American Hiking Trails for Veterans

April 2, 2023

Hey Tourist! The United States offers a stunning array of beautiful and diverse landscapes. One of the best ways to experience these one-of-a-kind outdoor spaces is by taking a hike, which is a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy a moment to yourself without distractions. Thanks to the extensive Bureau of Land Management, national forestry, and state parks departments, you can go to any state and find outstanding hiking opportunities to help you relax, enjoy some exercise, and escape the busy urban world for a while.

The following is a quick look at the most recommended hikes in the United States for hiking veterans looking for beauty and wilderness:

Ruckel Ridge — Columbia, Oregon

This hike is not for the inexperienced, but it is perfect for veterans looking for a challenging outdoor experience amidst a beautiful backdrop. In fact, it's seen as so challenging at least one group put the Ruckel Ridge — Columbia trail on its list of most dangerous hiking trails in America. Hikers undergoing this route should ensure they have good boots, adequate route-finding skills, good stamina, a clear and dry weather forecast, and a quality companion or two. Given the steep and sometimes slippery nature of this hike, it is highly advisable not to bring small children, dogs, or attempt the hike alone. The loop trail, found near Cascade Locks, Oregon, is approximately eight miles long, and in addition to its challenging climb and descent, people appreciate this loop for its beautiful view of the Columbia Gorge and fantastic wildflower blooms. Due to the damage caused by recent fires, this trail has been periodically closed for repair, so call the local forest department before venturing out.

Continue reading to learn about a gorgeous and grand trail in Arizona.

Bright Angel — Grand Canyon, Arizona

Where the Ruckel Ridge is surrounded by lush, verdant vegetation, the Bright Angel — Grand Canyon hiking loop is surrounded by a much more desert-like landscape. Located on the Grand Canyon's southern rim in Arizona, this is one of the park's most popular trails thanks to its convenient access below the rim and dramatic views of down and inside the canyon walls.However, similar to the Ruckel Ridge trail, the Bright Angel hike is not for first-timers. The complete trail circles around for a distance of 15.6 miles which takes the average hiker two to three days. Of course, hikers don't have to dedicate themselves to an overnight hiking expedition. Instead, many look at maps in advance to determine the appropriate rest and turnaround spots.

Continue reading to learn about a superhero trail in Utah.

Thor's Hammer — Bryce Canyon, Utah

Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park sprawls out across the state's Garfield and Kane counties. Despite its name, this area is not technically a canyon, but rather a collection of gigantic natural amphitheaters known as "hoodoos" by geologists. These amphitheaters are, in a word, spectacular to behold with their rich array of red, orange, and white colorings, but the biggest attraction here is undoubtedly the formation known as Thor's Hammer and where the Thor's Hammer — Bryce Canyon trail leads. Thor's Hammer is a tall, narrow-necked rock that supports a larger, more hammer-shaped rock.The hiking trail along this route is fairly easy, as it's just over a mile long.

Head over to Alaska for the next stunning hiking trail for veterans.

Mount McKinley — Denali, Alaska

Mount McKinley — Denali is another trail best reserved for the experienced, as Mt. McKinley towers above every other peak in North America at a staggering 20,320 feet high. To reach the summit itself, you'll need serious mountaineering experience and equipment as well as a secured permit from the parks department. There are also several awesome options for those who want to hike in the Denali area but don't necessarily want to go up to the summit. One particular trail of note is the Savage River loop, which offers a nice hike with fantastic views of the region.

Continue reading and head down to California for the next hiking trail.

Mist Trail — Yosemite, California

This is the signature trail of California's Yosemite National Park thanks to its challenging terrain and variety of landscape vies. It is a relatively short hike from the trailhead parking lot, located east of Curry Village, clocking in at just under two miles, but it's more about the quality of the hike rather than the number of miles. Things start at a bridge overlook and progress to incredible views of two cascading waterfalls that will leave a soft mist on your clothes, hence the name Mist Trail. To top it all off, the end of the trail offers spectacular views of Liberty Cap and the back of Half Dome.

The Mist Trail is exciting but not too complicated, making it a great choice for new or inexperienced hikers. This trail is well-taken care, and you're likely to run into other hikers no matter when you go.

While this concludes our list of favorites in America, they are by no means the only great trails in the country. The best way to find your favorite is to get started hiking today!

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