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Favorite National Parks Trails, Hikes, and Viewpoints

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I'm an avid adventurer, especially when it comes to US National Parks. I know there are countless incredible hikes in State Parks, or even outside of any recognized park, but the National Parks have always held a special spot in my heart. National Parks are also by far the most heavily visited parks in the country, and I think it's fantastic that so many people take advantage of these parks and support them.
A deliema I face with almost every National Park on my first visit (sometimes second and third) is what hikes, trailes, and viewpoints to spend my time trekking to. The parks are often so vast it would take days to fully explore, and that scenario is only realistic if you are superhuman and can manage strenuous 7-12+ mile hikes day after day. I often go on trails that have been recommended to me by others, and that realization is what this post is all about.
I had the idea that we (Massdrop users) could start a recommended guide of what trails and viewpoints to check out at National Parks. As more and more people fill this out I'll consider a few different ways to start compiling the data/answers as well and after sufficient time and/or answers update the OP with that data in a way that is quick and easy to look through.
Included below is a template of what I think should be included in each post here so feel free to just copy/paste it in a postif you want. Also, if you have any feedback on that aspect or on how you'd like to eventually see the data people submit here organized let me know!
After I get some data I'm thinking of making a heat map with hike locations that link back to the original comments here and putting in in the OP for easy reference :)

National Park: [Park Name, State]
Trail or Location: [Trail, viewpoint, or location name]
Difficulty | Time | Distance: [Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Expert and how long from start to finish]
Payoff: A brief 2-3 ticket summary of what to expect
Additional Info: Any other links, photos, etc!
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shinejose22
3
Oct 18, 2018
National Park: Glacier National Park, Montana Trail: Grinnell Glacier Trail Difficulty | Time | Distance: Difficult | 6 hrs(I am not athletic) | 10 miles (7 miles if you take the ferry around Lake Josephine. This needs to be booked in advance. It was full when we reached there.)
The trail starts from Many Glaciers Hotel, which is near the eastern entrance of the park. Some parts of the trail may be closed due to bear activity. For example, we were turned back by a ranger halfway through the trail around Lake Josephine due to presence of bear cubs ahead & we had to circle the lake from the opposite end. Once you cross the lake, there is a steep elevation gain & you see the blue waters of Grinnell Lake from the top. You can occasionally see mountain goats & bighorn sheep along the trail. At the end of the hike, you can see the Upper Grinnell Lake, the Grinnell glacier as well as the imposing Mount Gould. This is the best hike I've done amongst all the National parks that I've visited.
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Slagathor
87
Oct 15, 2018
National Park: Zion National Park Trail: West Rim Difficulty: Difficult. l Around 14 miles l 5-8 hours l Relatively flat the first 9 miles. there are a couple of tough cimbs but not sustained over a long distance. Last 5 miles is a 2000 ft descent to the Zion canyon floor or you can add an extra mile to do Angels Landing.
The views are spectacular from the get go while on the plateau looking at the tops of the Virgin River drainage system. the views get grand around 4 miles in after a tough climb leading to vistas rarely seen by visitors to the park over looking Left fork of the Virgin drainage system. Eventually you move from the vegetated tops of the plateaus to the age indicating colors of Zion canyon.
the trail is well defined and there are some parts that are not for people afraid of heights. Since it is a one way trail 2 cars are needed or pay a fee for a shuttle service. The trail is long, bring lots of water but worth every step!!

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Slagathor
87
Oct 19, 2018
from start to finish its around 14 miles that is one way. The way I described it is from top to bottom, (which is the easier way by far) but you could hike to the actual Rim part from the canyon floor that would include the 2000ft ascent in about 5 or 6 miles. Lots if people do it in reverse its just a lot easier going down than up. like I mentioned in the op 2 cars or a shuttle are required. The plus is it can be done without buying a park pass. Also the drive to the trailhead, Lava Point, has some great views as well.
JakeCCE
Oct 19, 2018
SlagathorThanks!
Gunnersmate2
1646
Sep 22, 2018
Here is a picture of Wizard island on Crater Lake in Oregon. Crater Lake is a national park that I visit regularly.
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kestherchw
1
Sep 25, 2018
sheldonkreger
15
Sep 21, 2018
National Park: Olympic National Park, Washington USA.
Trail: Mount Ellinore.
Difficulty: Difficult - short distance but very steep! We started at 8am and finished around 2pm from the upper trailhead. Pack food.
Payoff: Insane views!
Additional Info: This trail has a lower and upper trail head. The lower trailhead adds about 3 miles round trip and about 800 feet elevation gain. From the upper trailhead, the round-trip is 3.2 miles. The more important figure to note for this route is the 2,444 feet of elevation it gains in the 1.6 miles to the summit.
The view is among the most vast in the area. I live nearby and waited for a rare clear day. Keep in mind that areas of this park receive upwards of 220 inches of rain per year, so clear days are pretty rare. You can see Mt St Helens, Mt Rainier, the Puget Sound, and a huge portion of the park from this peak. Truly an experience of a lifetime!
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sheldonkregerWow, thats amazing! Thanks a heap for posting!
Damn. I need to get out more. Someone from Washington, post some cool places to hike to please.
AlexPkYeah you do, lazy. =P
deaconblue42
82
Sep 20, 2018
AlexPkThe Olympic National Forest is my favorite place in the world. There are some shorter circuits and coastal trails you can hike but when backpacking the interior it becomes amazing. Alpine lakes, lush sunlit valleys, snow covered passes and dark rain forest all in one trip.
National Park: Canyonlands, UT [Needles District] Trail or Location: Chesler Park Loop Difficulty | Time: Dificult | 6 hours | 11.2 miles Payoff: A vast variety of everchanging landscapes and views. One of my favorite hikes of all time because I don't find myself rushing to get to the end, and instead enjoy the journey as every twist and turn offers new views. There are tight passages, high peaks, and gorgeous desert meadows to take in. If you don't have time for the full hike the viewpoint 2.5 miles is unforgettable.
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Fall is generally best, spring would be second. Being cold in winter is fine, but snow can make many hikes a bit dangerous. When I go in late summer/fall I still try to get out on the trails around 630 to get a start before the sun really starts cooking as well.
that would be excellent!
National Park: Arches, UT Trail or Location: Delicate Arch Difficulty | Time: Moderate | 2 hours | 3 Miles Payoff: A relatively easy hike with the quentessential arch at the end! A great hike to do if you are pushed for time and/or don't want to spend the whole day on a trail.
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