11 U.S. National Park Trails with Jaw-Dropping Views

While most national parks offer excellent roadside scenery, accessing the best views often requires a hike. The photo opportunities and one-of-a-kind views available from the trails covered in this article are well worth the effort.

1. Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah

Angels Landing is an iconic hike in Zion National Park, offering unparalleled views of the canyon below. The 5.4-mile round trip trail is not for the faint of heart, featuring a series of steep switchbacks known as “Walter’s Wiggles” and a narrow ridge with chains for support. But those who reach the summit are rewarded with a panoramic view of Zion Canyon that truly takes your breath away.

📆 When to Visit

The best times to hike Angels Landing are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the temperatures are milder, and the weather conditions are more favorable.

2. Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Bright Angel Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that descends to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. This memorable day hike offers multiple rest houses and water stations. Along the way, hikers are treated to stunning views of the canyon’s layered rock formations and the Colorado River.

While most Grand Canyon visitors only experience views from the rim, hiking the Bright Angel Trail provides views for perspectives for unique photos.

📆 When to Visit

The best times to hike the Bright Angel Trail are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons, when temperatures are cooler and more manageable for a strenuous hike.

👉 Pro Tip: Shoot in the early morning or late afternoon to capture the contrast between the canyon shadows and sunlight. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the rock formations.

3. Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

The Skyline Trail is a 5-mile loop that offers some of the best views of Mount Rainier. The trail winds through alpine meadows, with wildflowers blooming during the summer months, and provides stunning vistas of glaciers, waterfalls, and the surrounding Cascade Range.

📆 When to Visit

The best times to hike the Skyline Trail are during the summer months (July to September) when the trails are typically snow-free, the weather is pleasant, and the wildflowers are in full bloom.

4. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California

Half Dome is an iconic hike that demands both physical endurance and mental fortitude. The 14 to 17-mile round trip trail includes a grueling ascent, including a climb up the steep cables to the summit. The reward? An awe-inspiring view of Yosemite Valley, the High Sierra, and beyond.

📆 When to Visit

The best times to hike Half Dome are from late May to early October, when the cables are up, and the trail is generally free of snow. Summer months provide the most stable weather conditions, though hikers should be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms in July and August.

5. The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah

The Narrows offers a unique hiking experience. You’ll wade through the Virgin River as it flows between towering canyon walls. The trail can be as short as you like or extend up to 16 miles round trip for those who want to explore further.

📆 When to Visit

The best times to hike The Narrows are late spring through fall (May to September), when the water levels are safer and warmer weather makes the river walk more comfortable.

⚠️ Important: Waterproof your camera gear, as the water level can be quite high in some places. If you don’t have a waterproof case for your camera, you can hike the beginning part of the trail until the water gets deeper.

6. Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana

The Highline Trail is a spectacular 11.8-mile hike along the Continental Divide. Known for its high-altitude views and abundant wildlife, the trail offers panoramic vistas of Glacier National Park’s rugged landscape, including verdant valleys and distant peaks.

📆 When to Visit

The best times to hike the Highline Trail are from late July to early September, when the snow has melted, and the trail is fully accessible. This period also offers the most stable weather conditions and vibrant alpine flora.

👉 Pro Tip: Pack a telephoto lens for wildlife shots and a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping landscapes. Early morning light adds a magical quality to the scenery.

7. Rim Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

The Rim Trail offers a relatively easy hike along the edge of Bryce Canyon, stretching 5.5 miles one way. The trail provides continuous views of the park’s unique hoodoo rock formations, which glow in shades of red, orange, and pink.

📆 When to Visit

The best times to hike the Rim Trail are during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), when the temperatures are cooler, and the visibility is optimal for viewing the vibrant colors of the hoodoos.

👉 Pro Tip: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to capture the vibrant colors of the hoodoos. A graduated neutral density filter can help balance the exposure between the bright sky and the darker canyon.

8. Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail, Acadia National Park, Maine

The Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail is a 7.1-mile round trip hike to the highest point on the US Atlantic coast. From the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands, bays, and the Atlantic Ocean.

📆 When to Visit

The best times to hike the Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail are from late spring to early fall (May to October), when the weather is mild, and the trail is clear of snow. Early morning hikes offer stunning sunrises over the Atlantic, while autumn treks provide vibrant foliage views.

☀️ Note: Cadillac Mountain is an extremely popular spot for sunrise. If you want to capture sunrise photos here, arrive early to find a spot.

9. Emerald Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

The Emerald Lake Trail is a 3.6-mile round-trip hike that winds through alpine forests and past sparkling lakes. The trail culminates at Emerald Lake, nestled in a cirque of towering peaks, providing a serene and picturesque setting.

📆 When to Visit

The best time to hike the Emerald Lake Trail is from late June to early October, when it is free of snow. During these months, the alpine flora is in full bloom, and the scenes are perfect for lake photos.

👉 Pro Tip: Capture reflections on the lake’s surface for a mirror-like effect. Bring a polarizer to reduce the glare.

10. South Rim Trail, Big Bend National Park, Texas

The South Rim Trail is a challenging 12 to 15-mile loop that offers some of the most breathtaking views in Texas. The trail traverses desert landscapes and ascends to the South Rim, where hikers will appreciate sweeping vistas of the Chihuahuan Desert and the Rio Grande.

📆 When to Visit

The best times to hike the South Rim Trail are from late October to early April, when the temperatures are cooler, making the strenuous hike more manageable. During these months, you can also enjoy clearer skies and lowerd risk of thunderstorms.

11. Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana

The Grinnell Glacier Trail is an 11-mile round-trip hike that leads to one of Glacier National Park’s remaining glaciers. The trail offers stunning views of turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and rugged mountain peaks.

📆 When to Visit

The best time to hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail is from mid-July to early September, when the trail is typically clear of snow.

👉 Pro Tip: Use a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the lakes and reduce glare. A telephoto lens can help capture the details of the distant glacier.

Final Thoughts

Hiking these trails offers the chance to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty and endless opportunities for stunning photography. Pack your camera, lace up your boots, and get ready to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes that the US National Parks have to offer.