Distance: 7.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

yanchep park australia
Boardwalk through Australian wetland
yanchep park australia
Ghost house in Australian Bush

This day hike isn’t far from Perth’s city center, but offers unspoiled encounters with Western Australia’s extraordinary wetlands. There’s even the possibility of koala and kangaroo sightings.  After trudging through miles of deep, luminous scrubland, you’ll approach the ruinous Ghost House. The dystopian remains of a home consumed by nature rest easy on the edge of Tuart forest. The looped walk includes a variety of cliffs and limestone caves suitable for all ages. Tours given throughout the day feature more details about the region and its wild inhabitants.

 

Cape to Cape Track

Where: Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Total Distance: 84 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Red Gate Beach, Margareth River, in Leeuwin National Park
Red Gate Beach, Margareth River, in Leeuwin National Park
Viewing platform at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Augusta Western Australia
Viewing platform at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Augusta, Western Australia

This hike begins on the southwest corner of Western Australia in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, just 150 miles south of Perth. Beginning and ending with a lighthouse, this hike is a coastal paradise. Along the way, you’ll be enticed with views of comely beaches and reticent forests. Nearby are a number of attractions including wineries, specialty cheese shops, and museums. While the hike is mostly on smooth, level ground, there are a few challenging scrambles required of hikers, but there are various access points throughout the trail for a less strenuous experience.

 

Mandu Mandu Gorge

Where: Ningaloo Reef National Park

Total Distance: 1.8 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

Mandu Mandu Gorge, Cape Range, Australia
Mandu Mandu Gorge, Western Australia
Panorama lookout view along coast of Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range National Park
Panorama lookout view along coast of Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range National Park

If you’re unable to see the endangered Great Barrier Reef before coral bleaching further devastates it, Ningaloo Marine Park is a peerless alternative. The park protects more than 150 miles of coral on the mid-north coast. Park officials encourage visitors to snorkel through Coral Bay and swim with the native marine life, including sharks and dolphins. Hikers looking for a challenge are encouraged to take the end of the Mandu Mandu track and follow the northern ridge of the gorge to a panoramic view of the Ningaloo Reef. This hike usually requires a high level of fitness due to rugged terrain and scrambling.

 

The Pinnacles

Where: Nambung National Park

Total Distance: 1.2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park, Western Australia
Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park, Western Australia
Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park, Western Australia
Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park, Western Australia

Dry, idyllic desert takes form at Nambung National Park, located in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. The Pinnacles are limestone spire formations created from the seashells of ancient marine life. The Pinnacles are best visited from August to October, and opportunities for wildlife sightings in the park are opulent. Western Gray Kangaroos, cockatoos, and emus are often recognized in the park. There’s a short scenic walking and driving trail that winds around the Pinnacles, giving you easy access to these once-in-a-lifetime sights.

Take a Hike in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is a sprawling National Park in southern Utah featuring unique rock formations called Hoodoos and a beautiful ombre of red, orange, and white panoramic views. The park itself is actually a collection of naturally occurring amphitheaters with the highest rim sitting at 9,105 feet and the lowest point at 6,620 feet, resulting in a change in elevation of 2,485 feet.

bryce canyon utah

Because the elevation is higher, Bryce Canyon National Park stays much cooler than nearby Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks, so it’s still nice to visit even in the hottest months.

 

The park boasts trails of all levels, from easy to strenuous, and also accommodates backcountry camping for those seeking a bit more adventure. There are tons of choices if you’re planning to hike in Bryce Canyon.

 

Queens Garden Trail

The Queens Garden trail is only 1.8 miles long but goes right into the canyon and offers a great option for grandparents and kids alike, or, if you only have a short amount of time to see the sights. Use your imagination and you might even spot Queen Victoria at the end of a short spur trail.

Queens Garden Trail at sunrise
Queens Garden Trail at sunrise

Rim Trail

A longer but still easy trail is the Rim Trail, taking you the full 11 miles around the rim of the canyon and visiting the four main viewpoints, including Sunset Point, where you’ll get the best vista for observing sunset. The trail is paved and fairly level the whole way around.

View from Rim Trail Bryce Canyon
View from Rim Trail

Navajo Trail

A slightly more difficult and popular trail is the Navajo Trail. The loop begins at Sunset Point and takes you down into the main amphitheater through a slot canyon, where you can see Douglas Fir trees reaching high into the sky. The trail is short at only 1.3 miles round trip but you’ll want good closed-toed shoes to make the trip.

navajo trail bryce canyon
Navajo Trail loop

Fairyland Loop

If you have all day to spend hiking and are ready to dive in head first, the Fairyland Loop is a great trail to take you all through the park and offers the most diverse landscapes and vistas. It’s a fairly long trail at 8 miles and has multiple elevation changes. Plan on 4-5 hours on this hike, take plenty of water, and watch out for snakes!

Tower Bridge on the Fairyland Loop Trail
Tower Bridge on the Fairyland Loop Trail

Camping

Backcountry camping is also allowed in the park, if you’re looking for a more off the beaten trail experience and an incredible view of the night skies. There are 8 campsites on the Under the Rim Trail and 4 on the Riggs Spring Loop trail. Backcountry camping is $5 per person and requires a permit.

Camping at Bryce Canyon National Park
Camping at Bryce Canyon National Park

As with all hiking experiences, safety should be your number one concern. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, like hiking boots or tennis shoes that have thick soles and come up above your ankles. Carry at least one liter of water per person for every 3 hours of hiking, and always purify water found in the backcountry. Bring snacks as well, like protein bars or trail mix to keep you energized throughout the day.

Stargazing from Bryce Canyon National Park
Stargazing from Bryce Canyon National Park

Be sure not to miss the Astronomy Festival if you’re in the area, as you’re able to gaze on some of the darkest night skies in the country from a well-equipped telescope field.

If you have some time to explore the southwest, don’t miss Bryce Canyon National Park. The vibrant colors and endless vistas makes for a completely unique experience you’ll always remember.